You guys are the best!
There isn't much in the way of AU changes this chapter. Given that we don't know when a ninja is considered a legal adult, I carefully decided that once you make Chunin you are considered a legal adult, reasoning that if you can lead others into battle, you probably are considered an adult.
Answers to your awesome reviews are at the bottom.
Mach Farcon does not own Naruto.
And here's the next chapter. Chapter 13: The Talk
Naruto grunted to himself in consternation, his face turning downwards into a slight frown. The blonde glanced down the aisle of the book store again. He had realized that he didn't have a house warming gift for either Sakura-Chan or Hinata-Chan. So he had created a clone to stay while he headed to the shopping district. Naruto had figured that he could quickly get gift for Sakura-Chan first, given that a good book would suffice. However, once he reached the Shinobi book store, he was completely unprepared for sheer amount of books the store had. The blonde haired ninja was reduced to wondering the aisles, hoping that a particular title stood out.
"Can I help you find anything?" A cheerful voice asked behind the Uzumaki. Naruto turned around, and spotted a teenaged female sales clerk standing behind him, waiting for his response. Naruto, being the observant ninja that he was, noticed that the clerk's cheeks were slowly turning more red, her gaze flicking back up to his face. He idly wondered how hot the store was for normal people, given the sales associate's reaction.
"I'm looking a book for someone." Naruto began politely, not wanting to have the only store not to throw him out hate him, "But..." The blonde's face twisted in consternation again, his eyes widening, "There's just so many books!" He waved his arms at the vast expanse of the book store.
The light giggle of the sales associate brought him out of his wide-eyed look. "Well, I can help you with that!" She smiled, her calming smile putting the blonde's worries at ease. "What kind of person are you looking to get a book for? What are their interests or hobbies?"
"Well, it's for Sakura-Chan," Naruto scratched his head, "she's my best friend. She wants to be a medic ninja who also does normal ninja stuff!" Naruto ducked his head slightly, feeling slightly embarrassed by his poor-in his opinion-explanation of what he needed.
The sales clerk suddenly smiled. "I know just the thing! If you'll follow me, I will show you the perfect book!" Naruto followed the young woman back through several aisles. Several minutes later she stopped in front of a small cardboard stand depicting a younger looking blonde haired woman. She had some sort of small blue diamond forehead. "This is the medical book by Tsunade Senju, one of the greatest medical ninja in the world!" The sales associate introduced. "It was written near end of the Second Shinobi World War. In it She talks not only about the various medical techniques she used, but also how to incorporate medical nin skills into other ninja disciplines."
Naruto reached over and picked up a copy of Medical Ninja: The Art of Combat Healing by Tsunade Senju. He flicked open the hard cover and scanned over a few pages before closing it. "I'll take it!" He turned to the sales associate and smiled warmly. "Thanks for helping me!" Naruto paused for a moment, considering. "Do you have a higher-quality version?" The associate nodded, happy to help the cute teenage boy.
Naruto glanced around the glass-store helplessly. It was a new store, having just opened one week prior. He had originally intended on getting Hinata-Chan a bottle of perfume, given how she tended to put more perfume on certain days of the month, but the intense conflicting smells of the shop that sold them gave him a headache. As he was breathing in the fresh air outside the shop, he had noticed the newly open store. The small sign in the window had boasted that there was no other shop like it in Konoha, so he figured that Hinata had never gotten something made from glass before. But when the blonde entered, he was struck by how many different designs and shapes there was. Everything from beautifully crafted glass animals, to stunning ornaments, to eye-catching signs. The Uzumaki glanced around the smaller shop helplessly, somehow knowing that the perfect house-warming gift for Hinata-Chan was here somewhere.
Naoki Herizu watched the young blonde ninja wander about in his store, the ninja's posture slowly becoming more despondent as time went on. Naoki had moved from Suna, the ninja village hidden in the Sand, after his sales had all but dried up. Suna had been getting less and less ninja missions over the past few years, and no-one had extra money to spend on purely frivolous things. While Naoki was never a ninja, he had learned the ancient art of mixing sand with wind and fire chakra, literally breathing the glass sculptures into existence. Watching the blonde make another pass through the store, Naoki stood up with a grunt, his old bones protesting the movement.
"Can I help you son?" Naruto spun around, his hands automatically starting to raise in a defensive posture. Spotting the harmless looking older man in front of him, Naruto casually shoved his raised hands into his pockets.
"I know there's something here for Hinata-Chan," Naruto began, his helpless frustration apparent, "But I don't know what it is."
Naoki chuckled warmly. The young blonde's word brought back memories; old memories of a time long ago when he himself was attempting to get his first gift for the woman that would later become his wife. "Tell me about her."
Kakashi Hatake was considered a laid back guy by most of the populous of Konoha. But what they forgot was that he also was Sharingan no Kakashi, the youngest person to be granted the rank of ANBU captain. Kakashi had left ANBU to train his genin, but you can't just turn off what you know, the skills you trained for.
"Raikiri!" The lightning infused attack cut through the metal training dummy like a red-hot knife through butter. Kakashi stopped and viewed his handiwork. Ever since he had received Bear's report, he had used his every spare moment to train. A simple flex of the grey-haired ninja's hand dispelled the close-combat lightning technique. Kakashi remembered Bear's report as he waited for the training dummies to repair themselves.
"Dog-Sama!" The now thinner Bear masked ANBU dropped down into a kneel in front of Kakashi, waiting to give his report.
"Report." Kakashi ordered, as his eyes flicked over his friend's form. From what he could tell, Bear had taken several hits with a bladed weapon, a short-sword from the looks of it. And then Bear had to use the Three Coloured Pills of the Akimichi.
"We left the gate and headed quickly towards the mission area. We made good time and that evening..."
"...and then I told him, "Remember that conversation You, Dog, and I had about never breaking Yugao's heart? Well, this will be one-hundred times worse if anything happens to her."
Kakashi allowed himself a sigh as he processed the magnitude of the newly exposed problem. When you put on the ANBU mask, you made a commitment to guard the village, knowing that your fellow ANBU would always have your back. The ANBU was a sacred brotherhood/sisterhood. Each member trusted the others with every aspect of their lives. To even think about raising a hand against another was almost unthinkable. But it had happened. Six ANBU members had attempted to kill Bear and Cat in cold blood. And they would have succeeded if it wasn't for Itachi.
"Rest up like the Hokage ordered." Kakashi requested, "I will see if I can find out if there is any other ANBU members who are on our side."
Bear stood and was preparing to leave when a thought struck him. "Dog-Sama, what exactly is 'our side'."
"The side of Naruto Uzumaki. The young man who will change the world, challenging it, never letting it take anyone else from him ever again!" Kakashi turned to fully face Bear. "I don't know about you, but I'm tired of letting the world take things from me!" Kakashi's lone visible eye hardened. "Never again!"
Bear nodded, determination etched in his features. "Never again!"
With a small ping noise the last training dummy finished repairing itself. Kakashi glanced at the position of the sun. It was almost time to meet Team Seven for the day. Kakashi shrugged, and brought up his hand that was crackling with what looked to be blue lightning. He was, after all, known for being late...
Sakura gazed at her new room, having just finished unloading the last of her sealing scrolls. It had been hard, much more then she had thought, to leave the house she had called home for as long as she could remember. Her mother had held back her tears when they hugged good-bye, and for that Sakura was grateful. The pinkette wasn't sure she would have been able to leave if her mother cried. Hearing Naruto-Kun's voice from the living room broke her out of her bittersweet memories. Sakura quickly headed towards Naruto-Kun's voice, realizing that despite the feelings she had about moving out, regret wasn't one of them.
Hinata set the large sealing scroll against the wall in the room she would now be staying in. She considered it a victory that she was allowed to carry it, considering how long it took to convince the eager Branch House members that she could carry it herself. Later today several Branch members would be stopping in to unpack everything. When she had protested that she could take care of it, they had informed her that 'it was the least they could do for her and Naruto-Sama.' Not having a good argument, she had acquiesced. Hearing Naruto's voice in the living room caused her to move towards it, a faint red flush dusting her cheeks as she realized that she was living in Naruto-Kun's house. Where he slept.
Naruto spotted Sakura-Chan and Hinata-Chan entering the living room. He grinned to himself as he motioned them over. "Here!" The blonde thrust the wrapped gifts into the girls' hands, "Here's the housewarming gift!"
Sakura opened her mouth to tell Naruto that he shouldn't have gotten them anything when she remembered that technically they had told him that he could by them a house warming gift when they moved into some place new. A gasp from Hinata had her snapping her head to look at Hinata's gift.
Hinata slowly lifted the glass Hummingbird out of the cotton-filled box. It was so well crafted that she thought for the briefest of seconds that it was alive. It was one of the most beautiful things the young Hyuga had ever seen. Happy tears filled Hinata's eyes and she launched herself into Naruto's arms, throwing her hands around him in the biggest hug she could muster. "T-Thank-you Naruto-Kun!" The blue-haired girl whispered, scrunching her eyes to dam the flow of grateful tears as she felt Naruto return the hug. After a few moments, Hinata slowly unwrapped her arms from her Naruto-Kun and stepped back, subtly wiping her tears from her eyes.
Sakura had watched the two hug, a strange mixture of emotions filling her. Slight jealousy towards Hinata, for Sakura knew that there was no safer place; no warmer place then in Naruto-Kun's arms. Happiness, for Naruto had only hesitated for the briefest of seconds before returning the hug. Impatientness, the pinkette wanted to open her gift from her Naruto-Kun. Seeing the two slowly-slower then she would have liked-break apart from the hug, Sakura began to slowly open the gift. She lifted the box lid and stared.
The pinkette reverently lifted the book out of its protective box. She brushed an almost trembling hand across the cover, feeling the high quality leather beneath her fingers. The title Medical Ninja: The Art of Combat Healing by Tsunade Senju stood proudly out on the cover with embossed gold lettering. Slowly opening the cover, Sakura realized that this was a first print edition, personally signed by Tsunade herself. The pinkette, much like Hinata had, launched herself into Naruto's arms, her left hand still clutching the book given to her by her Naruto-Kun.
Kurenai chuckled warmly to herself as she watched Team Eight assemble early the next day. The two girls had no idea how hard Anko would train them. "Hmmm..." She considered to herself, "Perhaps I have been spending a little too much time with Anko..."
"Your secondary trainer will be here shortly." The Jonin directed her words towards Sakura and Hinata. She turned to Naruto. "I could not find a Jonin that would be able to commit a large amount of time to help train you." Spotting the slightest dimming of his eyes, she hastened to continue. "So what I did do instead is get several different Jonin to teach you each day. Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, and two ANBU will be helping train you. Kakashi will be here in a few minutes. Asuma will be meet you shortly after lunch. The two ANBU, Bear and Cat, will be joining you around five in the evening on altering nights. They will answer to the code word 'maelstrom'" A happy smile broke out on Naruto's face, any thoughts of disappointment banished.
"So these are the two gakis I'm training?" A voice spoke behind Team Eight. Hinata and Sakura whipped around, startled that the owner of the voice could have gotten so close to them.
"Hey Anko!" Naruto waved, happy to see the young adult. Ever since he had sparred with Anko, they had occasionally bumped into each other. Sometimes Naruto had wondered what it would have been like to have an older sister. If he would have had one, he decided, she would be a lot like Anko. Brash, confident, but relatable and fun to hang out with.
"Naru-Kun!" Anko skipped over to the blonde to study him closer, "You've grown! "And you've gotten more muscly" Her voice dropped into a more breathy tone. "I wonder if that's all that had grown..."
"Naruto-Kun," Hinata's sweet tone had an edge that could have cut through solid rock. "Who is this?"
"This is Anko!" Naruto introduced, not noticing the subtle glares directed at the purple-haired young woman standing next to him. "She's a strong kunoichi! And she's Kurenai-Sensei's friend!"
"That's right kiddos!" Anko moved behind Naruto and draped herself onto of him, prompting the glares from the two female genins to intensify. "This is going to be so much fun!" Anko thought with utter glee. "Kuri-Chan here requested my services in helping train you!"
"Sensei," Sakura asked Kurenai, "Do we really have to train with this...woman?" Her face told the Jonin exactly what she thought of the flirtatious woman.
Kurenai opened her mouth to remind Sakura of the pinkette's promise to get stronger when Anko cut in. "Of course I don't need to train you two!" Her pink tongue slid across her lips. "I can just always train Naru-Kun personally..."
Sakura and Hinata stilled. "Kurenai-Sensei," Hinata's voice was emotionless, "Do you think we could start with Anko-San early today? We have much to...discuss."
Kurenai glanced between her two students and her purple-haired friend. Spotting Anko throw a thumbs-up her way, the red-eyed Jonin nodded. "I suppose you can go train with Anko-Chan early today."
"Okay!" Anko straightened up instantly, "Let's go my little kunoichis! Hell awaits!" Anko cackled as she skipped off, closely followed by the two female genin of Team Eight. Naruto watched them go with a confused expression. He knew that he had missed something during the exchange between the women, but he couldn't figure out what it was. Before he could dwell on it though, the distinct sound of a shunshin announced Kakashi's presence.
"So are you ready to train a little bit?" Kakashi asked Naruto, breaking him from his thoughts. The blonde nodded eagerly. "All right then! Head over to Training Ground Sixteen. I'll meet you there in a few minutes." Naruto grinned before speeding off. Kakashi turned to Kurenai. "I can train him a for a few hours before I have to go meet my little genins. But I'll see if I can work out a schedule that will allow me to train Naruto-San at a later time so he can train with his team in the morning." Kurenai nodded gratefully. While she was willing to do whatever it took to make her Team Eight strong, she wanted to be able to still train them; to help make them strong.
"So now that you have some free time," Kakashi idly commented as he pulled out a orange book, "What are you going to do?" The slightest of teasing tones entered his voice. "Perhaps go stare...I mean watch...I mean meet with Asuma?"
"W-What?" Kurenai stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I-I don't know what you are talking about!" She tilted her head, unconsciously mimicking Naruto. "Have you been talking to Anko-Chan? She is quite obsessed with that completely ridiculous rumor!"
"I have talked to Mitarashi-San on occasion." Kakashi allowed, before glancing at the sun. "Oh, look at the time! I have to meet Naruto for training!" He promptly vanished in a puff of white smoke, the sound of a shunshin ringing out. Kurenai blinked before frowning. She didn't like Asuma-Ku...Asuma-San, she corrected herself, like that at all! He was just a strong Jonin who treated her team well, had a sense of humor, and wasn't bad to look at. He was just a good friend. That was all. Obviously.
"So Naruto," Kakashi casually asked, still reading his orange book, "What would you like to learn today?"
"Well," Naruto considered, carefully thinking about what new technique would allow him to better protect his precious people. After a few minutes of internal debate, the blonde finally spoke. "I would like to learn the Shunshin."
Kakashi nodded, finishing the paragraph in the book before facing his student. "The Body Flicker Technique, also known as the Shunshin no Jutsu, is a high-speed movement technique used primarily to get from one location to another. While it can be used in combat, the time it takes to activate the technique makes it unpractical for all but the most talented ninja." Kakashi raised his hands into the Tiger handsign. "Watch closely as I demonstrate the technique."
"So my little kunoichis," Anko spun around once they reached the training field, "What do you want to learn from me?"
Hinata exchanged glances with Sakura. "Anko-San," Sakura began, only the slightest touches of anger outlining her words, "I think we should start with a friendly spar...to learn our current strength levels of course."
Anko shrugged, hiding her gleeful grin. "Works for me! Attack me when you are ready!" At Anko's words Hinata instantly rushed the purple-haired ninja, her hand snapping out as soon as she was in range. Anko swayed out the way of the attack, her feet never moving from the ground. She leaned back to avoid Sakura's kick with serpentine grace. Anko's eyes widened slightly as she had to quickly dodge Hinata's strike. The Hyuga's fingers were a hairs-breathe away from brushing the purple-haired woman's back. Anko spun out of the dangerous position the two girls had placed her in. Two viper-like strikes had Sakura clutching her arm and Hinata holding her stomach.
Realizing that hand-to-hand combat was futile, the kunoichi of Team Eight moved back to heal and reassess the situation. Spotting the signs that they were about to engage her with Ninjutsu, Anko grinned openly. This was where it got fun!
"So...," the slightly sweaty and bruised purple haired ninja said to the drained two members of Team Eight she was 'training', "What did you think? I'm good enough to teach you right?"
Sakura breathed heavily for a moment before grudgingly admitting, "Yes, you are strong." She paused, considering, "Just like Naruto-Kun said."
Anko chuckled to herself at Sakura's words. "It's Naruto-Kun is it?"
Hinata straitened up. "Yes. Naruto-Kun is very precious to us!"
Anko gave a rather unlady-like snort. "You two pretend to be so innocent." Anko attempted to mimic Sakura's voice in a extremely fake high pitched tone. "Oh Naruto-Kun! Let us sit next to each other and lean together! I am not thinking anything improper about you!" Anko's voice dropped back into her normal tone. "Bullshit! I bet you think of his body quite often!"
"I do not!" Sakura instantly denied, "I'm not a pervert!" She glanced at Hinata, "And Hinata-Chan isn't one either!"
"Oh really?" Anko's toothy grin could have put a shark to shame. "Imagine it: Naruto has just finished training and heads your way. He has worked up quite the sweat. As he walks over to you, he pulls off his shirt, telling you he is all sweaty. A drop of sweat beads at his brow and slowly slides down his chiseled cheeks. It flows past his lips and down his chin. It makes it's down his muscled chest, slowly; slowly making its way down his taunt abdomen. And then," Anko's voice dropped into a breathy whisper, "It goes lower."
Hinata gave a squeak and promptly fainted. Sakura was frozen, her face aflame. "Who's the pervert now?" Anko leered. As the purple haired ninja waited for the two genin to come back to her, she reviewed what areas Sakura and Hinata needed to focus on the most. First, they needed to get faster. Second, they needed to more instinctive in their reactions. Third, they need to build more stamina. However, they had the best teamwork she had ever seen. They had even forced her to go all out for a brief moment!
Kakashi watched Naruto train with open amazement. Naruto had already mastered the basics of the Shunshin. Granted, he could only move a few feet, but still, it was very impressive. Then again, Kakashi considered, Naruto had thrown everything single ounce of his focus into learning the technique. And once Naruto had figured out the basics, he had created several dozen clones and had them practicing on how to augment the technique. He then created a dozen more to work on refining the seals the blonde had been practicing. Apparently Naruto had was already halfway in the sealing book Kakashi had gotten him only two weeks prior!
Kakashi winced as he watched a clone attempt to Body Flicker at a angle, only to skip off the ground and smash into a tree with enough force to dispel clone and crack the tree. The grey haired ninja tilted his head upwards and checked the sky. "Well Naruto, it looks like I have to go train my team. I'll see you tomorrow!" Naruto beamed a smile at his teacher and waved. Kakashi's lone eye crinkled up in a smile as he vanished in a swirl of leaves.
Ping.
Asuma leaned down slightly to light the cigarette held between his lips with his lighter as he moved towards Training Ground Sixteen. Each of his students had clan business to attend to today after lunch, so he was heading over to help train Naruto a bit. Normally he wouldn't have agreed to take on another student while he already had a team of genin to train, but Kurenai had asked him personally. Kurenai was one of the only women Asuma could talk to without having to worry about if they were only after him for his clan title. The spiky black haired man breathed out a small smoke cloud as he sighed. It was ironic, that the woman that didn't care what clan he was heir to was the same woman that he wished would recognize the signs he was trying to convey. Asuma hadn't really ever felt this way towards anyone before, but he was quite certain that there wasn't anyone else like Kurenai. He took another puff on his cigarette as he shrugged. He could always try again at the next Jonin meeting.
The Sarutobi heir apparent reached the edge of Training Ground Sixteen only to stop, completely perplexed at the scene in front of him. About fifty Narutos were scattered around the training ground. They were doing everything from practicing with the Shunshin, to seal experimentation, to sword training. Asuma grimaced as he watched a particularly clumsy clone accidentally stab itself. A moment later the clone that seemed to be in charge of the sword division created a new clone, and it seemed to already have learned from its predecessor's mistake.
In the direct center of the training field another fifty clones were battling the original Naruto, if the tears in his clothing was any indication. Asuma headed his way over to the original, making sure to announce his presence in advance. "Naruto! I'm here to train you for a little while!"
Naruto and all of the clones he was fighting instantly stopped. The clones moved off to join the other clone teams while Naruto himself trotted towards Asuma. Naruto grinned as he approached. "Asuma! Hello!"
Asuma returned the greeting. "Hello Naruto-San! How would you like to learn a new wind technique?" Asuma instantly received a bigger grin from Naruto. Asuma produced a green leaf from his pocket. "To learn any of the more advanced wind techniques, you have to first master the basics. When you can float this leaf above your palm for twenty-five seconds with nothing but wind chakra, you are ready to move on to the more advanced training."
Naruto instantly grabbed the leaf and rested it on his palm. He closed his eyes and concentrated. A moment later the leaf exploded into countless tiny pieces, having been beyond overloaded with wind chakra. Naruto stared at all of the leaf confetti falling to the ground around him before glancing back at Asuma, who chuckled warmly. This was going to take a while.
A thoroughly exhausted Sakura and Hinata slowly made their way onto the main area of Training Ground Sixteen. The two girls slumped down next to one of the trees and leaned back. Sakura had just closed her eyes when Naruto's worried voice caused her to reopen them.
"Sakura-Chan! Hinata-Chan! Are you all right?" Sakura's eyes fluttered open to see Naruto's concerned face only six inches from her own face as he attempted to ascertain his precious people's condition. Somehow still having the energy to blush slightly at his proximity, Sakura attempted to reassure her teammate.
"We're fine Naruto-Kun! We are just ran out of chakra and are running low on energy." She explained, pleased that her explanation put Naruto at ease.
"Naruto-Kun," Hinata's almost exhausted voice sounded out from her slumped position, "Do you remember when you talked about giving us your chakra?" Thankfully her slumped state hid her brightly blushing face from the others. "Could you give us some of your chakra?"
"Sure!" Naruto happily agreed. A moment later his grin faded. "How exactly do I do that?" When each of the girls replied that they did not know either, Naruto's face scrunched up in thought. After a few moments of thinking, a idea suddenly occurred to him. "Haku-Chan might know! It's kinda related to medical stuff, and she's good at that!" Naruto vanished in a burst of speed, using chained Body Flickers to quickly move across the village towards his home. It was only a short time later when the blonde arrived back to the two other members of Team Eight with Haku resting on his back. The ice-user gracefully hopped off Naruto's back and expertly hid her blush at the fact that she had been so close to her Naruto-Sama.
"Naruto-Sama tells me that he is going to attempt to refill your chakra with his own." Haku addressed the two other kunoichi, "But he needs help on figuring out how to do it." Haku turned to Naruto. "Naruto-Sama, what idea did you have originally?"
"Well," Naruto scratched his head, "I thought that since medical jutsus work by imputing the med-nin's chakra in the person they are healing, why couldn't I use the same basic principal to re-fill Sakura-Chan's and Hinata-Chan's chakra?"
"Hmmm..." Haku carefully thought. The idea was sound, but she didn't know how the chakra would refill the person's chakra coils specifically instead of just simply filling them up. Haku fought the faintest blush at the thought of Naruto-Sama filling her with his chakra. "Now is not the time!" She scolded herself. "Maybe if they channel their chakra while you give them your chakra it could work."
Sakura nodded after a moment's thought. "It might work."
Haku turned to Naruto. "Naruto-Sama, I am willing to be the test subject of your technique!" Naruto tilted his head at her, not understanding why a test subject was needed. Haku paused for a moment, trying to find a way to explain it without have Naruto react poorly to the potential dangers of the technique they were about to attempt. "Naruto-Sama, I have the best chakra control out of everyone here. I will be able to quickly tell if the technique is working."
Naruto nodded. Haku's explanation made sense. He settled down next to the sitting ice-user. "Now place your hand on my shoulder Naruto-Sama. I will walk you through the next few steps." Haku walked Naruto though the basics of pushing his chakra into someone else. Once he had gotten the steps down, she closed her eyes and began to channel her own chakra, attempting to receive Naruto-Sama's chakra directly into her chakra coils. After what seemed like a lifetime, she felt the first flickers of Naruto's warm chakra entering her body. Her eyes almost shot open at the feeling when his chakra entered her chakra coils. It felt halfway between the warmest hug and the most sensual caress with just a hint of pure adrenaline. After a few timeless minutes, she slowly felt Naruto's chakra withdraw from her body, but the chakra he had given her remained. Her eyes fluttered open.
Sakura and Hinata were staring at her with wide eyes. "Did it work?" Sakura demanded, having watched the expression on Haku's face as Naruto gave her some of his chakra. The expression on the ice-user's face had shown that it hadn't been painful. Perhaps even the opposite of painful.
"Yes." Haku nodded, being careful to not let Naruto see her blushing face, "But it was very...intense."
"Naruto-Kun," Sakura all but demanded, "Do me next!" She froze at the double implication of her words. "I-I mean give me your chakra!" She flushed heavily. Naruto shifted over to place his hands on Sakura's shoulder. "I'm ready!" Sakura confirmed at Naruto's questioning look.
Sakura detected Naruto's chakra almost immediately, her genjutsu training allowing her to pick-up on the foreign chakra. She ignored the warm feeling of Naruto's chakra and concentrated on channeling her chakra. A lightest of gasps escaped her lips as she felt Naruto's chakra enter her chakra coils. It was probably the best feeling in the world. It was both timeless yet ended all too soon when Naruto reeled in his chakra.
He turned to Hinata who was waiting patiently for her turn. As soon as Naruto's chakra hit her chakra coils, the blue-haired girl gave the faintest of moans and promptly fainted. It took several more attempts before the Hyuga's coils were full.
Naruto was doing his best to keep a still mind and body. But it was getting increasingly hard to do so with each of the girls reactions to his chakra. The butterflies from before were nothing to when compared to the new strange feelings he felt now. Regardless, he soldiered on, determined to not let these strange feelings stop him from helping his precious people. Eventually, all three girls were re-filled on chakra. It was strange, but he was able to somehow sense their chakra levels once his chakra entered their bodies.
"So...uh..." Naruto coughed, "I have to go...train! Yeah! Go train to be stronger!" The blonde promptly fled, seeking to purge the strange feelings with training and exercise.
After she was sure that Naruto had left the area, Sakura turned to the other two girls. "This is something that Naruto-Kun only does to us." Haku and Hinata nodded, their eyes narrowing at the thought of some other girl feeling the same thing as they did at Naruto's hands. "And it goes without saying that Naruto-Kun can't find out what it feels like to have him give us his chakra." More nods. Sakura glanced between Hinata and Haku, noting that they still seemed slightly at odds with each other. And given that Naruto-Kun cared for each of them, that simply couldn't continue.
"Hinata-Chan," Sakura address her close friend, "Why don't you like Haku-Chan?"
Hinata stilled. Unlike other times, Sakura's blunt question didn't leave any room for denial. So Hinata decided to come clean. "She spends too much time with Naruto-Kun. And I know what some servants are willing to do for their masters to gain favor or an advantage."
Sakura nodded before turning to Haku. "And why don't you like Hinata-Chan?"
Haku's reply was almost instantaneous. "She has the Byakugan. She watched Naruto-Sama for years. But she never noticed how terrible his life was."
Tears fell from Hinata's eyes as she accepted Haku's words. For a moment she was spiraling down a depressed path, until her heart whispered the truth. "You are right. I failed Naruto-Kun by not noticing. But," Hinata's eyes filled with determination, "I will never leave him alone again! I will do everything in my power to help Naruto-Kun until I die! No matter the cost!"
Haku bowed in relief, not wanting to cause Naruto-Sama any grief. "Thank-you...Hinata-Chan." Sakura waited for Hinata to bring up the fact that her issues with Haku had not been addressed.
"I welcome you as my friend...Haku-Chan." Hinata bowed with all of the grace that she had been taught. "I understand that you want to be with Naruto-Kun as often as possible. We all do. But now we will have to learn how to share our time with him!" Quiet murmurs of agreement from the other two kunoichi seconded her words. And it went without saying that while all of them would learn how to share time with Naruto, only one would end up with him in that way.
A searing pain raced across Naruto's right wrist and hand as he smashed his fist into the training dummy. He winced and gingerly assessed the rapidly swelling wrist with his left fingers. "Yep. Definitely broken." Thirty seconds of concentration created several clones. One grabbed the remainders of his tattered shirt and wrapped it's creator's wrist. Naruto switched his stance to favor his left instead of his right. He curled his left hand into a fist and prepared to continue training. The sudden sound of someone dropping to the ground behind him had Naruto spinning around, his good hand coming up to ready itself, while his stance shifted slightly to allow maximum strength to make up for his broken wrist. Beside him, his clones formed a loose protective circle.
A slender woman with purple hair and a cat mask entered the clearing. She carried a sword on her back and a large white bandage was wrapped around her arm and shoulder. The Cat-masked woman raised her hands disarmingly and slowly reached up to take off her mask.
Yugao took off her mask and clipped it to her belt, using the time to assess the situation. It took all of her training to not let her thoughts and emotions show on her newly exposed face. She remembered watching Naruto all those years ago, back when he was a happy baby. Seeing him now drop into a defensive stance at the sight of her shook the purple-haired woman to the core. There was no trace of the joyful eyes she had secretly enjoyed seeing all those years ago. Yugao's resolve hardened, remembering Dog-Sama's words. She couldn't change the past, but she could determine what happened next. And she would not ever loose anyone ever again!
"Hello Naruto-San!" Yugao bowed, "The passphrase is 'Maelstrom'." It was amazing to watch, how Naruto's stance instantly changed from the defensive posture of someone who had survived each day by using only their instincts, to a young ninja who was eager to learn something new to better protect the ones he cared about.
"What are you going to teach me?" Naruto was eager to learn what one of the fabled ANBU members would teach him. He wondered if it would be some powerful new jutsu or perhaps a secret training technique. Or perhaps it was some super-secret attack!
"I was instructed to help train you in Kenjutsu, or more commonly known as sword training." Yugao glanced at Naruto's bandaged wrist. "Since your wrist appears to have been hurt, I can teach you the theory behind sword training and techniques until your wrist heals."
Naruto frowned. He didn't want to miss awesome training just because his wrist was broken! He thought furiously for a moment, his face scrunching up in thought. Suddenly, an idea came to him: The Kyubi's chakra had healed him on the last mission right? Well, couldn't it be utilized to heal his wrist here? "Just give me a minute and I'll have my wrist fixed right up!" The Uzumaki assured his newest teacher.
Naruto quickly unwrapped the tightly bound bandage supporting his wrist. He closed his eyes in concentration as the bandage fell to the ground, only hearing Yugao's gasp of shock as faint background noise. The blonde slowly felt his breathing and heart beat grow louder as he delved deeper into his chakra, seeking out the powerful other chakra. After what seemed like an hour, he found the first sparks of the demon fox's chakra. He grasped it with the same tenacity as one might grasp a weapon, and held it. He was only vaguely aware of his surroundings beyond his healing wrist. The pain of the rapidly re-healing bone, muscle, and tendon was easily ignored. Soon, his wrist was fixed. Naruto let go of the Kyubi's chakra and resurfaced to the waking world.
Yugao felt her that her mind was reeling from the events of the past five minutes. First, Naruto had changed from the happy and easily amused baby to a defensive young man with eyes far older than they ever should be and several deep scars that couldn't have been inflicted by training alone. And now, he had just repaired a clearly broken wrist by drawing on the Kyubi's chakra. Bear had told her that the blonde Uzumaki was the jinchuriki of the Kyubi, but it was quite another to see it for herself. And perhaps most amazingly of all, the demon fox's chakra did not envelop Naruto. A thick red haze had settled over his wrist and quickly knitted the broken bones back together. Not even two minutes later she couldn't tell that the wrist had ever been injured. The Blonde's sky-blue eyes opened.
Naruto flexed his newly healed wrist and hand, working out any lingering stiffness. Satisfied that he had regained full use of the wrist and hand, he shot a grin at his purple-haired teacher. "Okay! I'm ready to learn Cat-Sensei!" Yugao nodded and unsheathed her sword, starting the first lesson on proper sword holding.
The next two days flew by quickly, the genin of Team Eight rising to meet each challenge their teachers' sent in front of them. Haku herself had began training in earnest, not wanting to be found lacking if she needed to stand beside her Naruto-Sama. It was a bright and sunny Monday morning when Naruto entered Hiashi Hyuga's office. The office was narrow, designed for a two-fold purpose. It was designed to lead the visitors to meet the gaze of the person behind the desk as well as to limit the room attackers could spread out. Naruto met the gaze of the Hyuga Clan Head without flinching as he walked towards the desk.
"Welcome Naruto Uzumaki." Hiashi began, feeling slightly foolish that he thought he could intimidate a boy who had spoken with the terrible demon fox itself. Hiashi had bourn no ill will against Naruto, and still didn't. But if he read Hinata's intentions correctly, and he liked to think that he knew his daughter well enough to decipher them, then his daughter would not be opposed in the slightest to a possible marriage between herself and the blonde Uzumaki. And that, the father in Hiashi had felt, meant that Naruto needed to be perfect for his daughter. "Please," Hiashi gestured to a seat in front of the desk, "sit down."
The Last Uzumaki pulled out the high quality leather chair and sat, curious to what exactly this meeting would entail. "Are you are aware of what it means to be the last male member of a clan, especially one as prestigious as the Uzumaki?"
Naruto shook his head. He had never given it much thought before. "Well, then...Let me tell you what it means to be the Last Uzumaki..."
Elsewhere in the Hyuga Compound, several Branch House members labored over a cake. But it wasn't just any cake; it was the first birthday cake Naruto-Sama would ever have! And it needed to be perfect. A few other Branch members were scouting the area surrounding Naruto-Sama's house, picking out spots to ensure that his birthday would go undisturbed. Still others worked on the present the Branch House would be gifting the blonde Uzumaki.
Hinata worked alongside Haku to prepare the decorations for the house. Over the last two days they had gotten Naruto to design several special storage seals that could be applied like tape. The two kunoichi were carefully applying the seal tape to the walls and ceiling, in preparation for the birthday decorations. Sakura was making food with her mother, once again utilizing Naruto's special stasis sealing scrolls. Anko and Kurenai were shopping for the items needed to fully realize Naruto's-for the lack of a better term-first real birthday. Kakashi had gone to the market district to find gift ideas for Naruto, so that he could share the various gift ideas with others.
Every single person who knew Naruto personally was determined to make Naruto's birthday a success, to give him good memories of October Tenth.
"So what you are saying is that I should wait until I become Chunin to declare my status as the last rightful Uzumaki? That way the village can't block my claim or appoint a temporary clan head?" Naruto summarized. "And since the next Chunin exams are being held here in Konoha early next summer, I don't have long to wait."
"That is correct." Hiashi confirmed, "All Chunins are considered adults by law, and thus you could immediately assume your status as clan head. In the mean time, if I were you, I would carefully look around to see what things your father, Minato Namikaze, has left behind for you. I know they had a small house somewhere close to the village, but I do not know where exactly it was."
Naruto nodded, his mind already starting to figure out ways to search the village and the surrounding area. "And when I become Clan Head of the Uzumaki Clan, I will gain all of their assets. In addition, I can put other clans, such as the Haruno clan, under my protection."
Hiashi was surprised. He honestly didn't think Naruto would have gleaned so much from his lesson. Then again, he supposed, Naruto was treating this as a way to better protect his precious people. "And may I suggest that you read a few books on political etiquette? If you need any help, I'm sure Hinata wouldn't mind teaching you." A maid with short, dark green hair brought tea to the two. "Thank-You Natsu." Hiashi inclined his head. "Could you prepare a few fish-cakes? I fear that they will soon be needed." The maid bowed and left the room.
Natsu Hyuga quickly moved towards the Branch House dwelling. Hiashi-Sama had given her the code phrase that Naruto-Sama would be ending his meeting with the Hyuga Clan Head soon. It was her job to ensure that everything relating to Naruto-Sama's birthday was hidden from the Last Uzumaki's sight. She moved quickly from group to group, informing each of the time they had left. A runner was dispatched to Naruto-Sama's home to inform the decorators of the short time they had left before they had to hide the decorations. Natsu still felt ashamed that she had treated Naruto-Sama with distain in the past. But she was determined to make up for her mistakes, starting by making sure that Naruto-Sama had the best birthday he ever had!
The Hyuga Clan was odd sometimes, Naruto reflected as he headed to the training grounds to meet with Cat-Sensei and Bear-Sensei. Several of the Branch House members had hurried about when he grew near, usually one of the group would break away and talk to him about the weather or some other completely mundane thing. Then abruptly, they would bid him a good day and rush off. "Oh well." Naruto shrugged. It wasn't like their strange behavior would affect him or those he cared about. Any further ruminations on their odd behavior was instantly dismissed as he spied Cat and Bear waiting for him on the training field.
Naruto awoke with a choked off cry. He had attempted to avoid sleeping last night, knowing that not only would his nightmarish memories plague him more than usual, but he didn't want to get caught sleeping if a mob decided to try to attack him like they used to when he was younger. He had been doing so well, but then he had succumbed to his body's wish for him close his heavy eyelids for a minute. He heard the briefest of quiet whispers coming from the floor below him, but he was unable to make out the words. Banishing the lingering memories that haunted his nightmares, the now thirteen year-old blonde hopped out of bed and blearily made his way to the shower.
Naruto yawned and stretched as he exited the bathroom a few minutes later. As he exited the steam filled room he instantly smelled the wonderful scent of a cooking breakfast. Naruto trotted down to the second floor and heard Haku cooking in the kitchen. "Morning Haku-Chan!" the blonde greeted as he entered the kitchen.
"Good morning Naruto-Sama!" Haku greeted. She hesitated for the briefest of seconds before adding, "Happy Birthday Naruto-Sama!"
Naruto stopped, unsure of how to respond. He had never been wished a happy birthday before that he could remember. He furiously tried to remember what Hinata-Chan or Sakura-Chan had said when he had given them their birthday presents in the years past. "Thank-You." Naruto tried. The beautiful smile Haku gave him assured the blonde that he had made the right choice of words.
Naruto grinned in response, happy that he had made one of his precious people smile. The blonde exited the kitchen and headed for the dining room table, having learned by now that Haku didn't want nor need his help when she was preparing meals at home. As he entered the room, he was mildly surprised to see both Hinata-Chan and Sakura-Chan already sitting at the table. "Happy Birthday Naruto-Kun!" They chorused in almost perfect harmony. Naruto grinned, and replied, "Thank-You!"
The threesome had to only wait a few minutes before Haku brought the food and settled in with them. As they ate the food and conversation flowed easily around the table, Naruto glanced across to the other three members of his small home, watching as they engaged in a small conversation. "This." Naruto Uzumaki decided, "Was something I could look forward to. I would be so happy if I could wake up each morning to this."
It was nearing dinner time when Naruto finished his training for the day. Bear had stated that there was something important he had to attend in a short while, and ended the training early. Seeing that it was near dinner time, Naruto headed back to his house to grab something to eat before heading back out to train. Naruto ghosted to the front door, having carefully dodged all of the festival goers around the village. He opened the door only to stare in confusion. There was...colorful paper things hanging from the walls. They each proudly displayed the words 'Happy Birthday Naruto!'.
As Naruto quietly walked through the house, his head swiveled back and forth as he gazed at all of the decorations. The house wasn't completely covered with birthday paraphernalia, but what was there was tastefully done. Naruto stopped when he reached the living room, spotting Hinata-Chan, Sakura-Chan, Haku-Chan, Kurenai-Sensei, and Kakashi-Sensei sitting in the chairs, seemingly waiting for him. "Happy Birthday!"
Seeing Naruto's confused expression Kurenai took pity on the obviously befuddled blonde and explained. "Naruto-Kun, We are having a birthday party for you. Over the next half-hour, there will be people you know coming to the party. Once they all arrive, we will eat and have cake. Once that is done, you can open your presents."
Naruto blinked. He hadn't expected this! Taking in the room's anxious expressions the Uzumaki realized that they were awaiting his response. Naruto nodded his acceptance of the plan.
Over the next half hour several more people joined the small group in the living room. Yugao, along with her boyfriend/not-boyfriend Hayate Gekko offered gifts to the blonde as they entered the room. Anko was next, greeting Naruto with an exuberant hug as she entered. She threw a teasing smirk in the direction of the annoyed other members of Team Eight. Bear made his way into the house next, pausing to take off his mask as he entered. Shino joined them, offering a carefully wrapped package to Naruto. His monotone greeting had indicated his happiness in being included in Naruto's birthday. And lastly Kizashi and Mebuki Haruno arrived, baring a rather large gift wrapped package.
Ko Hyuga eyed the small approaching group of Chunin level ninja heading in the direction of the Hyuga compound. While they could have been simple festival goers, they were long past the last area of the festival. He watched carefully, waiting to see if they would turn aside from their determined walk. The Hyuga activated his Byakugan, reading the lips of the ninja leading the group. Ko's eyes hardened as he 'heard' the ninja profess that he would 'take down the demon himself'. The Hyuga swiftly moved to intercept the group.
The group was forced to suddenly stop when Ko landed ten feet in front of them. "Where are you going on this fine night, Ninja-San?" The Hyuga questioned, his voice giving nothing away, "You have passed the festival." Ko pointed behind the group. "You want to go that way."
"Get outta our way!" The lead ninja ordered roughly, "We got no business with you! We're just going to...visit someone who lives here."
Ko was unmoved. "Ah, but you see, I am here to make sure that someone important isn't disturbed on this fine night. So we seem to be at an impasse. I cannot move, but you want to pass."
The lead ninja thought carefully for a few moments, sizing up Ko, judging how strong the Hyuga was. He glanced back at his fellow ninja behind him and then back to Ko. "You know," He slowly began, taking a threatening step towards the lone Hyuga blocking their path to eternal glory, "There's ten of us and only one of you..." He flexed his hand. "Now I don't want to hurt you, but we will be getting past."
Ko let a slow smile cross his face. He had once thought that Naruto Uzumaki was nothing more than a troublemaker at best, and a horrible demon at the worst. But after watch the blonde and hearing of how he stepped between one of the high ranking Hyuga clan members and a Branch member, he began to change his view on the blonde. It was only recently that he figured out the truth, that Naruto Uzumaki didn't have a complex motive. He simply did what he felt was right, regardless of the personal cost. Naruto-San would protect Hinata-Sama and those the blonde cared about with everything he had. And that was something Ko understood and respected.
"I was hoping you would say something like that, Ninja-San. You shall not pass!"
The evening passed quickly, as conversation flowed warmly throughout the birthday party attendees. Each person made sure that Naruto felt wanted, but also made sure not to overwhelm the blonde. After dinner the large cake was brought to the table, thirteen candles lighting it's surface. As Naruto prepared to blow out the candles, he sent a silent wish upwards. "Please let this be real and not a dream!"
"Whoops." Kaemon Hyuga commented as he stood over a fallen civilian. "You seemed to have somehow walked into my chakra-covered fist." The spiky haired Hyuga picked up the unconscious man with a grunt. "It's the least I can do to move you to a more comfortable position." Kaemon walked over to a nearby alley way, and stepped inside. "Whoops," He apologized, "It seems like I am so clumsy. However, this dirty alley seems very comfortable. I'll just leave you here."
After the cake was finished, Naruto opened his presents. From Hinata he had gotten several new shirts, each one perfectly fitted to his new size. Hinata had also brought a present from the Branch House members. It was a large rectangular box that held a intricately carved wooden clock. The clock was carefully modified to included a hidden compartment that could hold several ninja weapons. Kurenai had gifted the blonde an entire set of master-crafted shuriken. Kakashi had given the blonde a set of chakra conductive kunai as well as the first Icha Icha novel. The grey haired ninja had temporally escaped punishment from the female genin of Team Eight by pointing out they may benefit from any knowledge Naruto gained from the book. Shino had gotten Naruto a new book on specialized sealing techniques, explaining that these seals were utilized by his clan.
Yugao and Hayate gave Naruto his first high-quality katana, as well as a promise to train him in its use. Anko gifted the blonde a coupon for the Ichiraku ramen stand, good for 10 free meals no matter how much ramen was consumed. Bear gave Naruto the newest edition of Chunin-level training weights, telling the blonde that he would be a chunin soon enough anyway. Haku gave her Naruto-Sama a flawlessly crafted ice-sculpture of Naruto with Hinata, Sakura, and herself all leaning against one another, easy smiles on their faces, as if they knew some private joke. The Ice-User explained that she had found a book of seals that included a temperature altering seal. When the seal was charged with her ice natured chakra, it kept the sculpture cold. When asked, she presented the sealing book to Naruto as her second present.
But it was Sakura's gift that was the most treasured one by Naruto. Sakura had found as many pictures of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki as she could, placing them in an album. There had even been a few pictures that she had found of both of them together. She was even given a few by Kakashi. Naruto struggled to contain his happy tears, his heart full and joyful. For so many years he had dreamt of having a family, but never daring to hope it would ever come true. His bright, true smile made even the brightest star seem dull and dim in comparison. Glancing around at the assembled group, Naruto vowed to himself that he would never let anything happen to his precious people, no matter who he had to take on!
Kakashi stuffed his hands in his pockets as he headed to the door. He was the last of the party-goers to leave, and thus Naruto accompanied him to the door. "So Naruto," He idly asked, suppressing the perverted giggle that threatened to erupt, "Are the girls going to give you another birthday gift tonight?"
Naruto shrugged. "I don't think so. Why would they wait until later to give another present to me?"
Kakashi blinked. He was fairly certain that he had implied the correct connotation. "Not that kind of present. I mean the kind of present that happens normally behind closed doors. Unless you are into the sort of thing."
Naruto was openly baffled. "Why would you need to hide the present from others?"
A terrible thought occurred to Kakashi. So terrible in fact, that he could barely voice it. "Naruto, you understood when I dropped hints about having Sakura-San give you private nurse lessons right? O-or about letting Hinata-San see all of you with her eyes? N-Not even Haku-San servicing you?" At Naruto's confused look, Kakashi felt horror crawl up his spine. Naruto didn't understand! He didn't know!
It took every ounce of training Kakashi had ever received to ignore the terrible truth. His lone eye shone with determination. It was his privilege, nay, his duty as Naruto's teacher to show Naruto the joys of the female body! But he would have to be crafty about how he trained Naruto. There would be those who would seek to stop the glorious training.
"Naruto," Kakashi's casually commented, "Tomorrow evening I have something I want to show you. It's a secret, so don't tell anyone. I'll meet you at Training Ground Eighteen" Naruto gave Kakashi an odd look but nodded. Kakashi was strange sometimes, but he was a close friend and teacher non-the-less.
The next evening Naruto walked onto Training Ground Eighteen. He spotted Kakashi sitting on a cardboard box in the clearing beside a covered up display stand. "Naruto!" Kakashi greeted, "Welcome to the most important training of your life!" Kakashi paused for a dramatic moment. "Behold!" Kakashi pulled the cloth away from the display with a flourish, "The female body!"
Naruto stared at the picture of the naked woman for the briefest of seconds before turning away. "What kind of training is this?" Naruto shouted to Kakashi. The picture had started to give him those funny feelings again, but not to the level that being close to Hinata-Chan, Sakura-Chan, or Haku-Chan evoked.
"Tell me Naruto," Kakashi's voice took on a professionally clinical tone, "Have you ever experienced strange feelings while near Hinata-San, Sakura-San, or Haku-San?" Seeing Naruto's dumbfounded nod, the grey haired ninja continued, "That is what this training is about." He flipped up the picture on the display to show another one. "Let us start at the beginning. As you grow older there are several changes that happen..."
So what did you think? Drop a review and let me know!
To my reviewers:
Guest: They learned of it when they were in the tent in Chapter 12. Naruto spoke his thoughts about his birthday accidentally out loud. It was a bit on the forced side I'll admit, but it's within the realm of something Naruto would do, given that he was kinda off kilter for a bit.
DepthSlicer: One of the things I felt was underused in cannon was the intrigue. There should have been different factions in each village. Most of them would be for the village, or at least think they are for the village. The shadow group has survived for so long because the only person they were targeting was the same person who didn't know that what they were doing was wrong. But I wonder how long they will remain hidden when a determined Anko starts looking for them...
Iceflame55: Thanks! It means a lot that you believe I can write each character realistically. I'm still not 100% sure that it will end up a harem, but it's an awesome feeling to know that it could be believable.
Decius23: Don't worry. The Namikaze clan (if it ever was one) is long gone. The only thing Minato got was his name. Everything else he achieved was all on him. It's an awesome story (and it slightly makes me want to write it). And you are correct. You can only belong to one clan at any given time. You still have any stuff granted by birth and what not, but you are only part of one clan. And you are right, Naruto still doesn't fully understand the implications of the Caged Bird Seal. If the council tries to push for it on Hinata, they are going to have a really, really bad time.
bloodbrother 18: Thanks! To be honest, I was slightly concerned about that whole exchange. I'm doing my best to convey that while Hinata and Sakura are best friends, they still want Naruto all to themselves. This chapter has them getting the first inkling that they would rather Naruto be with one of them then some other woman. Granted, it's not anywhere close to sharing yet, but it's a step in the right direction. And Danzo's actions will still be left up to reader interpretation. That said, I'm always enjoying everyone's guesses on his real motivations.
Vanishing Raptor: Awesome sentence as always. The stage is getting set and things are counting down to the final moment.
Animaman: Thanks! And it really is. And as you saw in this chapter, the village demon haters ran into a bit of a Hyuga problem during Naruto's birthday this year. Granted it was just the Branch House, but it's a step in the right direction. As far as the CRA goes, it would honestly depend on how they view it. From what I understand, the CRA is primarily for when there is a bloodline that could go extinct. Granted, I'm sure that some people could find a way to finagle something to look like Naruto has a blood line, but then you run into a bunch of other issues. The Chunin exams have not started yet. I hoped to start them this chapter, but I ran out of chapter space. But given that a few plot arcs got tied up this chapter, I'm hoping that I will start it next chapter. From everything we know in cannon, Jiraiya doesn't have a spy in Konoha. He relies on Sarutobi for reports, for good or ill. Tsunade really hasn't been effected by any changes to cannon, so I don't think she will be showing up any time soon.
zigmas: While I'm not so sure about the CRA myself, we haven't gotten that far yet. If you don't mind me asking, what are the reasons you feel the CRA would work?
loganhunter2: Well, the council isn't nearly as powerful as it used to be, given the split that happened last chapter. That said, most of the ones left are the crazy ones. Each girl brings something different to the equation. So each have times they will shine.
Illuminated: Heh. Perhaps.
Necrotic Knight: I can't see Naruto's harem extending past Sakura, Hinata, and Haku. Naruto needs to have a relationship with a girl long before anything romantic could ever happen. As far as the silent member goes, I cannot confirm or deny your guess.
Goliith: I'm glad you like the new summary. Hiashi is intending on making sure his family is safe. As you can see in this chapter he is open to the idea, but he is starting to get those pesky father feelings about protecting his daughter from the evil clutches of boys. So he's going to have to work through that. Now that Anko will be training the girls, she will be joining our cast of characters as a more permanent one. Here's the update!
Banjo the Fox: Sakura doesn't have much character growth vs cannon character growth yet.
Banjo the Fox: Thanks!
Banjo the Fox: In a way, it is. But at the same time, I don't want it to feel forced. Time skips should feel natural instead of feeling like you pressed the fast-forward button.
Banjo the Fox: Sarutobi isn't evil. He just refuses to see the truth. It's not a good thing, but it is understandable.
Banjo the Fox: There was quite a bit of risk taking, but I understand what you mean. Given that I try to avoid giving anyone plot armor, I couldn't just throw Team Eight into a war zone.
Banjo the Fox: Yeah...I doesn't end well for Gato and friends.
SilentSambo88: That has baffled me too. In some fics the CRA works really well. In others it's just a way to justify the harem. And you are right. As far as everyone in the village knows, Naruto doesn't have a bloodline. So the CRA thing runs into a bit of an issue there. I can't see the Kyubi tampering with Naruto's DNA. It solves all of its problems with force, so why would it change something like that? And you are right. I'm sure at some point in the past there was a Namikaze clan (the last name had to come from somewhere), but it's long since dead. The Uzumaki legacy and potential political power is more important. Granted, being the Son of the Yellow Flash is important, but only regarding Naruto personally, not a clan level. It's going to be a very interesting time when Naruto declares his heritage and intentions to become clan head of the Uzumaki. And yeah, the more you look at the characters surrounding Naruto in cannon with a cynical eye, the more you realize that they could have helped him more...but didn't. Honestly, I don't know if there is a house left for Naruto. I mean, from what we know, the Hokage has a place they stay in called the Hokage's Mansion or something like that. So Minato wouldn't need another house. We know they had a small cottage-type thing, but that got blown up. Each girl brings something new to the relationship, both good and bad. And as such, each one will be unique in how they (if they end up doing it) marring Naruto. Hinata does have a rather large advantage, but at the same time there are several problems with her marring Naruto currently, chiefly the Caged Bird Seal. I can't see Naruto ever letting such a thing happen. I'm still trying to figure out how the whole multi-wife thing would work, given that Naruto would want each of them to be equal to each other. As far as the Byakugan goes, I'm going to have to do research into how DNA interacts from a sub-genetic standpoint, especially from the recessive standpoint (given that's the best way to describe how the Byakugan is passed down). They aren't going to have kids any time soon, but I'm going to make sure that when they do, the abilities their kids have make sense.
Banjo the Fox: The term 'redeem' is a relative term. It depends on how the reader views each action. So maybe Sarutobi will redeem himself, or he may not. Depending on your point of view.
Banjo the Fox: Well, there will be hints of who...placed Junpei in their loving care in future chapters.
Banjo the Fox: I would argue not so much. In cannon, he bows down and apologies to Neji in the Chunin exams, so he can set aside his pride. Given that Naruto has effected Hinata so much, much more then in cannon, I felt that Hiashi would have to see what is going on. And since Naruto has so much raw charisma, his words would be listened to. And his words scratched at the back of Hiashi's mind until he admitted the truth.
Banjo the Fox: Yeah, it's really hard to justify beating up a little kid. As far as the 'dono' thing goes, it's a subtle from Kurenai, showing that he has fallen from grace in her eyes.
Banjo the Fox: To be honest, Out of Universe it was because I forgot that Kurenai was the only one doing it. In Universe, it is because the Hokage has fallen from his lofty position in their eyes too.
Banjo the Fox: Don't worry, the council will be getting their dues soon enough. And I just want to thank you for reviewing each chapter.
Fender Pick: Thanks! I tried to walk the line between 'this could have happened' and 'this particuar story hasn't been told before'. I read quite a few awesome fics about Naruto AU, and thus didn't want to just rehash what they did. I'm glad that the characters 'feel' believable. As far as OC's go, I'm slowly trying to add a few where they would feel natural, such as the OC Hyuga in this chapter. And yeah, other villages have powerful ninja, given they stand (relatively speaking) even with Konoha. Thank-you for your support!
gilmaxter: Thanks! Here's the next chapter!
sagar hussain: Thanks! The plot continues to thicken as everyone reacts to the changing situation. I was slightly worried that the 'tug of war' as you called it between Sakura and Hinata would feel contrived. So I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hiruzen is slowly getting back to the badass ninja we heard about, but never really saw.
Eiyuu no Yuusha: Thanks!
BBWulf: To a certain extent yes. But that's only if you want to blanket the area with clones. The problem with the memory transfer is that once you stop following cannon directly, there isn't any reason why anyone, Naruto in particular, wouldn't use it to train. Given that Naruto can make several hundred without blinking, he could, in theory, gain several hundred hours of training time in one day.
Amidamaru88: Honestly I disagree. I personally have witnessed people ignore all logic and/or events that didn't fit their world view. Given that the official explanation for Naruto's hospitalization was a 'training accident', the Hokage just took it at face value. Time skips are that way sometimes. While I want to give everyone time to bond, sometimes you have to imply rather than show it. In early chapters yes, Hinata isn't nearly as close to Naruto as Sakura is. But wait a few chapters.