A/N: Ok. Wow, I just quickly reread the previous chapter and realised just how BAD it was. There was a CRAPTON of plot holes since I wrote it in parts as it came to me over a period of a month, back even before I started writing Second Life (Which I assure all readers of that I am going to post for soon. Both a new chapter, as well as the second 'Sheet of Stuff'.) So I apologize severely for this and the previous chapter not being up to my usual standard, but I have no Beta or Editor, and I don't have the urge nor time to do it myself for these quick muses that I have gone through over the years. Hence them being placed here of all places. As stated in the summary, if anyone likes and wants to adopt even part of the ideas, go for it!
Maybe some day in the future I or someone nice will polish them up a bit. Till then, here is what I had written for it long before today!:
A/N: The continuation of my Multi-Chapter Naruto ONE SHOT!
As stated, this was supposed to be MUCH MUCH smaller, but it got away from me and grew on its own. Nonetheless I am having much fun with it. So here is the next part. First though, some answers to background info, so that I don't go and write up another huge section with a flashback.
This iteration of Naruto is slightly darker than some, and cannon. Naruto was physically assaulted in this verse, not just ignored, overcharged and kicked out of stores. As with some dark stories, the ANBU did not immediately assist Naruto, this was because the council claimed that Hiruzen was 'Draining Konoha Resources' on 'Unimportant matters'. The Sandaime, being the spineless wimp that he is, coupled with his OVERconfidence in the 'Will of Fire' and the 'Goodness' of his subjects agreed and pulled the ANBU from Naruto's protection detail when he was four. Que being kicked from the orphanage, and living hell. As per cannon, he did NOT give up, and kept up his façade. This was when Hinata found him.
Hinata was NOT weak and cowardly like cannon. She decided to get strong immediately after the Kumo incident, where she had unlocked her Byakugan in her desperation to see outside the confines of the sack she had been so rudely shoved into, but decided to hide it, since she did not want Hanabi to become sealed. Both due to Hinata's love to her mother and her mother's dying wish for her to protect her little sister, as well as due to Hinata's own love for her little sister. She was initially just going to do what Neji had said, and remain weak to avoid any possible problems. However, she ran into Naruto, and saw how he was treated worse than she was, yet retained a wide smile on his face. Curious, she followed him and observed him for the day. What started there was her infatuation with a boy who could clearly beat the crap out of the civilians who attacked him verbally and physically, but chose not to. She finally understood that one did not HAVE to remain weak to SEEM weak. Curious as to why he did what he did, instead of defending himself, she approached him. His response? "I plan to be the Hokage. I know that the job is hard and thankless. I have seen how much Jiji suffers under that hat. Despite all that though, he goes out of his way to provide for a street urchin like me. He is a man worthy of respect, and I want the same for myself. For that, I need to be strong, to gain that respect and protect everyone below me as the Hokage. As it stands though, most of this village hates me as you saw, so I cannot openly show that I am strong. Right now, they attack me, yes, but it is weak, tailored to a weak brat. If they found out I was strong, they would get worried about my retaliation, so they would go out of their way to hamper me. They would make the attacks stronger and the consequences of them last longer. As it stands, thanks to my healing, I can continue within a couple hours after the attacks. So I will continue gaining strength in secret, until it is needed to protect this village or my precious people." His words that day shook the young Hinata to the core. It caused her infatuation with him, as well as her new goal of getting strong enough to protect Hanabi if she was attacked. After all, being weak may stop Hanabi from getting the Seal, but it would do nothing to stop a Jonin from Kumo from kidnapping her.
Unknown to either of them, Danzo, going behind the Hokage's and Council's backs, had assigned two of his ROOT agents to protect the Jinchuriki every day, only to step in when it got dangerous, of course, but protection nonetheless. The reports of his urge to get strong made him want to approach him even more, once he got the report of the Hyuuga Heiress he had her tailed by an agent as well. Soon, right before the academy would have started, he approached them both, who by that point had struck a close friendship, helping each other. He could not get them into ROOT, however much he wanted to, since they were highly visible and priority targets, so he instead used his highly vaunted wisdom to 'assist' them, and get them as allies outside of ROOT. After all, the roots may protect and holds up the tree, but it still needed the branches and leaves to absorb nutrients from the sun, and make it grow big and strong. He told them about and led them to where Maito Gai began his morning trainings, and how to interact with him so as to get his help. He also provided one of his ROOT agents to teach them in the safe confines of their homes at night, about the IMPORTANT things that the academy did NOT cover such as politics and Konoha laws, which interested them both greatly for personal reasons. As well as ninjutsu practices when they had individual free time, seeing that Naruto was also a Futon user made it that much better for both parties. From that point on, both had two ROOT agents with them at all times. Also, Danzo himself went to Kurama Yakumo and helped her control her inner-demon, which in turn meant that Yuhi Kurenai kept her as an apprentice and gave Hinata more 'free' time.
Although it frustrated Danzo greatly, that despite the continuous lessons, Uzumaki continued being excessively cheerful… even if it was originally a mask meant to hide himself, he now had reasons to be happy. Between Hinata, the Ichirakus, the Hokage, Gai, Danzo and his ROOT, and recently Iruka thanks to his pranking, he had many people who liked him for being him. Sure, Danzo may have said it was because they were politically important pieces, (He revealed the truth of the Kyuubi and his Parentage to Naruto relatively early on, who then revealed it to Hinata. This also helped him contact and befriend Kurama earlier [albeit in a different manner, with Kurama getting more concessions out of Naruto, and influencing him more. This meant that Naruto is bit more bloodthirsty and has a darker humor, whereas the Kyuubi was a lot more relaxed and friendlier, except with Uchihas.] and allowed him to gain a lot of control over the Biju Cloak, despite not having released him yet.) and it was in essence even true. There was no denying that Danzo would get rid of them if they threatened Konoha at this point. However, like Hiruzen, Homura and the like, they had wormed their way into being the closest thing to friends that Danzo would ever truly allow. As such, Danzo would ONLY get rid of them now, if they TRULY threatened Konoha. The same could be said about the ROOT agents, both older and younger. Even with their training and loyalty to Danzo, they would hesitate a bit if he ordered them to kill the two, and they would make sure that their deaths were quick and painless.
So, as you would see, these three already had a long history together. Danzo is still being Danzo, like in cannon, but he doesn't meddle in the open like he did before, and has no interest in taking Hiruzen's place anymore. In matter of fact, he would actually help push Naruto forward, knowing he had a proper ally in the chair who would know what to do, and have the guts to follow through with it. Not to mention actually HELP Danzo work from the shadows as well. On the flip side, Hinata decided that if Naruto, as the Sun that he was, would be Hokage, she would follow protocol, and reside in the darkness of his shadow like the Moon that she was. Although she would not be as FRAKING OBVIOUS about it like Danzo was, that she was most likely doing shady things behind everyone's back. With these paths set, Danzo 'chillled', as much as he can anyway, making him a much better ally and protectorate of Konoha than in cannon, as well as starting to reveal more classified info to them. (He of course still acted like the dick that he was in Cannon to everyone else, and even them when in public. Appearances must be maintained after all. They of course acted like they didn't know or like/trust him. Ninja's doing ninja things.)[Side note, Naruto did in fact get into pranking people, with Hinata and even some ROOT agents assisting later on, because: One, it was great stress relief, and it helped build his façade among the populace. Two, it did help train them in stealth, evasion, trap building/setting, infiltration, and tactics. Three, when used against the shinobi of Konoha, it helped make many of them train to AVOID such situations, as such, helped strengthen Konoha as a whole (Hence Danzo and ROOTs eventual support, especially when Naruto started pranking them too, and proving that they could work on Counter-Intrusion and other such things as well.), and among the smarter ninja, built Naruto's reputation as being secretly skilled. (And for the few who were among the best, also built on Hinata's reputation among those particular ninja.)]
In a surprising twist of fate, Naruto and Hinata actually ran into Mitarashi Anko about a year before their 'graduation', when she was weakened due to one of Orochimaru's cursed 'toys' being in proximity, and proceeded to rescue her from a combination of said hidden Oto Ninja and a few Konoha Chunin who wanted a piece of the Snake Whore. Asking her to keep their secret, as expected, just made her incredibly interested in the two academy brats, reputed to be weak, who managed to take out four ninja with no visible effort, even if they did use a surprise attack. They got to know her well after that and added her to the list of friends. It was due to that, the convenience, and their request, that Danzo used his influence (They knew about his Sharingan and its ability, but never mentioned it out of curtesy.) to get her promoted to Jonin, and assigned as their Jonin-sensei as a CIA (Capture, Interogation, Assassination) team, over Yuhi Kurenai who the Hokage wanted to train a tracking and capture squad. Danzo had to actually flex the muscle inbetween his ears, with Naruto's 'innocent' comments about how much he liked Anko-neechan, to convince the Hokage to capitulate on that one. He really didn't want Naruto on a CIA team, and didn't understand how Hinata could POSSIBLY be a good choice for it. Ino was chosen as the third member on Anko and Danzo's request, and that one ACTUALLY made sense. These actions are actually what allowed Sakura to be selected for one the primary teams, since originally, the primary teams were going to be: Kakashi, leading an All Purpose team with Sasuke, Naruto, and Shino. Kurenai with a Tracking and Capture, with Kiba, Hinata, and Yakumo. Asuma with the Ino-Shika-Cho team. Instead, with Yakumo staying simply as Kurenai's apprentice. Anko got her requests of Naruto, Hinata, and Ino.
Afterwards, most can be inferred relatively easily.
Kakashi got a Heavy Assault team with Choji and Sasuke, Sakura was put on the team simply because no one else fit as well, and her perfect Chakra Control gave them hope that she would be an Iryo-nin. The Tracking and Capture squad was made up of Shika, Kiba and Shino, led by Asuma, since he had more combat experience than Kurenai, despite her Genjutsu's being useful for capture, and if she brought Yakumo as the third member, they would have to move Shika over to Kakashi's team… EVERYONE agreed that putting a Nara with Hatake was a BAD idea.
Ino spat and complained about everything until Anko put them through the paces, and the other two succeeded without issue. Then came the sparring, where Naruto and Hinata were fighting Anko on near equal footing on one on one matches (This is without the Kyuubi Cloak or releasing any Gates as well as with the numerous resistance seals {Makes it so that simple walking was as if they were trudging through water or slime [Although theirs is at a MUCH higher level than that.]} and advanced fuinjutsu weights {Spreads the weight uniformly among their entire body, as if increasing the planet's gravity to them. [This cannot be put too far, as it could cause damage to their young bodies.]} . [Hinata can go up to the fifth gate as of graduation, the sixth as of the Chunin Exam Final. Naruto will never be able to go beyond his second gate thanks to being the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi. He also is unable to use the gates in combination with his Kyuubi Cloak.], and overpowering her easily when working together. Thanks to the knowledge that she was not only the weakest among her team, by a LOOOOONG shot, but that she was the weakest among all the graduating Genin of her year, except for Sakura, by once again, a long shot (Along with some 'choice' verbiage from her new sensei, Hinata being forceful and berating, and Naruto being roguish and handsome.), led her to want to get better, fast. So they helped her, with Ino having three sensei's instead of one, and none of them letting her give up, she did in fact grow quickly, although not nearly strong enough to face any of the three, she is mid-high Chunin overall by the time the Chunin Exams roll around. She was obviously the one who convinced them to use the exam to troll everyone, with Anko's backing, while also getting them 'properly' dressed.
Sasuke is still a self-absorbed prick with the self-title of Avenger, even worse actually, since Team 8 took the Wave mission instead of Team 7, so he never had to face true opposition, only some weak bandits. (On purpose, and knowing what they would face, thanks to their own understanding of Wave, and ROOT's extensive knowledge of the Elemental Nations. [Anko, was eventually brought into the 'know' of ROOT, when they felt that they could successfully remove Anko's Cursed Seal of Heaven. Which they did shortly after graduation, although Anko went ahead and got a different seal that acted like Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred {Created originally by Danzo for his ROOT agents to store chakra and act as a method of destroying the body to erase any trace of their existence upon death.} seal that was altered to look like the cursed seal, to avoid suspicion and give her a further secret advantage. Neither of the other two could use it thanks to the use of the Gates or the Biju Cloak interrupting it.
Sakura is still a Fangirl of the worst kind, although she has come to like and rely on Choji though thanks to being teammates and his prime defendant among the team..
Choji is Choji. Although due to him being the one that Sakura unloads on (Verbally, not physically like on Naruto. Also, it is more of crying out her soul to a priest instead of hitting a punching bag.), he has become more protective of her, and is fairly negative against Sasuke and Kakashi, although he doesn't really show it. Any observant ninja could see it, which shocks those who know Choji, and gives Sakura mixed feelings. Since he is against her Sasuke-kun… but he is doing it because of how Sasuke-kun treats her, and as such is defending her… She also agrees with his feelings towards their horrible sensei who doesn't teach them anything, is always late, ignores them (Unless it is Sasuke), etcetera.
Kiba is even more arrogant thanks to being in a team with Shika and Shino, despite Asuma's attempts. Although he is also more protective of his team/pack, since he has in fact found himself as the 'Alpha' of the pact.
Shika… is still Shika. Although he has found life more troublesome with Kiba constantly hounding him, although not as much as if he had Ino hounding him.
Shino is Shino. No changes.
As explained, Team 8, helped hook up Anko and Kurenai in this story. I liked how I did that. Hinata and Naruto are TECHNICALLY together… but theirs is a very unusual relationship, what with how they grew up. Honestly, it wasn't until Anko that they actually considered their relationship in anything other than that of best friends and professionals with life plans they were helping each other work towards. They both most certainly HAD feelings for each other, but neither had enough knowledge on them to act on them in such a matter until then (Also, they are rather young, so nothing really lost.). Ino had wanted to muscle her way into their relationship since Naruto is quite the catch once her eyes were opened, and thanks to Anko's influence on all three of them, they agreed, hence the three way relationship. (Hinata and Ino are in as much a relationship as Hinata and Naruto or Naruto and Ino. [The fact that Hinata KNEW that Naruto would require multiple children due to him being the last member of both the Uzumaki and Namikaze lines (Ino does not know any of this, she is just being true to her emotions), and knowing that neither Naruto or Hinata could or would allow her to be a breeding mother, meant that they both had known, starting the original relationship, that Naruto would require other partners, of which both preferred people they knew and cared about, making it easy to accept Ino's advances.])
Taking a page from Rorschach's Blot, I used Gai's ultimate pick-up line, and had it revealed to Lee, thanks to Anko's suggestions (Thanks to hanging around the two and getting closer to Gai, prior to him getting his team, she had some influence over him and helped with suggestions such as the that one.). This lead to Tenten finding out about it one day when Lee blurted out he was going to 'Spread and temper his Flames of Youth' at the bar, causing her to follow him in curiosity. It happened after that just like Gai stated in Rorschach's Blot's story. This lead to Tenten training with Gai and Lee more, to help her better withstand and recover from her new relationship with Lee. (This explains her increased abilities in the Chunin Exams, as this was about 7 months prior to the current period.) Seeing Lee's success in ACTUALLY 'spreading his Flames of Youth' to Tenten (since it made her train almost at their level after the event), Gai kinda became creepy with his questioning of Tenten and Lee's sexual situation, in an attempt to recreate it, since his such attempts never gave him those results. Needless to say, Anko, Hinata and Naruto found it hilarious. Danzo apparently trying to subtly help Gai by sending him a list of names, places, and times, since it DID seem to work with certain kinds of Kunoichi, and even some jealous males trying to imitate Gai's sudden rise as a sex symbol, had the hospital admit Anko, Hinata and Naruto later that night with similar cases of broken ribs, irritated eyes, hurt lungs and raw throats. They later admitted a comatose Kakashi and gave medication to the Hokage thanks to the sudden increase of YOUTH among the ranks of Konoha's Shinobi. (None wore the Green Jumpsuit though.) This allowed me to bring Kin along for the road with Lee and Tenten. Neji never found out (Or cared) WHY or HOW they got together. As such, unlike Rorschach's Blot's version, he was not inspired by the Flames of Youth.
Yuugao and Hayate are cannon.
There are no other successful or known relationships as of this point.
This story's timeline makes the graduation about five months prior to the Chunin exams. So Gai took on his team eleven months prior to the current exam. Hinata and Naruto met and saved Anko approximately fourteen months prior to the exam. They were already acquainted with Kurenai since they were four, although not until befriending Anko that they got truly close to Kurenai. Anko and Kurenai hooked up two months prior to the exams, which caused Asuma to start training his team more. Naruto and Hinata have been working with Danzo since they were both five, same with Gai. Hinata lost her eyes and name about a month prior to the current exam, where Anko immediately took a B ranked mission out of Konoha for her team, that was actually done by Danzo's ROOT agents, to give her time to help Hinata learn how to live without her eyes, get over the situation, and keep the other three from busting into the Hyuuga Household and slaughtering everyone. Even Danzo had to collect himself (Internally of course.) to prevent a hasty repetition of the Uchiha incident, with fewer casualties. Instead they worked out something similar to what actually happened, although the timing and method of initiation was not expected, but it worked out better it seemed. (Danzo had already planned to give Hinata Shisui's eye eventually upon his death, but this opportunity allowed him to give her another Sharingan, with the hopes that she could get used to them long before getting Shisui's, he decided to keep it a secret for a bit though, so as to see how she dealt with life when faced with TRUE adversity and a crippling condition. It was kind of ironic that the woman he was training to replace him and his position, would also be able to claim and look like a cripple.)
The team befriending Gaara was actually NOT planned. Naruto had obviously wanted to, but according to all their reports, it seemed that it was going to be impossible, so they planned for his capture and having his Biju released and resealed elsewhere, then killing him in public to make it seem as if the Biju wouldn't be back for about three years, while actually being used by Konoha in secret. Although a bit put out, Danzo accepted their decision to befriend them and bring them to their side, since it meant they now had four fully trained Shinobi on their side, one of which was a powerful Jinchuriki. Hence his acceptance, plus, he had gotten used to the duo and their actions, as well as how often they tend to be spot on in their thoughts with regards to possible allies and confidants. Such as Zabuza and Haku, which gave them an in to the Kiri Rebels, whom got the sudden support from an 'Unknown' group of powerful ANBU, cementing Kiri's relationship with Konoha, whenever Naruto took his place as Hokage. Or the new Daimyo of the Land of Snow, which received another 'unknown' group of powerful ANBU to help clear up, straighten out and strengthen the Shinobi of the recently renamed Hidden Village in Spring. A similar occurrence was reproduced over in the Land of Vegetables. How about that time when they saved the Hidden Village of Takigakure and in exchange for some powerful 'ANBU' to train and protect the Hidden Village, as well as 'removing' a 'problem' of theirs, Takigakure kept quiet about the situation to the world, and kept their alliance with Konoha rock solid. That 'problem' of theirs, was the Jinchuriki of Chomei, the Nanabi. They 'removed' the 'problem' by integrated her into Konoha as a survivor of a RARE 'Unknown' Bloodline from Kiri (To explain some of her abilities and her wings), who escaped from the civil war and came to Konoha. Thanks to Danzo's influence, she was easily passed through, and kept off the breeding program (To the surprise of all, since they were sure he would push such a thing, like the many times he had in the past. Although none of them knew that she didn't ACTUALLY have a bloodline, but instead a giant immortal chakra creature capable of mass destruction.)
Yes. Danzo had accepted that Uzumaki was VERY good at attaining allies, and would make an EXCELLENT Hokage, he just had to keep paving the road to facilitate that ascension, (Which is part of what I had ORIGINALLY planned for the one-shot.) which would be A LOT easier thanks to continuous use of Shisui's eye, Naruto's future announcement of his lineage, and the subsequent acceptance of it by the Council that Danzo had… suggested such a course of action. Plus Danzo and the Elders would also force Hiruzen to do so, cementing his place as the son of the Fourth Hokage. This would turn around the majority of Konoha's populace. Then Orochimaru should be striking, aiming to kill both Hiruzen and Naruto thanks to the reveal. It is uncertain how exactly he planned to do that, although Orochimaru would have to set up some kind of barrier to properly assure himself a duel with his aging sensei. While the Final Exam goes on, ROOT would be rooting out the caches of Oto shinobi hidden among the city in secret, Konoha shinobi's would be clearing out the summoning parties outside, and Danzo himself would take to the field and lead the forces properly while Hiruzen was occupied, gaining support from the general Shinobi population for when he announced Naruto as Hokage. With his actions with Hinata, he had the support of most of the Shinobi Clans. His name as Namikaze and Danzo's heavy lifting had him supported by the two Elders and a good portion of the civilian Council. His strength and character, plus Danzo's actions during the failed invasion should win him many of the Jonins. Finally, Danzo setting up a meeting between Naruto and the Fire Daimyo (Plus his connection to the Daimyo of Spring and Vegetable) meant he had the Fire Daimyo's backing too. His new position as Godaime Hokage was almost secure. The main problems would be Hiruzen and Jiraiya, since they were blinded to the truth of Naruto as he is, rather than what he showed or was. Plus the fact that Danzo supported him would make them instinctually defensive.
Strength guide [As of Chunin Exam Finals]:
Uzumaki Naruto(Badger Summons): (Base, including the use of Gates) High A–Low S Rank, (Using Biju Cloak) High S Rank.
Hinata(Lion Summons): (Base, including the use of Gates and Byakugan/Sharingan) High A-Mid S Rank.
Yamanaka Ino(No summons): (Base including the use of Gates) Low-High B Rank.
Mitarashi Anko(Snake Summons[Limited]): (Base) Mid-High A Rank, (Strength of a Hundred) Low-Mid S Rank. (Unlike Tsunade and Ship Sakura, the boost from Strength of a Hundred does not give Anko the MASSIVE strength boost that they get, nor has she had it NEARLY as long as they have to accrue as much Chakra. It nonetheless acts like the release of the Gates, granting her quite the overall boost. Unlike Tsunade, she does NOT have the Jinchuriki class regen with it. Anko uses it [as of the Chunin Exam, which all these stats are based on.] simply as opening several Gates and boosting her physical abilities, as well as an extra amount to use Ninjutsu or Summons.)
Uchiha Sasuke(No summons): (Base) Low-Mid B Rank, (Sharingan) High B Rank.
Haruno Sakura(No summons): (Base) High D-Low C Rank.
Akimichi Choji(No summons): (Base) Mid-High C Rank.
Hakate Kakishi(Personal Dog Summons): (Base) High A Rank, (Sharingan) Low S Rank.
Nara Shikimaru(No summons): (Base) Low-Mid B Rank.
Aburame Shino(No summons): (Base) High B Rank.
Inuzuka Kiba(No summons): (Base)High C-Low B Rank, (With Akamaru) Mid-High B Rank.
Sarutobi Asuma(No summons): (Base) High A Rank.
Tenten(No summons): (Base, including the use of Gates) High B-Low A Rank.
Rock Lee(No summons): (Base, including the use of Gates) Low A-High A Rank.
Hyuuga Neji(No summons): (Base, including use of Byakugan) Low A Rank.
Maito Gai(Turtle Summons): (Base, including the use of Gates) High A-High S Rank, (Gate of Death) SS Rank.
Jiraiya (Toad Summons): (Base) Low S Rank, (Sage Mode) High S Rank.
Senju Tsunade (Slug Summons): (Base) High A, (Strength of a Hundred) High S Rank. (Before you flame me, Tsunade has been 'retired' for almost twenty years now, and has BARELY kept herself in RELATIVE shape. Only her higher experience and skill allowed her to TIE with Kabuto, until he cheated in cannon. As the Hokage, she goes back to training and gets MUCH stronger again, but as of this story, or the Final Chunin Exam, yeah, this is it.)
Shimura Danzo(Personal Tiger Summon): (Base, including hidden Sharingan)Low-High A Rank, (Arm Released) High A-Low S Rank.
Sarutobi Hiruzen(Monkey Summons): (Base) Low S Rank. (Again, before you flame me, this man is nearing his 70s, FAR from his prime, and he has been behind a desk for nearing 14 years. Nor does he have any fancy Bloodlines that allow him to atomize large swaths of land. This is a man who became the best just with his badassness, what with mastering over a thousand Jutsus and knowing when to use them. Because his body [Despite his years of experience and Skill] is at Low A rank right now, at best, it means that his current rank is based purely on the strength of his Ninjutsu and experience. [The lack of Ninjutsu and Genjutsu is the SOLE reason that Gai is NOT a Low S Rank in his base.] Seriously, with the exception of Jiraiya, all the other S Ranks here require things like Sage Mode, Biju Cloaks, Sharingan, Releasing Gates, and etcetera. This man has nothing but his Base and Summons and is nearly twenty years older than Jiraiya. I mean, Danzo is the same age, and VASTLY weaker, even with his pseudo immortality through Izanagi, being physically stronger thanks to the Shodai's genes, and the advantages of Shisui's Sharingan.)
"…that was an… interesting week." Remarked our blond protagonist.
"Mhm."
"I'm serious. Kurenai developed TWO new Genjutsu's that can be used for interogations, infiltration, and keeping Anko happy. Anko was forced to rest an extra day thanks to how good Kurenai has become at satisfying her. Baki, and surprisingly Kin." He paused for a moment in thought,"Gotta give it to Bushy-Brows, he converted an enemy kunoichi with his Flames of Youth. Anyway, they gave the Hokage info on the invasion, and Danzo was somehow able to modify the Hokage's orders to increase their effectiveness, and rounded up all the spies to prevent further leakage while waiting for Oto-pedo and his toys. Kin is now hiding a Leaf Headband to replace her Sound one. Baki has gotten the Hokage's support to CAPTURE the Sand Ninja instead of killing them, and even Danzo pitched in, with the condition that they try to convince the Sand Ninja prior to the invasion, with no time for Sound to realize the switching of the sides. As well making Gaara the Kazekage. Baki and Temari took that well actually. Guess a sand controller, in a city surrounded by sand, sounds like a great idea for a Kage."
"Mmhmm."
"Anyway, Ino actually managed to open the second Gate, since her father is not helping her with access to new sections of her family skills. She also managed to get Tenten and Kin to teach Lee how to be stealthy, which is scary as hell. Maybe we can ask Zabuza to help him if we ever run into him again."
"Mmm."
"Right, We removed the Caged Bird Seal from every Hyuuga member, including Neji, before the rest of the Main House came back, well, the ones who weren't held back as traitors or law breakers of the Leaf. And since we personally did it, along with our… 'assistants', at the request of the current Hyuuga Heir while the Elder Hyuuga Council and Hyuuga Clan head were indisposed. We were completely within our legal right, and broke no clan laws… Hasn't stopped the assassination requests that Danzo has intercepted and sent to the ANBU for more arrests. Hm? You okay Hinata?"
"A little more to the left."
"Okay dear. Anyway, we had you and Hanabi brought in for questioning and released without issue. Due to the Hyuuga Head and Elder council all being assigned as traitors or other crimes, except, surprisingly, your grandfather from your father's side, then Hanabi will immediately be pushed to Clan Head, with a new council selected from the current available Hyuuga. So you should be getting your Byakugan back soon. Which, added in tandem with your new hidden Sharingan, means you will be hiding quite the list of surprises. Izumo, Kotetsu, Iruka, Shino and Choji have become part of the Maito Gai Youthful Training group, along with his team (Minus Neji), Kin, Kankuro, Temari, Gaara, Ino, Sakura, suprisignly enough, and us."
Hinata giggled, "The Sabaku siblings' response to that was really funny. Although seeing us keep up with the two really made Gaara, Iruka, Izumo, and Kotetsu, stick with it, when the rest of the guys that joined because of Gai's sudden elevation as sex symbol dropped it. With Gaara sticking to it, Temari decided to stick to it. Ino sticking to it, and doing better than them, led to Shino, Sakura and Choji to keep at it. And Kankuro is being forced to do it until Baki feels he isn't in danger of embarrassing Suna anymore. Well, minus the cat suit and make-up."
"I am still not sure what made Shino and Choji show up… I don't think they were brought in because of the possibility to join Gai in having almost any woman they want…. Well, at least Choji. Who knows what Shino is EVER thinking? Torune is easier to read, and he covers more of his face than Shino!"
"I think that seeing Lee with two women hanging off of him, including a Kunoichi from a different village, might have had something to do with it. Although you also technically have two women hanging off of you." She teased.
To which Naruto responded with all the dignity he had at his disposal. He blushed and turned his head away. "I am still sorry it took so long for me to understand."
"Oh, don't blame yourself. You were a socially inept kid, of which the closest thing to a father figure you have is Shimura freaking Danzo. I am surprised that I got you to look at me as a girl before you turned sixteen, and that you went running to Iruka, Anko or Kurenai about your hormones."
Naruto stared deep into Hinata's eyes. "I always saw you as the most amazing girl ever. You not only talked to me, you stood by me in everything since we were both young. You are the absolute strongest kunoichi in the world, and the most beautiful woman I have ever met. I simply felt that I didn't deserve you, so I always tried to keep things as they were. I was scared of losing what I had. But… I… You were too important. As scared as I was to lose you, I knew I would regret not being closer to you, not being more important to you." He took a deep breath, "I have always wanted to be Hokage, even now, it is still my goal, if albeit for different reasons now. But, I would give it up if it meant not being with you. I love you too much."
Hinata was thankful that her tear ducts were repaired along with the addition of her new eye, as her tears of joy fell. And she would forever be in Danzo's debt, simply for being able to record her fiance's face as he confessed his love for her. She was never happier to have lost her Byakugan and had it replaced with a Sharingan as she was at that moment. The amount of warmth and love visible on every millimeter of his face was breathtaking. As such, she reached up from her place on his lap, and kissed him. Trying to impart all her love, faith, desire, admiration, and reverence. Trying to make him understand with that one kiss, what she couldn't with words.
Sai and Oda, who were the assigned guards of each of them that day, merely exchanged a look, before Sai quickly drew a few mice with letters on their back. "Looks like both Fu's were right. There goes my money."
-H-
Danzo was pleased, he had just managed to get some very juicy information about Akatsuki from Kabuto. Although it was sad that he being one of the 'moles' of Sasori's meant that they couldn't just kill him. Disappointing.
Still, other than that, and Danzo made sure to use ALL of his worst-case scenario Juinjutsu on Kabuto, to make sure he didn't remain a problem, the situation was very good. Why, Danzo might even be HAPPY with how everything was going.
And to think, most of the situation was thanks to his greatest successes, and protégés, planning. Danzo may have helped them, but it was their plan that had brought about this situation. Konoha may know him as 'That Old Warhawk', and Danzo most assuredly understands that he tends to go for the throat in the political arena, in hopes of destroying Konoha's enemies completely, but Danzo is not known as Konoha's darkness, without knowing about subtlety and when to pull back instead of pushing.
That being said, he will admit, if only to himself, that he had never truly appreciated what having a good public face meant for the enrichment of Konoha. Thanks to people like Naruto and Hiruzen, people like himself could work with abandon, knowing that even if caught, their targets would rather believe that Konoha was being framed, than Konoha ACTUALLY doing something nefarious.
And Naruto was no naïve idealistic fool like Hiruzen. He USED and CULTIVATED the image on purpose, same as Hinata did. Both capable of equally playing the roles of Hiruzen and himself. Alone, each one would have eventually become a powerful figure in the shinobi world... or die. Together, without intervention, they would have helped each other grow slowly, inspiring and pushing each other from their peripherals to be the best, eventually reaching the top, despite all those who pushed them down with harsh words or actions, or false teachings and information. With Danzo's intervention, they were taught what they needed from the start, trained by the best, and since they were together, they pushed each other far beyond their limits, soaking up the info, and rising beyond Danzo's greatest expectations. It was thanks to those two, that Danzo never even bothered with the 'Last' Uchiha, allowing Hiruzen to do what he felt was best.
Why would he care? Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi themselves did not compare to the duo he had been raising in secret. Now, they were showing themselves to the world, ready to take it on completely, from the light and the shadows. Together.
Danzo would never retire. He knew he would die either on the field, or behind his desk listening to reports, or giving orders. That being said, he had trained Konoha's next protectors, his successors, and they have proven themselves over and over. They didn't even need him or ROOT anymore. He was certain that if he and ROOT disappeared today, they would still manage to succeed in their goals of making Konoha stronger after crushing the Invasion and killing Orochimaru.
He wouldn't do that though, he would play his part, as would they. Once the invasion was over though, he would make the transfer official. Already ROOT knew that should he not be available, whether due to battle, distance, or worse. They should go to Hinata and Naruto for their orders, with Fu and Torune as their advisors, and if available, Shisui's eye should go to Hinata in replacement of her current one. After the invasion, he would gather everyone, even Mitarashi as she had proven herself firmly on their side. He would relinquish full control of ROOT, minus Fu and Torune who would remain his personal guards unless requested for specific missions, to Hinata, with himself, and Naruto as her advisors.
He would continue to aid them in the political arena with Shisui's eye and his own manipulations. But he would take a back seat unless needed in regards to the fieldwork, recruitment, and maintenance of ROOT. Keep everyone's eyes far away from the truth.
A small smirk came upon Danzo's scarred and aged visage. If this invasion would be his last appearance as a true Shinobi on the field, then he needed to make it grand. He would send a Shadow Clone to the meetings that he needed to visit. He himself would be training a bit, see about getting ready for the last planned fight he would partake in.
-H-
"Yosh! You are all burning brightly with the Flames of Youth!"
"""YOSH!"""
Everyone turned in horror at the loud group running past carrying boulders on their shoulders. Everyone was used to Gai and his Mini-me. And even the tomboyish bun-girl.
Watching the large procession consisting of the famous Gate Guards, Academy professor, a Suna Team, Sound Kunoichi, Aburame, Yamanaka, Hyuuga and Akamichi heirs, and even the recently famed Hinata and Naruto? Needless to say, Gai's little posse was leaving crashed and burned CPUs across Konoha, as civilians lost touch with reality. The ninja they passed were much more accepting, many having tried to take part in the arduous training that Konoha's Marvelous Green Beast put them through.
The male half scoffed in derisen, trying to make them out to be desperate for women, or pathetic. The female half took note of them, already marking their targets. It helps that all of them were already desirables. That included Ino, Shino, and Choji. And although completely new to Konoha, by sticking with the newly accepted Sexual Idols of Gai and Lee (Although Lee seemed to be completely taken now that Tenten had found a permanent partner in Kin.), the Suna Team and Sound Kunoichi were instantly accepted by Konoha's forces.
Anyone who could stick it out with their Youthfulness, were worth respect. Anyone Maito Gai accepted into his group was accepted as allies and good people. Just with them showing themselves daily with Gai had already integrated those four as Konoha's allies. More than the Leaf headbands that they would wear during the invasion, these days leading up to it are what would cause the Leaf Shinobi to stand by their side and assist or protect them.
As for those actually in the group, outside of the usuals. Izumo and Kotetsu were pushing themselves to better protect the village they love. Being friends with Naruto, one of the few who accepted him since the beginning, even if unable to meet with him as often thanks to their position, they knew how strong he really was. That very Naruto had seemed nervous when he told them that they might want to train a bit. So they asked for a vacation of three and a half weeks, and joined Maito Gai in his training. The man who helped Naruto and Hinata become who they were.
Iruka was there for similar reasons, although his was because he couldn't let himself be so weak when his little brother figure had surpassed him so much. Iruka wanted to protect those precious to him. He couldn't do that while weak.
Shino and Choji were there because their parents had sent them to train with Gai. One understood the logic of it, the other was being threatened.
Kankuro wanted to die. Temari and Gaara agreed, although they found his suffering amusing enough to beat their own suffering. All three finally admitted that the Flames of Youth were far more terrifying than Shukaku's ramblings and prissy moments. Temari also had a view into why Naruto and Hinata were as strong as they were… as well why they were as… adjusted as they were. Gaara was just happy to have friends. Thanks to Naruto and his team, he was now friends with his sister, almost there with his brother, and was accepted by all of Naruto's friends. The Ichirakus, Gai, Lee, Tenten, Iruka, Izumo and Kotetsu were already practically friends.
So yeah, it hurt to train with them, but not only was it worth it to make the connections he had always wanted. They helped him train. Helped him get stronger, which he had never realized he could do. So the pros far outweighed the cons.
Kin had a rather single-minded determination. She was weak. The weakest of all those in the finals. She needed to get stronger to survive what was coming. To survive the consequences of her actions. It also helped that Lee was a truly sweet guy, and a hell of a romantic. And that brought the other half of the equation. Even though it seemed that she had taken the final permanent portion of the equation when it came to Lee and Tenten's needed love triangle, she was not a match for either of them, and probably not a match for most of the temporary partners that Tenten dragged along prior to her appearance, to assist her in silencing Konoha's Second Green Beast. So she needed this. Badly. Because she WANTED to remain with the duo, and for that, she needed to continue doing this, and maybe even further, because neither of them were sleeping while she trained. A small smile appeared on her face, 'It will be completely worth it.'
Sakura could not let herself fall behind Ino, and the sound kunoichi who shamed her. As well as wanting to help Choji who had been her only friend since graduation.
-H-
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage of Konoha was in a pickle.
He had just finished meeting with Jiraiya. The third such meeting in the week. It all revolved around a little ball of Sunshine, known as Naruto.
They were stumped. Truly stumped.
You see Hiruzen had known that Naruto was having difficulty in the Academy, both due to having teachers working against him, as well as the courses not being set up for someone with more Chakra than even the Shodaime Hokage, Senju Hashirama. And Hiruzen could do nothing about it thanks to the Academy being under the civilian council. His hands were tied.
He hoped and believed that Naruto would win over his teachers eventually, and with his perseverance, eventually pass. And he did, despite all the opposition, Naruto remained firmly in the center of the class, but still failed due to the Ninjutsu portion requiring the standard Bunshin. He passed at the end, although it was only due to a traitor and his ridiculous luck.
So here we reach the reason for their shared confusion between former teacher and student. Naruto should have been average at best, even with Anko as his teacher, yet he and teammates had dominated the exams. They broke the record for the Second portion of Chunin Exams that was initially set by Uchiha Itachi, by a full day. Leaving it at a point that he doubted it would ever be broken again. Even if Suna's ringer team nearly met it.
Naruto and Hinata completely humiliated and destroyed their opponents without ANY visible effort. The psychological beat down was a clear sign that Anko had been training them personally though. They had befriended the Suna team, which Jiraiya had told him had an unstable Jinchuriki, who did not look unstable in the least, especially if the reports of him joining Maito Gai's training sessions were true.
Then while the issue with the Main House Hyuuga was being dealt with, Naruto, Hinata, and two other 'helpers', go and remove a seal, which was supposed to be impossible to remove. Seeing as how it had been created in a purposely unstable way to disabuse anyone but the very best from touching it. Even Jiraiya had quit the challenge, without having a dedicated Hyuuga with them to study at all times. Yet two rookie Genins had apparently found a way to safely remove it.
At first Hiruzen was worried that they were imposters, and sent ANBU to observe them… but it was proven otherwise. So he had analysts go over both their histories in detail, and what they found should have been obvious and red flagged for anyone.
Both Naruto and Hinata had ALWAYS been at the middle of the class. When ALL the other ranks shifted in the competition between each other, those two remained FIXED to their ranks. Clearly it had been done on purpose. So, the questions were, how strong where they truly? How did they get so strong? Why did they hide it? What were their goals?
Hiruzen suspected Danzo immediately. Especially when Jiraiya confirmed that ROOT was still active in the shadows. But a conversation where Danzo admitted to him, that he had been right when he had denied the Jinchuriki being handed over, had him convinced that it wasn't Danzo. After all, Danzo would not have congratulated Hiruzen on his plan to make Konoha stronger by dealing with the Hyuuga by making Naruto and Hinata so strong in secret, until the trap was sprung, unless he really wasn't a part of it. Although that conversation also answered the last question.
They wanted to cure Konoha of its problems. Hiruzen was feeling a bit down that they had used such a violent and drastic measure… but even he had to agree that any other way was certain to fail. The fact that their plan had succeeded so magnificently also helped his opinion in their regard. The fact that Hinata was willing to sacrifice so much for it, showed him that despite the lack of answers, they were honestly loyal to Konoha, meant that to him at least, the remaining questions were mere curiosity, not a necessity.
Sadly, Jiraiya was a bit more skeptic about the situation. He understood, that as the son to both Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato, Naruto was going to have an advantage in Fuinjutsu. An advantage, and the ability to accomplish what he couldn't at his current level, before the boy made it to fifteen though? That was completely different.
He already felt that he had failed the boy for not having been there for him as he grew up. But he had plenty of excuses. He was needed for Konoha's spy network. Without him out there, Iwa or Akatsuki may have already attacked him. If he had taken him, it would have cast suspicions on Naruto. Etcetera, etcetera.
The truth? Jiraiya was scared. Like Tsunade had two decades ago, Jiraiya decided to run from the situation. He couldn't bring himself to be with the child of two of his favorite people. A kid who looked just like his student, and acted just like his student's wife. It had taken a long time, but Jiraiya managed to finally push himself into meeting his godson, and even training him when he failed in the Chunin exams.
Instead, Naruto won. And he didn't win by the skin of his teeth like expected, if at all. Naruto DOMINATED the exam. Despite his odds being the lowest among the civilian bookkeepers, no Ninja with half a brain bet on the Uchiha who was the favorite to win besides the Kazekage's son. No, everyone who had been there, or watched the fights, understood that the winner of the tournament would be between Gaara, Hinata or Naruto. Depending on how the tournament selection went, Lee was also a possible contender.
So Jiraiya was at a loss. He had read Sarutobi-sensei's reports on his godson, and he should NOT have been that good. He feared the worst, that the Kyuubi was influencing him, if not in full control. He feared that Danzo HAD in fact taken control of him. But like the Sandaime, he doubted it. Danzo would have left Naruto an empty tool. And the Kyuubi would NOT have settled for mere pranks.
Jiraiya had learned that both Naruto and Hinata were Gai's initial students, and had been the reason the man signed up to be a Jonin-sensei. So that explained their physique and taijutsu knowledge. But not about their Fuinjutsu mastery, nor Hinata and Naruto's apparent mastery of the Futon element. He might have said Anko, if the two were the greatest of prodigies, but Anko was forbidden by the council to touch or learn any Fuinjutsu beyond sealing scrolls and explosive tags. Nor was Anko all that knowledgeable on elemental chakra's outside of her use of Katon and Doton.
Heck, even Asuma and Danzo's grasp of Futon was not as good as Naruto's appeared to be! Which just, once again, raised more questions than answers.
Finally bucking down, he had headed to ask Anko about Naruto.
Imagine his shock when he finds that the reason that she even decided to take up the mantel of Jonin-sensei, was because the duo had saved her from a quad of Chunin to Tokubetsu Jonin ninja. When they were eleven. She confirmed that she made it to Jonin because of training and sparring with them and Gai.
She, Mitarashi Anko, the Snake Mistress of Konoha, Second in command of the Torture and Interogations ninja, admitted that THEY were the teachers in the team when it came to being ninja. That in a FULL OUT ONE ON ONE FIGHT, she had NEVER beaten either of them.
Jiraiya had been desperate enough to make certain that his godson was safe, that he had wanted to sneak into his apartment and check the seal. After a HELL of a lot of trouble breaking through the Fuinjutsu wards he had covered his apartment in. He found that Naruto did not live in his apartment. No, instead, he found a pair of Shadow Clones in the apartment, one of Hinata, and one of Naruto, both having an enjoyable talk while reading a couple of books (Advanced Iryo-ninjutsu and Combat Iryo-ninjutsu. 'And how the hell was the ex-Hyuuga reading without eyes?') while gripping deadman switches.
"I wouldn't move if I were you Jiraiya. These switches are tied to the custom explosive notes that Naruto developed for directed demolition, and inserted into every square inch in-between the walls of the entire building. That is more than one thousand explosive tags that will focus all of their enhanced power inwards and upwards. Even if you were in Sage Mode, you would not make it."
Jiraiya stiffened immediately. If they were regular Genin, he might have been able to grab both switches before either could react. Even some Chunins. They were not. By the admission of two high-ranked Jonin, the two before him were possibly as strong as he was out of Sage Mode. Their knowledge of him and his technique made the situation worse.
"You would kill the apartments residents?"
Naruto laughed out loud while Hinata merely giggled. "Please Ero-sennin. No one would willingly live near that 'damned demon brat', near 'that monster'." Jiraiya paled a bit with each title he revealed, when Naruto's eyes hardened and glinted, he suspected the worst. "No one would live near the 'Reborn Kyuubi'." His gut was right.
"Who told you that? They are wrong. You are none of those!"
He was surprised when they both just laughed this time. "That is obvious Jiraiya. The Kyuubi was merely sealed into Naruto when he was born by his father."
Jiraiya immediately forgot the situation he was in and tried to rush her.
Tried being the operative word, as he found himself sprawled on the ground instead of grabbing the girl who had knowledge she should not be privileged to by the neck.
"Dammit Ero-sennin. You should be happy that Hinata decided to incapacitate you instead of dispelling and blowing you and the apartment to their base atoms. What were you trying to do? Threaten a Shadow Clone? Pft. I think you have spent too long writing those trashy porn books instead of your job Godfather."
Jiraiya didn't think the situation could get worse. "How?"
"Learning about the Kyuubi was easy. With me walking a set distance behind Naruto, I could hear the whispers properly. What with them all mentioning 'demon' and 'monster', plus comments about losing loved ones to 'it'? Add that to the severe beatings he received during his birthday? It was easy to figure out that the townspeople thought Naruto to be the Kyuubi. My eyes, or rather, my old eyes, saw the seal on him, and the different and strange chakra held behind it. A tad bit of research, and voila. Naruto is the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi."
"After that, I merely contacted the Kyuubi, to find out why he attacked Konoha, build up rapport with him through the years. Swap stories, and voila. Find out I am the third Jinchuriki, with my mother, Uzumaki Kushina being the previous one. More research, and we find that she was never known to be in a relationship with anyone, except one person. Namikaze Minato. Who looks EXACTLY like me, minus the whisker marks, which could be explained by my being affected by the Kyuubi's chakra while in my mother. Knowing that the Yondaime would never allow another's child to be sacrificed, it made sense. You being my godfather though? That was mostly a guess which we baited you into. Now tell me godfather, I might have some ideas as to why, but I want you to tell me why you weren't there for me when the orphanage decided to kick me out into the street, or when the civilians decided to kick me out of their stores, or overcharge me for their expired products, when they decided that their loved ones deserved peace, and the only way to do that was to beat me. To drag knives and kunai through my flesh. To pin me to a wall, and left to starve until Hinata managed to escape from the Hyuuga compound and remove me from the wall, to the curses and threats from those who enjoyed watching me die slowly. Tell me godfather, why you let your godson nearly attempt suicide? Why you let him and his only friend continuously endanger themselves while trying to survive against the people whose lives were retained, solely on the sacrifice of my parents, and my will?... Well? We both have enough Chakra to stay 'alive' for all night and day, plenty of time for us to catch up, no?"
-H-
"Please join me in welcoming our newest Clan Head, Hyuuga Hanabi!"
The gathered population all started clapping and shouting their approval, which included the entire Hyuuga clan (minus those who were helping in guarding Konoha or keeping Ibiki and Anko occupied.). It had not been easy, but thanks to the idolatrous view that the Hyuuga held Hinata in, plus Danzo and Naruto's manipulations, Hanabi had been pushed forth as the new Clan Head, despite her age. With Hinata as an advisor, when available, as well as the new Elder Council, supporting her, Hanabi would be a great leader, and would not be swamped from becoming an amazing Kunoichi like her big sister.
On that note, one of the Hyuuga had found the storage of eyes in stasis, including her own, and Hanabi immediately offered them back to Hinata. As Danzo had promised, one eye was too damaged, and Hinata staunchly refused using the others, so she now sported her original left eye. She still kept them both covered, refusing to give others the advantage. And was training to use both eyes at the same time while active, along with her chakra strings. She already had practice using both sensors prior to the removal of her Byakugan. Danzo had long had a way of escaping and hiding from the Byakugan, so it was a necessity. Her added Sharingan though, made things quite difficult. Having three different sets of 'eyes' confused her, especially since both eyes could 'see' her special chakra strings, which effectively blinded her without practice. Particularly with her Sharingan. Still, she was working on the solution, while also testing the new eye's abilities. It happened to be one of the many Mangekyo eye. And like all successful Mangekyo's, it had its own special ability. Itachi had Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu, Shisui had Kotoamatsukami, and Kakashi had Kamui. Hinata's new eye's ability was unknown. Since Danzo didn't give out Mangekyo eyes, this one had never been tested, nor had its original owner have wrote it down. Danzo believed that it had only developed into the Mangekyo on the night of the massacre.
As such, Hinata was testing it from scratch. They had at least confirmed that it did NOT have Kotoamatsukami, nor Tsukuyomi. Having no idea how Amaterasu or Kamui were initiated, she had no way of testing them. However, by going through the list of known Mangekyo eyes one by one, she was getting used to how her eye worked to different situations and stimulus. Based on the list of different abilities, they were all certain that each Mangekyo had its own unique ability, based on the Uchiha in question, so Hinata would probably have to find out her new ability by herself and record it into the list.
She smirked. The idea that an ex-Hyuuga would be adding a new technique to the Uchiha list. She bet most of them were turning in their graves, and that made her happy. So far, she honestly felt that there were only one, maybe two good Uchiha over the years. Still, their eyes were certainly useful. Already, her next goal was finding a way to get the DNA from the eyes and find a way to implement them into people, to create a new Uchiha lineage. Preferably under a different name. Like Uzumaki or Namikaze.
After that, she was going to work on combining the Byakugan with the Sharingan into one eye. But that is for the further future. One goal at a time.
The immediate goal was learning how to use the 'normal' Sharingan, as well as thinking of ways to implement the Rasengan into her techniques.
Naruto and she had certainly been surprised when their 'home' clones had popped, delivering their memories. Here they were, expecting information on Iryo-nin techniques. Instead they found that they had bullied Jiraiya practically into submission with guilt, and forced him to assist them towards their goals. As a political ally, spy master, as well as teacher. Jiraiya was still shocked that she and Naruto managed to learn the Rasengan within one week. Jiraiya was a crap teacher, but thanks to Hinata's, hidden, recovered Byakugan, she was easily able to give better directions to Naruto. It still took a bit for Naruto to managed it on both hands, and he was still unable to use it on both hands simultaneously, but he was working on that. Hinata, being used to extreme multi-tasking thanks to her eyes, chakra strings, and whatnot, plus her near perfect chakra control, below only Tsunade of the Sannin and Sakura (whose chakra levels were miniscule anyway, making the advantage pointless) managed to master it, now they both had Kage Bunshin working on adding an element to it. Hinata was attempting to add Raiton and Suiton. Naruto attempted to add Futon and Katon.
Hinata will never have Naruto's chakra capacity; she didn't believe ANYONE would ever have his reserves. That being said, by her graduation, not one person in that building, barring Naruto, matched her chakra reserves.
Including the Sandaime who had come to congratulate them all.
So using such a chakra intensive training method was perfectly acceptable to her. That, and the fatality rate of the Shadow Clones testing the elemental Rasengans was near 100%, so there was NO way she was doing it any other way.
Naruto concurred.
Either way, there was only five days left till the Chunin Exams Finals, as well as the Oto invasion, and they were about as ready as they could be. Everything they were doing now was mere refining of their plans, as well as seeing if they could get a few extra advantages.
Jiraiya had felt incredibly sad that Naruto would not take the Toad contract, since he already had his own, as did Hinata. And boy was Jiraiya shocked when they showed him their summons, what with both being the first summoners of their contracts. The Badgers and Lions, respectively. The fact that both could use limited amounts of Nature chakra, in a predecessor to Sage mode (Thanks to their bodies still being too young for the true version), nearly destroyed what little remained of Jiraiya's sanity.
That both could use it WITHOUT their summons assistance like he needed, pretty much had Jiraiya throwing his hands up in resignation, and just deciding to accept anything they said at face value. Including that both were friends with Kurama, the freaking Biju known for his hatred and rage.
He did however try to get the Badgers and Lions to join the alliance currently held between the Monkeys, Toads, and Slugs. He didn't think it would work, but the two prodigies HAD managed to get their own summons talking and working together, so it WAS possible.
Oh, that and them having dragged him out of Konoha for a bit over two weeks, dragging Tsunade and Shizune back, and having them take over the hospital and all Iryo-nins training and revaluation. With the full knowledge that they had FULL control over the programs and facilities, and near limitless backing (thanks to Naruto and Hinata's constant trips to gambling dens and owned properties all over the Elemental Nations. Plus ROOTS successful bounty hunting, and Danzo's maneuvering in the council for funds and support.), Tsunade was already making huge waves in there. It hadn't even been a day, and things were looking VERY promising. Keeping that info from Orochimaru, who was impersonating the Kazekage was kinda hard, but they had managed so far.
Having given that information to Jiraiya and the Sandaime had them prepared to take on the Snake-like Pedophile. While Naruto, Hinata and Danzo had everything else ready. With Danzo's help, they had even managed to get Baki and his team over to Suna's invasion force, and convince them of the situation. Danzo's ROOT having found the REAL Kazekage's body, and leading Lady Chiyo to it, helped a lot in those discussions. So now, Konoha didn't even have to worry about Suna, since they would be openly aiding them from the beginning.
So for now, they just had to make a big show in the Finals, allow Gaara to face Sasuke near the end, which would have Orochimaru start the invasion, only Kabuto would be casting the Genjutsu on the OTO nin as well as the civilians, instead of the civilians and Konoha nin.
