Kō loved to sleep. He lied to himself and claimed it was as close to peace as a Konoha Nin would likely achieve in his life. The truth was that in his core, Kō was as lazy as any Nara. If he hadn't been born with the Byakugan and used the word 'troublesome' a bit more, he could easily be mistaken for a member of the legendary deer herders. His hair was certainly spiky enough and when he wasn't at the Hyūga compound he slept soundly and never moved.
"Nii-san! The sun's up! What are you going to teach me? Nii-san!" Kō saw that the clock was hatefully showing six am. Hiashi-sama had graciously allowed him to come in later because of his injuries.
"Troublesome." Kō grumbled into his pillow. Maybe my mother actually was a Nara… "I'll be there in a second."
Naruto shouted something involving 'ninjas' and 'exciting' while Kō shuffled into the bathroom. He shuffled out into the living area and found Naruto bouncing up and down on the sofa. Kō cast a quick glance around his apartment. He still had all his furniture intact. His small TV wasn't a wreck and all the scrolls and books were in their proper place. Oh thank god.
The small kitchenette was also thankfully free of fire. Kō grabbed some cereal and poured some soy milk into it. He hated that stuff, but last time he was at the store he picked it up while in a dead rush. His responsibilities to Hiashi-sama and Hinata-sama rarely left him much time. Now, he had Naruto too. He was only going to have sleep as personal time.
Joy.
He called Naruto to the kitchen table and handed him the bowl. Naruto began eating like he hadn't seen food in a month.
"Ok, Naruto, first lesson. Eat slower. It's not going anywhere and you won't make a mess."
The child looked up at his 'nii-san' and smiled. The boy wasn't eating much slower, but it was passable for a hyperactive four year old. Kō returned his focus to the sacred morning ritual of making coffee. It wasn't popular in Konoha. It was far more common on Nagi Island. The Chunin really couldn't remember where he discovered coffee. He had a few vague memories about a drunken celebration for a completed mission that involved some kunai, a large fire, his now dead friend Masao and Suzu and a few Land of Noodle prostitutes.
Hyūga Kō prayed every single night that no one in Konoha found out about that the Great Harbor Fire was connected to a drunken bender he took part in as a Genin.
Kō joined Naruto at the table. "How did you sleep?
"Great!" Naruto clasped his hands behind his head. Kō found it impossible not to smile back. "Thanks for breakfast."
"You're welcome Naruto. And that is one of the lessons I will be teaching you. Manners. The Hyūga are a very important clan. You need to be on your best behavior all the time. I'll be teaching you when it's ok to run around and play and when it's time to sit still and be polite."
"Like a game?"
That was actually a brilliant idea. Naruto had too much energy to listen to lectures. The game would help him focus and the possibility of reward would make him eager to keep practicing.
"Yes, like a game. Tell you what. Let's start in a little bit. The first part of the game will start soon. I'll tell you how you get points."
Naruto nodded vigorously. "Ok!"
Kō quickly finished getting ready, but took the time to take one last hate filled glance at the clock. It was still before seven. He was planning on blissfully sleeping till 8 and distracting Naruto with simple exercises while he finished recovery. Now, he was up at his usual time and had slipped into responsible guardian mode. There were times where Kō wondered if his clan had two bloodline limits, the Byakugan and the ability to change emotional states like lesser clans changed clothes.
"Alright Naruto. It is time to begin your training. Hiashi-sama has graciously granted you patronage. The Hyūga Clan is the most respected of all Konoha's Clans. I am going to teach you to become a Ninja worthy of Konoha and the Hyūga Clan."
It truly was amazing how quickly the masks changed. Five minutes ago, Kō was fondly recalling his youthful misadventures and now he was teaching a boy so that he would never have his own.
"I'm going to be a ninja!" Naruto leapt to his feet and was shaking with excitement. Kō was more convinced than ever that lectures would not work with the boy. Hinata-sama and Neiji-san had the innate Hyūga poise to benefit greatly from lectures.
"Yes, Naruto. We are starting now. Do you know what Chakra is?" The Chunin sat down with another cup of coffee.
"I've heard bout it."
That was actually more than Kō had hoped for. It was likely the Hokage had told Naruto about Chakra and being a ninja during the visit in the hospital. Kō began a simple explanation of Chakra that every child of his Clan heard from the moment they could talk. Naruto would interrupt occasionally to ask a question about a word or something he wasn't sure about. He was a very different student from Kō's usual charges. The Chunin found himself enjoying it. Naruto devoured the lesson like he devoured his food. Kō was also forming the teaching methods that would best fit his hyperactive charge. Naruto responded well to acknowledgement, even if it was explaining something he did wrong.
"It's time for lunch. Let's eat out today."
Naruto shot up with a yippee. Kō laughed at the enthusiasm. This boy was certainly going to cause a scene when he entered the compound. The Elders were going to have a heart attack.
That might have been Hiashi-sama and Hizashi-sama's plan.
The first stop was a clothing store. There was absolutely no way Kō was going to bring Naruto to the Compound wearing borrowed hospital scrubs and no shoes. The Chunin tried to get Naruto to wear traditional Hyūga style robes. The boy crossed his arms defiantly and pointed towards similar robes.
"I want those."
This was finally the reaction Kō had expected when Hiashi-sama had informed him of his mission. "But Naruto, they are orange. Hyūga do not wear orange."
Naruto pouted. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"
Kō couldn't help but chuckle at the pride in that simple declaration. The robes weren't that gaudy. It was a subdued burnt orange. The Hyūga tutor did not believe that he would be in any more trouble than he likely was. Truthfully though, arguing with Naruto over the color of his clothes would be too much of a hassle.
"Alright, alright. We'll get those robes. Come on, we've got a few other stops."
The cashier shook his head as Kō lead Naruto to the checkout. "Kids, once they get an idea in their head they don't let go."
Naruto grinned at the man who nodded back. Kō found a changing room and helped the boy get into his new robe. He had to fight off a dozen questions ranging from why it had to be tied this way to what would happen when Naruto got bigger. The idea that he would one day have to stop wearing his new robes was horrifying to the child.
"Ready to eat, Naruto?"
The pair eventually reached a small ramen stand. Naruto climbed onto the stool himself and rejected any help from Kō. The boy was always eager for any chance to prove himself.
"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen, I'm Ayame. May I take your order?" The young girl asked hesitantly. It was obviously her first day.
"I'll have Miso Ramen. Do you have a smaller order for Naruto here?"
The girl nodded. "We do."
Kō smiled. "I think he'll like Miso too."
"It'll be ready in a moment."
Naruto looked a bit confused. "Don't worry Naruto, you'll get your lunch. They are fixing it for us."
The boy looked relieved. "Kay. I'm hungry."
Kō ruffled the boy's hair. This wasn't as bad as he had feared. "Good. Now, remember that your food isn't going to run away. Take your time and don't make a mess."
The waitress returned and placed the orders in front of Kō and Naruto. After a hearty itadakimasu, Naruto tried the ramen. His eyes went wide and for a second it looked like the boy was going to completely ignore Kō's lesson. Naruto saw his nii-san's disapproving look and slowed down.
No, this won't be bad at all. Kō thought with a smile.
Uchiha Fugaku sat behind his desk and glared at his subordinates and clansmen, Tekka and Yashiro.
"The Hokage has rejected to hear our appeal of the Hyūga's monopolization of the jinchūriki."
Yashiro bowed his head. "I am truly sorry, Fugaku-sama. The Hokage has already approved the Patronage request. The jinchūriki was responsible for the rescue of the Hyūga heiress."
The edge of the desk splintered where Fugaku struck it. "Did he even consider that having the Kyūbi in the hands of those Hyūga bastards will do to the balance of power in Konoha?"
The two lower ranking Uchiha instinctively flinched as their commander's Sharingan activated. "Have you had any contact the Raikage?"
Fugaku flipped his desk. "Shut up you fool! Do not mention that outside our District. Not everyone in the Military Police is one of us!"
Tekka bowed quickly to hide his own fear. "Forgive me, Fugaku-sama."
The Uchiha head began storming around the office. "I want the Kyūbi under surveillance."
Yashiro bowed. "Yes, Fugaku-sama. We will have to be cautious, the Sandaime favors the child."
The two Military Police officers were curtly dismissed. Fugaku was left alone to fume. The Kyūbi had ruined the potential alliance with Kumo. This would delay the Uchiha reclaiming their rightful place by years. "The founder said it would come to this. We were so blinded by our fatigue that we ignored the only Uchiha brave enough to see the truth. What would you say to this, Madara?"
Hiashi took a calming breath. His daughter was progressing slower than he had expected. The memories of her near abduction by Kumo still haunted him. However, he remembered Hinata fighting back. The Hyūga Clan head's Byakugan had shown him the entire encounter. Hinata had landed several strikes on the Jonin. She had not closed the tenketsu completely, but she was a traumatized three year old fighting one of the Raikage's most talented retainers. It was enough to quiet concerns of potential weakness, for now.
Hiashi watched as his daughter slowly recovered and thought about his conversations with his brother. Their initial fear had been avoided. Their father, Hisao, was actually ecstatic. Hyūga Hisao was vocal in his concerns that the Hyūga clan was losing face and stature in comparison to the Uchiha. The granting of patronage the jinchūriki and declaring he would be brought up with 'Hyūga values' had been met with a smile.
It was disgusting. Hiashi couldn't bring himself to view the son of the Yondaime as a weapon or a tool in the ongoing competition with the Uchiha. The twin Household heads could only see the child as the legacy of one of their closest friends. Hizashi had later confided that, though it was never their intention, it did 'feel good to stick it to those pompous Uchiha'.
The clan head noticed that Hinata had caught her breath after the exercise.. "Hinata, activate the Byakugan."
"Hai, otou-san." Hinata signed and activated her Bloodline limit and her father followed suit.
Hiashi nodded. "How many carved stones are there?"
The Byakugan granted a range of perception than the rest of humanity could dream of experiencing. A Hyūga had three hundred and sixty degree vision, could see the chakra pathways of a living creature and with see through obstacles. Certain gifted Hyūga could expand their vision to several kilometers in diameter.
Hinata's vision range was several meters. "Ano…" She hesitated. There were four that she could see in the courtyard, but something was drawing her attention elsewhere.
"Nii-san, why is there a rock in the hall?" The distant voice was quickly hushed.
"Three!" Hinata yelped before her father could say anything. The perfect emotional never slipped. Internally, he was fondly remembering another fiery Uzumaki with an utter lack of subtlety.
"Describe their location."
"One is in mama's flowers. There is one next to the tree and one in the hall near the urn."
Hiashi nodded. "Well done." Hinata brightened and bowed. "You may join us Kō-san."
Kō took a deep breath. "Thank you, Hiashi-sama."
The Hyūga clan prided themselves on tradition and conformity. Physical appearance was almost completely uniform throughout the clan. The clan also encouraged subdued clothing. Nowhere in Konoha was a conservative stance more ardently embraced than within the Hyūga district.
Thus, Uzumaki Naruto stood out like the full moon on a starless night. The boy's blond hair, blue eyes and whisker birth marks were unlike anything Hinata had ever seen. Naruto was clearly struggling to contain his natural exuberance. In the young heiress's eyes, it was as if the concept of fun decided it wanted a body.
"Afternoon, Hiashi-sama!" The boy bowed just a bit too much. The tactiturn clan head fought back a smirk. Hisao-sama was going to have to remind himself constantly of the power of the Jinchūriki to stand the hyperactive child.
Naruto turned and smiled without any sense of restraint. "Hi! Hinata-sama!"
"Good afternoon, Uzumaki-san." The clan head turned to the tutor. "Kō-san, I hope our young ward has not been too much trouble."
Kō bowed. "No, Hiashi-sama."
Hiashi prided himself on his ability to read the emotional state of other people. The clan head had known the young tutor for years. Kō was an open book. However, familiarity did not prevent surprise. Kō was not only keeping up with the Yondaime's secret child but enjoying it. It was unexpected.
"Excellent. Hajime will be arriving shortly to see to Hinata and Uzumaki-san's lesson in chakra manipulation."
Naruto flinched at the unfamiliar name and the realization nii-san wasn't going to be with him. The young child panicked and looked towards Kō for reassurance.
"It is alright, Naruto. Hajime is my older cousin. He's going to teach you more about chakra. Remember this morning?" The blond nodded and Kō decided to never mention that pretty much all Hyūga were cousins. "He taught me about chakra. Also, Hinata-sama will be with you and I am sure she will be able to help you if you need it."
The heiress 'eeped' and bowed politely. Naruto walked towards the dark haired girl with his smile firmly glued to his face. Kō approached the head of his clan.
"Hiashi-sama, thank you. This will allow me to investigate the situation at the orphanage Naruto mentioned while we were purchasing acceptable clothing." Naruto's excited talk of learning about chakra caused Kō to pause. "I apologize that Naruto is so unrestrained in Hinata-sama's presence."
"They are children. There is no shame in them having a moment of childhood. They will soon be shinobi of Konoha and soldiers."
Kō politely agreed with Hiashi-sama while recalling the first time he had killed on a mission. He had been thirteen. The mission has been a C-rank and Team Yumiko was escorting a merchant between Konoha and a farming village. At the time, Kō swore every bandit in the Land of Fire was charging out of the woods. The clarity of hindsight allowed the Chunin to realize that there had likely been less than a dozen bandits. Yumiko-sensei had killed four nearly as soon as Kō had detected them with his Byakugan. The young Hyūga had been so horrified that he missed with his first kunai. The second kunai missed the man's chest and hit in the leg. Had Kō really been that scared? Years of Clan and village training had taken over and Kō landed a series of Gentle Fist strikes on the stumbling bandit. The man's heart had shattered. Masao and Suzu had also killed. Masao's first kill had been with a thrown Kunai and Suzu had used her clan's genjutsu. The survivors were wounded and subdued for the Uchiha Military Police to recover later.
"My appointment at the orphanage is in two hours. Is there anything the clan requires of me, Hiashi-sama?"
Hiashi produced a small scroll from his robes. "Take this to my brother. He is training Neiji and the other Branch family children. No one other than Hizashi may read this."
"Of course Hiashi-sama." There was something off with this, Kō realized. Hiashi-sama had called Hizashi-sama, 'my brother' instead of Hizashi or the branch head. Also, Kō had been instructed to keep the scroll out of sight. The behavior of the Clan head was odd.
"Hinata-sama, may I speak with Naruto for a moment?" Hinata nodded politely and Kō pulled his surrogate little brother aside. "Naruto, remember the game we talked about this morning?"
"I remember, nii-san." Naruto's nod was theatrical in its intensity.
"Good. Time to start. You are to pay attention and listen to Hajime-sensei. If Hajime-sensei gives me a good report, you'll earn 5 points. If you can tell me about the lesson, I'll give you another 5 points."
"What are the points for?" Naruto chewed his lip.
"If you get ten points, I'll take you to get more ramen." Kō had spoken the magic word. There was no way the blond was going to ignore the lesson now.
"Awesome! Hey, when I get ten points, can Hinata-sama come?" The boy's confidence was a boon, Kō realized. Hinata was still shaken from her ordeal and by her mother's illness. Kō turned to Hiashi-sama. The clan head gave a nod so slight only Kō noticed it.
"If Hinata-sama wishes."
Naruto turned to Hinata and had a look in his eyes that wouldn't have been out of place in the Inuzuka Kennel.
"Ano… I'd like that." Hinata agreed. Naruto leapt into the air and smiled.
"Ramen is the single greatest food ever. You'll love it!" The reaction was so un-Hyūga that Hinata couldn't contain a giggle.
At that moment, Hajime-sensei arrived. Kō quickly explained the situation and his observations on the best way to reach Naruto. The middle aged Hyūga tutor nodded and called the children over. Naruto turned and waved to his big brother before following Hinata into the compound.
Kō headed in the opposite direction. He was Main Branch and rarely entered the section of the compound occupied by the Branch Family. There was still tension between the branches, but Hiashi and Hizashi's recent reconciliation was a sign things could improve. Hizahsi was emerging from the Branch Dojo with a winded Neiji following closely behind.
"Hizashi-sama, Neiji-kun." Kō bowed politely. The Chunin could theoretically use the honorific san with Hizashi. However, Kō was aware of the brother's efforts to heal the rift between the Branches.
"Kō-san." Hizashi returned the courtesy shown by the Main Branch retainer.
"Hizashi-sama, I have a message from your brother, Hiashi-sama."
Hizashi turned to Neiji. "Excellent work today, Neiji. Rest for a bit and get ready for your next lesson." The boy beamed at his father's praise and politely departed. "Join me in my office, Kō-san."
The office of the Branch family was not as grand as Hiashi's office, but it compared to the offices of other Clan Heads. "Hiashi-sama wanted me to deliver this scroll."
Hizashi accepted the scroll with both hands. "Thank you, Kō-san. I have been informed you are to be investigating why our new charge was removed from the orphanage prematurely."
Kō didn't try to hide his distaste at what had happened to Naruto. "I am, Hizashi-sama."
"Good. Young Naruto may not officially be a Hyūga, but Hiashi and I will extend every protection to the child as if he shared our blood. It is high time our great Clan became a family again."
The pair parted politely and the Chunin exited the compound with a bit of haste. Realization was dawning. Hiashi-sama and Hizashi-sama couldn't be planning something on that magnitude could they? The Elders would try to remove both of them from their positions. The twins were incredibly popular with a large portion of the Clan, but had angered the most conservative elements of the Hyūga.
No, it has to be something regarding Naruto.
Konoha was quiet and cool. It rarely snowed in the Hidden Village of the Leaf. Kō actually liked the crisp air. He reached the orphanage and grunted in distaste. This place was shabby. Kō was Main Branch Hyūga and had high standards wired into his genetic code. Worse, they had kicked a three year old out with only a raggedy blanket and summer clothing.
Kō was greeted by an old man sipping at Sake. He was not amused. "Welcome, Hyūga Kō. I am Maeda Hiroshi. Thank you for being so prompt. Today is my last day here."
Good. Kō thought but didn't say. "You are welcome Maeda-san."
"Let's talk in my office." There was a change in tone that would have been clear even to a civilian.
The Chunin followed the retiring caretaker. They sat in old but surprisingly comfortable chairs. There was a moment of quiet as Hiroshi gathered his thoughts. "Could you use your Bloodline Limit to check the halls?"
In that moment, Kō realized Naruto's situation was far more complicated than he even dreamed. Ko signed and whispered Byakugan. He had trained his Bloodline limit and even seen a little combat in the Third Shinobi World War. Kō's range of vision was impressive. The entire orphanage was laid bare before him.
"No one is within earshot and there are no listening devices in your office."
Maeda sighed with relief. "You are likely going to explode at first, but… Naruto was kicked out to protect him." The old drunk was right. Kō's instincts screamed for him to strike the man with a full Jukken strike. Naruto had really grown on Kō in the short time they had been together. He managed to remain calm and the retiring man continued.
"Naruto's probably told you about never being allowed to see the Ninjas that came to the orphanage."
Kō nodded. Naruto sadly recalled the fact while they were walking to lunch. He had seen a silver haired Jonin giggling at an orange book. The young boy wanted to be a ninja with every fiber of his being. Naruto saw the looks of respect that Konoha gave even to her Genin. Kō would never forget the conversation that ended any lingering fears the Kyūbi held any sway over Naruto.
"So, why do you want to be a ninja, Naruto?"
The boy fidgeted in his new robe. "The village looks at ninja like they are family. I want to be family to the village and protect them. If I'm like family, no one will be alone like I was anymore."
Maeda instinctively looked around the room and ignored Kō's active Byakugan. "Those ninja were loyal to Danzō. Hokage-sama could not let Naruto fall into Danzō's clutches. We haven't been able to confirm anything, but we think the old Warhawk has his private army up and running again."
"How do you know? Who are you really?"
"Shinobi aren't the only ones who are capable of gathering intelligence. Hokage-sama doesn't have enough evidence to move against someone with the clout of Danzō."
"How does kicking Naruto out of your orphanage protect him?"
"Hokage-sama had him shadowed by some of his most trusted ANBU. Naruto was going to wander around the village for a few hours and be picked up by the Uchiha Military Police. The Hokage had left Fugaku-sama explicit written orders to release Naruto into his custody. The Uchiha police never found him. We checked their patrol records under the aegis of investigating the attempt to kidnap Hinata-sama. Everything seemed in order, but there were no reports of a boy wandering the streets alone. I know this isn't true, because I filed a report myself. I even admitted to drunkenness my statement. They fined me eighty ryo for drunk in public! They didn't even care that I'd let the child just go! I guess it worked out though… Hokage-sama never dreamed that Naruto would help save Hinata and give Hiashi-sama and Hiromi-sama the excuse they've been looking for since the passing of the Yondaime to adopt the child."
If the silence that followed had been an ocean, Kō would have drowned. The revelations that Hiroshi had dropped into Kō's lap had left him mentally battered. The only experience Kō had to compare his current state to was the beating he received in his first Chunin exam finals.
"I had no idea." Kō's eyes were downcast and his voice sounded hollow in his own ears. Gods above, I sound like I disappointed father.
"Is there anything else?"
Kō looked up. "Did the hospital return a blanket to you?"
Maeda coughed a bit on his sake. "They did. Does Naruto want it back?"
"He'd like that." The Chunin smiled weakly as he was still reeling from Maeda's tale.
The old man pulled a blanket from a drawer and handed it over. Kō folded it and put the blanket under his arm. "Thank you. I am glad you told me."
"You're welcome. Take care of Naruto. He deserves so much more than to be alone because of his sacrifice."
Kō had never agreed with anyone more.
Naruto's arm stretched as high as it could. Hajime finished his point and sighed. The boy was going to ask another question. Kō had said the Uzumaki child was an 'active learner', but the younger tutor clearly forgot a prefix. This was not how Hyūga learned.
"Yes, Uzumaki-san." Since this was the sixteenth question in an hour, Hajime didn't even try to hide his agitation.
"Hajime-sensei, I know I can't use Gentle fist 'cause I don't have the By-coo-gone, but could I still put chakra into my hits?"
"Yes, it is possible. You should focus more on chakra control for ninjutsu however." Naruto's eyes lit up at 'ninjutsu' and he really, really wanted to ask if Hajime-sensei was going to teach any jutsus today. He decided to wait and see. Nii-san's lessons about being patient with food probably applied to being patient with everything else. Nii-san was smart.
"Ok, Hajime-sensei."
The middle aged teacher continued for a few more minutes before dismissing the children. They were all glad to be out of a lesson and ran off. Naruto stretched and smiled at Hinata.
"Glad that's over. I've never sat that long ever!"
"Ano, Naruto-chan… We have lessons every day." Hinata said quietly while inspecting the ground.
"WHA! EVERDAY!" Naruto shouted in abject horror.
Hinata giggled. "Yes, everyday Naruto-chan."
"We don't have any more today?" The eagerness and hope in his tone was infectious. Naruto really wasn't like anyone Hinata had ever met.
"No more today." Hinata was as glad as Naruto. "Let's go to the garden until Kō-san gets back."
"Kay, Hinata-sama!"
The two children were unaware they were being watched by Hiashi's Byakugan. The head of the Clan sat in his office with his twin brother, Hajime and Kō.
"Hajime-san, what are your opinions of Uzumaki Naruto?"
"I cannot fault his desire to learn. However, he does not listen to lectures like a proper Hyūga. No student of mine has ever asked so many questions."
Hizashi crossed his arms. "How was his behavior?"
"The Uzumaki child never interrupted the lesson and only spoke when acknowledged. I was surprised that he had the awareness to call me sensei."
Hiashi nodded. "Thank you, Hajime-san."
Hajime bowed and left. No one spoke until Hizashi and Hiashi were confident that there was no risk of being overheard. The twin family leaders turned to Kō.
"The meeting with the Orphanage head was not what you expected." Hiashi stated plainly.
This was going to be awkward. Kō wasn't entirely sure how the powerful figures in front of him would react. However, he was honor bound as both Naruto's guardian and a Hyūga to inform his superiors of what he discovered. The Chunin recounted the conversation in full detail. He left out no detail, from the actual words to Maeda's demeanor.
Hizashi cast his brother a concerned look. "Kō-san, what we are about to tell you is not to leave this room. You are forbidden to tell anyone, especially Naruto, what we are about to reveal. This is an S-class secret and if the Hokage found out we told you, the clan could face serious sanction."
Kō's mouth went dry. The tone Hizashi had used left no room for discussion. Hiashi leaned forward. "Now that you understand… Naruto's status as the Jinchūriki of the Nine Tailed Fox is not the sole reason for his partial anonymity. If Naruto's true parentage was discovered, he would be targeted by Hunter-nins from every major Hidden Village possibly including rogue units from our own village. His father was a great man, one of the greatest I have ever known, but he had many enemies."
Who could inspire so much fear that a Hidden village would aspire to kill a dead man's child?
"Naruto's father was the Yellow Flash. He is Namikaze Minato's son."
Kō's entire world went numb.
"Mama!" Hinata cried out with glee and ran across the garden. The heiress hugged her mother tightly.
"How was your lesson, Hina-chan?" The gentle looking woman asked as she sat her daughter in her lap.
"It was good." Hinata was beaming as her mother stroked her hair.
Naruto felt a deep longing in his heart. The sight of Hinata and her mother as something Naruto had always dreamed he would one day have. He was happy for his friend, but he could not ignore the void in his own life. Naruto was grateful for nii-san. He really was, but there was a void only a mother could fill.
"Hello, you must be Naruto-chan." Naruto smiled shyly at the greeting.
"Yes, ma'am."
"And polite, Kō-kun is a gifted tutor. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Hiromi, Hinata's mother."
"Nice to meet you, Hiromi-sama."
It seems Kō-kun has begun molding Naruto to be like his father. Oh, you poor boy, I wish I could tell you how wonderful your parents were and how much they loved you.
Hiromi did not shun the boy. The Hyūga matron simply allowed them to be children. It was one of the greatest days of Naruto's young life. It was late in the afternoon when Kō entered the gardens to retrieve Naruto.
"Good evening, Hiromi-sama. I am glad to see that you are well."
"Ah, Kō-kun! It is good to see you. Are you here to collect, Naruto-chan?"
"Yes, Hiromi-sama. I thank you for looking after Naruto."
Hiromi smiled. "It was a pleasure. I look forward to seeing him in the compound after his lessons. He is very well behaved."
Oh thank gods. Kō mentally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Say good night to Hiromi-sama and Hinata-sama, Naruto."
Naruto was playing with Hinata off to the side. "Do I have to go?"
"I'm sorry, Naruto. We have to go. Hinata-sama has to get ready for dinner. And… we need to go, too. You haven't told me about Hajime's lesson. It would be a shame if we were late to Ichiraku…"
"Right! Can Hinata-sama come with us to get ramen tonight?" Hope practically dripped from his voice.
Hiromi enjoyed the emotional warmth of the child. It was refreshing after her latest illness and the terror of almost losing her precious daughter. "I am sorry, Naruto-chan. Hina-chan cannot go tonight. There will other times, perhaps after your next lesson."
The disappointment was clear on the blond's face. Suddenly, Hinata's statement that they had lessons everyday wasn't as terrible as it was the first time he heard it. Naruto quickly looked back and forth between his brother-figure and his new friend. "We'll be back tomorrow right?"
Kō chuckled. "Of course."
Naruto jumped into the air and shouted in joy. He quickly calmed down and waved goodbye. "Bye, Hinata-sama, Hiromi-sama! See you tomorrow!"
"Good bye Naruto-chan." Hiromi said warmly while her daughter was barely able to shyly whisper goodbye.
As Naruto and Kō walked out the front gates, the young boy excitedly talked about the lesson. The Chunin smiled as he wondered what the future held for the remarkable child.