Naruto efficiently dodged Akamaru's tackle, but barely managed to block Kiba's high kick. The blond countered with a left jab. The strike was batted aside and the two boys pushed off to get some distance between them. Naruto was trying to keep his awareness of both Kiba and Akamaru. The partners had been pressing him relentlessly in order to keep him from pulling off Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. Now, Naruto felt he had enough time and flashed his favorite hand seal.

He never got the chance as Akamaru once again charged in. Naruto used the handseal as a block and pushed the dog out of the way. Kiba charged in again. The two boys exchanged hits and blocks for a few minutes before Naruto used Kiba as a spring board. The Inuzuka had landed in a crouch after missing with a kick. As Naruto flew through the air, he shouted one of his favorite phrases.

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Five new blonds poofed into existence and separated the Nin-ken and his human partner. The match was now two three on one fights.

"Alright, that's enough." Yuji gave the command from his position. "Excellent work you two. Kiba-kun and Akamaru, both of you did an excellent job keeping the pressure on Naruto. Both of your basic taijutsu skills are very good. This fight would have likely been much different if Akamaru could use his natural weapons. Overall, you did very well. My only suggestion is you need to sharpen your movements a bit. Several of your attacks wasted energy. They would be devastating if they had landed, but remember Kiba-kun that you have Akamaru backing you up. Not every hit needs to be a knockout."

"Thank you, Wantanabe-sensei." He managed to say between winded breaths.

"Naruto-kun, you also did very well. It is obvious that you have grown up fighting Jukken users. All of your dodges were very sharp and wasted nothing. Unfortunately, your blocking isn't as crisp as it needs to be. Again, this is because you have spent most of your life fighting against Gentle Fist. I was also impressed by your situational awareness. After the first few moments of the spar, you kept both Kiba and Akamaru in your sight. Tactically, Naruto-kun, I was surprised. Your use of terrain and even your opponents' positioning was highly inventive."

"Thanks, Yuji-sensei!"

The Jonin Instructor turned to his remaining student. "Hinata-chan, our spar was eye opening. I have never fought the Gentle Fist in my career. My only exposure to your Clan's Taijutsu style was the Chunnin exams six years ago when I saw Hyūga Yori fight. It is clear that your taijutsu is incredibly strong. The only possible issues I see with your style are dealing with multiple opponents and foes that remain outside your reach."

Naruto and Kiba flashed smiles at Hinata. The Heiress blushed ferociously. "I… Thank you for the critique, Wantanabe-sensei."

Yuji nodded at his students. "Alright, Training area is two miles in diameter. Run it once and we'll move on to the next portion of the training."

Hinata and Akamaru did not join their teammates in their groan. Team Four jogged the edges of the training ground.

"You had to get his wife!" Kiba loudly bemoaned the team's fate.

Hinata was falling behind a bit. "K…Kiba-kun, it was…" Hinata took a few breaths and caught up with the boys "the best way to get him out."

"See! The brains of the operation agrees with me!" Naruto beamed.

Team Four finished their run several minutes later. Yuji was waiting for them.

"We'll need to work on your endurance some. You will be Hunter-nins and our primary concern is tracking and capturing criminals and missing nin. Many of our missions will be long pursuits."

None of Team Four was thrilled about the idea of running laps. Wantanabe ignored their annoyed looks and continued.

"There are many other skills Hunter-nins need that aren't jutsus. We must be excellent trackers, investigators and above all… We must be patient."

Naruto and Kiba dropped their heads. "Ah man! Only Hinata-chan is good at those last two!" Naruto pouted.

Hinata blushed at the praise. Yuji chuckled. "Well, fortunately, you two can improve in both areas. There are a few ways to improve in these areas. I'll tell you about that before we are done for the day. First, we're going to practice with ranged weapons. Follow me."

"Hey, Wantanabe-sensei!" Kiba practically shouted.

The Jonin Instructor turned slightly to his brash student. "Yes, Kiba-kun?"

"Why do we need to practice ranged weapons? I mean, Akamaru and I can cover a lot of ground using Gatsūga, Naruto can use his clones and Hinata can practically dance around most enemies."

"Because we are Ninja, Kiba-kun. Stealth is as crucial to the success of many missions as your Gatsūga, Naruto-kun's Kage Bunshins and Hinata-chan's skills with Jukken. There are times on missions where a well placed Shuriken can be more crucial to a mission's success than the flashiest jutsu."

Team Four considered their sensei's words. Naruto remembered all the times Yuji-sensei had snuck up on Suzu-sensei, Kō-niisan and himself. Kiba, for his part, remembered his times hunting. One couldn't catch their prey by running screaming at it very often. Hinata knew she would have to kill as a Shinobi, but did not relish the thought of killing up close.

"We're going to start with the standard shuriken and kunai. You should be familiar with them. If you behave yourselves…" Yuji threw an accusing look at the two boys. "I might show you some other ranged weapons such as bows."

"AWESOME!" Kiba and Naruto shouted as one.

Hyūga Takeshi glided down the hall of his home. He had just discovered Councilor Seiji's medical report. Takeshi had called his closest ally, Yoshinori to his home. The slightly younger man was sitting in a chair, watching as a branch attendant set down a tea tray before quietly exiting the room.

"Ah, Takeshi-san! Thank you for inviting me to your home." Yoshinori smiled at his friend.

"You are welcome, old friend." Takeshi quickly sealed the room. "I have news. News you will be grateful to hear, Yoshi."

The man sipped at his tea. "I pray it is a way to save our clan from the ruin Hiashi is steering us towards."

"It is indeed! Seiji-sama has, as of this morning, been pronounced blind. As per the traditions of our beloved clan, he must step down."

Yoshinori inclined his head. "It is a shame; Seiji-sama is a fine man. However, he has grown soft in the past few years. I can't believe he has begun supporting Hinata as Clan Heir. That girl is more suited to quiet motherhood than leading our proud clan of warriors. Worse, he allowed the thriced damned Kyūbi into our homes! I cannot sit by and let Hiashi and his twin cast aside our hallowed traditions and destroy Konoha's most powerful clan!"

Takeshi nodded at the fire in his comrade's voice. Yoshinori had lost his wife and the child she was carrying in the Kyūbi Attack. "We may have a chance to slow and, with time, reverse the cancer eating away at the Hyūga. My son has uncovered the list of possible replacements for Seiji-sama."

"You said, we, didn't you?" Yoshinori perked up.

"Yes, my friend. Our names are at the top of the list! Even Hiashi cannot countermand one of us reaching the Council! Soon, Maki-san will be avenged and Hiashi will be cast aside for his crimes against our clan's traditions."

Yoshinori smiled. "I cannot thank you enough for bringing this information to my attention. We must move to gather support for our cause. At this time, we do not have enough support to rescind the Kyūbi's status as a Clan Ward. I have secured supporters in the Branch House. They realize that Hiashi and Hizashi are moving far too quickly. I am thankful that there are some that have the wisdom to see that our esteemed Clan Head will be stripping them of their purpose."

"Excellent, I knew I could count on your support. Before I forget, what should our response be to the latest example of Hiashi's lunacy?" Takeshi responded.

"Latest example?" Yoshi asked after a second sip of his tea.

Takeshi's face hardened. "It seems Hiashi is allowing the Kyūbi to court the heiress."

"Truly, the death of Hiromi-sama has driven Hiashi into madness! Hinata may be a poor choice to guide our clan, but surely Hiashi realizes that the demon will defile her at the first opportunity!"

"I agree, my friend. I agree. But, as we spoke earlier, our bloc does not have the power or support to cut that infection from the Clan as of yet."

Yoshinori put down his cup. "Then we must move quickly."

The two men dropped the seals that cut the room off from the rest of the house. Takeshi's seals had been impressive. They, however, had a singular flaw. The seals only prevented sound from escaping through the walls and roofs. Each had completely neglected the floor. Neither man was aware of the tunnel system that ran underneath the compound extended as far as it did. The tunnels were old and built during the earliest days of the union between the Hyūga and Konohagakure. Hiashi's great grandfather had them sealed as a show of good faith to the Nidaime Hokage. The tunnel system was mostly forgotten and every known entrance had been bricked over and sealed by Senju Tobirama himself.

However, not all entrances were planned or sealed. A collapsed wall had been discovered by Hanabi several months ago. She had found the small hole while hiding from an annoyed Neji and Naruto. Now, she was using the tunnels as part of her role as the eyes and ears of her 'conspiracy'. What she had just heard disturbed her greatly. How could they talk about her father or sister like that? Hanabi knew her father was one of the strongest ninja in the village. That meant that he was one of the strongest in the entire world! He was also making the clan stronger. The Main and Branch families were becoming closer. How was that bad? How could they say Hiashi was crazy? Takeshi and Yoshinori even doubted her onee-chan as well! Hinata was the number one kunoichi in her class and had mastered the Hakkeshō Kaiten in a week! Hanabi's big sister was a great warrior and ninja!

Yoshinori and Takeshi's slander against her beloved father and sister had made Hanabi very angry. The other conversation point had confused her. The Kyūbi was dead. The Yondaime Hokage had killed it! The two potential councilors were talking about the Demon Fox being around the family. That was impossible! There was no way a demon would be a Clan Ward or be able to court her sister!

Realization hit her like a full Hakke Rokujūyon Shō. There was only one Clan Ward. There was only one person courting Hinata-oneechan. Why were they calling Naruto the Kyūbi?

The children were a panting mess. Even Naruto, famous at his young age for his endurance, was exhausted. Yuji-sensei had put them through the ringer. Team Four had hoped that Yuji's 'revenge' for getting his wife was just the laps. They were very wrong. After the ranged weapons exercises, the Jonin had taken them to Training Ground seventeen. Wantanabe's words rang in their memories.

"We are going to do a small pursuit exercise. The best way to understand how to track our targets is to experience it for yourself. This is our final exercise for the day. The goal of the exercise is simple. I want all of you to head into the forests. I will act as a Hunter-nin. Your goal is to evade capture as long as possible. You have thirty minutes to prepare for me."

As the last word left their Jonin instructor's lips, the Genin leapt into action. Naruto quickly summoned dozens of Kage Bunshins. Hinata shouted to Naruto to try to disguise the clones with a henge. Naruto quickly followed Hinata's advice and the mass of Genin scattered into the woods. The real Team Four left together. Kiba quickly started setting up traps. Hinata occasionally scanned the area with her Byakugan. Naruto helped Kiba set up the traps. As soon as a few traps were set up on the likely paths, they moved to another location. Training Ground seventeen was unfamiliar territory. There were no illusions that Wantanabe-sensei would be at a similar disadvantage.

"Wantanabe-sensei is downwind of us. But… That can't be! He's a hunter-nin, he'd never make such a rookie mistake!" It was a struggle for Kiba to keep from shouting.

Naruto turned to Hinata. "Can you see him?"

"Byakugan!" Hinata whispered. "I can see him to the North. He's found a group of shadow clones."

"Good. That should buy us some time. I've got an idea." The Jinchūriki smiled. "We're leaving this training ground."

"What?" Kiba hissed. "That's not what he told us to do!"

Hinata realized Naruto's plan. "Ano, Kiba-kun… Wantanabe-sensei never prohibited us from leaving the training grounds."

Akamaru barked happily. It was a good plan. "If you three are for it, let's go!"

"Alright, if we head due west, we'll enter Training ground fifteen. " Naruto whispered and led his friends in the general direction of the other training area.

Kiba nodded. "Solid plan. There is a stream inside Fifteen. If we get separated, I say we meet at the fallen oak."

The agreement was sealed with a quick nod. Team Four began to move. Hinata's outstretched hand stopped the boys in their tracks. "One of the transformed Shadow Clones is approaching."

"Who is it? I can't tell by scent." Kiba sniffed at the air.

The Hyūga focused her Dojutsu. "It's one of me."

The Hinata Bunshin approached the Team. Naruto and Kiba almost relaxed. "Wantanabe-sensei is nearby! He took out the others!"

Kiba was about to thank the Bunshin when Naruto threw a series of kunai at it. "It's a fake! If it was one of mine, it would have dispelled!"

A puff heralded the use of the Kawarimi no Jutsu. Team Four scattered and took cover. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

"Scatter! Remember the rally point!" Kiba yelled as everyone moved away.

Naruto sent a few clones with his teammates. The other clones tried to act as distractions for the Jonin. Yuji watched his students from his perch. Team Four was exceeding his expectations. They all worked well together. Strategies were developed quickly and executed well. However, there were several issues that they needed to work out. Kiba would need a little bit of work in stealth. Granted, both of Team Four's boys were brash. Hopefully, Hinata would be a positive influence on the two. The heir of the Byakugan already had more influence on her teammates than any of them realized. Wantanabe's Hinata Henge had created an exploitable opening. If the false Hinata had been a Shadow Clone instead; Yuji could have eliminated all of Team Four. Yes, Team Four needed work. Then again, they were fresh out of the Academy and had not even completed a D-rank mission yet.

Yuji leapt after Kiba because he presented himself as a leader. The Jonin caught up to the Inuzuka by using the substitution jutsu and trading places with one of Naruto's Kage Bunshins. Kiba was caught so off guard that he didn't realize Wantanabe-sensei was there until he was tagged.

"Excellent work, Kiba-kun. Return to the edge of the forest and wait for the rest of us."

Kiba and Akamaru drooped. "Ah man! Bunshins, dispel! Let Naruto and Hinata know!"

Again, Yuji was impressed by his team. He made sure Kiba was heading for the edge of the forest before leaping off through the trees. A number of tracks stood out to him. Most were undoubtedly Naruto's remaining Bunshins. The blond had several dozen sets of tracks heading in every conceivable direction. Hinata's path was easier to discern. It was headed west towards Training Ground Fifteen. What were the landmarks at Fifteen? There was the stream, the kudzu field and the Old Oak. Any of those would be passable rally points. The Kudzu Patch was clearly the weakest of the choices, unless his Genin team had a personal landmark inside the mess of vines. It also wouldn't be the Old Oak. That massive tree was too common a landmark and often used by other teams as a place to practice tree walking. In fact, Yuji was sure that Yūhi Kurenai and Team Eight were using Training Ground Fifteen today.

"Clever." Yuji whispered as he moved to approach his remaining students.

At the fallen oak, Hinata was waiting for Naruto. She was actively searching using her Byakugan. The Hyūga had seen Kiba get 'captured' by Wantanabe-sensei. Naruto was getting close, but so was the Jonin.

Until Wantanabe-sensei suddenly changed directions.

Naruto seemingly exploded from the underbrush. "Hinata-chan! Yuji-sensei got Kiba. We need to move."

"I saw Kiba-kun get captured. I… I think we should go through the Kudzu field to the south and try to reach the Old Oak." Hinata breathed.

"Not a bad plan you two. Unfortunately…" Yuji materialized between the two Genin and tagged them. "I got you both. Come on, let's collect Kiba."

Wantanabe-sensei led the two downcast Genin to their teammate. Kiba had already stretched and was working on his cool downs.

"Kiba-kun has the right idea. Hinata-chan and Naruto-kun start your own cool downs while I critique you all. First, you planned well in such a short time. The traps were impressive. Again, teamwork is not a problem. Kiba-kun and Hinata-chan, you made excellent use of their tracking skills and Naruto-kun supported the team very well with his Kage Bunshins. I saw several shortcomings. All of you need to work on your movement. It was far too easy to track you all; even with the Kage Bunshin's screening you. Kiba-kun and Naruto-kun, you can't let your guard down so easily. When I was disguised as Hinata-chan, you hesitated and left the entire team open. I am glad you two trust your teammate so intrinsically, but a vicious enemy can exploit that. Hinata-chan, when you waited for Naruto-kun, you were far too exposed. These are all aspects we can work on. Truthfully, you all did very well. We will meet up here at eight a.m. Dismissed."

At that moment in time, Ichiraku Ramen was the single most beautiful sight Team Four had ever seen. They hadn't realized how hungry they were until the buildings of Konoha loomed above them. Wantanabe-sensei had really worked them to the bone. Hinata, Naruto and Kiba were so exhausted they failed to notice two-thirds of Team Seven.

"Did you guys just get back from an A-class mission or something?" Team Four wearily turned and saw Sakura accept a bowl from Ayame.

Kiba quickly ordered his meal. "Nah… Wantanabe-sensei has been working us to the bone." He turned to Naruto. "I'd really like to thank you for that, buddy."

Naruto ordered his usual and groaned. "Yes, I am aware that getting Yuji-sensei's wife to get him out of the bar to pass our Genin test was probably not the best idea. But it worked, we passed."

Sasuke used his favorite nonverbal response before focusing on the new arrivals. "What was the test?"

Kiba was too tired to even call the Uchiha a teme. "We had to track him down in less than ten hours. He was holed up in the one bar that had an age requirement. My 'genius' teammate decided having Wantanabe-sensei's wife drag him out of the bar was a good idea."

"We were Kakashi's first team to pass his test. We'll start training and missions tomorrow." The triumph in the Uchiha's voice was evident.

"Ano, I…" Hinata yawned. "I don't know when we'll start missions. It might be tomorrow. Wantanabe-sensei wants us to work on our stealth some."

Sakura rested her chin on her fingers. "What do you think of your Jonin instructor?"

"Oh man! He's great! Yuji-sensei might be putting us through the wringer but he's trained us a lot already! How's your's?"

Kiba and Hinata both smiled at Naruto's enthusiasm. They were grateful someone on their team had energy left.

Sasuke shrugged. "Kakashi is a very strong Ninja. He blew through Sakura-chan's genjutsu, Shino's bugs and even my ninjutsu. We had to work together to even touch the bells. Teamwork turned out to be the real purpose of the exam. I know we'll become powerful training with him."

The Genin finished their meals in silence. Sakura suddenly shouted in surprise. Every one turned to face her in a mix of panic, curiosity or simply habit.

"We just had an entire conversation without insulting each other!" Kiba and Naruto exchanged 'no ways'.

"We are Genin of Konoha now. I…" Hinata yawned again. "Our Academy rivalries should stay in the Academy. "

Naruto crossed his arms. His face scrunched up like he had a headache. "Hinata-chan's right of course! I mean, since we're all so kickass, the Hokage'll probably send us on dangerous missions and our Teams are going to have to work together.

"I actually agree with that." Sasuke's voice held equal parts amusement and confusion. A few days ago, there would have been no way he would have agreed with Naruto. The cool metal of his hitai-ate reminded him of his duty. Sasuke was the last loyal Uchiha. His family's memory demanded that he serve honorably and uphold the glory of the Clan.

The members of Team Seven paid and left after a surprisingly polite good bye.

"I've got to get back. Mom says she wants to hear about the horrors 'Yuji-kun' is putting us through."

"Good night, Kiba!" Naruto gave his friend a high five.

Hinata reached down and scratched Akamaru behind the ears. "Good night, Kiba-kun and Akamaru."

"It's tomorrow isn't it?" Hinata knew exactly what Naruto was talking about. She wanted to jump up excitedly, but lacked the energy.

She settled for a quiet giggle. "Yes, Naruto-kun. The festival is tomorrow."

"What am I going to wear? I don't want to be Jukken'd back to the Sage of Six Paths!" Naruto was having terrifying visions of Angry Big Brother Neji, Disapproving Uncle Hizashi and Overprotective Father Hiashi.

Ayame leaned on the counter. "Ah, that's so cute! I think you should listen to your big brother on this one, Naruto-kun. Oh! Maybe Hinata-sama can give you advice!"

"I trust Kō-san." Hinata imagined the arguments that would no doubt erupt over the color orange.

Naruto yawned so wide that it was easy to imagine the blond swallowing a Ramen bowl whole. "We should head out, Hinata-chan."

The yawn bounced around the stand. "I agree Naruto-kun. I want a bath and to sleep."

The pair paid their bill and began the walk back to their homes. "I'll walk you home, Hinata-chan. It'll help us stay awake."

"Ok, Naruto-kun." The Hyūga heiress and the last Uzumaki exchanged small talk for a while. "Ano, Naruto-kun, Neji-niisan will be back from his C-rank mission tonight."

"Yeah, we should tell them about 'it', shouldn't we?"

Hinata nodded. "You should tell them. After you told us about the Sandaime's Law, I have been worried about their safety."

Naruto had always admired Hinata's concern for others. She radiated a calm that Naruto was grateful for. Hinata was one of the great constants in Naruto's young life. He wouldn't trade her friendship for anything.

"Well, we won't have anything to worry about soon!" Naruto smiled and placed his hands on his hips. Hinata smiled and all was right with the world.

Hanabi ran up to the gates when she heard her sister and Naruto arrive. She had never seen Hinata so tired before. Heck, Hanabi had never even seen Naruto approaching exhausted before. Their Jonin instructor must be a slave driver!

"Hello, Hanabi-imouto." Hinata says between yawns.

"Hello, onee-chan. Hello, Naruto." Naruto waves as he yawns. His mouth goes so wide that the young Hyūga took the opportunity to check for fangs. Really, she hadn't expected to see any! There was no way Naruto could be a demon!

"Oi, Hanabi-chan. Is Neji-niisan back?" Naruto asked as he stretched.

Hanabi nodded; satisfied for now that Yoshinori and Takeshi had just been jerks. "Neji-niisan has been talking with Hizashi-ojisan about his mission."

"Let's see if Hizashi-ojisan is finished with nii-san." Hinata surprised her sister with the calm confidence in the heiress's voice.

The trio quickly made their way to Hizashi's office. It was easy to hear the pride in the head of the Branch Family's voice as he told Neji to get some rest.

"Come to welcome your older brother home?" Hizashi smiled. Neji was his only true joy, especially after his wife had passed away from her illness.

Naruto flashed his famous smile. "You bet! We, uh, need to borrow him for a bit. All of us need to talk about… you know."

"Of course. That is a delicate subject. Perhaps you should speak somewhere private." Hizashi did know.

Neji maintained a neutral expression. His father obviously knew what Naruto needed to talk about. The Hyūga genius could see a slight tinge of unease in his friend's expression. It was highly unusual for the excitable and good humored boy.

"I know a place where we can talk without fear of interference."

The curious reactions of Neji's sisters and his brother-in-all-but-blood had set his mind into overdrive. What could cause such a reaction?

"Byakugan!" Kō breathed and the entirety of his surroundings was laid bare. His objective, a large bandit camp, was several hundred meters to his north. Kō's task was to infiltrate the brigands' camp and recover a stolen painting. The painting itself was unremarkable even though it was a valuable piece of art. The Hyūga had been ordered to recover the painting due to the secrets hidden in its frame. According to the briefing, the painting held the ciphers for a local lord's diplomatic messages. Kō's superior officers claimed that the bandits didn't know about the ciphers.

Riichi had also failed to mention that the bandits had two Shinobi in their ranks. Why did things always have to be so troublesome?

Focus, Kō! They've only stopped for a few minutes! What path are they taking?

Naruto's legal guardian considered his options. There were two possible paths his adversaries could take. One was well traveled and would quickly get the thieves to the border. No doubt, the forces of the local lord would be waiting to intercept the target. Even though the lord employed simple soldiers, the fight would no doubt delay the enemy long enough for Kō and the secondary team from Konoha to arrive.

No… that wouldn't do. There would be too large a loss of life. Besides, the Shinobi wouldn't walk into so obvious a trap. They know someone is following them.

That left the second path. It was more difficult, but avoided all heavily patrolled regions. The path also gave them far more options for their ultimate destination. The only concern was that it would slow bandit caravan considerably. In truth, it was the only realistic option. The prospective Jonin raced ahead of the bandits and took a position further down the path. He watched silently as the opposing force moved out. One of the enemy ninja was on point. The objective was being carried on a rickety cart. Kō waited patiently for the advance force to pass by. He then caused a rock slide that split the bandit gang. Hyūga Kō leapt into the fray before many of his foes realized what exactly was going on. A bandit raised an alarm and grabbed a spear. Kō secured the objective and kicked the thief in the face. He leapt into the trees before the second Ninja reached him.

Remember the briefing, the second relief team is about an hour behind me. I don't have backup.

The thought sobered Kō and he hid the painting in a nook in a fir tree. A growl escaped Kō's stomach and he was struck by a craving for Ramen. Suddenly, a very Naruto-like idea filled his head. Kō gleefully got to work.

The Konoha nin turned and faced the adversary that had gained ground quicker than expected.

"Give back our prize." The ninja commanded.

Kō's opponent smirked as the Hyūga entered into a Jukken stance. "I'm afraid I can't do that."

"Don't be so predictable, Hyūga. Your clan's fighting style is world famous."

Kō was aware that his foe wouldn't make the first move. So, Kō forced the enemy into action. He launched into the traditional opening form. The enemy ninja looked disappointed as he dodged to his right.

He quickly looked shocked as he found himself staring at Kō upside down. "Luckily for me, my little brother is the world's most unpredictable ninja."

"Excellent work Hyūga Kō. I believe that is enough for the final part of your exam."

Kō turned and saw his proctors, Sarutobi Asuma and Shirakumo Hayama, emerge from the shadows. The two Jonin helped the Chunnin down from Kō's traps.

Asuma lit a cigarette. "Your performance was good. You tracked the column well. The rockslide and the traps showed that you can think on your feet and improvise."

Hayama nodded in agreement. "Chunnin Kō, your securing of the objective was unorthodox. Why didn't you engage the criminals? Explain the reasoning behind your actions."

"Sir, I could not engage the criminals without failing my primary objective. If I had engaged the bandits and enemy ninja, I would have given an opening for multiple enemy fighters to escape with the objective. I knew that simple bandits wouldn't know about the ciphers, but the Ninja would. The bandits and likely one of the ninja would have fought and delayed me. The second Ninja would have taken the objective and fled the engagement area. The theft and loss of the diplomatic ciphers would have substantially weakened our long-time ally. Wars have been started over less. Speed was the crucial factor. I used the rock slide to split the force into smaller groups I was confident of my chances in defeating."

"The nonlethal traps?" Asuma questioned.

"This theft was orchestrated by an outside force. The bandit force and presence of ninja clearly showed a level of funding that a gang couldn't have or wouldn't use to steal a single painting. Konoha would need a living enemy to interrogate."

Hayama nodded approvingly. "Very sound reasoning. Hyūga Kō, you are dismissed for the night. Be at the Tower tomorrow morning at nine. We will tell you the results of your Jonin trials then."

Kō bowed politely, but inside he groaned. He wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight!

Troublesome

The four young conspirators sat quietly in the common room between Hanabi and Hinata's room. A servant had just brought a tray of tea. Until the children were confident she had left the girl's wing, they did not speak.

"I wonder how Kō-niisan's Jonin trial is going." Naruto asked as he accepted a cup from Hanabi.

Neji ran his hand over his forehead. He saw the looks in his sisters' and best friend's eyes. It was comforting to know that there were people in the world whose hatred for the Caged Bird Seal almost equaled his own. "I am sure Kō-san is doing well in his trials. But, I know that isn't what you brought us here to talk about, Naruto."

The sole blond nodded. "Yeah… I wanted to tell you all this earlier…"

Hanabi and Neji were caught off guard by Naruto's tone and expression. Hinata's knowing look added to the depths of their confusion.

"This is an S-class secret. No matter what happens, you cannot tell anyone. It's as big of a secret as our mission for the Clan." Neji and Hanabi's nods gave Naruto a moment to collect himself. Hinata took his hand and the Jinchūriki was ready.

"You all know the story of how the Yondaime Hokage defeated the Nine Tailed Demon Fox. All the stories say the Kyūbi was killed. That's not true. Bijū can't be killed. They can only be contained. To protect the village from the return of the Kyūbi, the Fourth Hokage had to seal the Fox away. He couldn't seal it in an object or an adult. The only way to truly seal away the Nine Tails was in an infant…"

Naruto paused and sniffed in an attempt to control his tumultuous emotions. He had Kiba and Hinata's acceptance, but the fear of rejection weighed heavily on his soul.

"I was that infant. I am the jailor of the Nine Tailed Demon Fox."

Naruto's painful admission caused several pieces of evidence to click into place: the red Charka that pooled near the strange seal in Naruto's stomach, the whispers of the civilians and Takeshi and Yoshinori's cruel dismissals.

"We are more alike than I ever realized, Naruto." Neji finally spoke. "We have been branded in the name of protecting others. How long have you known about your own burden?"

"I found out two days ago. I would have told you sooner, but you left on that C-rank mission before I had the chance."

Neji smiled and nearly bowed toward Naruto. "I thank you for your trust."

The youngest child had been sitting quietly. "It can't get out can it?"

"Heck no! The seal is awesome and there is no way I'd let the demon escape and hurt my precious people."

"How can anyone think you are a demon!" Hanabi was convinced. "I can't believe Yoshinori and Takeshi are so stupid! Even those two should be able to see you are Naruto and not a fox!"

Hanabi's sudden outburst silenced everyone. "What are you talking about imouto?"

Hinata was concerned about her sister. What if Yoshinori and Takeshi knew she had overheard them?

"I was spying on those two earlier today. There is an old tunnel system running through the compound. I use it to spy on people. They were talking about Seiji-sama being pronounced blind. One of them is even next in line to be on the council! Both of them were saying horrible things about you onee-chan, Naruto and even father!" Hanabi wouldn't repeat what those two had actually called her family. It made her too angry and she didn't want to hurt her sister.

"This is not good. Takeshi and Yoshinori are the leading opposition to everything Father and Hiashi-ojisan stand for. Right now, the majority of the Council supports Hiashi-ojisan. But, if there are any more changes Uncle could lose support." Neji spoke calmly, but the words brought a specter of worry.

"Ano, Hisoka-san is also on the register of possible councilors. He is one of Father's good friends. If he is placed on the Council he would help Father's and our goals." Hinata added helpfully.

Naruto nodded. "Then we need to make sure Hisoka gets on the Council if there is another change. I remember Hinata-chan saying that the first name on the register has to be on the Council 'cause of some tradition or something. We're going to have to get Hisoka to the next slot on the list soon!"

"I'm not sure it's that easy, Naruto-kun!" Hanabi actually liked the idea, but someone had to be realistic.

Hinata thought for a moment. "Maybe we could talk to Hideko or Akihito? I heard that Akihito has mentioned he wants to spend time with his grandchildren."

"We can start this the day after tomorrow. I think we all need sleep." Naruto said cheerfully.

Hanabi leaned forward and smiled cheekily. "Oh… I see where your priorities are tomorrow."

"Hanabi-chan!" Hinata knew the teasing was good natured. The four were actually very tired.

"Good night, Hinata-chan and Hanabi!" Naruto shouted. Hinata gave Naruto a quick hug before Naruto left.

Neji was more polite and subdued in his exit. The boys made it to the exit of the girl's wing when Neji spoke again.

"Naruto, what are you going to do tomorrow at the festival?"

The blond looked towards his older friend. "Uh, I'm going to have fun with Hinata-chan?"

"Right. How are you going to treat her?"

"You know I'm going to treat her awesome! She's my best friend and, I guess, my girlfriend?"

Neji stopped and cornered Naruto. "You guess?"

"It's not like that! Hinata-chan and I aren't officially dating yet! I'm not sure what I'm supposed to call us yet!" He gulped. The visions of Angry Big Brother couldn't do the terrifying reality justice.

"Very well. I don't want to find out that the two of you only did what you wanted."

Naruto entered his thinking pose. "Huh?"

Neji groaned. "Naruto, you are a good friend, kindred spirit and a strong ninja. Unfortunately, you have the attention span of a ferret. Take the 'date' slowly and make sure Hinata-imouto has the chance to do things she wants to do."

"Of course!" Naruto would have agreed with Neji on that point even if the blond didn't fear for his life like he was at the moment.

"Good, it would be a shame to have to Jukken you half way to Suna."

Naruto sighed as Neji entered his room. Why were most of his friends and family threatening to beat him senseless over this? Naruto was going to treat Hinata like a princess! The two of them were going to have a great time! The blond nodded to himself several times as he convinced himself that everything was going to be awesome. Naruto was looking forward to this! No amount of threats to be Jukkened halfway around the world or through time would dampen his spirits! As Naruto walked home, he began to wonder what proper festival clothing was. He would have to ask Kō-niisan about that. Naruto thought over what he owned and was getting some ideas. Eventually, he realized his thoughts were becoming more focused on what Hinata was going to wear. That realization stopped him in his tracks. He was thankful the Hyūga couldn't read minds or Hiashi and Neji would end him for thinking like that!

Naruto somewhat reluctantly pushed those thoughts from the front of his mind. He fell asleep with a smile on his face. His friends and family had accepted him even after finding out about the Demon in his gut. Tomorrow, he was going to the Fall festival with his pretty best friend.

Life was good.

Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay in updating! I've had midterms and a ton of work in my January Term class! It's a full semester's worth of work in a month! Yikes! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the Chapter!

Please review! The response you guys have given this story has been incredible!