Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and this is just a fanfic based on the ideas and hardwork of others.

"Speaking"

"Thought"

Chapter 16

Pacing left…

Pacing right….

Pacing left…

Pacing right…

Sitting off to the side of the gate of Konoha was the Lords and Ladies of the Panthera Clan. Hinata and the rest of the Shinobi Council as well as Jiraiya was watching as Tsunade paced back and forth. You might be wondering why. Well, that is because a certain blonde knucklehead was returning home today and Tsunade couldn't wait. Of course neither could Hinata. Well if the Hokage was going to be waiting at the gate then the council would be as well. The Panthera Clan was required due to duty to their Lord to make sure to meet him at the gate upon his return to his home. Going forward they will only need to be there at his home, but after so long being gone they were going to meeting him at the gate to the village. Unseen to everyone else were the hidden tigers who would protect their summoner and Lord upon his return.

"Where is he?" Tsunade grunted out but didn't go unheard by anyone. "What is taking so long?"

"Tsu-hime, please calm…" Jiraiya started to comment but was punched and sent flying.

"SHUT UP JIRAIYA!" she yelled as she punched him into some unknown part of the village.

She continued to pace back and forth.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Far enough from the village where no one could see him, but close enough to see the gates from a distance a lone figure stood at the top of a tall tree and stared at the gates he thought he would never see again.

"Are you alright Lord Naruto." Asked Nilu.

"Honestly, no. I never thought I would see those gates again little alone returning to this village." He commented.

"It's ok young one, I'm here with you along with all of the panthera clan." Responded Nilu.

"Ha, you always use that tone with me to calm me down. However, thank you." Naruto responded.

"Lord Naruto, you never have to thank us. We are proud to be serving the clan again."

"Lady Nilu, just because we have a contract with the Panthera Clan doesn't mean the clan should never say thank you. The Namikaze Clan and the Panthera Clan are partners and should respect one another. Always!" Naruto said with conviction.

"Thank you Lord Naruto, we will remember that. Now, should be make our way into town?" Nilu asked.

"I guess; I have put this off for long enough. Let's go." Replied Naruto as he jumped down and started his trek back to the village that cast him out years ago.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

As Tsunade was walking back and forth she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She looked over and the Panthera Clan was now standing.

"He's coming Lady Hokage." Commented Sessho.

Tsunade looked at them and then out of the gates and then back at them. "How do you know, I don't see him."

"We can hear him walking and smell his scent approaching." Commented Yakihyo.

Tsunade dusted herself off and stood straight looking out the gates and down the road. She was waiting to see the blonde head come up from the horizon. Hinata had looked down as well to make sure she was still presentable. She couldn't wait to see her Naruto-kun come back. Every breath, and every heartbeat was slow. It was like time slowed to a crawl. Tsunade and Hinata couldn't wait until he stepped back through that gate and was home.

Hinata couldn't take it anymore. She activated her Byakugan and the moment she did she gasped. She suddenly had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.

Tsunade looked over when she heard the gasp and saw Hinata's Byakugan activated and with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. "How far away?" Tsunade Asked.

"We should see him any moment." Hinata responded.

Tsunade turned her eyes back to the road. In the distance she saw that sun kissed blonde hair that she will never forget. She felt the lump in her throat grow. She couldn't wait to hug that knucklehead.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Naruto was making the trip back albeit slowly. He was in no rush to return to those who lie, cheat, and turned their backs on him. He was not in a good mood. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and others lied to him about his heritage; his parents. The village as a hole cheated him out of a childhood and a normal life. Finally, his 'friends', his comrades, turned their back on him when he needed them. Every step he took the angrier he became. Nilu noticed this and jumped up in front of him to stop him.

"Lord Naruto, please calm yourself down. It will not do you any good to walk back into the village and cause a scene." Nulu scolded

Naruto glared at her. Then closed his eyes and took some deep breaths. "I will remain calm, but let's be clear. I'm not happy about this and you know it.

"I understand and no expects this to be a grand homecoming." She responded and moved back to his side and they continued the walk. It took another 15 minutes before they actually entered Konoha.

Standing before him was the human realm heads of the Panthera Clan. The 'esteemed' council, but only the shinobi side for some odd reason. Then there was Hinata which confused him. Why was she there? Then there was Tsunade the Hokage with Jiraiya right behind her (When did Jiraiya return?).

Xxxxxxxxxx

-Just a few moments ago-

Tsunade and everyone else was watching him walk to the gates. All of a sudden the large lioness jumped in front of him and they stopped. Tsunade and Hiniata's breath caught. At this point Hinata had deactivated her Byakugan. Then Naruto and the lioness started walking again. Tsunade turned to Hinata, "What did they talk about?"

"I don't know Tsunade-sensei, I deactivated my Byakugan prior to their conversation.

"At least they're still coming." She commented more to herself than to anyone else.

-A few moments later-

As Naruto now stood in front of all those assembled he wondered what would happen next.

"Welcome back, Naruto." Commented Tsunade.

There was a slight growl from the Panthera Clan.

"My apologies, welcome back Lord Namikaze." She corrected herself.

"Thank you Lady Hokage." He bowed just as Yakihyo and his tutors had taught him.

The formal tone and title made Tsunade's heart stop. She wanted to hear the affectionate tone of grandma from her little knucklehead.

She collected herself quickly. "Well, we missed you. However, I know you must be tired from your journey. I will have my apprentice Lady Hinata here escort you to your new clan compound and we will have a meeting tomorrow at the council chambers."

"Very well, Lady Hokage, I thank you for the welcome and will see you tomorrow." He turned his attention to Hinata and she was just staring at him. Then it dawned on her.

"Oh, P-Please follow me." She cursed herself for stuttering. She thought she kicked that habit thanks to her sensei, but he just had to be so damn good looking. She did miss the short spikey hair though. However, he was so much taller.

They had walked a few blocks before she finally gave in. "It is good to see you again." She said.

"Mmmm" he grunted out.

"How was your journey back?" she asked trying to spark conversation.

"It was long, that's all that needs to be said." He responded.

She was about to look at her feet and then caught herself. "Remember, he was banished and now he is back. He is probably not happy and doesn't know how to feel." She thought to herself.

At some point during the silence they finally arrived at the compound entrance. "Well, this is your clan compound. I will see you tomorrow." She said.

"Very well." He never looked at her and just walked into the compound where he saw a couple of the tiger guards nearby.

As he walked in Hinata took a deep breath and turned around and saw Sessho waiting for her. "Lord Sessho, did you need anything?" she asked.

"No Lady Hinata. Are you ok?" he asked.

"Honestly, no. That walk went completely different in my head." She commented.

"Remember what I told you when we first met. This will not be easy. You better steel your resolve to fight for him. I can easily see him becoming a recluse." Sessho commented.

"I will, thank Lord Sessho. Have a good evening." Hinata bowed and left.

"Good evening Lady Hinata." Sessho responded.

Xxxxxxxxxx

It was the day of the meeting and Naruto was getting ready. The main house was recently completed and now the amenities of the compound were being constructed. Naruto saw Tazuna directing the construction workers. He decided to walk out and greet the old man.

"Tazuna" Naruto called out.

"Uh." Tazuna squinted his eyes. Then they widened followed by a smile. "Naruto my boy, how are you doing?"

From the shadows there was a growl and Naruto spoke up. "Oh, be quiet. He is one of the few allowed to call me by my name. I insist on it."

Tazuna raised the inquisitive eyebrow and Naruto answered the unasked question. "They insist in calling me Lord Naruto or Lord Namikaze depending on the situation. I really wish they would just call me by my name, but alas I've given up on that fight."

Tazuna chuckled and nodded his head in understanding.

Naruto continued, "Anyways, thanks for all the work you are doing. The place looks great."

"No thanks is necessary Naruto. I would do this for you anytime. Especially for the amount of money I'm making on the job. Ha ha ha!" Tazuna laughed in response.

Naruto chuckled as well. He knew wave as a whole could use the money and he was happy to support them. "Well I have a meeting to go to so I will see you later."

"Naruto…before you go, just know that wave supports you, but we are still ticked off at Konoha for banishing you in the first place. If you ever need of anything don't ever hesitate to ask us." Tazuna spoke with conviction.

"Thanks old man, I'll always remember that. Also, don't hesitate to ever ask for my assistance." Naruto commented and waved as he walked off to the front gates.

When he arrived at the front gates of the compound he saw the Lords and Ladies of the Panthera Clan talking with Nilu. As he approached Nilu gave a slight nod and turned to Naruto.

Sessho spoke, "Lord Naruto, we have just informed Nilu of everything needed and she should be able to help you out through your meeting if needed. From this point on we will remain here on the compound unless needed. We all wish you luck my lord." And they all bowed their heads to him.

"I really wish you all would stop that. I'm not some all mighty being whom you should bow to." Commented Naruto.

"My Lord, it is a sign of respect especially for the head of the clan. You should accept this with grace and understanding." Said Nilu.

"I get that, it just feels weird." He replied.

"Well, despite that it does make us feel good that you don't hold yourself above us." Commented Lady Tora.

He looked at them all and then for once got serious. "Understand this, your clan will never be below the Namikaze. EVER! We are partners and if you wish to show respect that is fine, but make sure that myself and all my decedents are worthy of that respect. Don't ever allow anyone in this clan to treat you in a negative way. In fact, once I start working on the clan laws we will write that into the clan laws."

"Thank you my lord" they all replied in unison.

"Alright Lady Nilu, shall we." He said.

She nodded and they were off.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Hana had decided that morning to do some early training before her duties at the vet clinic. On her way back to the compound she caught a scent from so many years ago. "It couldn't be" she thought.

As she rounded the corner she saw a tall blonde man that had 'alpha' written all over him. Without even knowing it she walked straight up to him. It was her dogs growling that broke her out of her revere. She saw her dogs were growling at a large lion walking next to Naruto.

Naruto stood there for a moment, but finally asked "Do you mind calling off your dogs?"

Hana immediately snapped her fingers and the dogs stopped. "My apologies. They wouldn't have done anything to you without my order."

"I was more worried about your dogs than me." Naruto pointed up.

Hana looked up and there were three tigers standing on guard on the roof of the surrounding buildings. "I never smelled them or heard them. And apparently neither did my dogs." Hana thought.

"Interesting, a Lion by your side and tigers guarding you. I have never heard of anyone taming lions and tigers before. How did you do it?" Hana all of a sudden sounded like a teenage girl on a shopping spree.

She mentally berated herself for sounding like that.

"Interesting, you're the first to know what a tiger is. How did you know?" Naruto asked intrigued.

"Well our family are the only vets in the village and it's our job to know about different animals. If you ever need my services I would be happy to help." Replied Hana then she berated herself mentally. "Way to go Hana, 'if you ever need my services', why don't you just strip in front of him that would be less embarrassing than sounding like some school girl who doesn't know how to be a shinobi."

"I don't know…" Naruto turned to Nilu "do you all need a vet? I never even thought about it before."

"Well, I cannot say we ever have needed one, but neither can I say I know if we don't. It might be a good idea to talk to the clan heads and see what they think." Replied Nilu

Hana stood there with her jaw just hung open. "It…It…I mean…She talked. I mean I know some of our dogs can learn to talk, but I wasn't expecting that."

"To answer your earlier question, though, they are summons. I have the Panthera summoning contract which is my clan's contract." Replied Naruto.

"Oh…so let me see" Hana put a finger on her chin in a thinking pose. "That would be Lions and Tigers obviously from what I can see, but that would also include Jaguars and Leopards correct?"

Naruto was impressed "That is actually really close. You are missing snow leopards as well."

"Ah..I will have to make sure our records reflect that when I get to the clinic."

"Well, I have a meeting with the Hokage and the council today so I must be going. I will speak to the heads of each clan and see if they could use your services."

"Ok, thank you. I look forward to hearing back from you." Hana replied.

"It will be a couple of days, but I will come to see you about setting up a time to meet my summons. Oh, and what was your name?" Commented Naruto.

"Name is Hana Inuzuka and that sounds great, it's a date then." Hana replied instinctively. She blushed to a very red color and turned and walked off as fast as she could without making it look like she was running. "I cannot believe I said that 'it's a date', what was I thinking? Why can I not keep my cool around him?" She thought then heard her dogs snickering. "Oh shut up before I give you a flea bath." Her dogs immediately stopped.

After she left Naruto and Nilu kept walking. "Well, there is a potential mate for you." Commented Nilu.

"W-What? Where did that come from?" asked Naruto.

"Well, she was obviously captivated by you and if the pheromones she was giving off was any indication she was turned on by you." Replied Nilu

"I don't even know her. And how do you know if she liked me?" asked Naruto.

"We women have a sense for these kinds of things. Plus I'm not worried about if you know her. You can get to know her once you're married. I mean that is how these clan marriage contracts work especially for someone like you who needs to rebuild your clan." Nilu commented.

"You know we have a meeting to get to, let's just handle one thing at a time." Naruto huffed and unconsciously picked up his pace. All the while thinking "She was pretty and I didn't seem to get any nasty look from her. It might not be a bad idea." Shaking his head he just kept walking, but Nilu picked up on his mood and smirked to herself.

Xxxxxxxxxx

As Naruto arrived at the Hokage tower he dreaded this meeting. The last thing he ever wanted was to see this damn council again. As he entered he was directed to the Council Chambers and then entered with Nilu.

Naruto now stood in front of the shinobi council and the Hokage. He noticed there were no civilians or the 'elders' sitting there.

"Welcome back to Konoha, Lord Namikaze." Tsunade called.

In a respectful bow and tone that held no fondness Naruto replied "Thank you Lady Hokage and Councilors."

Tsunade frowned. She was so sure he would be happy, but when she looked at him he was neutral in emotions and only because she knew him so well she personally could see his anger. Was he still angry at them? Could she really blame him? Tsunade put that thought to the side for now and continued.

"We have been in contact with your summoning clan and have agreed to all terms they requested which I'm sure you are aware of." Naruto nodded and she continued.

"Has your summoning clan filled you in on everything?" Tsunade asked.

"Not everything. I have been made aware of the agreement that was necessary for me to come back, but not how that all transpired." Naruto replied.

"Very well, Danzo, who was one of the elders, had stolen some of the sharingan from the Uchiha massacre many years ago and implanted them on his body. He was using one of the eyes special abilities to influence the civilian council to hate and ostracize you. His goal was to get control over you and make you into one of his ROOT shinobi where you would be the ultimate weapon."

"ROOT? Is that some kind of group with blank masks?" Naruto asked and got shocked looks from everyone in the room.

"Y-yes, how did you know?" asked Tsunade.

"I was attacked by these 'ROOT' upon leaving. The only reason I escaped is because Kurama helped me." Replied Naruto.

"Kurama?" asked Tsunade

"Oh, yes, that is the Kyubi's name." commented Naruto like it should be common knowledge.

"Wait, you can talk to the demon fox?" asked Shikaku Nara.

"Yes, He and I have been attempting to work together for a while. I can access up to 5 tails worth of chakra from the fox before I start to loose myself."

Shikaku responded again, "You are attempting to do this on purpose?"

Nilu decided to speak up. "Of course, if he can learn to access the fox's chakra at will and use it just imagine how strong he would become. You would think a great village like this would have figured that out already and attempted to help him from an early age." She said all this as if to shove it down their throats on how stupid they have been in the past.

"Isn't that dangerous to try to use the demon's chakra? It could take over and then destroy anything." Asked Choza.

"You are correct, but if you don't teach him to fight the demon then the demon could take over anyways. On top of that it is dangerous to teach a child a D rank jutsu, but you still do it because they have to learn to control their abilities. All shinobi risk something when gaining power, but without risk you don't get great shinobi like Lord Namikaze's father." Nilu shot back.

The logic was impeccable. They couldn't negate the truth in her words. They now seem to realize what they could have had if they took the boys training seriously instead of fearing him.

"We have gotten off topic here. Council, are we in agreement?" asked Tsunade.

They all nodded and Tsunade as well as the council stood up then bowed to Naruto.

"Lord Namikaze we are so very sorry for our actions all those years ago. We are glad you have returned and we hope you can forgive us one day." Spoke Tsunade.

Naruto took a deep breath. He really wanted to tell them to go fuck themselves, but he happened to look at Nilu out of the corner of his eye and resigned himself to the betterment of the clan. "I thank you all for your apology and I do accept it, but it will be some time before I trust you and I hope you can understand that."

"We do and we thank you for accepting our apology. Now we have some documents to sign in my office that doesn't require the council as I'm sure they have clan business they need to attend to. If you will follow me we will get this wrapped up." Commented Tsunade.

Naruto followed Tsunade to her office and it was a quiet stroll through the building. As the arrived Shizune stood up and smiled at Naruto. "Lord Namikaze, welcome home." She said.

"Lady Shizune" Naruto replied with a nod and a neutral expression.

"There was no fondness, but no hate either. Maybe he doesn't know where we stand yet. Remember Shizune, give him time." Shizune thought as Naruto Nilu and Tsunade entered the office.

Xxxxxxxxxx

As Naruto entered the office there was another presence. It was Hinata. She saw him and he looked so handsome and stood there as if he were noble. It turned her on to be honest. She gathered herself and remembered the conversation she and Sessho had on the walk home that night so many months ago.

-Flashback-

"I want you to understand something, Lady Hinata. He is going to fight against this marriage business not because he doesn't find you attractive, but he wants to marry for love. He doesn't want to force anyone into a marriage. We are working on his knowledge of how clan marriages work especially in a CRA situation like his, but that doesn't mean he will accept it so easily. You may have to forcefully make him yours. Do you understand?" Sessho asked.

"I don't know if I can be that bold. I don't know if I'm that strong that I can make him do as I say." Commented Hinata.

"There is one thing about most men, especially the Namikaze men, that is ingrained in genetics. They will always listen to their women when the woman deems it necessary. If you put your foot down, he will cave." Replied Sessho.

"I don't want him to 'cave'. I want us to have an honest relationship. One of mutual respect. Not were I'm a dictator." Hinata said.

"Don't think of it like that. Any man who truly loves his woman will listen when she requires it. And it should be the opposite as well. When he requires some form of obedience then you should abide by his words. This isn't about dominance or about being a dictator. It's about mutual respect and when you are wrong then you are wrong and he should tell you. In reverse, when he is wrong then he should listen to you because you are right. This marriage is the right thing for him and for the clan because you love him and respect him. You won't abuse him or the clan and there could be no better matriarch for the clan than that. And it's your duty to set him straight when he is being stubborn like most men are." Sessho explained.

"Very well, I will do my best if or when the time comes." She replied.

"I hope so Lady Hinata, because you will have to fight for him if you truly want to be with him."

-End flashback-

She was brought out of her thoughts when the time she feared was approaching. Her mental flashback made her miss all the document signing.

"Finally, the last document is your first marriage contract." Commented Lady Tsunade.

"My what?" asked Naruto.

"Marriage Contract. You know your first wife per the agreement with panthera clan we agreed to." Tsunade clarified.

"So you all just choose for me? Is that how it works?" asked Naruto rather perturbed.

"No, not at all. You see this person was selected by your summons and she personally requested this." Said Tsunade with a smirk.

As Naruto read through the marriage contract he finally reached the names. Hinata Hyuga.

He looked up and saw Hinata standing there nervously.

"I refuse." Said Naruto.

Hinata went wide eyed. "W-Why?" she asked.

"You all think me a fool. I know Lord Hyuga forced this on you and if he thinks he can make me one of his little pawns…." Naruto was cut off.

SLAP

There was something in Hinata's eyes that he had never seen before. It was rage. Rage directed at him. Quiet and demur Hinata was angry.

"How dare you. I have loved you since we were at the academy. I was always too shy to say anything and when you were near, my blood pressure would rise and I would faint. I hate myself for my shyness back then, but under Tsunade-sensei I have become bolder and I'm not afraid to speak my mind. So you listen here…you WILL sign that contract and I will be your clans matriarch and you don't have to owe anyone anything." She pushed the pen back into his hand and stepped back. She then glared as if to challenge him.

And challenge he did. "Excuse me! Loved me! If you loved me so much then when I was being banished from my home where were your eyes?...Uh?...Where?" She started to cave in on herself. He was right.

"Apparently your love only goes so far." He shot out and that was it for her.

She resolved herself and came up with an argument. "Don't you dare question my love for you ever again? I have spent countless hours helping Tsunade-sensei to get the power she needs in this village to bring you home to me. Not standing up for you back then is one of the biggest regrets I will carry for the rest of my life. However, it is for that reason that I will shower you with all the love I possess and make up for that one mistake for the rest of my life."

She picked up the pen and shoved back into Naruto's hand. "Now sign the damn contract!" she ordered.

He stood there for a very long time. She was about to say something when he turned to Nilu. "You knew about this didn't you?" Nilu just shrugged her shoulders.

He turned to look at Hinata and she held her glare. She was not backing down from this.

As he turned to sign the contract he made one last comment. "Just so you know I'm still not happy. I don't know if I will ever forget that image of all my comrades turning their eyes away when I was being banished."

"I promise you this. I will spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you to make up for that one day." Hinata replied.

Naruto signed the document without another word.

"Very good. As Hokage of Konoha we officially welcome the Namikaze clan. Also, it is overdue, but here are the keys and deed to your parents' house." Naruto wanted to say something but decided to keep his mouth shut for the time being.

"Thank you Lady Hokage, is there anything else this morning to discuss."

Tsunade frowned at him calling her by her formal title. She wanted her Naruto to call her grandma.

"Two more things, I need you to be at the academy's gym tonight at 8pm and dress nice. Then tomorrow morning be at training ground 10 to meet with your team you will be competing with for the Chunin exams starting next week."

"Very well, I bid you good day." He started to leave when he heard a throat clear.

"Lord Namikaze, it would be very gentlemanly of you to escort me back home for the day." Commented Hinata.

He sighed and said "Lady Hinata, may I escort you back home."

"Oh, that would be lovely Lord Namikaze." HInata took his arm and walked out with him and he escorted her back to the Hyuga compound.

Xxxxxxxxxx

-Next time-

Confrontations and the beginning of the chunin exams.