What If Konoha Honored the 4th Hokage's Dying Wish
Chapter 17
-Freeing the Caged Bird-
A week after the Kage summit, Naruto was summoned to the council chambers again. When he entered, he saw the Konoha council joined by the Hyuuga elders. He had been expecting this sooner rather than later.
Hiruzen opened the meeting in a deadly serious voice before he laid the charges out before Naruto.
"The Hyuuga clan has filed a formal complaint against the Uzumaki clan for direct interference in clan affairs. They site the incident between Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze and Neji Hyuuga. They demand recompense for violation of clan rights and compensation. How do you answer these charges, Uzumaki-Namikaze-San?" Homura read out the charges in an emotionless tone.
"Honorable council, I reject those charges in their entirety. I was in a fight against a Hyuuga opponent. Before the match was called, I simply demonstrated a superior way for the clan to protect their doujutsu while securing my victory in the match." Was his sarcastic reply. It was met with absolute outrage by the Hyuuga side of the council.
"Naruto-Kun, I would ask you not to intentionally rile up our guests. The Hyuuga clan's charges are serious, and we bore witness to them." Hiruzen's voice cut across the room and silenced the Hyuuga.
"Hokage-Sama, do clan practices and rights allow them to subvert the laws of Fire country?" Naruto asked in a sing-song tone that dumped a proverbial bucket of ice water on the Hyuuga present.
"No, Naruto-Kun. Clans are not exempt from the laws of Fire country."
"Well then, Hokage-Sama. It is my duty to inform you that the Hyuuga clan's practice of applying the 'caged bird seal' is in direct violation of Fire country's anti-slavery policy. The 'caged bird seal' does not simply seal away the doujutsu. It is actually modified from a prisoner seal that the Uzumaki clan developed. It is the same seal I applied to the prisoners from Sand, except my seal is far more humane."
Once again, outrage erupted from the Hyuuga present and one of the elder Hyuuga made a lunge at Naruto with his Byakugan activated. In response, a whole squad of ANBU appeared in front of Naruto with their kodachis drawn. This halted the advance.
"Explain, Naruto-San." Was the demand from Homura.
"Very well, I call Hizashi Hyuuga and Neji Hyuuga to the council floor." Naruto said in a professional tone. At Hiruzen's gesture, a squad of ANBU went to retrieve the pair of Hyuuga. They appeared 10-minutes later with a confused Hizashi and Neji. Naruto turned to Hiashi. "Hiashi-Dono, please don't use it, but will you demonstrate for the council the hand seal that activates the prisoner function of the seal."
Hiashi reluctantly rose from his seat and Hitomi stood with an arm on his shoulder. He formed a unique hand sign.
"Hiashi-Dono, will you explain the effects that activating that hand sign has on bearers of the 'caged bird seal', please." Naruto request turned into a demand when Hiashi saw the looks of the other councilors.
He took a deep breath before explaining. "The seal activates and overloads the neural network of the seal's bearer. It incapacitates the bearer and subjects them to severe pain."
Naruto nodded and continued his inquisition. "Is the Hyuuga clan aware of any long-term side effects the seal has from repeated use? I will remind the council chamber that I can detect all lies and ill-will thanks to my tenant, so please do not attempt to do so."
Now the Hyuuga clan members were deathly silent. They knew, they all knew. They paid off all of their clan doctors and it was the main reason the branch family rarely went to the Konoha hospital. Hiashi responded in a dejected tone. "We believe there to be side effects, but there has never been an inquiry into it."
Naruto halted the outrage before it could begin. "Tsunade-Senju, please inform the council of the potential side effects of such a barbaric practice."
Tsunade ignored the Hyuuga and smiled at Naruto. He was putting on a brilliant political show. "Repeated activation of such a seal could cause any number of side effects. Overloading the neurons will lead to cerebral palsy, the seal connected to the eyes could lead to blindness, the repeat activation would degrade brain function and increase risk for diseases like 'Alzheimer's' and 'dementia'."
Naruto continued. "Thank you, Tsunade-Sama. Hokage-Sama, you have a number of Hyuuga in active duty. As your ninja, they fall under your purview. Will you continue to allow a practice that actively degrades the quality of your shinobi force when there is an alternative sealing method to protect the doujutsu?" Naruto paused for dramatic effect. "Hokage-Sama, before you answer, here is a letter with the seal of the Fire Daimyo. I took the liberty of informing him of my intentions before the finals."
An ANBU took the letter from Naruto, inspected it and then gave it to the Hokage. The silence and tension in the room was palpable as the Hokage read the letter. Hiruzen looked up at Naruto, then over to Hiashi. "ANBU, please escort the Hyuuga elders, sans Hiashi and Hitomi, to the waiting room for dignitaries. They are not to leave said waiting room until I give permission."
Three squads of ANBU materialized and escorted the screaming Hyuuga elders out of the council chambers. The Hokage let out a deep breath before looking at Hiashi.
"Hiashi-Dono, by order of the Fire lord, your clan is to cease and desist in the use of the 'caged bird seal'. Any and all attempts to use the seal will be seen as a direct violation of the Fire Lord's will. The Hyuuga clan will pay Naruto Uzumaki-Senju a just price for his services in removing the 'caged bird seal' from all Hyuuga clan members."
Hiashi was a mix of emotions. He knew Naruto was helping him find a way out of the use of the cursed seal. He had supplied him documents over the past couple of years detailing the seal itself. However, he had to put on an air as the clan head. "Hokage-Sama, you can't be serious. This boy violated my clan's rights, now you wish to force me to use his services?"
"Do you know any other sealing masters capable of removing your clans seal, with a seal already developed to protect your doujutsu?" Was the Hokage's reply.
"No, Hokage-Sama. I do not." Hiashi replied, feigning dejection. It would have worked better if Hitomi didn't have a victorious smile on her face. Neji's reaction was priceless to Naruto. Naruto unsealed his camera and took a picture before Neji could fix his face. He gave Hitomi a look that asked if she wanted copies. She nodded enthusiastically.
"By order of the Fire Daimyo and the Hokage of Konohagakore-no-Sato, all Hyuuga are recalled and to be detained in the Hyuuga clan compound until Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze can safely remove the 'caged bird seal' from all Hyuuga branch members. The detention will remain in effect until all Hyuuga members have the new protection seal applied."
Hiashi, Hitomi, Hizashi and Neji bowed at the waist, "Hai, Hokage-Sama."
Mikoto didn't want to waste this opportunity. "Hokage-Sama, the Uchiha clan wishes to petition Naruto to develop a protection for the Sharingan as well."
Hiruzen looked to Naruto, who simply nodded with a smile on his face. "Very well, Mikoto. Naruto accepts your request on behalf of Konoha. The village will pay for the protection seals to be applied to each member of the Hyuuga and Uchiha clans." After Mikoto sat down, he continued. "Naruto, please gather the necessary supplies and head to the Hyuuga compound to begin working immediately."
An hour later, the branch members of the Hyuuga clan were assembled in the courtyard. In front of them, Hiashi and Hizashi stood next to Naruto.
"By order of the Fire Daimyo and Hokage, the use of the 'caged bird seal' is now outlawed. You will form a line in front of Naruto. He will remove the seal and apply a new protection seal to the base of your necks." Hiashi spoke in the typical Hyuuga monotone.
Naruto didn't expect the cheers that followed Hiashi's statement. Clan members were hugging each other and crying in disbelief. This was the most emotion he ever saw from the Hyuuga clan. Naruto overloaded 10 clone captains with chakra and directed the 250 branch members to assemble in front of a clone. He closed his eyes and appeared next to Kurama.
"Kyu, I will owe you one after this. Can you help me with this? There is no way my chakra alone is going to be sufficient."
Kurama chuckled and wrapped a tail around his container. "Sure thing, Kit. I told you I would help you achieve your dreams. How can you bring peace to the world with such a disgusting practice happening in your backyard. The Sage would have killed the so-called elders of this clan without hesitation."
Naruto leaned into Kurama's tail. "Thanks, Kurama. Don't know what I would do without you."
Naruto returned to the Hyuuga compound, glowing red in Kurama's aura. He touched each of his clones and the shroud appeared on each clone. "Worry not, this process is going to be chakra intensive. I will do my best to at least get rid of each seal today. If I have enough chakra, I will apply the new seal."
The Hyuuga branch members nodded eagerly as they were waiting in their lines. It took nearly three hours to remove all the caged bird seals. After each person had it removed, a display of gratitude followed. Tears, handshakes, hugs and a couple of kisses on the cheek. Everyone remained until the last branch member had their seal removed. Naruto dispelled his clones. When the exhaustion hit, he fell to one knee. Hinata and Neji helped him to his feet so he could address the crowd.
"My friends of the Hyuuga clan, I celebrate with you today." A raucous cheer followed this. "I have endeavored upon a great mission to bring peace to the elemental nations. It is a monumental task in which I will require your aid to achieve. Part of my mission is laying old grudges to rest. I recognize the great injustice that the branch family has suffered. However, I did this out of love for Lady Hinata, Lady Hitomi and Lord Hiashi. If you wish to repay me, please do your best to lay old grudges to rest. Become the family that Konoha needs you to be. You are our most prestigious clan. My sincerest wish is for you to be happy. Do not dwell on the past, relish in the happiness of the present. Do not think of the pain, but revel in the joy that your children will be spared the suffering you endured. I know this is asking a great deal, but I believe in the love of the Hyuuga. Thank you." Naruto bowed to them and got 256 bows in return.
"Thank you, Naruto-Sama." Chorused out beyond the Hyuuga compound. The branch family held a feast that night with Naruto as the guest of honor. He received thanks and gifts from almost every member. He received a hug and apology from Neji. Hinata gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek for helping her achieve her dream. Hizashi cried the hardest of any member. He bore the most resentment for the cursed seal and felt he owed Naruto double for saving himself and Neji from the hatred that resentment brought. Hiashi declared that the Hyuuga would be eternal friends of the Uzumaki and Namikaze clans. It was all a bit overwhelming. He went to bed with a massive smile on his face that night.
Two days later, Naruto had recovered his chakra. He reappeared in the Hyuuga courtyard to cheers from the branch family and scowls from the elders. When he appeared, two elders dashed to kill him. Hiashi and Hizashi killed them in less than 10 seconds. The silence that followed was broken by Naruto.
"To those of you that listened to me two days ago. This is the fate of those who hold onto past grudges and hateful traditions. Please, let this be the last loss of life today. We will follow the same process as yesterday to apply the new seal. I apologize for any discomfort the new seal causes." He said this with a bow and was met by more cheers from the branch family and some of the main house.
He once again called on Kurama's chakra and created 10 clones. He saved the elders and main house for last, just to spite them. It took four hours to apply all of the seals. Naruto declined the invitation to feast with the Hyuuga due to exhaustion. Hiashi said to expect an invite to dine soon. Hiashi was really hoping that Naruto would take Hinata as a bride. It would cement the future of the Hyuuga and serve as a just payment for Naruto's services.
Naruto spent the next week with his girls. He invited each of them to stay at the Namikaze compound. Tazuna had finished building an expansion to the already sizeable house. Naruto wished for the original house to be used by Tsbaki, Tsunade and Jiraiya. The new house was for Konoha's new ambassadors. With five extra rooms to accommodate guests. With his payment from the Hyuuga clan he could have built an expansion three times as big. However, much like his father, Naruto did not indulge in extravagance.
At the end of this week Naruto was once again summoned to the council chamber. He stood next to Sasuke, Samui, Kurotsuchi, Haku and Shino. Behind the Hokage, the Raikage, Tsuchikage and Mizukage stood wearing proud looks. The Hokage let them know why they were here.
"I apologize to each of you. This is long over-due. We have called you here today to award you promotions for your performance in the chunin exams and subsequent invasion. Sasuke Uchiha, please step forward." Hiruzen's voice was proud and happy to be doing something easy and positive like promotions. "For your performance in you fight against Haku Momochi and your efforts to secure the academy during the invasion, I hereby promote you to chunin."
Mei stepped forward. "Haku Momochi, please step forward. For your performance during your fight in the finals and for your support during the invasion, I hereby promote you to chunin." She handed Haku a Kiri flak jacket.
Ai stepped forward. "Samui of Kumo, post. For your splendid display of kenjutsu and your mastery of the lightning element, I hereby promote you to chunin."
Hiruzen then spoke. "Shino Aburame, for your efforts during the finals against a superior opponent and your subsequent efforts evacuating civilians during the invasion, I hereby promote you to chunin."
Ohnoki stepped forward. "Kurotsuchi, for a great display of talent and tactical thinking during your fights in the chunin exams, I hereby promote you to chunin."
All eyes in the room turned to Naruto as the Hokage spoke. "Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, for your efforts in securing peace, for a splendid display of talent throughout the chunin exams, for your contributions halting the invasion and dealing with the traitor Orochimaru, by unanimous decision of all Kage present, you are hereby promoted to jonin."
Once each Kage finished, there was a round of applause from the council. Naruto secured his jonin flak jacket and equipped it. He knew he was going to have to make some modifications to it. The group of newly promoted chunin and one jonin went out to a celebratory meal at Akimichi BBQ. Naruto sent out clones to find Hinata, Ino and Anko to join them for the celebration. Naruto hosted an after party and housewarming party for the newly promoted. That night ended with 4 girls accompanying Naruto to bed. Hinata stayed until the group went to bed, but she was too shy to ask to stay the night.
-Return to Kumo, Kiri and Iwa-
All Kage admitted that they had stayed too long in Konoha and must return to their villages. They were not expecting to enjoy the trip/vacation so much. Samui, Haku and Kurotsuchi were going to return to their villages to pack up their possessions and move to Konoha. Naruto created three overloaded clones and put stabilization seals on them to accompany each group back home. The clones each gave a copy of the 'Uzumaki – shadow clone jutsu' scroll to each Kage. Most of Konoha showed up to bid farewell to their potential allies.
While Naruto clone 1 walked back with the Raikage's envoy, it talked with Bee and Yugito about their experiences as jinchuriki. Naruto also taught Bee how to let Gyuuki out to enjoy the fresh air. By the third day of travel, Gyuuki was let out of his seal. The Oxtopus in human form was as big and muscled as Bee. It had horns, with the left one broken just like its biju form. Gyuuki pulled the Naruto clone into a big hug and Tabi had to stop him before he dispelled the clone. This group was a great group of people and Naruto smiled broadly when the clone's memories hit him. He would flash to Kumo to pick up Samui next week. Samui wanted a week to hang out with her friends and say goodbye.
Naruto clone two walked with a much calmer group back to Iwa. He spent most of his time talking to Kurotsuchi, picking her brain for the best things to do and eat in Iwa. The trip was three days at a brisk pace. Ohnoki kept thanking Naruto for the belt. It had been years since he could walk without pain. During the journey, Ohnoki agreed to set up a meeting between Han, Roshi and Naruto. When the clone returned with the envoy to Iwa, a great crowd met them at the gates. The clone dispelled the day after arriving. The Iwa council had signed the treaty. Kurotsuchi wanted to stay for a couple weeks. Naruto would pick her up in two weeks' time.
The clone that went with the Kiri team had the hardest time. It was awesome getting to know Haku and spend time with her. This alone brought out Zabuza's defensive side. However, the clone had to dodge advances from the Mizukage and Zabuza's sword for most of the way home. Mei kept comparing Naruto to Zabuza and would wrap Naruto up from behind. She positioned her massive bust on top of Naruto's head and would keep teasing Zabuza. The Naruto clone was thankful for his master's agility training, because he would have been forcefully dispelled by an enraged Zabuza without it. The clone noticed that Mist country was in rough shape. Decades of war will do that to a place. When they returned to the Hidden Mist village, a very worn-out Ao greeted them. Naruto said his goodbyes and Haku told him to pick her up in three days. He gave her a three-pronged kunai with instructions to channel chakra into the seal and throw it if she needs him.
On the third day the Naruto clones were escorting the Kages, Naruto was forced to stop his research into a barrier that would isolate a certain space from another space and time. His clones were repeatedly thrown in other dimensions that were void of anything, disappearing into black holes or suffering other gruesome deaths. Honestly, he would rather keep researching than going to the Hyuuga estate. He couldn't even bring Ino or Anko because they weren't officially his fiancées yet. So, he dressed up in his formal black kimono and asked Tsunade to accompany him to the dinner. Jiraiya decided to join in the fun.
They arrived at the Hyuuga estate and were immediately taken to a nice waiting room. Soon, they were guided to a dining hall where the whole Hyuuga clan was assembled. Many members jumped to their feet and started clapping politely as he entered. Hiashi was seated at the head table with Hitomi, Hizashi, Hinata, Neji and Hanabi. Naruto, Jiraiya and Tsunade noticed the absence of the elders.
Hiashi stood up and addressed his clan. "Let us welcome our honored guests." After a round of clapping from the Hyuuga he spoke again. "Please enjoy the feast and night of festivities in honor of Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze and the uniting of our clan."
At this queue, servers came out and placed appetizers on the tables. After the head table began eating, so did everyone else. Tsunade, never one to pull punches, opened the conversation.
"So, Hayashi, I am noticing there is no table for the clan elders. What is that about?"
"Part of the resolution to move forward was to strip the clan elders of their positions and power. They have been moved to a separate part of the estate." Hayashi said in a simple tone.
"Wow, that's a pretty big deal. I assume they are not taking it well. Are you concerned about backlash?"
"They are under surveillance and confined to the compound. In order to prevent any brash decisions, we found this to be the best option. I would rather ten clan members suffer than the whole clan."
Hitomi cut in. "There was a clan meeting with all members present. Hizashi was named the head of the branch house and acted as their voice. He petitioned for a clan-wide vote on removing the elders from their positions. Hiashi honored that request, and this was the result. That happened a couple days ago and already the atmosphere around the clan brightened significantly."
Naruto took this turn to speak. "A wise decision if you ask me. Elders should be respected, but if they refuse to adapt to changing tides, then they will drag your clan down with them."
Hiashi and Hitomi gave a quick nod to that statement. "Naruto-Kun, I am sure you know that we are in your debt. Although we have already allied with you clan, I wish to strengthen that bond." Everyone at the table knew where Hiashi is going with this. The normally subtle clan leader was broadcasting his intentions.
Naruto responded before he could complete the thought. "Hiashi-Dono, I am honored by your gratitude, but your debt is paid. I am about to embark on a journey to the Sage Woods to visit the Kitsune clan. I do not wish to add any more to my responsibilities at this time."
Hiashi frowned slightly but remained undeterred. "Well, I wish you luck on your journey. The Kitsune clan demonstrated their power quite magnificently during the invasion. I will ask you to consider bonding our two clans in marriage. I do not need an answer immediately, but I wanted to make it known that Hitomi and I wish you to have Hinata's hand in marriage."
"Naruto-Kun, your mother and I were very close. We never formalized the deal, but we did agree to the mingling of our clans, should the opportunity present itself. A couple weeks before you were born, I found out that I was having a girl. Kushina and I agreed them to be wed, if they fell in love. It may have been the irrational delusions of pregnancy hormones, but I would ask you honor this wish.
Naruto let out a deep breath, he didn't want to deal with this tonight. Now he finds out his mom's mouth was cashing checks that he would have to pay out. He looked over at the blushing Hinata and then back to Hiashi. "Have you asked how Hinata feels about your proposal before asking me, Hiashi-Dono? I have known of her affections for a while, and I admit that she is a wonderful young lady. However, you are aware of my stipulations for marriage." Hiashi and Hitomi both nodded. "Very well, Hinata-Chan, is it your wish to become my bride?"
Hinata was crimson. She had come a long way in her confidence and being around Naruto. However, nothing could prepare her to answer this question. Her voice caught in her throat and resulted in a squeak coming out. Naruto waited patiently, finally Hinata nodded her head and said, "Yes, Naruto-Kun."
He looked at Hiashi and Hitomi. "I would like to formally ask permission to court Hinata. I will not promise marriage. As you know, my other brides-to-be will have a say in this. I will, however, court Hinata with intentions toward marriage."
Hiashi and Hitomi smiled broadly. Even Neji smiled at this before Hiashi stood up and announced it to the clan. "Well, shit. Now this is going to get around fast." Was Naruto's single thought on the matter. The dinner continued without further incident. Jiraiya kept making Naruto drink with him and praising him as his muse. Tsunade couldn't begrudge Jiraiya for living vicariously through Naruto. Though she did still smack him on his head for his antics.