A/N: hey all I wish to really apologise for the lack of update. Sadly not long after I posted my laptop overheated and died completely, so here's the latest chapter and aiming for more very soon (further details at end)

Meeting the family

As Kaigo and Naruto headed along the hallways Naruto couldn't help but stare around in wide-eyed wonder. Knowing that soon he may be living in these halls with a family to belong to, learn from and protect. "Alright Naruto when we go in I want you to stay quiet, while I talk to Maki about adopting you"

"Okay Kaigo, I'll try and stay quiet"

"Alright then Naruto here we go" With that Kaigo slowly pushed the door open. "Maki I'm back, I've got something to discuss with you".

"Okay I'll be through in a second, I'm just preparing dinner" Naruto saw a woman of about her mid to late twenties stick her head around the corner of the room, her brown hair rippling behind her with her movement. "Who's this you've brought with you then Kai-kun?"

"You see know I found young Naruto here out in the forest and well… I found him hunting for himself; no-one looks after him, so I thought as you're always saying we should adopt a child why not adopt Naruto"

Naruto looked back and forth between Kaigo and Maki repeatedly; if she goes for me I could jump through the window and make a runner for it, I'm sure she won't hurt me she seems nice-dattebyo.

"We'll see Kaigo I want to talk to Naruto before I say anything else on the matter alright?.So Naruto you live by yourself do you? Where do you live?"

"Well I suppose I do live on my own, Iruka-nee visits occasionally. I live in the downtown area of Konoha right under the Hokage Mountain."

"Well ok from the beginning who's this Iruka" " you see umm Mia Iruka's my teacher at the ninja academy he helps look after me, him and Jiji check on me occasionally, make sure that my apartments ok, that I'm not on the streets that sort of stuff"

"He refers to Hokage-sama as Jiji, apparently he sees him as some of the only family he's got along with this Iruka" explained Kaigo from the deep seat of his armchair. Mia stepped up from the couch all of sudden and bent down and looked Naruto straight in his dark blue eyes both shadowed by a lock of unruly blonde hair. "What do you want Naruto do you want to stay with me and Kaigo, it won't be easy" "I'm sure Mia I really want to get adopted by you and Kaigo"

As he said this Kaigo sat up straight in his chair, his head resting on his joint hands staring intently at Naruto " Naruto do you really know what it is to join us, after all you know so little of us. Well Hogosha-sama, knew I'd have to tell you about us to give you the choice. Ok sit down now, go then next Mia she doesn't bite, unless you really piss her off" "Kaigo!" "Okay, okay sit next to her then Naruto"

"Now you're seated, I shall explain we are the Hokoshu-Sha Kage clan, we are a clan of just under three hundred warriors a smaller clan compared to some on the council such as the Nara's however unlike the larger council almost all of the adult clan members are warriors of some sort whether as shinobi or simply as hunters. But remember Naruto all of our clan follow a strict code of personal honour that controls both our lives and deaths. Our clan is feared for our well-deserved renown as assassins, deadly warriors and predators of our enemies' man or animal as well as our reputation as outsiders who rarely become involved in council politics, despite having a seat on the council."

As he said this Naruto couldn't help but look up excitedly at the thought of joining such a deadly, feared and awesome clan. Kaigo seeing this knew he had to warn Naruto of the huge downsides. "But be warned Naruto if you join us, you will become great but it will not be easy the training has killed others before. It is not an easy life; few outside of the clan will ever understand why you will always hug the shadows or why you'll be always looking over your shoulder worrying that someone has come to claim your head whether it be as a prize, for money or simply as revenge. My father once said he who lives by the blade, dies by the blade, this is our clan. Knowing this what do you know say?"

What difference does it make the village fears and hates me anyway and Kaigo and Mia seem to really care for me like Iruka-nee and Jiji "I'll join Kaigo-san, people fearing me is nothing new. I'm willing to take the risks, my ninja way has always been to protect my friends and the ones I love, this will help me form the base of my honour"

Looking at Maki, Kaigo looked at Naruto a mix of pride and sadness in his eyes. "Very well them Naruto with Hogosha-sama allowing you to join, we shall present the case tomorrow. You can sleep in the spare room tonight; it's getting late now it's just gone eleven." " As Kaigo says we'll go to the council tomorrow, now come here and give me a hug Naruto, hopefully by tomorrow you can call me Kaa-san". Naruto collapsed into her arms "I'd like that (in a whisper) Kaa-san".

THE NEXT DAY: As Naruto rolled out of bed where the hell am- oh that's right (as the events from the previous flooded his brain). Slipping on the small trousers and shirt which he had worn the day before, with great care and respect Naruto slipped his rusty kunai into a sheath hidden in his waistband. Stepping out of his room into the hallway, he could smell something being cooked. Dragged by the smell Naruto found himself in the kitchen with both Maki and Kaigo. Seeing him enter Kaigo turned around.

"It's good to see you up I thought you were going to sleep forever and that I'd have to wake you up myself, we've got cereal on the table and eggs cooking help yourself". A few minutes later Kaigo and Mia joined Naruto around the table. "Ok so here's the plan Naruto, Once we've had Breakfast we will meet Hogosha-sama and go to Konoha to meet with the Hokage and then the council, I let you off last night due to everything that happened, but when you address Hogosha-sama you must be respectful, calling you either Hogosha-sa or sama unless he asks otherwise ok? He earned his position as our clan leader through hard work, sacrifice and bloodshed that must be respected."

"I understand Kaigo unless he tells me otherwise I'll do as you say" looking relieved Kaigo turned to face Mia "shall we then?" With that Mia got up taking Naruto's hand "when we go to Konoha take my hand, it's quite a way on foot to Konoha so we shall be going by tree tops, I'll lead you. Now then shall we go and meet with Hogosha-sama"

With that they left the lounge, Mia dressed in dark green formal kimono as if to hide in the trees, while Kaigo was dressed with basic chest armour his hair in a tight braid running down his neck. With loose trousers with a single wazikashi strapped to his waist and a pair of vambraces on his wrist. As they walked down the hall Naruto noticed a small tanto hidden inside Mia's kimono.

As they approached Hogosha's office Naruto could feel eyes in shadows that he was being watched…judged. Kaigo knocked on the door; the door slid open revealing Hogosha dressed in full chest armour with padded trousers above his kneecap, an Odachi strapped across his back Naruto recognised it as the same one he had seen the day before on his desk. A cloak of dark red as if dipped in dry blood flowed behind him. His head was bald the start of a tattoo could be seen on his neck, the majority of it was obscure by armour, the part that could be seen was the head of a roaring beast.

"Kaigo I'm glad I'm not the only one dressed just in case, we should go now or risking being late and we don't want that today of all days. You ready Naruto to join us?" "You bet Hogosha-sa" "good-good let us go then".

OUTSIDE THE HOKAGES OFFICE

"I will speak to the Hokage understood everyone" "yes Hogosha-sama" "yes Hogosha-sa" "yes Hogosha-sama".

"Good let us enter then" with that Hogosha led them into the tower past the mission office up the stairs to the reception of the Hokages office. As they entered none of them could help but notice the receptionist tense and reach for something under the desk "good morning how may I help you" "I wish a meeting with the Hokage please, tell him it's important and involves a certain blonde he'll understand" "I shall go and check with him, the ANBU here will watch you for anything suspicious" with that she left leaving the four of them standing as two ANBU appeared from the shadows one with a rabbit mask and the other a sparrow mask.

She re-entered to find rabbit talking to Hogosha and sparrow staring darkly at Naruto. "Usagi (rabbit) what are you doing? And what happened to suzume (sparrow)" "I'm just talking to Hogosha-sama he said could see us so I was asking for tips. Well Suzume got in a staring competition with Naruto and lost…twice." "Okay I'm just going to ignore what I just heard and say that you four have all been cleared to go and see the Hokage"

The Hokage couldn't help his eyes opening slightly at two armed men entering his office, one whom he considered an old, not necessarily close, but definitely an old friend. "Well I must say this is unexpected, now I understand why the tobetsku-jounin was slightly worried when she ran in here talking about two armed men wishing to see me. Now then Hogosha why have you come here with your two companions and Naruto, so armed?" "There's a good reason for that Hokage-sama. We specifically Kaigo and Mia wish to adopt Naruto into the Hokoshu-Sha Kage clan. Kaigo here found Naruto hunting the woods, he saw something in him then that echoed my clan. Naruto knows what may and will come from joining my clan. Now then Sarutobi what do you say?"

"As long as Naruto knows the risks from joining your clan I'm fine with it. Though there are a few things to do first: one, explain why you and Kaigo are armed, I'm not going to ask Naruto as he always carries that one kunai of his, that reminds me I need to get him a new one, two you'll need to convince the council, three how long will you be privately training him? and finally we'll all need to tell Iruka about this". The Hokage releases a large breath after saying all that in one go. While Hogosha smiled wryly " from the top, the reason me and Kaigo are heavily armed is for two reasons, to protect Naruto and to show people that we are deadly serious, you know we rarely speak on politics and this will change things. We intend to allow Naruto to stay at the academy for two more years not including his current yeat, then withdraw him for a year to train him in our clan ways, so that when he finally returns to the academy for a few weeks before team choices he is ready to face the harsh world of the shinobi, trained in our tactics similar to how the Hyuuga's train there's with the Byakugan and the gentle fist. We'll tell this Iruka as soon as we deal with the council"

The Hokage couldn't help but sigh at the thought of having to deal with both the civilian and shinobi council. But the look in Narutos' eyes when he looked at Kaigo and Mia who were holding Naruto while also listening to what was being said very carefully made it all worth it. Mia turned and looked at the Hokage "tell me honestly what you honestly think about our chances of convincing the council" as she spoke Naruto grabbed her arm hugging her close to him and Kaigo put his arm over her shoulder in support of her "my dear I honestly cannot say, it would depend on the shock value of you clan getting involved and what the Hyuuga clan do, whether they support us, vote against us or attempt to rally support against us. However since there's no Uchiha clan, due to the massacre that is one vote less against us as they always were cautious around Naruto". At this Naruto looked straight up at the Hokage "Jiji why were they cautious of me?" I wish I could tell you the truth I really wish I could echoed throughout everyone bar Narutos head, Mia having been told the night before. Hogosha stepped in here and knelt down looking Naruto straight in the eye "Naruto not all of them feared you only a few, I knew some who did not. Those who did feared you simply because you were born on the day of the Kyuubi attack; they saw you as a bad omen. But we don't see you that way and neither did many Uchiha".

The Hokage stepped out from his desk tapping his pipe with tobacco, lit it with a small jutsu. "ANBU gather the council tell them it's an emergency and all must be here in half an hour, now go" with that four ANBU knelt on their knees before the Hokage before leaping out the open window.

HALF AN HOUR LATER:

The Hokage stood before the council, the shinobi part on his right with the heads of clans and their advisors/bodyguards and a few chosen high place jounin such as Ibiki head of the interrogation and information department or Kakashi one of the best shinobi of the village, and then the civilian council taking up the majority of the hall to the centre and left of the Hokage. The Hokage stepped forwards banging the staff that he had carried in two wars on the floor "I call this council to order today to discuss the adoption of Naruto Uzumaki, due to previous attempts for adoption by other clans" his eyes drifted to Tsume of the Inzukas and Shikaku Nara "as well as due to his burden all of which you know, this will be discussed by the entire village council, but be warned once he enters this room his burden is not to be spoken of" I deeply regret giving the council such powers but due to the need to recover from the Kyuubi attack it was necessary, perhaps soon I can start to remove some powers, not all though the council will always possess the power to over-rule the Hokage in times of emergency or over-ruling by 80 or more percent of the vote.

With those thoughts and the mutterings of the council, he signalled for Naruto, Hogosha, Kaigo and Mia to enter the hall. Naruto stared about the hall in wide-eyed surprise at the halls size, while the other three could only glare at the council as they respectfully bowed, Hogosha grabbing the back of Narutos shirt to make him do so as well. With that Hogosha stood to his full six and a half foot size his cape flapping at his feet "we of the Hokoshu-Sha Kage clan have come to petition the Konoha village council for the adoption of one Naruto Uzumaki". One of the civilian council stood up "Hogosha-sama why do you wish to adopt this thing it is a nuisance and nothing but bad news for anyone near him. Not to mention he has got kicked out of the orphanage for bad behaviour and numerous apartments for the same reason" with that insult against Naruto Mia snapped straight towards the now sweating and nervous council man "listen here 'honourable' council man. Naruto has done nothing wrong he has been careful and polite to every one of us. So what right have you to judge Naruto's behaviour until you look after him" with that the councilman returned to his seat. A man with his head wrapped apart from one eye stood up "my name is Danzo Shimura. I wish to ask why you wish to adopt the boy, knowing all the facts that you do." The Hokage turned glaring from under his hat to carefully watch both Danzo and Hogosha as he responded " you see councilman Shimura I and Kaigo here have seen something within Naruto that could cause him to grow to become very powerful with his own power will and determination, but with my clans support and training he can reach his full potential" Danzo smirked "you see know I feel that I could offer this same support and training without such emotion and without the issues that some of your clansmen suffer due to you training and how you fight. The paranoia, the trust issues not to mention your clans high death rate of shinobi in whilst in service in and off missions".

With these accusations Hogosha, Kaigo and Mia all turned to face Danzo anger in their eyes, both Kaigo and Hogosha's hands twitching on the hilt of their blades. Kaigo twisted his wrist and three clawed blades slid out of his vambraces covering the top of his and Hogosha simply put his arm in front of Kaigo and shook his head. Hogosha answered Danzo his eyes a blazing " while my clan do suffer high casualties rates and such issues, this is the risk of all shinobi and the price my clan, the Hokoshu-Sha Kage clan suffer for being one of the most successful and dangerous clans that has defended Konoha time and again." While this continued all the Hokage could think was if they knew of their root program as I do you would not be able to criticise such training so openly and hypocritically as you do. With their bout finished Danzo retook his seat a victorious smirk on his face, assured that he had made his point.

With that Shikaku Nara stood from his seat "why have you, who rarely speak on these matters come forwards now to ask this?" turning to face him Hogosha's glare lessened " though we don't speak we do listen, but in Naruto we see such great possibility in Naruto as well as a kindred spirit to our clan."

As Hogosha finished the Hokage stepped forwards "does anyone else have anything to say? No, then I ask that the council vote on the adoption of Naruto Uzumaki those in favour raise your hands now"

They could only watch their breath held, waiting for the Hokage to announce the result. The Hokage stepped forwards "the results are 68 against adoption- 82 for adoption the entire shinobi council plus seven civilians. With this I now announce the adoption of Naruto Uzumaki by Hokoshu-Sha Kage clan." Kneeling in front of Naruto "now Naruto do you wish to change your name to match your clan's surname of Hokoshu-sha or keep your old name" Staring the Hokage with bright eyes shining with hope and happiness behind his ringlets "Jiji I'd like to do both if possible Naruto Uzumaki Hokoshu-sha.-dattebyo " " if that is acceptable with the clan head to use in such a way" both turning to face Hogosha, he simply smiled and nodded. With that the Hokage dismissed the council though Hiashi Hyuuga who whilst remaining silent voted for the adoption, Tsume, Ibiki and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, all who did the same remained after the council was dismissed. Naruto jumped up in happiness straight into Mia and Kaigos' arms.

Ibiki stepped forwards rubbing his bandanna over his head, not used to seeing such open gestures of positive emotion "I'm here to say congratulations and deliver a message Hogosha-sama Anko says 'she wants to meet again soon so bring some good Dango and tea…thanks' anyway I've got to go, I have some new friends back at the department I've got to greet."

As Ibiki stepped away Hiashi stepped up "I wish to congratulate you on the adoption of Naruto, my late wife used to often call his adoption by other clans, as our clan could not adopt him due to him not possessing our Byakugan. Now if only Hinata would show such promise as Naruto here. Anyway congratulations I must go" As he turned away Narutos' ears perked up at the sound of Hinata's name. "Hey you're Hinata's father right? She's really nice, there's no need to be harsh on her. She's really friendly to me and the others at the school we're trying to get her to stop stuttering if you gave her support it might help more than just being harsh on her!" his voice quietening Naruto started to become nervous as Hiashi turned to face him. Looking over his shoulder at Naruto he slowly stated "few talk to me so brazenly since my Brother died last year, perhaps you're right perhaps not. I will think of what you say, but speak to me rudely again and you will be punished for doing so" with that Hiashi left the council hall his boots echoing throughout the hall.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Tsume stepped forwards "well that was definitely brave of you pup" Tsume muttered "anyway I want to congratulate on all of this and tell you if you ever want some advice or help you'll have a willing ear at the Inzuaka compound" Naruto could only simply nod as the feral woman left her partner at her heel watching the corners as she absently scratched his ears.

Shikaku led the trio over "we want to congratulate you on the adoption and as a group we also wish to extend the hand of friendship to your clan as I too once tried to adopt Naruto, when he was younger but obviously I was blocked. We would also like to offer a willing ally to Naruto himself" Hogosha and Naruto turned to face Shikaku Narutos' eyes wide open in surprise, Hogoshas' eyes gleamed only slightly in surprise "I'd be honoured to accept you hand of friendship with our own, though we rarely speak we will gladly become friends and allies with your clans" Naruto realising what was going on suddenly said "thanks for your support and trying to adopt me" and grabbing Shikaku's hand " I accept your hand of friendship." With all said the trio left their hands in the air waving a lazy good-bye

Tanto-small knife, blade and hilt together just larger than a pen

Wazikashi- a half sword, about three quarters of the length of a katana

Odachi- a large katana, the length of a person's back. Think of zabuza's sword but slimmer effectively.

A/N: As ever please review and let me know what you think what I did right, wrong or could improve on thanks.

Now then to give some context of the size of Konoha. I'm putting Iwa and Kumo at the same size. My thoughts are to have large wars in such a short period of time there must be a lot of people the view of the grave yards support this, think of Asumas' burial. In this story there are about 300 Genin, 4000-5000 chunin (where most shinobi spend their career) spread throughout the land of fire, patrols and mission 600 tobetsku jounin and about 450 jounin at most and about 300 ANBU. ( that is active shinobi)

Now this chapter is twice the size of my previous one, I intend to keep expanding the size of my chapters as I go. I also wish to say sorry once again for not posting sooner due to my broken laptop. I hope to have another chapter up in 2 weeks exams and revision permitting