The Hyūga council chamber was her least favorite place in the world. Hinata hated this place as much as she loved her mother's gardens or the grove where she played with Naruto and Neji. She knew as heiress she would have to spend a great deal of time here, and Hinata reluctantly accepted that fact. Unfortunately, she hadn't been brought here by father as part of Hinata's ongoing education. The council had summoned her. The pale eyed girl knew exactly why the old men of the clan had called her. The Haruno family had brought the slap before the council. The civilians would never be permitted before the clan council of Konoha's newly most powerful clan, but the council would put on a show of hearing their complaint.

Hisao-sama called the meeting to order. Hinata always felt very self conscious when she had to address the council personally. Certain members of the council did not hold any hopes she would make a strong heiress. Hinata made no attempt to hide her shy, kind nature. It was just that the Council did not believe the Clan Head should possess such a personality.

"Hinata-sama, you have been summoned by the Council."

Hinata recognized the formal opening of an inquiry. "Hisao-sama, august Councilors, I have received your summons and appeared before you with all due haste and respect."

The sideways glances of the council betrayed their surprise at the lack of a stutter. Hinata wanted to turn around and return the smile that was no doubt plastered on Naruto's face. The Council, namely Hideko and Akihito, had attempted to keep the Hyūga Ward from the proceedings. Neji and Hinata had spent less than five minutes looking through the by-laws of the Clan before finding a simple loophole. Hinata was allowed to present witnesses to the Council. Neji insisted he be present as well, the older boy 'demanded' his right as Hinata's Branch House body guard and as his cousin/little sister's Clan support.

The three knew that Hiashi and Hizashi supported Hinata completely. However, their roles prevented them from speaking until the Council reached a decision. Technically, it was Hiashi who rendered judgment and that the Council only 'advised' the Clan Head on his ruling. Tradition mandated that the Clan Head follow the recommendation of the Council. Hiashi would read out the judgment and Hizashi would escort the subject of the judgment from the Council Chambers.

Hinata's grandfather failed miserably at his attempt not to look smug. Hinata hoped the smugness was due to grandfatherly pride. She also said a quick silent prayer that Kō-san and Neji-niisan could keep Naruto from exploding.

"Hinata-sama, the Haruno family has brought an incident to the attention of this Council. They claim that you struck their daughter today outside assigned spars. We are here to ascertain the truth of these allegations."

Hinata kept her eyes forward and maintained perfect posture. She had not activated her Byakugan but she could see each councilor. The Hyūga Council did not want to be there. The accusations had come from a civilian family. If the Council had not been trying to reinforce the Clan's new found position as Konoha's greatest clan this accusation would have been ignored completely. Hinata was suddenly struck by the real reason for this session of the Clan Council. It was a test. Her performance tonight would have more bearing on her status as heiress than any Jukken spar or Academy mark. She had never been more thankful for Naruto's proximity.

"August Council members, I… I do not believe there is any need to a…ascertain the truth of the allegations. I did slap Haruno Sakura earlier today."

Hinata cursed her stutter. She had it under control until she realized how important this meeting was to her future. The Council members all looked stunned. Hiashi managed to maintain his mask of perfect emotional mastery. The mask was easy to maintain because he already knew the complete story from both Hinata and Naruto. Hiashi found not laughing the hardest part. Naruto's explanation that Hinata's slap 'shut up Sakura in a second and sent the bitch packing!' was looping in his head.

"Hinata-sama, striking another academy student is a serious breach of protocol. I pray you have a good explanation for your actions."

Naruto made an indignant huff and was quickly silenced by Kō. "August Councilors, I struck Sakura because of her slanderous insinuations regarding our Clan's reaction to the Uchiha Massacre and unkind remarks leveled at an individual under the stalwart protection of our clan."

If there had been sufficient light in the chamber, the council would have been permanently blinded by the reflection off Naruto's smile. Hinata had said more to the council than she ever had before. And she hadn't even stuttered! Naruto wanted to run up and hug her, but he knew that would get Hinata in trouble.

Stupid Council, they are trying to ban happiness! Neji was right!

If protocol had permitted, the council would have adjourned at that very moment. However, Hinata had summoned a witness to defend her position. The council was bound by the by-laws to question Hinata and her witness now. Hideko was acknowledged for the first question.

"Hinata-sama, what were the insinuations the civilian made regarding our clan?"

"Hideko-sama, the civilian… she claimed w… we did not assist the Uchiha because we wanted them all to die. Haruno Sakura said we wanted to take advantage of the Massacre."

Councilman Seiji was the next to ask a question. "Hinata-sama, I assume the clan ward you referred to is Uzumaki Naruto. What did this Sakura say about young Naruto?"

Hinata was still angry at the cruel things Sakura had said about Naruto-kun. "Sakura claimed that Naruto-kun had been up all night dancing to celebrate the massacre. She was implying that Naruto-kun, and by extension the Hyūga clan, knew about the Massacres and did nothing."

Hisao thanked Hinata for her answers and called Naruto forward. Kō and Neji immediately began praying. They had put Naruto through a crash course in decorum. Naruto walked over to Hinata before sitting before the council.

Oh god, we're doomed! Naruto's older brothers sighed in unison.

"You were awesome Hinata-chan." Naruto whispered before taking his seat. He was the only person in the entire room who missed Hinata's blush.

"Uzumaki-san, you have been summoned by the council." Hisao repeated the ritualistic introduction.

"Hisao-sama, august Councilors, I have received your summons and appeared before you with all due haste and respect." Naruto parroted Hinata's response. He wasn't sure what the month of August had to do with the council. It was March. The 'Weird Hyūga Stuff' folder had a new entry.

Naruto desperately fought off a groan when he recognized who was going to ask the first question. Teme Number Three.

"Uzumaki-san, what was the cause of the confrontation between Hinata-sama and Haruno Sakura?"

Sakura was being a bitch and Hinata shut her up! Naruto knew he couldn't say that, but did he ever want to!

"Akihito-sama, Sakura yelled at Hinata-c…sama about the Hyūga Clan not helping the Uchiha." Naruto barely caught his slip.

Hisao asked the next question. "Uzumaki-san, did Hinata-sama immediately respond to the civilian's accusations?"

Naruto took a deep breath. "Kinda, Hisao-sama. Hinata had been… concerned about her family all morning and was sort of caught off guard by Sakura's question. I actually told Sakura to back off before Hinata-sama responded."

Kō and Neji groaned at Naruto's completely informal response. At least Naruto had the presence of mind not to say Hinata had been afraid. Akihito received permission for a follow-up question. "Uzumaki-san, how did you 'tell Sakura to back off'?"

"Akihito-sama, I told Sakura that I understood she was upset about Sasuke. I then told her that I slept bad last night and wasn't in the mood for her jealous rants."

Every adult in the Council Chamber grew concerned when Naruto mentioned his insomnia.

Hisao spoke with a sense of urgency. "Uzumaki-san, why did you not sleep well?"

Naruto remembered the nameless dread that came over him. "Hisao-sama, I had a nightmare. All I remember was a voice shouting something about a 'Mangekyō Sharingan'. It probably had something with the genjutsu used last night."

The council quickly agreed with Naruto's explanation. Hideko was the next to question Naruto.

"Uzumaki-san, how would you describe Hinata-sama's relationship with Haruno Sakura?"

Naruto smiled broadly. "Hideko-sama, Sakura is totally jealous of Hinata-sama! Hinata-sama is the number one kunoichi in the Academy. Sakura is a distant second. Sakura can't stand how easy Hinata-sama beats her in the weekly spars. Heck, Hanabi-sama could probably beat Sakura! I don't think I've seen Hinata-sama break a sweat against any girl in our class!"

Hinata's blush deepened at Naruto's glowing praise. Kō was about to facepalm, but he saw the 'Hyūga Superiority Smirks' plastered on each Councilor's face. Naruto hadn't meant to, but he had appealed to their pride. Naruto's enthusiasm at Hinata's accomplishments had earned him points. His claim that three year old Hanabi could defeat the number two Academy kunoichi, and by extension most of Hinata's Academy class, made his informal answers a moot point.

Hisao addressed the assembled clansmen. "The council will deliberate on our recommendation to Hiashi-sama. We ask that the chamber empty."

Naruto followed Hinata and Kō out of the Chamber.

Kō wheeled around as soon as the doors shut. "Naruto, what kind of answers were those?"

Naruto laughed sheepishly. "Uh… the truth?"

Neji shook his head. "Luckily for you, you appealed to their pride. I don't think I've ever seen the entire council smile like they did when you mentioned how jealous Sakura was of Hinata-sama."

"So… Hinata-chan won't be in trouble?"

Kō smiled. "They'll probably tell Hinata-sama to not strike Sakura-san outside of sparring matches. They'll say, 'We of the council fully expect Hinata-sama to continue to demonstrate her innate superiority during sanctioned matches and refrain from physical altercations during informal settings.' or something like that."

Naruto shrugged and turned to Hinata. "You were awesome in there, Hinata-chan! The council was totally impressed!"

Hinata fought to keep her blush light. "R…really Naruto-kun?"

One of the guards informed the group that the Council had reached a decision. The group reentered the chamber. Hinata took her seat in front of the Council. Naruto sat beside Kō.

Hisao maintained the Hyūga poise. "The Council has reached a consensus. We of the council fully expect Hinata-sama to continue to demonstrate her innate superiority during sanctioned matches and refrain from physical altercations during informal settings."

Naruto and Neji exchanged shocked looks. The young boy nudged his eldest brother figure. "You called it, nii-san."

Hiashi finally spoke. "I receive the recommendation of the Council. The Clan will render judgment. In light of Haruno Sakura's provocation and jealousy of Hyūga Hinata, the punishment has been altered."

Hinata wanted to hang her head. She knew that she'd be punished. Of course, Naruto lifted her spirits without even trying. Hinata heard Kō slap his hand over Naruto's mouth to prevent the boy from voicing his displeasure with Hiashi's choice of words.

"Hinata you are prohibited from visiting the Ichiraku Ramen Bar for a period of one week. The Clan reiterates the Council's recommendation that physical altercations are to be avoided outside of sanctioned matches."

Hiashi dismissed the Council meeting. Hinata met everyone outside in the foyer.

"I can't believe they punished you, Hinata! What are we going to do for lunch now?" Naruto was shocked that the Council actually punished Hinata and didn't shower her with praise.

"Ano… We could always go to Sayuri's… T…they have good zenzai." Hinata suggested.

"You're a genius, you know that right?" Neji only shook his head as Hinata turned bright red.

"Hinata-sama." The group turned and was caught off guard by Hideko approaching. "I am sorry that you were forced to sit through an inquiry. If there had been no need to maintain appearances for the civilians, we would have let this incident pass. Unfortunately, the Harunos brought a formal request before the Clan."

Hinata bowed politely. "I understand, Hideko-sama."

The Councilor smiled. "I must confess, Hinata-sama, you have improved greatly in the past few years."

Hinata was shocked. Hideko was one of her father's biggest critics on the Council. "Thank you very much, Hideko-sama."

"You are welcome, Hinata-sama. This must be off the record, but the Council is proud of your handling of the civilian girl. Your defense of the clan in the face of this Haruno child's slander has earned you the Council's respect."

Hideko walked off, while Naruto and Hinata looked at each other and spoke as one. "Did that really happen?"

A semblance of normalcy had finally returned to the Academy. Sasuke had returned to class after a lengthy stay in the hospital. He had become even more distant. In fact, he only interacted with four people in the class.

Sasuke constantly challenged Naruto. The last Uchiha remembered how proud his parents had been of his besting of the blond. He would never let that go.

Sasuke interacted with Hinata in his ongoing efforts to force a confrontation with Naruto.

He interacted with Kiba because the Inuzuka would jump into any brewing confrontation to support Naruto or Hinata. Sasuke had even less patience for Kiba than he did for Hinata or Naruto.

The most surprising interaction was with Sakura. They were bonded by a mutual dislike of Naruto and Hinata. Sasuke confided in the pink haired girl. The entire village knew Itachi had been behind the massacre. Sasuke had revealed that his dearest dream was to kill Itachi to Sakura.

"I can hear them, Sakura. My clan is calling out for vengeance. I must become an avenger."

The Sasuke fangirls swarmed over Sakura. They wanted to learn how she had achieved what they all longed for.

"Power."

Sakura's enigmatic response drove the other girls nuts. In their confusion, they migrated to the only girl on Team Naruto.

"Ano… I don't l… like Sasuke. If…" Hinata couldn't bring herself to drop the 'if' or the 'd' yet. She was fearful of what would happen. "I l..liked a boy he would have to be honest, kind, fun and accessible. H…honestly… I, I d…don't find the t…teme attractive either."

Once again, the fangirls were shocked and wandered off.

Naruto had watched the entire exchange. "You called the Teme a teme. You're one of us!"

Hinata scrunched into her hoodie. "I… I didn't realize t..that I did."

Kiba looked up from petting Akamaru, his new nin-dog companion. "One of us!"

Naruto caught the sly grin and joined his best guy friend's chant. "One of us! One of us!"

Hinata couldn't help it and giggled. The teachers entered the class room. Iruka smiled broadly to the class. "Class, today is very special. Today, Mizuki-sensei and I will be teaching you ninjutsu! We will start with the Bunshin. Watch carefully as Mizuki-sensei demonstrates the technique."

Mizuki stepped forward and slowly and deliberately signed the Ram, Snake and Tiger seals. There was a puff of smoke and four Mizukis appeared. "Alright, now each row will work together on this jutsu. Iruka-sensei and I will move around to assist you if you need it."

"So, who wants to go first?" Kiba asked as he stood up and stretched.

"I… I'll go first." Hinata volunteered. She flashed through the hand signs and shouted. "Bunshin!"

There was a puff of smoke and a second Hinata appeared.

"First try! Go Hinata!" Naruto's shout drew the glares of Sakura and a few other students. Hinata dispelled her clone.

"T…thank you, Naruto-kun. I'll activate my Byakugan to help you two."

Kiba practically broke his chair in his excitement. "Sorry, Naruto! I'm next! Watch this Akamaru!"

The Inuzuka's hand seals weren't as crisp or quick as Hinata's. There was a puff of smoke and a wobbly clone appeared.

"Ano… Kiba-kun… You didn't put enough chakra into it…" Hinata pointed out.

"Thanks Hinata!" Kiba ran through the seals and shouted his effort. "GO!"

Another puff of smoke appeared and a second grinning Kiba appeared. Naruto gave the boy a high five while Akamaru ran around his partner and barked happily.

"We're supposed to be ninja not a travelling circus!" Sasuke taunted from the front row.

"SHUT IT TEME!" Naruto, Kiba and Hinata shouted, though the class only heard the two boys. Mizuki reprimanded both groups. Naruto took his position.

"My turn!"

Naruto's hand seals were very precise. He focused his chakra and prepared the technique. Hinata watched in awe as Naruto molded an immense amount of chakra. She had always known that Naruto possessed a huge amount of chakra. Now, she was watching him call forth his power. She fought to keep her jaw from hanging open. Naruto almost had as much chakra as her father and uncle! That couldn't be possible could it? Hiashi and Hizashi were Elite Jonin and some of the strongest ninja in all of Konoha. Hinata always knew her best friend was incredible, but this didn't seem possible!

"BUNSHIN!" Naruto shouted and there was a plume of smoke. There was a sick looking Bunshin that quickly doubled over in pain. "What! What did I do wrong?"

Sasuke, Sakura and the other student from their row had finished already. Iruka had dismissed them for the day. "Some number two you are, dobe. You can't even make a simple clone."

Kiba and Hinata glared at the trio. Naruto ignored the confrontation and tried again. Unfortunately, he got the same result. "Ano… Naruto-kun, you are p…putting far too much chakra into the B..bushin."

Sakura flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Looks like the lapdog can't even pull off a simple technique."

Hinata simply glared at her rival. "What's wrong Hyūga? Aren't as quick with the comeback as your mutts?"

H…how would… How would Naruto-kun respond? "I… I'm sorry, Sakura. I w..was distracted b…by your g…giant forehead…"

Sakura reacted as if Hinata had slapped her again. "You swore on your clan name it wasn't big!"

"It… it m…must have had… a g…growth spurt."

Sakura stormed off and Sasuke looked like he was about to say something.

"Don't even start it, teme. Don't even start it." Naruto growled. Sasuke growled right back and stormed off. Naruto turned to his best friend. "Hinata…"

Hinata shrank into herself. "Y…yes Naruto-kun?"

"THAT WAS AWESOME!" Naruto leapt forward and wrapped Hinata into a huge hug. All conscious thought fled from Hinata's mind and she passed out with a smile on her face.

Kiba and Hinata stared in awe of Naruto's fourteenth bowl of red bean soup. The blond knew he couldn't pay for the food he desperately needed. He had exhausted himself trying to compress his chakra to a level where he could use a Bunshin. Kiba had actually provided the idea.

"Dude, you should go for the Red Bean Challenge."

So, Naruto went for it. He had an hour to eat as many bowls of zenzai as he could. If he beat the record of nine, his meal would be free.

"Ok, I'm done. I can't eat anymore!" Naruto called out. He was wondering if Chōji was onto something about food restoring chakra. The manager came over and announced Naruto had crushed the record. Naruto received a tee-shirt and a round of applause.

After a minute, Kiba spoke. "Don't worry about earlier, Naruto. You'll get it."

Hinata nodded. "Kiba-kun is right, Naruto-kun! I'm sure we can get Kō-san, Uncle or Father to help!"

Naruto smiled at his friends. "Thanks you two. I don't get it though. I'm an Academy student. How can I have too much chakra?"

Kiba fed Akamaru a bit of the meat from his meal. "I wouldn't mind having that problem, buddy. Well, I've already paid. I've got to get home for Clan training. See you guys tomorrow."

The remaining kids sat quietly for a moment. Naruto didn't say anything because he was digesting fourteen bowls of zenzai. Hinata was quiet due to a combination of awe at Naruto's appetite and the happy memories of the hug.

Naruto finally broke the silence. "Hey, Hinata-chan. You ready to go?"

Hinata nodded. "I paid around the same time Kiba-kun did."

The pair left slowly because patrons kept congratulating Naruto on crushing the record. The two wandered at a relaxed pace through the streets.

"Hinata-chan, where was I messing up with the Bunshin?" Naruto asked quietly.

Hinata was quiet for a moment. "I… I don't really k..know how to explain, Naruto-kun. I s…saw…" She wasn't sure how to continue. "I saw a bit of red chakra flowing with your blue chakra. I… I think it's because you h…have so much it causes s…stress."

Naruto laughed and flashed a confused smile. "Ok, thanks Hinata. I think I'll talk to Hiashi-sama or Hizashi-sama when we get to the compound."

They walked in silence for a few moments. "Ano… when will Kō-san be back from his mission, Naruto-kun?"

"Nii-san said that it was a long term C-rank. I think he'll be back in a week or so."

Hinata waved to Naruto. "I have to help Hanabi-imouto and Father with some training. It won't be too long, Naruto-kun."

Naruto waved back. "Kay, Hinata-chan."

The last Uzumaki made his way to the Branch Dojo. Hizashi was leading a practice for Branch Family children. Naruto had taken part in a few of these practices at the request of Hizashi and Hiashi. The younger generation was receiving more training against standard taijutsu than ever. Naruto approached Hizashi as soon as the lesson ended.

"Uh… Hizashi-sama, I need your help."

The Branch Head had never heard such a down tone from Naruto before. "Of course, Naruto-kun. What do you need help with?"

Naruto adopted a very Hinata-like pose. "I… I can't perform a standard Bunshin. I can't compress my chakra enough to perform the jutsu. Hinata-chan mentioned something about 'red chakra'."

Hizashi knew exactly what Naruto was talking about. The Kyūbi sealed within the boy gave him incredible chakra capacity and always leaked a bit of the demon's chakra through the seal. "I'm not entirely sure why there is some red chakra, but I know a technique you might be able to learn. Watch."

The Branch Head made a unique hand seal. "Kage Bunshin no jutsu."

Two Hizashis appeared out of the traditional puff of smoke. "You, go tell Hiashi-niisan that I will need to speak with him as soon as he finishes training Hanabi and Hinata."

One of the clones nodded and jogged off. Naruto was bouncing on his feet. "That is so cool! Are you going to teach me that?"

"Possibly, Naruto. This is a very advanced technique. In fact, only Jonin are permitted to learn it." Hizashi noticed Naruto deflate. "I sent the clone to talk to Hiashi. My brother and I will go to the Hokage tomorrow to ask for special permission."

Naruto bowed politely. "Thank you, Hizashi-sama. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and the rest of the Hyūgas!"

"You are welcome, Naruto." The blond ran off to do his homework. Hizashi was left deep in thought.

Later that evening, Hiashi and Hizashi spoke of the recent developments.

"Naruto deserves to know. I am convinced he is strong enough to handle the revelation that he is the jailor of the Kyūbi. The Clan will stand with him and give him the support he needs. I know my son will not hate him. They are brothers."

Hiashi nodded as he sipped on his sake. "I agree. I know Hinata is incapable of having any negative feelings for the boy."

Hizashi poured another drink and chuckled. "In a few years, things will be interesting."

"I prefer the son of one of our best friends to any of the old nobles who will soon be sending requests!" Hiashi growled at the hateful thought of the Council practically selling his daughter into a loveless marriage.

There was no argument on that point. "You know, Hiashi, if I could I'd tell Naruto everything right now. Naruto repeatedly says his dream is to protect Konoha. I think he'd be proud to know his every breath fulfills that dream."

"Aye. A boy deserves to know who his parents are as well. We'll meet with the Hokage as early as possible."

Sarutobi Hiruzen lit his pipe as Hyūga Hiashi and Hizashi took their seats. The Third Hokage was pleased to see the rediscovery of the Will of Fire in the Hyūga Clan. He was also grateful for the clan's acceptance of Naruto. The boy deserved a family. Hiruzen was also acutely aware of the reason for this meeting.

"Hokage-sama, thank you for seeing us on such short notice." Hiashi nodded politely. The Hokage envied the Hyūga's natural poise.

"It is a pleasure, Hiashi-san, Hizashi-san. How are your children and young Naruto?"

Hiashi smiled. "Hinata is the number one Kunoichi in her class and Hanabi is showing incredible promise with Jukken."

"Neji is first in his class. His scores are some of the highest in years. I believe only your scores, Minato's, and…" Hizashi maintained his proud smile, but spat the last name he had to utter. "Uchiha Itachi's scores are higher."

Hiashi picked up as soon as his twin finished. "Naruto-kun is also doing very well. He is second in his class behind Uchiha Sasuke. Those two have a rather antagonistic rivalry that worries me at times."

The Hokage nodded. "Mizuki-sensei and Iruka-sensei have said as much. I am afraid the two boys are causing a rift in the teaching staff. Iruka favors Naruto-kun and your daughter, Hiashi-san. Mizuki, outside of the classroom, is adamant in his favoritism of the Uchiha. It worries me that my instructors are so biased. But enough unhappy talk, what brings you to my office?"

The twins exchanged a glance. "Hokage-sama, we have some requests regarding Naruto. We seek your permission to teach Naruto-kun the Kage Bunshin no jutsu. He is struggling with the standard Bunshin technique. As you are aware, the Kyūbi, and his heritage, gifts him with an immense amount of chakra. It is physically painful for the boy to compress his chakra for the basic Bunshin. Hizashi and I both believe the Shadow Clone technique would be manageable for Naruto."

The Sandaime inhaled deeply. He savored the tobacco as he thought. "I will permit it. You may continue."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. During the Bunshin exercises, Hinata informed Naruto that she saw some red chakra in Naruto's chakra coils." Hiashi noticed the Hokage's expression and continued quickly. "She and Naruto believe the red chakra to be the result of 'pressure' from Naruto's excessive amount of chakra."

Hiruzen took another drag on his pipe. "You know the law in place regarding Naruto's status as a Jinchūriki."

Hizashi spoke. "We are aware, Hokage-sama. My brother and I believe Naruto is both mature enough and has enough support to understand and accept his burden."

"I cannot grant the Hyūga special treatment, Hizashi-san. Do not misunderstand me. I know that you both have Naruto's best interest at heart and I am grateful. However, the law is blind and shows no favoritism."

The brothers knew that if the Hokage would not budge on this point that he would reject out of hand their second request. They decided to strive for a compromise on Naruto's burden.

"Hokage-sama, if I may offer a compromise."

"I will entertain it, Hiashi-san."

The Clan Head took a breath. "Naruto and Hinata will only ask more questions regarding the Kyūbi's Chakra. It could potentially lead to danger for my daughter or possibly Neji. I humbly request that you inform Naruto-kun of his burden when he makes Genin. The law permits Naruto to tell others of the Kyūbi. Hizashi and I are confident that Neji and Hinata would accept him as the jailor and not the demon. The knowledge of his burden and the acceptance of the Hyūga would help him accept the role his father laid at Naruto's feet."

The Hokage leaned back in his chair and considered the proposition the Hyūga had presented. Hiashi and Hizashi had clearly thought this meeting through. They had presented a sound argument and were willing to compromise. Sarutobi recognized that Naruto deserved to know the truth eventually. The boy also needed to have a true childhood free of the terrible knowledge that the strongest of the Tailed Beasts resided within him. Hiashi and Hizashi's suggestion that Naruto be informed when he made Genin was a brilliant compromise.

"Very well. I agree to your proposal. However, I want the Hyūga to report on any incident that involves the Kyūbi's chakra before I reveal the truth to Naruto."

Hiashi and Hizashi were grateful. "Thank you Hokage-sama! We will do as you command."

The Hokage refilled his pipe. "I know that Minato and Kushina are grateful that you have taken care of their boy."

The three men smiled at the memory of the Minato acting like a five year old when he told his friends Kushina was with child. Shikaku had used a Shadow Bind on Minato to get him to slow down enough for Hizashi and Inoichi to ask him for details. There were times when it hurt to think that the Yellow Flash would be gone less than a year after that happy day.

Hiashi and Hizashi would not let their best friend's son suffer the same fate.

Naruto, Neji, Hinata and Kiba had decided to celebrate by going to Ichiraku. The four friends mostly exchanged tales of the Academy. Neji mentioned how Rock Lee, his 'Eternal Rival' had unofficially been taken under the wing of a Jonin named Might Guy. Neji found the pair certifiably insane, but he could not fault their taijutsu ability. The three younger children mostly talked about how they were glad Naruto had learned Kage Bunshin.

"We need a knick-name for Haruno." Kiba downed his tea as Akamaru curled up in his lap.

Naruto rubbed his chin. "I'm drawing a blank. I think we should let Hinata-chan decide. Sakura is her rival after all."

Neji leaned forward to get a good look at his younger friends. "Wait, if Hinata-imouto has Sakura for a rival and Naruto-kun is up against Sasuke, who is your rival, Inuzuka-kun?"

"The Teme's ego. I mean, not even Naruto can counter both the Teme's abilities and the planetary mass of an ego the Uchiha has."

Neji nodded at Kiba's explanation. Hinata suddenly spoke up. "I got it!"

Three pairs of eyes turned to the normally quiet Hyūga heiress. Hinata realized she had spoken loudly and began twiddling her fingers.

"I… I think we should call Haruno… B..billboard, like Ino-san does."

Neji looked to Hinata and then back to Naruto. "I don't get it."

Surprisingly, it was Kiba who piped up first. "Bitch has a huge forehead."

"M...maybe we should offer T...Teuchi-san advertising space on it..." Hinata spoke through a ghost of a smile.

"Who are you and what have you done with my cousin?" Neji asked after he received his check.

"Blame Naruto-kun. He's an h…horrible influence on me." Hinata giggled. She couldn't believe how easy it was to kid around when Naruto was nearby.

"Stage one is complete! Next she'll only eat ramen and wear orange all the time!" Naruto cackled madly.

"Kiba, please hit Naruto."

Kiba slapped Naruto on the back of his head. "How was that, Neji?"

"Passable."

The four laughed and returned home looking forward to their futures.

Author's Notes: I'd like to gamebrain89 for beta'ing the chapter. Go read his story Kitsune's Chld!

Please continue the awesome review response.

Also, if you want to rent out ad space on Sakura's forehead please contact Naruto or Hinata at 01-2345-6789 between 8:00am and 4:00pm CST.