Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and this is a fanfic based on others ideas and hard work.
"speaking"
"thinking"
Chapter 12
Naruto ran to his room and flew into his bed to hide under the covers. "Why now, why do I have these feelings now." Thought Naruto.
Nilu walked into the room and approached the bed.
"Naruto, get undressed and come over to the onsen now!" she commanded.
He didn't want to fight so he did as he was told (Don't be sick readers, it's not like that).
As he lowered himself in to the onsen Nilu put a paw on his head and pushed him under the water. He came back up instantly coughing.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"If you are crying, I cannot tell" was her only comment.
It finally clicked. With all the water he could cry and no one would know. (Honestly, he's the only human there, who would find out. Right readers? Oh well)
He finally stopped crying after about 30 minutes. He climbed out of the onsen, dressed in his night clothes and sat by the fire. "Nilu, may I trouble you for some food?"
"Of course Lord Naruto, I will return shortly" she replied.
After while she came back with food.
As he was eating he decided to talk.
"Nilu, what would happen to the contract if I was a bad summoner? Or an evil summoner would be a more appropriate word?" Naruto asked.
"It wouldn't matter, as the clan head you determine how you want the clan to be. We are to serve. The only thing we will not do is kill or harm others in the clan and the Panthera clan members."
"I see. Can you promise me something else? He asked.
"What do ask?" she replied.
"Promise me that I cannot lose the summoning and more importantly I cannot lose you?" he asked with tears in his eyes.
"Young one, I Promise I will stand by you for as long as I breathe. And then when that stops and if you are still alive I promise to live on in your heart forever."
Naruto got up and kissed Nilu on the head "Thank you" he whispered and then sat next to her and leaned up against her to enjoy the fire.
After some time passed Nilu decided to address one more issue.
"There is more to discuss, but it will upset you."
"This day has already been upsetting enough. Let's get this over with so I can move on."
"Very well." Replied Nilu. "I think you need to go back to your village".
Naruto shot up off the floor right there and glared at here. "How dare you make that statement? They turned their backs on me, ALL OF THEM" he yelled the last part.
"No, they didn't. The council did and they did so under duress from what we can gather. The Hokage has been fighting to get you back ever since you left. Your friends…" she was cut off.
"They are not my friends, they turned their backs on me" he shot out venomously.
Nilu corrected herself. "The others your age have shunned the village for what happened to you especially their own parents. It should be noted that they know you contain the fox as well."
Naruto sat down and thought for a while.
"The Hokage's stamped my banishment, why would she want me back" he asked rather hotly.
"The stamp was used by the council elder's while the Hokage was in surgery. She never knew anything about it until you were long gone." Nilu continued.
"Also, apparently, several of the clans are coming to your side. Some part due to their kids shunning them and in some part of frustration out of someone named Sasuke."
Naruto's eyes shot wide open. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Apparently this Sasuke has corrupted a pink haired one and has practically made her a slave. This civilian council has been blinded by him as well and is claiming parts of the city for himself. It is rumored by our friends that he is going to force women into his clan and even take some of the other clans jutsu's for himself through marriage. There is a rumor in the shadows that he is gunning for a blonde haired girl and her family is trying to fight the council, but they are claiming it is for the good of the village. This Sasuke is corrupting the village from within using the civilian council's stupidity to his favor."
Naruto was getting pissed by the moment. He saved him for the sole purpose of helping the village and for saving his friend, but he is using the village for his own power. Then Naruto froze. He realized he was caring about what happened to the village. But why would he care?
"Why do you want me to go back?" he asked.
"Because I can tell you are not YOU. You cannot move on until you face your issues and all your issues are back there."
"When would you want me to go back?" he asked.
"It would be at least a year or more." She commented.
"You have taken care of me so far and as my familiar you have asked me to trust you with my care when I need it. I'm not happy about this, but I will trust your judgment." He conceded.
In that case I would need to go to this village and set things up for you…" she was cut off again.
"NO, no, no, you cannot leave me, you promised!" he looked at her with pleading eyes.
She looked at him and her heart broke. "Ok, we will send someone one else!"
Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. "Ok, now, when do I sign this contract?"
She pushed him to the bed, "get some sleep young one" she said with affection, "and we'll conclude everything tomorrow".
Naruto did have a hard time falling asleep that night. The thought of going back to that village both frightened him and angered him at the same time. He eventually nodded off and concluded a very taxing day.
Xxxxxxxxxx
The next day finds Naruto in the meeting with the other clan heads and Nilu.
"After talking with Nilu last night, I have decided to sign the contract. I know it is part of the deal, but I'm grateful for this opportunity and I hope to live up to what the clan used to be."
They all smiled and Yakihyo summoned a rather large snow leopard the size of a large dog that was holding the scroll.
"Ah, so this is Lord Naruto. It is a pleasure to meet you. I cannot tell you how exciting all of us in the summoning realm are to have a living Namikazie again." He unrolled the scroll and instructed Naruto to sign it in blood. He did so and the scroll glowed for a second and rolled itself up. "Very good, we all look forward to working with you and I bid you good day Lord Naruto".
"Now, since you have had a summoning before we recommend going outside and having you summon the boss." Commented Sessho.
They all proceeded outside and Naruto went through the handsigns "SUMMONING" he called out and in a large poof of smoke a Large White lion appeared in the clearing. The lion was just a hair taller than Gamabunta and about as long as Gamabunta with his legs extended.
Standing on the Lion's head was Naruto. He couldn't believe it. This lion was just as large as Gamabunta. It was so cool. The Lion felt Naruto on his head. "Please come to my nose so I may see you summoner." He commanded.
Naruto complied and bowed to the lion once on his nose. "Hello, I'm Naruto Uzu…I'm Naruto Namikazie" he corrected himself.
"Greetings Lord Naruto. I'm Bosura the boss lion and main fighter for the Panthera clan. I look forward to working with you." Bosura replied.
"Are there any rules I need to be aware before summoning you?" Naruto asked.
The lion looked at Naruto quizzically. "Rules?" Bosura asked.
"Yes, when I used to summon Gamabunta he only wanted to be summoned for a big fight. He wasn't into summoning for no reason what so ever." Commented Naruto.
"Ah, I see. You used to summon toads. Well, we are not quite so high and mighty with our summoners. Though we do prefer you to use judgment, but if you just want to show off your summoning skills then you are welcome to summon any of us at any time." Replied Bosura.
"Ah, that is good to know. I assure I will try not to abuse any of the summons." Said Naruto.
"Very good Lord Naruto. I look forward to working with you." Bosura had an amused glint in his eye. "I bid you farewell for now." He then poofed back to the summoning realm and Naruto with wide eyes fell to the ground and onto his ass unceremoniously. "Ouch".
Naruto looked over to the other heads who were all smiling, "he did that on purpose didn't he?"
They all chuckled and motioned for him to follow them back inside.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Once back inside the meeting continued.
"Lord Naruto, it gives us great pleasure to finally have a summoner back and Bosura appeared to like you." Said Sessho.
"He could have put me down a little easier" Naruto deadpanned.
The other heads all snickered.
Naruto shot them all an evil glare and they just laughed a little louder.
Naruto rolled his eyes.
Nilu took the lull in conversation to begin her plans.
"Well, I had a chance to talk with Naruto last night and we came to a final agreement to attempt to get Naruto back home to the Leaf Village." She said.
"Ah, so we will have a home then?" Ask Tora
"Yes, that is correct" replied Nilu.
"When will you be leaving Nilu?" asked Sessho.
"I will not, per agreement with Naruto I will not leave his side." She replied.
"As his familiar it is your duty to handle his personal affairs" replied Yakihyo.
"I do not dispute that, however, I have promised Naruto that I will not leave his side. Therefore, we will need to send someone else." She replied again.
After a few minutes of contemplation Sessho spoke up. "Very well; Yakihyo, would you be willing to come with me to handle all this?"
"I do not mind, but the spy's are already there, why not work with them?" asked Yakihyo.
It was Hyo who spoke this time. "I don't think revealing our spies would be a wise course of action. That should remain a clan secret".
"Very well, I agree then." Yakihyo conceded.
"Very good, we will take our information and go see this Hokage of the Leaf Village. Naruto, I know this will be hard for you, but we promise to take care of you." Said Sessho.
"*sigh*, I know you will. I won't lie, this is hard for me, but Nilu and I have agreed on facing my issues with that village and I will do so with her at my side." Replied Naruto.
"We leave tomorrow." Said Sessho.
Xxxxxxxxxx
In the leaf village many things had been happening while Sessho and Yakihyo made the five month journey.
Not only had Sasuke married Sakura, but a wedding was being planned for Sasuke and Ino at the extreme displeasure of the Yamanaka clan. The civilian council lead by Danzo and the other elder's had forced Inoichi's hand. Ino was practically distraught and was currently being housed in the Uchiha compound. Unknown to any of the villagers or clans alike Ino was completely against the wedding and was being 'beaten' by Sasuke and Sakura for her refusal to accept Sasuke.
We find ourselves now in the Hokage's office with all the shinobi clan heads pleading with Tsunade.
"Please Lady Hokage, storm in there and retrieve my daughter" pleaded Inoichi (Ino's father)
"You know I cannot do that. The 'council' in all of its wisdom has given into Sasuke's every demand. He is almost has enough power and the assets to bankrupt this village and you all know it." Tsunade replied. She was honestly disgusted with the council, but she did sympathize with Inoichi.
Tsume, Kiba's mother, and head of the Inizuka clan spoke up. "Lady Hokage, we can smell what is going on and I'm telling you he is abusing that poor girl. You have to do something." Tsume was trying another angle.
Tsunade sighed, "I don't doubt it, but without actual evidence of abuse we cannot interfere."
Shikaku and Choza, Shikamaru and Choji's fathers, were beside Inoichi trying to comfort the distraught man.
They all disbursed except for Hiashi.
"What may I do for you Hiashi?" asked Tsunade.
"Lady Hokage", Hiashi bowed before her which has never happened in the history of the village, "I humbly ask you to help me protect my daughters from the Uchiha."
"And what do you want me to do about it?" she asked rather annoyed although she wanted to protect her apprentice as well.
"Anything to keep them both out of the Uchiha's hands" Hiashi pleaded.
Tsunade thought for at least 20 minutes and all this time Hiashi never moved with head bowed before her. A thought finally occurred to her.
"Do you truly mean you will do anything to protect both your daughter's?" she asked.
"Yes I will, especially from the Uchiha." He said with conviction has he raised his head.
"Very well, please have a seat. Shizune!" Tsunade called. Shizune came in. "Yes my Lady?"
"Retrieve Hinata and Hanabi as well as Konohamaru and Asuma as soon as possible." She commanded.
"What is she thinking?" Hiashi asked himself.
After some time everyone was gathered and they were all quite confused.
"Very well, we'll start with Konohamaru and Hanabi. I know you care for each other, but I need you to admit it now in front of your father Hanabi. (Asuma already knew)" Both young ninja's got red from embarrassment and Hiashi caught on.
"Hanabi, is this true?" he asked.
Hanabi turned to her father, "Yes father, I really do." She replied with a hint of red on her cheeks still. (She really had humbled herself since Hinata got a hold of her and gave Konohamaru a chance instead of thinking he was below her.)
"Very well, I suggest we set up a Marriage contract now, and you two will be wed when you are of age. Do you both agree?" asked Hiashi.
Both kids were wide eyed. He was ok with them being together. They didn't hesitate. They both nodded and Tsunade completed with contract with all those involved. She instructed all but Hiashi and Hinata to leave and Konohamaru and Hanabi left holding hands and smiling. Hiashi actually felt good about the relationship despite Konohamaru's rather boisterous attitude.
"Now comes the real test Hiashi," said Tsunade with a confused Hinata in the room.
Tsunade continued, "This is a blank marriage contract for Hinata. I need you to trust me and sign it. Once signed I will hold onto it and give a copy to the slugs for safe keeping. I can promise you that the person is worthy and will treat her well, but his identity must be kept secret even from you Hiashi" she said as she cut a glace of at Hinata and winked. Hinata caught on right away and on the inside she was giddy.
"You promise me that this will protect my daughter." He asked.
"Yes it will." She replied.
Hiashi signed the contract and Hinata wanted to jump to sign the contract, but decided to play it cool.
Once the contract was signed and sealed by the Hokage summoned a slug and had them keep the contract safe. Hinata left the room ready to go shout to the moon. She would marry her Naruto-kun if it was the last thing she'd do.
"Lady Hokage, I thank you and I am putting Hinata's safety in your hands." He hinted at his trust in her.
"Do not worry, I would not do anything to harm my apprentice." Hiashi nodded and left the office.
Tsunade smiled to herself, "WHEN I get you back you will have a better life, I swear it." She thought.
All of a sudden a chunin burst into her office "Lady Hokage, a large Lion and another animal are approaching the gate."