This is the final chapter everyone. I'm so glad I had so many readers and some fans especially for my first fic. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I want to thank you all for the support, the reviews, and the favorites! It means a lot. So... here it is. The final chapter of Kiba's Alpha.
Three Weeks Later
"This council will come to order!" the older woman in the long white cloak said, looking about the room. The traditional meeting room for the council was too small to house the witnesses who would be at Yuka's trial. There were over fifteen shinobi ready to give testament. Despite the cool air outside, the room they now occupied on the third floor of the Kage-building was extremely stuffy and warm.
At the head table sat four Shinobi, two of which Yuka recognized. In the center of the table was Konohamaru, his kage-cap perched upon his head. Behind him stood Moegi, writing something down on her paper before turning her attention back to the room. To Konohamaru's left sat Shikamaru, lazily perched in his chair with an exasperated look on his face. Alongside Konohamaru, opposite of Shikamaru, were two older shinobi, both looking to be in their late sixties. The older man had glassy eyes and the woman next to him had several age spots.
Yuka's eyes took in the scene before her with worry. Besides the five Shinobi in front of her she also saw Kiba standing directly to her right, watching them with slight contempt. Lee, Neji, TenTen, Ino, Choji, Shino, and Hinata all stood against the wall directly behind her, their movements reflecting the nervousness in the room. To her left sat the four council members, all of them watching Yuka with interest. Inoichi, Shikaku, Kakashi, and Hiashi were all stony faced.
"Now, there is a lot to go over. I don't want this trial to go on all night so I'll turn the floor to Shikamaru Nara. He will sum up the situation and we will discuss, without interruption, the judicial action that needs to be taken," the woman said, placing her hand on a stack of papers before her. "Nara-san, please…"
"Very well, thank you Utatane-sama," Shikamaru said, glancing down at his paperwork for a moment before looking directly at Yuka. He was not going to make this easy. It's not like she could go anywhere. She was held there by placement seals, designed to sap her chakra and keep her in place. She just sat there, in the chair, watching the council closely.
"Uzumaki Yuka, former unaffiliated nin of Amegakure, is brought before the council to discuss punishment for several acts against Konohagakure, endangering its citizens and nin." Shikamaru then looked down at his paperwork again. "Taken in, as a potential ally, Yuka Uzumaki was given clemency, recommended by The Honorable Seventh Hokage, Sarutobi Konohamaru. According to the discussion and agreement reached by this council, Yuka Uzumaki was to be tested to gauge her skills as a shinobi. After assessment she would be assigned a rank after further ANBU assessment. When given gennin rank she was placed in family housing, owned by the former Mito Uzumaki. However, without our knowledge she committed treason before she even came to Konoha." He paused a moment, gauging Kiba's reaction before continuing.
"Uzumaki Yuka is a known affiliate with rogue ninja Orochimaru. She knowingly entered the village receiving training, a forbidden curse mark, engaging in conspiracy and hiding her true allegiances up until the fatal attack on the Inuzuka clan's mountain compound. This resulted in two fatalities. Both the former head of the Inuzuka clan, Tsume Inuzuka, and of Orochimaru himself. The council will weigh witness statements, council, and ultimately pass judgment."
There was a pregnant pause before the older man, on Konohamaru's right, spoke. "So, it seems like a pretty clear cut case of treason and conspiracy," he began. "If it's common knowledge, why are we deliberating?"
"There are mitigating circumstances," Konohamaru said, glancing over at Kiba.
"We are aware," Utatane said. "Just so we are clear, Hokage-sama, you recommended she be admitted to our ranks without the expertise of the Yamanaka or Morino-san?"
"Yes, I take full responsibility for such recklessness," Konohamaru said, looking over at the older woman. "I believed she could be rehabilitated without such methods."
"Then you're a fool. You put this woman's family affiliation before village security," the older man pointed, glancing over at Yuka.
"I do not deny that, Mitokado-sama," Konohamaru said. "However, we are not here to discuss my actions. We are here to discuss Yuka's."
"Indeed," he said, turning his attention back to Yuka. "So, since she is a known traitor and has put the lives of our citizens in danger, effectively murdering a clan leader, it is safe to say that her guilt is not in doubt."
"That is correct," Shikamaru answered before Kiba could protest. "Self-proclaimed."
"Then what is the problem? Inuzuka Kiba, speak up!" Mitokado said, looking the Inuzuka up and down. "As I understand it, these mitigating circumstances revolve around you."
"And my clan," Kiba assured. "I am fully aware of the actions taken by Yuka Uzumaki and am requesting an amendment to her sentence."
"We have not given sentence," Utatane said. "The traditional punishment for betraying village secrets and siding with the enemy is death. It seems like a clear cut case, so make yours."
"Uzumaki Yuka is my life mate, bound to myself and my clan through ancient ritual," Kiba assured. "She's received the chakra designated for the Alpha of our clan. That is how she overcame Orochimaru's seal and curse mark. This position does not subject her to traditional rule for traitorous shinobi."
"You are correct," Mitokado said. "In fact, I'm sure you all know what happened to the last clan leader that engaged in traitorous actions." Konohamaru's expression became dark, Shikamaru sighing before placing his hands back in his pockets. "What are you suggesting, Inuzuka Kiba? This is far from the extreme of the Uchiha."
"I am suggesting that she be reprimanded into the hands of the Inuzuka," Kiba began but Utatane interrupted.
"Reprimanded into your hands? Tell me, Kiba Inuzuka, what do you plan on doing that will secure her allegiance? She's lied before; I'd hate to think of you and your clan as fools."
"She has changed. It was by her own hand that Orochimaru is finally dead," Kiba growled, Shikamaru warning him to watch his tone.
"So you think this makes up for her past? One act of good amongst many deeds of evil?" Utatane asked.
"No, I do not. She made a mistake, a grave one, but a mistake none the less," Kiba insisted.
"A grave mistake indeed," Mitokado said. "Tell me, what spurs you to disgrace your mother's memory in such a way?"
"Disgrace?" Kiba asked, his eyes narrowing. "This was her wish, her dying wish. She was wiser than us all. She knew there was something off about Yuka and hoped to change her with my prescience."
"And you're claiming it worked? That she's ready to go on and live a happy life without repercussion for her destructive actions?"
Yuka flinched at this. She'd kept her quiet, remained in control of her emotions, but that last blow was working at her strength. Kiba must have sensed it because he placed a hand on her shoulder. "It did work," Kiba said, his eyes drifting from Yuka to the council. "We've both changed. I've given her the strength to overcome her past and she has given me the strength to take up my future."
Everyone was silent for a moment before Shikamaru finally spoke up. "So, tell the council; if we decide to overlook the fact that she killed one of our own, harbored Orochimaru, tried to reanimate Orochimaru, and betrayed our trust, what will her punishment be?"
"Nara-san," Utatane interrupted. "These issues just cannot be overlooked with hypothetical's. It is our understanding that over the past three weeks Uzumaki Yuka has been subject to Inoichi's mind seal as well as Ibiki's counseling. She has also complied with every medical test necessary. Tell us, Inoichi-san, what have you to say on her mental state?"
Inoichi glanced at Yuka before looking back at the council. "Though I do not condone the Inuzuka harboring a known traitor, I cannot deny my findings. The traumatic experience of losing both parents and then the struggle to survive as a child-nin has ruptured her perceptions of reality. This is certain. She did succumb to the darker impulses of a shinobi knowingly. Also, her past affiliation with a disciple of Jiraiya-sama enhanced her search for power. The animosity she holds toward Konoha, mainly Danzo, though still there, is dormant within her subconscious. While prodding her mind, Ibiki and myself have assessed that the experience has traumatized her. She will never alter her preconceptions of the village, however her choice to overcome such hatred points to a positive recovery. It is our belief that, though she still poses a threat to the village, she is capable of overcoming her illness."
"You would describe her state of mind as an illness?" Mitokado asked.
"Yes, I would. She is still of sane mind, able to rationalize and reason, but her state of mind cannot be described as stable. I would describe it as post traumatic stress disorder, however she's had this sickness for quite some time."
"So does she prove an immediate threat to the village?"
"No, however if she is not treated it could prove to be problematic," Inoichi affirmed. "My decision is based on Yuka's actions alone. Delving into her mind was not a simple task with the seals present from both herself and Orochimaru. However, she complied allowing her mind to become wide open for any question I posed."
"Thank you," Utatane said. "I will tell you straight, Inuzuka Kiba, I do not believe it wise to slip up again. Village security is our highest priority and with so many spies trying to leak village secrets, I cannot, in all consciousness, agree to your amendment."
"Neither can I," Mitokado agreed. "Nor can we ignore the wrongs she has done. If we do not punish her effectively, it will set a precedent for future incidents. Also, it is perceived as weakness by other villages."
"Mitokado-sama," Konohamaru interrupted. "Though I agree with you that a simple amendment will not solve the issue, I cannot wholly agree that it will seem a weakness. Since the war the villages have been working together, more than ever. Our allies are no longer just select villages but all of them. I do not believe involving them, in any way, in this decision is foolish."
"You are soft, kind, Konohamaru-sama," Utatane said. "You see the good in people, showing compassion makes you a great leader. However, when it comes to the security of those closest to us, we must remember our priorities. The will of fire will endure without internal threats."
"She is no longer a threat," Kiba protested. "Inoichi-san admitted to it. Surely his judgment, and the reports from witnesses will help us come to an agreement."
"That is right," Shikamaru said. "There were several witnesses to the situation at the Inuzuka Mountain Compound. Though the council has been up to speed on her development throughout her time here, they have also been informed of our actions to persuade her; actions taken by several shinobi in this very room. I believe some statements are necessary before passing judgment."
There was a slight pause before both Utatane and Mitokado nodded. "Very well," Konohamaru said. "We will hear three statements, the others we have submitted in writing. We will first hear from Hyuuga Hiashi."
"Thank you," Hiashi said, looking over at Yuka. "I did not trust her from the beginning. The fact that Hinata not only put herself but my grandson in danger attempting to befriend her only speaks volumes about how much I dislike her. She has no village affiliations, loyalties, or honor," Hiashi spoke, his harsh words stinging Yuka. It must have angered Kiba as well because she could feel his grip on her shoulder tightening. "That being said, I stand behind my daughter, and nephew's, statements. Yuka Uzumaki, though misguided, reckless, dangerous, and completely disgraceful, did save my grandson, and daughters, life."
He paused a moment before continuing. "I saw, with my own eyes, what was happening to Uzumaki Yuka. I saw her chakra shift, the seal take over, and I also saw her own chakra struggling against Orochimaru's. After breaking the seal she engaged with Orochimaru, planning to seal him with a special seal, much like the Reaper Death Seal. She sacrificed herself, willingly, to save the entire village. I still believe she is reckless and dishonorable, however the bravery exhibited to act on behalf of those she hated is more than enough to convince me that she deserves a second chance."
"Spirited words, Hiashi-sama," Utatane pointed. "So, it is your belief, that she holds no threat to Konoha?"
"That is my belief," Hiashi affirmed.
"Next," Konohamaru began. "We will review the testimony of Inuzuka Kiba."
"I've said what I needed to say," Kiba said, shrugging slightly. "Uzumaki Yuka is, and has been for the past three weeks, my life mate and the female Alpha of the Inuzuka clan. Disciplinary action must be taken but death is not an option. As the official clan leader of the Inuzuka, Yuka is subject to an amendment. The council must take all of these things into account before passing judgment."
"Short, simple, but not exactly persuasive Inuzuka-san," Utatane said. "She is, by Inuzuka law, a clan head, however by village law she is not. It is highly irregular, especially among the clans and socialites, to adopt a clan leader so hastily. The proper ceremonies have not been witnessed nor has her claim to an amendment."
"It is not up to the village that I choose as my mate," Kiba growled. "It is not the village's decision, nor is it my clans. The decision rests with me, and me alone. As far as I am concerned she is the rightful Alpha."
"You're more stubborn than your mother," Mitokado admitted, rubbing the bridge of his nose and hoisting his glass back up. "No matter what the conflict of interest, the role of the council is to accurately, and without bias, decide the safety of the village. The fact that you are so willing to disregard village safety is disturbing. By who's right do you command such ignorance?"
"It's not ignorance!" Kiba snapped. "She is no longer a threat. It is admitted by both Inoichi and Hiashi."
"They do not have a vote in this matter. They merely provide council and witness," Utatane insisted. "Their council is respected, and valuable, but we cannot base this decision on only a few reports."
"If needed I will take full responsibility," Kiba insisted. "Whatever the cost, whatever is needed."
"You're still ignorant," Mitokado insisted. "The duty of the shinboi is to put the greater good above personal gain. Your predecessors knew that well. The betterment of the village is much more important than clan claims."
"This isn't a claim! This is a right owed. I may not have been head of the Inuzuka for long but I will not allow the village to dictate its future. That is my duty as its head."
"Spoken like a leader… but it is still foolish," Mitokado said. "We understand your claims, your rights, and the repercussions of an unfavorable decision. You need not speak another word. We will hear the final report."
"Yes, indeed. This is the report that concerns us all. This report is from Uzumaki Yuka herself," Konohamaru said. "Tell us, Yuka… why shouldn't we just execute you as a traitor?"
Yuka sat there a moment, her throat dry making it almost impossible to speak. "I… I don't have a reason," she finally said. "I cannot give you a legitimate reason. I'm a traitor. Whatever words I have to say in my own defense fall on deaf ears."
There was silence and then for the first time, Shikaku spoke. "Honesty, modesty, and logic… a desirable quality in an ally. It is unfortunate you haven't shown these traits from the beginning. Tell me, if you were to be spared, what would your future look like?"
Yuka only paused briefly, a smile spreading across her face. "Happy," was all she said, her eyes first looking at Shikaku and then to Konohamaru. "Truly happy."
There was a silence which seemed to span around the room, each person taking in her words. It was Utatane who spoke first. "It seems we have a decision to make. In light of the circumstances surrounding the situation it is only fair that we decide this here and now."
"It is my belief," she continued. "That Uzumaki Yuka is a traitor and a danger to the village. According to the Hyuuga, Naruto Uzumaki intervened with his chakra, embedded into the young Jiraiya. He came to the aid of this young woman, no doubt to save his own son. Now, what we have to determine is what would be best for the village, in the long run."
"Before you make your decision," came Neji's voice. Everyone turned to look at him now, their eyes wide with shock. It was unlike Neji to interrupt. "You may want to be aware of a guest approaching. He should be here shortly."
Hiashi and Hinata immediately activated their byakugan, however it was already too late. There was a knock on the door, which Moegi went to answer. There, standing in the doorway was the current Fire Daimyo, and former black ops member, Sai.
"Fire daimyo," Konohamaru said, standing up along with the rest of the council members. "It's an honor. To what do we owe this visit?"
Sai stepped into the room and followed Moegi to the council's table, bowing low. "Hello Hokage-sama, councilmen, my friends. I've come here on behalf of one those who cannot be represented. I believe the remaining member of team seven should speak his mind on this issue, if you'll allow me."
"Of course sir," Konohamaru said. "Please, speak your mind. Kakashi has spoken little this entire time."
"Kakashi-san," Sai said, turning to look at him. "You have no input on this situation?"
"I do not. Not yet," Kakashi said.
"What does Kakashi's former team seven have to do with this?" Mitokado asked.
"Everything," Sai assured.
"What say you, Fire Daimyo?" Utatane asked, sitting back down.
"I am simply saying that the progress the former Hokage made would be wasted if you were to execute Uzumaki Yuka."
"How so?" Mitokado asked, outraged. "I do not see what Uzumaki Naruto's legacy has to do with this situation."
"Naruto fought for understanding, true understanding between shinobi. He fought for his friends and he fought for the bonds that he created. Sentencing her to death because of a mistake that she is truly sorry for would be a terrible waste of a shinobi and friend."
"Then you believe that she is not a threat? That her punishment should be amended?" Shikamaru asked, his eyes never leaving Sai. Sai just nodded, one of his signature smiles plastered on his face.
"Thank you, Fire Daimyo, for your input. We will weigh your words carefully," Utatane said. "With all of the evidence in place we must make a decision."
"Indeed," Konohamaru said, placing his chin on his open palm. "What is your decision council members?"
Both Mitokado and Utatane sat for a while, deep in thought. For a while it looked like neither one of them would speak until Utatane spoke, her eyes closed in exasperation. "An amendment, you say?"
"What are you saying, Utatane?" Mitokado asked, his eyes growing wide. "Are you suggesting we allow a traitor into our village?"
"An amendment is more favorable. Causing waves with the Inuzuka would be crippling, not to mention the Fire Daimyo's recommendation. If it is compromise that is sought, then we should facilitate."
"We cannot excuse her betrayal. Would you risk future lives for the sake of one ally?" Mitokado asked.
"I do not wish to endanger any lives but I fear that if we execute her it may do more harm than good," Utatane said.
"Then what do you propose? Just letting her back in the ranks?"
"No, if we can agree on it, I propose a probationary period, counseling, and a neutralization of her powers until said probationary period is up," she admitted. "Perhaps I have gone soft, or perhaps the nindo of Naruto Uzumaki has changed me. Either way, I do not believe an execution is necessary."
"Then discuss terms. I have grown weary of this already," Mitokado admitted. "I will agree with whatever Utatane proposes."
"Then this is what I propose. A two year probationary period. She is not to leave the village without consent from this council and she is to nullify all of her powers today. If this is agreeable to you, when her probationary period is up, we will reevaluate her abilities as a shinobi. She will be fully recognized as clan head along with Inuzuka Kiba. Within the first year she will be closely watched, monitored, by members of the Hyuuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka. Do I make myself clear?"
"Understood," Hiashi and Neji said in unison.
"You will escort her to the intel group where they will perform the seal. Afterward, she will be put into the hands of the Inuzuka until further notice," Utatane said. "If you slip up again, Uzumaki Yuka, there will be no clemency, no matter what your connections. This council meeting is now officially over. We have business to discuss so you are all dismissed."
Yuka felt the pressure leave her, the seal disappearing from her body. She slowly stretched her legs and then stood up, smiling at Kiba. There was nothing that need be said, nothing that could even express their feelings. It wasn't logic, it wasn't fair, but to be together was more than what they could have ever asked for.
Ten Years Later
"Ma! Ma!" a boy was screaming, his loud footfalls echoing from the hall. "Ma! Airi took my kunai and she won't give it back!"
"Kaoru! Airi! You're supposed to be watching your little sister! Where is Chiharu?" Yuka yelled, her hands going to her hips as she turned around to face the little brown haired boy that had emerged from the hallway. He was no older than eight, his brown eyes staring up at Yuka as he spoke.
"She and Airi are in the yard, playing with Ayame and Botan," he said, crossing his arms. "Daddy said when he's gone I'm in charge! I want my kunai!"
Yuka sighed, kneeling down in front of him. "Kaoru," Yuka whispered, her eyes closing. "Your father is supposed to be back tonight and I haven't even finished dinner preparations. If it means that much to you to practice, I'll let you borrow my kunai. You have to promise though, as the man in charge…" she placed a hand on his small shoulder. "That you'll be careful and protect your sisters, okay? That's a big brother's job."
"But they're so stupid," he protested. "Airi only talks about that Nara boy in her class and Chiharu is too young to do anything. She just plays with that dog and laughs."
"They are girls. Give them time… okay?" she asked, standing up and reaching for a drawer. She grabbed three kunai from the collection and handed them to him. "And only throw them at targets. I'll be out after I finish preparations. Be good until then and you'll have dango tonight."
"Dango!" he said with a huge grin, sniffing slightly before tucking the kunai into his ninja belt. "Okay! I'll be so good at throwing kunai that I'll be able to enter the chunin exams, just like Jiraiya-kun did!" At that he took off down the hall and out the back door, the screen slamming behind him. Yuka smiled before sighing again, wrapping her arms around herself. She'd changed in these past ten years.
Her hair was thicker, fuller, and her face looked worn when she managed to pay attention to a mirror. Her life had changed completely with the birth of Kiba and her first child. The young boy was the spitting image of his father, and just as rambunctious. Yuka watched out the kitchen window as she finished the food for dinner. She made fresh steaks, sushi, and two different kinds of rice. The dango, which had been in the refrigerator for the past half hour, were finally set. All she needed to do now was wait for Kiba.
As if he'd read her mind he was there. She felt his arms wrap around her, the familiar scent of his cologne and musk making her knees weak. After all this time he could still do that to her. She bit her lip, leaning into him long enough to receive a soft kiss on the lips.
"How has it been the past couple days? Trouble?" he asked, his arms holding her closer. "I missed you and the kids so much."
His voice was still just as deep, resonating throughout her whole body. She couldn't help but sigh, shaking her head slowly. "No, no problems. Kaoru is doing excellent with his studies, the girls have taken to their ninja hounds, and Jiraiya is attempting the chunin exams again. This time he'll definitely make it."
"Sounds busy. How about you?" he whispered, licking her earlobe playfully. "Are you okay?"
"A little tired but I'll manage. I even made dinner," she pointed to the stove where the rice was still heating. "I wasn't expecting you for an hour or more though."
"I don't mind. I just want to spend time with my family. I've decided to take a week off. ANBU can be exhausting but I know that Daisuke has it covered for now. I need time with my family, with my children… and especially with my wife."
She just smirked, laughing slightly. She couldn't help but feel extremely comfortable like this. They were both standing before the window, staring out into the yard. The young boy was throwing kunai at a training dummy, concentrating hard. A few feet behind him sat two little girls, an extremely small one with big green eyes and deep red hair. The other, no older than six, with auburn hair and bright brown eyes was playing with a dark furred puppy. She was laughing and smiling, joking playfully with her little sister.
Yuka didn't know why but a tear came sliding down her cheek and Kiba noticed, his finger wiping it away with a flick of his wrist. "What is wrong? Are you not happy?" he asked.
"No! I'm so happy… I guess that is why I'm crying. I never pictured this future… it's just so happy," she said, sniffing softly. "Thank you."
Kiba didn't need any other words. He just smiled, pulling her against him harder so that he could kiss the top of her head several times. "No, thank you. You brought me back to life… literally. I was drifting away and you rooted me. I love you and I love our kids. Our life is perfect Yuka and I want it to stay that way."
"Me too," she admitted, clutching his arms around her. "That's why I have some great news…" she blushed slightly before turning in his arms and wrapping her own arms around him. "I'm pregnant again."
Fin.
The end! Hope you enjoyed. Please tell your friends, review, and let me know what you think. I may improve on it later on but for now it is what it is! Thanks again!
