Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. This is a fanfic based on others ideas and hard work.

"Speaking"

"Thinking"

Chapter 17

Naruto spent the rest of the day getting settled into his new home. He even invited Tazuna and his family over for lunch. It was good times by all and Naruto enjoyed having the company.

As evening approached Naruto started to get ready. It didn't take him too long and as he came down to the main floor. He found the most enchanting scene he had ever laid eyes on. Hinata was waiting for him in a silk lavender kimono that made her eyes shine. It had a floral design and it was stunning on her. She had her hair pulled up into a side bun held together with two picks. She had on light make up, but that was all that was really needed due to her natural beauty.

Now of course Naruto was still upset about her 'claim' of love, but wouldn't stand up for him when he needed it. However, beauty is beauty and he was admiring her.

His admiration did not go unnoticed by Hinata, but she would not be fooled to think it was that easy. However, it was nice that he noticed.

"How did you make it to the house?" Naruto said in a harsh manner.

"As your future wife I'm guessing your tiger guards have allowed me access to the compound. I had to stop at the gate, but once through they guided me here." Hinata said a little miffed in his tone. He couldn't compliment her outfit first.

"Hm" he responded.

"Is your future wife not allowed in your home?" She asked once again miffed.

"Honestly, I'm not sure I can trust you fully yet." He responded.

"Fine, then have your tiger guards watch me every minute I'm here and if I do something out of line then kick me out. Deal?" She asked.

"Maybe." He said.

After a couple of minutes of silence between the two Hinata finally relented on any compliment she might get. "We should get going Lord Naruto. We don't want to be late."

"Very well, Lady Hinata." Replied Naruto and then he thought "I really should complement her, but it seems that time has passed."

Xxxxxxxxxx

As they were walking to the academy a tiger appeared before Naruto. "My Lord, the market district is very nice this evening. Perhaps you and Lady Hinata would enjoy the stroll through there on your way to the academy." He bowed and left.

"Sounds good, shall we Lady Hinata." Naruto had turned to Hinata.

"Isn't that out of the way compared to going to the academy?" she asked.

"Maybe, but you heard the tiger, it nice this evening." He responded.

"Very well, if it will make you happy I will be glad to walk through the market district with you." She responded in kind.

A few minutes later and we find Naruto and Hinata walking through the district. What threw Hinata off was that it seemed like Naruto was on a mission rather than a nice stroll. Then it happened and it confirmed some of her thoughts.

"Well, well, well; if it isn't the idiot." Came a voice Hinata never wanted to hear this evening.

"Oh my Lord Sasuke, you are so clever, 'giggle'. Came another voice that Naruto could go without ever hearing again.

"Quiet woman, know your place." Shot Sasuke and Sakura just bowed and took a few steps back just like the loyal dog she is.

"I had heard they were letting you back into this village. The requirement for quality clans must be falling." Sasuke kept on his verbal assault.

Naruto wanted to hit him right there, but he remembered all his lessons and what his plan was. "Ah, Lord Uchiha, please refrain from calling a clan head names and disgracing my clan in public." Naruto responded.

"Lord Uchiha, huh. It seems you have learned your place 'idiot'" Sasuke responded trying to get a rise out of Naruto.

Internally, it was getting a rise out of Naruto, but Naruto knew what needed to be done. He was taking a gamble on this plan, but he was going to bet on his luck.

"Once again, Lord Uchiha, please don't be disrespectful of another clan head in public." Naruto commented. Naruto also took notice of the people looking at them, but no one was coming to the Uchiha's defense. They simply watched. He found that interesting.

"Don't tell me, the mighty Uchiha, what to do idiot. You should bow before me." Sasuke waited as Naruto just stared at him. "You know what, I don't care anymore. Come woman, let's go back home." And with that, Sasuke left with Sakura walking a couple of steps behind him like a proper slav…I mean proper Uchiha wife.

Naruto turned to Hinata "Please walk up to the end of the block for a second so I can talk to my tigers." Hinata was reluctant. She obviously caught on to this being planned and she wanted to know what was going on, but again he didn't trust her completely yet and obeying him might be the first step to building the trust they both needed. So she complied. "Of course Lord Naruto, I shall wait for you." So he Hinata walked off to the end of the block.

When she got there she turned to watch. She wanted to use her Byakugan, but decided not to because she wanted to show trust. What she saw next baffled her more. A tiger came from nowhere and transformed into a table. Naruto filled out some scroll and then rolled it up. Naruto summoned another animal that looked like Lady Yakihyo but much much smaller. Almost like a large house cat. It took the scroll and it took off to deliver it to someone.

Naruto finally caught up to Hinata. "Shall we Lady Hinata?" Naruto asked holding out his arm. She blushed slightly, but nodded and took his arm. They didn't get far before she thought about asking him took look into Ino's situation.

"Lord Naruto, I have a question for you. Are you aware of Ino's situation?" She asked.

"Yes, I am. Be patient, we are looking into it. That is all I can say at this time." He responded.

"Ok, and thank you." Said Hinata.

Xxxxxxxxxx

In a dark room in the Uchiha compound at a time before Sasuke and Sakura returned we find Ino crying. She was so lonely and malnourished. Sometimes Sakura either didn't feed her or chose not to.

"Kami, please just take me now." She whispered.

"I don't know about Kami, but I'm here to help you." Said a voice.

Ino would have jumped if she had the energy, but she simply turned over from where she was laying. "Who said that?" There was fear in her tone.

Crawling out of the shadow was a large animal she had never seen before. She was frightened and relieved. Certainly a large animal like that could eat her. "Are you here to eat me?" she asked.

"No, I'm here to feed you." And seemingly out of nowhere the animal gave her food.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because, help is on the way. Hang on just a little longer." The animal started to sink back into the shadow.

"Wait, stay, talk to me." Ino said with desperation.

"I will stay in the shadow, so feel free to talk when you need to. Just know I won't respond when Sasuke and Sakura are home. That is more for your safety than mine." The animal responded.

"Thank you" was all she said as she began to eat.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Naruto and Hinata finally made it to the academy. She stepped aside and motioned for Naruto to enter.

Naruto complied and when he entered the building he was hit with a bright light and loud shouting of "Welcome Home" from the most of the rookies and their sensei's, Tsunade, Shizune, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Iruka.

As he stood there with an expressionless face he turned to Hinata as she came up beside him. "If you wish to stay you may, but I'm leaving." He turned and started to walk out.

"Wait, where are you going?" Asked Tsunade

"I'm going home." Stated Naruto.

"But…What about your party?" Tsunade inquired again.

"I never asked for a party." Naruto replied again and started to turn.

Shikamaru was the first to speak up. "Naruto, wait, don't you want to catch up with your friends?"

It was in an instant but the KI went through the roof. Everyone including the all-powerful sanin felt suffocated.

"The only friends I have are not here right now, so if you'll excuse me." He started to turn when a hand gripped his shoulder.

He turned to see Kakashi giving him that stupid eye smile. "Now Naruto, as your sensei this behavior…"

"SENSEI; HA!" Naruto let out a sarcastic laugh and Kakashi stepped back with a frown.

"Naruto! That is way out of line. Your sensei and your friends are here to welcome you back. It is not their fault that the council banished you." Shot out Tsunade.

Naruto took a deep breath to calm himself. "Ok, let's take this one at a time. Lady Hokage…" Tsunade frowned at the professionalism he had been showing her. "…What is a sensei's job?"

"Now Naruto if you have beef with me…" Kakashi started to speak, but was cut off by Naruto.

"Silence, Hatake," Everyone flinched at his demeanor now. He was past angry.

"Lady Hokage?" Naruto asked.

"The sensei's job is to train their students and prepare them for life as a ninja. At least in the basic understanding that is." She responded.

"And what about genin right out of the academy?" Naruto directed toward Tsunade again.

"Well, they should improve their jutsu's from Tai-jutsu, Gen-jutsu, and Nin-jutus. They should expand their ninja skills as well." She replied again not sure where this is going.

"Ok, Hatake, please list all of the things you taught your genin." Naruto stated.

"Naruto, if you're not happy with my training methods…" Kakashi was cut off once again.

"Stop beating around the bush." Commanded Naruto.

"Naruto this is a party not an inquisition." Kakashi started again.

"Very well, let me start. Sasuke Uchiha; you taught him team work, for what good that did, you taught him tree climbing, you helped him increase his tai-jutsu ability, and you helped him improve his sharingan once he had it. Did I miss anything?" Naruto asked. Kakashi shook his head.

"Now, Sakura Haruno, you taught her teamwork, and tree climbing. Anything else?" Kakashi just shook his head again and this time Tsunade and the other senei's were looking at him with shocked eyes.

"Finally, Naruto Namikaze, you taught teamwork and tree climbing. Did I leave anything out?" Naruto asked and Kakashi could only shake his head.

"Let's see…" Naruto put a finger to his chin as if he was thinking about something. "…we were a team for over six months and then you sent us to the chunin exams. Tell me Lady Hokage, is this the proper way to be a 'sensei'?"

Tsunade was actually glaring at Kakashi. "No, it is not."

"Some Sensei you turned out to be Hatake. I wonder if my dad would be proud of you?" Naruto asked the rhetorical question.

"That's a low blow Naruto." Stated Jiraiya "And as someone who has been a sensei to you should lighten up."

"Oh yes, let's not forget about what we mean to each other….godfather." Naruto spat out like it was poison.

Everyone went wide eyed and stared at Jiraiya.

"H-H-How did you find out?" asked Jiraiya realizing he just got caught.

"Doesn't matter, what matters is that I'm sure my parents are so happy that they trusted you to take care of me. On top of that when were you going to tell me who my parents were?" asked Naruto.

"There are reasons we didn't tell you." Responded Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya! Shut up!" yelled Tsunade.

"Tell me Lady Hokage, when did you know?" asked Naruto rather hotly.

"Naruto we wanted to tell you…" Tsunade started, but was cut off.

"WHEN?" Yelled Naruto.

"Before we made the trek back to the village when we first met. Jiraiya told me." Tsunade responded and then continued. "But you have to understand, we had to keep this secret from the world or you would have people from all over the world coming after you."

"What, I couldn't be trusted with the knowledge of my own parents?" he asked.

"Let's be honest Naruto you tend to run your mouth sometimes." Tsunade shot back.

"Yes I ran my mouth about my own skills and what I would be one day, but I kept the secret of the GOD DAME FOX, how can you possible justify not at least telling ME about MY parents. If either of you had taken the chance to explain why it should be a secret then I would have kept it. Oh, but NOOOOO! The 'dead last' can't be trusted. Maybe you should go back and look at my school records. You'd be surprised to find out that I wasn't as bad as a student as my scores showed. Mainly because of every test and homework paper being sabotaged by someone." Naruto's temper was rising.

At the comment of being 'dead last' and being sabotaged caught everyone's attention as well.

"Finally, let's talk about my 'friends'. My 'comrades'. Tell me Hatake, what was the first lesson you gave your team?" asked Naruto.

"Uh, it was 'those who don't follow the rules are scum'…" Kakashi started.

"And the second part of that lesson?" Naruto spat out and Kakashi was getting nervous because he now knew where this was going.

"…t-t-those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum." Kakashi finished.

"Very good, so now as I look at my 'comrades' can you all guess what I see. You all are worse than scum and the furthest thing from friends to me." Naruto calmly stated.

As he started to turn and walk out it was Shizune who spoke this time. "If we are so low to you, then why did you come back to Konoha?"

Naruto stopped at the door. He never turned around as he spoke. "Because my summoning animals requested it of me and they have earned by trust."

Naurto promptly exited.

Hinata bowed to everyone "Please give him time." She then followed after him. She knew her place needed to be next to him.

After a few moments of silence Tsunade spoke. "Everyone stay here, I will be right back. Iruka come with me please."

After about 10 minutes Tsunade and Iruka returned holding records. Tsunade sat down a table and started looking through Naruto's school papers.

"Oh Kami." Tsunade had tears in her eyes.

"Lady Tsunade, what is it?" asked Shizune.

"These old tests, I wouldn't give these to seasoned Chunin. A newly minted Jonin would be hard pressed to pass any of these tests and these were his first years at the academy. If he wasn't being tested properly from the beginning he would have been at such a disadvantage by the time he reached Iruka's class it would be beyond a joke." Tsunade commented.

"So it's true, he was sabotaged in school?" asked Jiraiya.

"Yes" said Tsunade, "Listen everyone, for the time being just respect Naruto and give him his space. As Hinata said, let's give him time."

"Now, Kakashi, let's talk about your training methods…" Tsunade started and Kakashi had a bad feeling about this conversation.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Naruto didn't get too far before Hinata caught up to him. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be with your friends?" Naruto asked.

"I'm with the man that I love, where else would I be?" Hinata asked.

"With those people back there." He stated.

"They are my friends. However, I have been around them for the last several years. You have not. Since it is early how about I cook you dinner?" Hinata asked.

"Whatever you wish to do." Replied Naruto and they continued to walk.

It was silent for a few blocks until Hinata decided to bring something else up. "You know, you need a friend and I don't mean your summons. I would suggest Shikamaru mainly because he was one of the few who tried to fight for you."

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"I mean, when you were being banished he ran to the hospital to get Tsunade-sensei in an attempt to stop the banishment. However, due to the complicated surgery he was not permitted and couldn't save you in time." Hinata clarified.

"I will…think on that. We have finally reached the compound shall we?" he asked.

She nodded and they entered the compound. Soon Hinata fixed Naruto and her some ramen that she made from scratch and they had a silent dinner together.

Xxxxxxxxxx

The next morning Naruto made his way to the training ground to meet his new team. He wondered who he was getting stuck with.

When he approached he couldn't believe his eyes.

"Boss, is that you?" asked Konohamaru

"Hey, Konohamaru, it's been a really long time. How have you been?" asked Naruto.

Konohamaru was sniffling and finally went up to hug Naruto. "I missed you, boss." Stated Konohamaru.

"Oh, I missed you guys too." Naruto stood their awkwardly, but didn't return the hug.

"What's wrong boss, didn't you miss us too?" Konohamaru asked.

"I did, but I'm not the hugging type." Naruto commented.

"Oh, my apologies. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Konohamaru stated.

"Don't worry about it. So who is on our team?" asked Naruto trying to change the subject.

"Well, it looks like you, me, and Mogi. Udon got an apprenticeship at the intelligence department and won't be taking the chunin exams this year." He replied.

"Good for him. Where is our female teammate?" Naruto asked.

"She should be here any mom….oh there she is…oh NO!" commented Konohamaru.

"What's wrong?" asked Naruto.

"I was hoping to go get some ramen today, and my fiancé constantly harps on me about spending money. She is walking up with Mogi and she has my lunch I 'conveniently' forgot." Replied Konohamaru.

Naruto turned around and saw a smaller version of Hinata.

"Hi hime.." Konohamaru started, but was cut off by his fiancé.

"Don't you 'hi hime' me Kono-kun. I know what you are trying to do, but these lunches are packed full of nutrients perfect for your training. Plus, you promised to stop spending so much money. How are we going to rebuild the Sarotobi clan if you spend all of your clan's savings?" Hanabi scolded.

"I know hime, but I wanted Ramen and look the boss is back and it's a perfect time for us to catch up over ramen." Konohamaru tried to reason and/or sell the idea.

She turned and glared at Naruto. "Oh, I know he's back."

"You got a problem with me Lady Hyuga?" Naruto asked.

"As a matter of fact I do. My sister cried her eyes out for you when you were banished…" Hanabi was getting in his face and what she didn't see that everyone else saw was the 5 tigers who came out of nowhere and started to stalk their prey. Naruto gave the silent signal to stand down the tiger's disappeared before anyone would say anything. "…and now that you two are engaged you still haven't treated her like the woman she deserves to be treated as. So yes I have a huge problem with an arrogant ass like you."

"First of all, where was your sister when I was being banished? She didn't show me any loyalty then so why should I show it now?" Naruto shot back and the KI from both people was rising by the minute.

"You know what; spar with me!" Hanabi declared.

"Fine, I'll put a brat like you in your place." Naruto commented. "Rules?" he asked.

"This is a spar, just tiajutsu." She declared.

"Fine" Naruto started to walk to the other side of the training ground.

"Hime, this is not a good idea." Commented Konohamaru.

"Kono-kun, my sister deserves love and unfortunately she loves that idiot who won't let go of the past. Sister was a lowly genin with no political backing. How was she supposed to stand up to the council at that time? It's not fair to her either." She responded.

"Very well, Hime, I love you" and he kissed her cheek and moved out of the way.

Both fighters were ready and Konohamaru stood to the side. "Begin"

The two fighters charged at each other and as soon as they were within arm's length they disappeared in a blur of speed. The only thing that confirmed a spar was going on was the occasional dust cloud where their feet would touch the dirt and they heard slap and punch sounds of the two combatants.

Hanabi struck his shoulder hard. She was not using her special clan ability, but the hit hurt none-the-less. Naruto winced in pain.

Naruto rounded around using her momentum against her and kicked the back of her leg hard bruising the muscle.

After about 10 minutes of hard hits they both stopped mere feet apart in the training grounds. Hanabi was panting, but Naruto was hardly breathing hard. If it wasn't for the fast pace of his chest rising he may not even looked the little bit of winded he was.

"I'm impressed, you actually kept up with me. However, this fight is over. You are clearly having labored breathing while I haven't even broke a sweat." Naruto taunted.

"Why?" Hanabi breathed out.

"Simple, I'm the better trained fighter." He commented as if it was fact.

"Not that you idiot." She growled out. "Why won't you forgive my sister and move on?"

"Why should I forgive anyone? They abandoned me in my time of need. If it was in reverse I would have fought the council." He shot back with venom in his voice.

"There, that's it. You're mad because they didn't act like you would have." Hanabi stated.

"You're damn right I'm mad. I gave my 'friends' everything; was too much to ask for the same in return?" he asked.

"You already know the answer, but let me spell it out for you. THEY…ARE…NOT…YOU! I'm sorry for how you grew up. Truly I am. However, consider how your friends grew up. They grew up not questioning their elders. They were taught to respect the will and decision of the village council. Even Hinata who was raised to be a clan head couldn't fight the council. You, an orphan, who was raised in the streets. Taught to fight for what he wanted and needed. Never taught the 'required' respect of the council and village leaders like the rest of your friends. Put yourself in their shoes. They all wanted to do something. Hell, I listen to them all wishing to do something but not knowing how. In the end they all abandoned their clan, parents, and the rules because of you. All they ask is for a second chance and forgiveness. They earned it. My sister earned it." Hanabi stood up, cleaned up her appearance as best she could. "Kono-kun, have a good practice and lunch with Lord Namikaze. I will see you this evening." She strode out of the training ground with grace befitting her position with the lunch she had prepared for him.

Naruto stood there for a long time just staring at the direction Hanabi retreated to. He had never considered the position of his 'friends'. He just looked at every scenario as 'how would I have acted.' The more he thought about it the more angry at himself he got. He used to believe he could understand other just because of what he went through in life and he was so blind the world around him he never considered their position.

"Well, that was interesting." Came the voice of Ebisu-sensei. "We don't have a lot of time. I know your skills are great, but you three need to work on team work and coordination. Therefore the rest of the day will be me ganging up on you. Good luck." Ebisu started his attack and that was how the day went. The three genin trying to hash out their team work.

Xxxxxxxxx

Knock Knock

"Wonder who's here?" asked Shikaku to himself.

He opened the door and stared wide eyed "L-Lord Namikaze. What can I do for you?" asked the Nara clan head.

"May I speak with Shikamaru?" Naruto asked.

"Of course, please come in." Shikaku opened the door wider.

"Thank you." Naruto bowed slightly.

"I'll be right back." Commented Shikaku as he left the foyer.

A few minutes later Shikaku came around the corner not really sure to believe his dad. He raised an eyebrow and stood there looking at Naruto.

"Is there a place we may sit and talk?" asked Naruto.

"Of course Lord Namikaze, please follow me out into the garden" responded Shikamaru.

Naruto scowled internally. He didn't like this formal title stuff. After a minute or so of walking they sat on a nice bench overlooking the woods. Naruto noticed movement in the woods and shifted his gaze, but never saw anything.

"Deer, they reside in the woods and they are curious about new scents. You are new to them." Shikamaru noticing his shift in gaze.

"Is it true, you tried to get the Hokage when I was being banished?" Naruto asked out of the blue.

"Yes, I ran as fast as I could to the Hospital." Shikamaru answered.

It was a long 5 minutes before Naruto spoke again. Shikamaru was not going to rush this. He played Shogi, patience was one of his best qualities.

"Why didn't you say or do something right then and there? I would have for you." Naruto said with more anger than he intended.

"Naruto, I will not make excuses, but remember this. I'm the next head of the Nara clan. I've been raised on protocol, manners, and code of conduct. I mean no disrespect, but you were not raised this way. One of the many rules I learned growing up is to not question the council especially in public." He answered truthfully.

"If you could turn back time would you have done something?" asked Naruto.

"Honestly, I don't know. I would like to think I would stick up for my friend, but at that age the council was very powerful to me and I might have made the same decision. That decision was to find someone who could put the council in their place." Shikamaru answered truthfully.

Naruto got up to leave. He had a lot to think about. "Lord Namikaze, if you ever need me I will do everything in my power to support you. As a friend!" declared Shikamaru.

Naruto started walking again, but stopped. "I don't know how I feel about everything, but a true friend would call me Naruto." Commented Naruto.

"Good evening…Naruto" comment Shikamaru with a smirk on his face.

Xxxxxxxxxx

The next morning Naruto Sent Nilu over to the Hyuga's compound while Naruto went to meet with his team for another day of training.

Nilu arrived at the front gate. "Lord Namikaze has a message for Lady Hinata." She said.

The guards nodded and one left to retrieve Hinata. A few moment later the same guard escorted Nilu into the compound.

"Lady Nilu, welcome." Hinata bowed.

"Lady Hinata, Lord Namikaze would like to treat you to dinner this evening. He request you wear something nice for your date." Nilu said with a smirk.

Hinata bowed and said thank you and squealed as he ran off to her bedroom to start getting ready. Eight hours was enough she hoped.

As Hinata left Nilu spoke, "And thank you for your words Lady Hanabi."

Hanabi "eep'd" and stepped out from the corridor to the side. "You know about our conversation?" Hanabi asked.

"Yes, the tiger guards that follow Naruto around the village reported it back to me. You were correct in your action and it might have helped just a little." Commented Nilu.

"I just want my sister to be happy." Nanabi said.

"Just give Lord Namikaze time, he is a good man I promise." Commented Nilu.

Nilu then left and Hanabi smiled at hearing her sister sing. Perhaps she could go help her get ready for her date.

Xxxxxxxxxx

A/N: I'm sorry I lied. This chapter worked out to be longer than I anticipated and I cannot work in the chunin exams. I will start the chunin exams next chapter, that's a promise. I'm going to start the chapter with the date then go right into the chunin exams.