Disclaimer: Don't own anything.

"Speaking"

("Different language")

'Thought'

"Biju talk"

'Biju Thought'

sign language*

"*Talk and Sign*"

Enjoy…

"With the Two Tailed Jinckuriki soon to be in the village possession we must begin preparing a new host." Koharu spoke from her chair as the elders sat at a table. Such a suggestion was bound to come up with people like Danzo at the table, but she would be the person to second the motion.

"We do not even have the capabilities to do so. We have no knowledge of their sealing technique and Jiraiya has refused to carry out any extraction unless she is deemed a threat." Homura spoke in a semi-neutral stance to the conversation. He is very logical man who would support an action if the facts supported it and nothing was in favor for a new host.

"It was never on the table to begin with." Sarutobi to sip of tea as all their faces were unreadable. Due to their years of knowledge of each other, it was borderline pointless to hide emotion. "There are many reasons against that course of action. Chief among them, Kumo's eyes are on us and if something were to happen to their former Jinchuriki it may force their hand against us."

"Then once again a powerful weapon for the village grows dull with your inaction."

"A child with power they would not be able to control would be an ineffective weapon. Also, name a shinobi your training methods produced that was of note." It was petty, but it sent a message as he was The Professor the man who trained three legends that were feared and respected throughout every hidden village. "The First, Second, myself, and the late Fourth have trained many greats without resorting to stripping away their humanity even during war. So, tell me why would I waste such potential by giving it to someone who can't produce?"

Sarutobi knew of the still active Root, but they were mere foot soldiers ready to die for the mission because Danzo trained them to be disposable. A person with nothing to lose is great threat, but when they believe there is nothing to gain there is no desperation or drive to win and because of that he would never get the full backing he wants. Danzo gripped his cane tighter "Then what do you pose we should do?" His voice calm though again, might as well be growling in their presence.

All eyes were on the Professor as he took a puff from his favored pipe. "How does hostage sympathize with their captures? Given time, understanding, and compassion we will get what we want either her allegiance or a lower guard." They knew it was his final decision and were now waiting for him to verbally dismiss them. "You all may leave unless there is something else you wish to discuss?"

"What have you done about the foreigner that has been allowed into our village?" Koharu tone was disgusted as if she ate a piece of rotten fruit. The Foreigner otherwise known as Phantom Daniel or Danny as he preferred was worrying to all present. The fact that he was in the village wasn't known until days after the adoption of their jinchuriki; an act they all wanted to stop for several of reasons.

"The boy should be with Ibiki at this very moment."

"For what reason? The only crime he has committed was illegal entry into the village with every complaint being completely unfounded. Phantom has been a model citizen." The Hokage had his distrust, but without any evidence it would only hurt Naruto to act on it.

"And there is no telling how long the interrogation would take due to his grasp on our language. Mitarashi Anko is an accomplished Interrogator as well and is able to uncover deception as well if not better than Ibiki at times."

"Homura, the boy holds secrets or have you forgotten that the boy has removed the curse seal from Orochimaru's former student." Danzo replied "She could be compromised."

"Is this true Sarutobi?"

"She has had the Curse Seal removed. From what she has informed me before his village was destroyed, they developed techniques to combat those that could invade one's body and the seal was affected by it. She even said she could feel the seal's fear."

"We should have him teaching these techniques, we have no clue what the Curse Seal was meant for what if we come across another?"

"That is a valid argument with several holes in it. Can he teach it, would his instructions translate, and what if it is a bloodline trait?"

"And what if he is a shinobi in disguise?"

"Neko confirmed his chakra network showed no signs of activation. Also, training with Anko has shown he has had no prior training. Are you done? The boy has many eyes on him if he shows one sign of being a threat it would be immediately dealt with. You are dismissed." The exited as if they were civilians leaving the Hokage in the private room.

…Break…

"Sasuke-kun, get some of the other food and not just the sauce."

"Mom, this is my favorite!" Sasuke was trying to eat all the sauce with the garlic bread provided. Dinner was going great with everyone enjoying Danny's cooking.

Mitoko and Itachi chuckled at his comment before his mother replied "You say that about every tomato dish, but this meal is amazing Danny-san. May I have the recipe, if you don't mind?" The spaghetti as it was called was going to be a regular staple in their household if Sasuke had any say. The noodles, the sauce, and meatballs were all in separate serving dishes with steamed vegetable as a healthy side.

Danny looked confused at what she said as he chewed on a meatball. He set down the chopsticks while grabbing a napkin, wiping his face before replying to the Uchiha matriarch *Sorry did you say something?*

Anko knocked on the table to gain his attention. *She wanted to know if you would give her the recipe.* Anko signed with her mouth full before grabbing the sake she poured for herself and took a gulp of the good stuff.

"Okay… I'll teach you. You can take extra jar home if you want."

Sasuke shot up "If it is the tomato sauce yes. Yes to the sauce!" The table laughed at his antic and there wasn't a pout or attitude as it all felt so comforting. Even though his father wasn't there it was becoming Sasuke's most cherished family moment. As dinner came to its end, Itachi made the day better by suggesting that the boys train together. Naruto was more than happy to accept the idea as it would give him a foundation for a stronger bond.

…Break…

"You want me to agree to change our daughter's name?" Hitomi spoke with an edge from her bed next to said child. This was not a conversation she expected to have first thing in the morning.

"It is actually a request from father…" The head of the Hyuga clan spoke softly and was calmly interrupted by his wife.

"And what problem does he have with the name?" The only thing to give Hiashi a break from her growing glare were her quick glances towards baby Kushina to make sure she was still asleep.

"He has no problem with the name. He just wants the name of my mother to be her name and I agree."

"We agreed on that name, Hinata know her baby sister by this name." Her voice raised towards the end causing their daughter to start her fussing. Hiashi reached for her, but Hitomi cradled her away from him. "If he has no problem then there is no reason to change it. Was the reason you didn't come to bed was because of our daughter's name."

Hiashi watched on as the mother comforted the child and wished to just let it lie, but it needed to be now or he would lose the nerve to ever bring it up again. It is the one of only two requests Hanzo made.

…Flashback…

"You can't be serious father."

"I am serious. Otherwise, you need two more elders on your side and the majority of the Main. As the Head Elder I have actually authority other than just ceremonial power. With it I will dissolve the branding and the only way to overturn my decree would be for you to stand with the other elders against it."

"Would that apply to Hizaishi as well?"

"We do not have the means to remove the seal, but Neji will be part the last generation to ever have it. I would like you to bear witness to me write this decree and so we can talk." And they did talk as this was the most open his father has ever been. "Twins run in our family you know. My younger brother didn't make it a day as you grandfather… did not want him to live to have the brand."

"He went that far, but didn't even try to fight to save his child from that life?"

"He told me on his deathbed. He was a cold and distant man, never spoked to me unless it was necessary. He was the head of the clan, he needed to be strong even if that meant living a life of constant guilt and anger. My mother still loved him, but never looked at him the same after what he had done. She raised me and yet I was more like my father than I ever wanted to be. The only difference is I can try to make amends."

"You act as though this is different. Waiting to the last moment to atone for your sins as if it makes up for the years of torture, we put our own flesh and blood through. You made me use the seal on him."

"There is nothing I can say to even begin to beg for forgiveness and I will not make excuses for my actions." They went silent for a moment reflecting on the past. "I simply wish to do something good."

A sigh escaped Hiashi as though he hit a release valve for the frustration and anger. "I don't know if I have it in me to forgive you, but unless I know everything I will always wonder if I should have."

"The seal was once only for those who became soldiers of the clan. The pain induced by the seal made one resilient to torture with their bloodline being sealed on death we had little to worry about. It was later that seal proved to be useful on prisoners who would later have children would be branded with it. To use the brand on criminals that was once used for those who devoted their lives to protect, felt like a dishonor to the old guard. The ones who were soldiers then decided to set their families place as future soldiers or Cadets of the Hyuga army purging the prisoners from our ranks, but the children they had growing up only knowing service to us lived and continued to serve under the brand. The Cadet Branch from that point on represented service and protection for the Main House."

"Children punished for the actions of the parents. While this information was not unwelcomed, how do you justify what you did?"

"I pushed Hizaishi towards the life of a true cadet. Along the way your grandfather forgot, I tried to reclaim, you wish to destroy, and the Nobles abused. I wanted him to be the example the others to rally behind and bring back its former glory. You two would have been on the same squad and if he was captured you would have to remotely end his life. If you couldn't use the seal in a safe setting how could I see you use it when your brother needed you to. Also, among the ranks there must be no special treatment that is not earned through hard work or there is resentment."

"You wanted to remilitarizes the Cadet branch."

"Yes, I saw it as a way to remove the abuse and regain respect the brand once held. All I accomplished was a rift in my family."

…Flashback End…

"I was with him, but the name did not come up until our meeting came to a close. We talked about many things that shed some light on the man he is and will be to the end. It made me think on my actions. If I continued on as I had I would be barely any different than him." Hiashi moved next to his wife and child. "I wouldn't have brought this up, but are you comfortable with her being called Kushina growing up calling Naruto big brother with him not knowing the gravity of that name. If we stick to that name, I say we tell him about his mother."

Hitomi pulled away from her husband "You will blackmail me into changing our daughter's name."

"No, no. I-I… we have been shitty friends to his parents. He was kicked out the orphanage and up to the point he met our little Hinata we had no contact. He lived as though he was a war child scrounging for what he had and we did nothing… and this guilt is something I don't want to live with just to try to purge it on my deathbed."

"You think I don't feel guilty? We can't tell him who his parents are."

"I would just tell him about Kushina. Their relationship was secret and even though she was one of the most dangerous Kenjutsu users out there, The Seven are scattered and hunted by their own. Kumo and Iwa are his father's enemies, which are the main reason for the secrecy. Even so naming our daughter after your teammate with Kumo attempting to steal our bloodline may as well be painting a target on her back if you're worried about such information."

"What name would you suggest?"

"I would like to name her after my mother."

"I see… what are you not telling me Hiashi-kun?"

"She was the source of all the good my father had and I want to remember him as a good man."

…Break…

Sasuske was in the sparring ring with Danny and Naruto. "Alright brats, let's see a good free for all to get you three warmed up. First couple rounds will be last one in the ring wins." Anko spouted from her rock with Dangos in her lap. "Get ready."

Each boy stood equal distance from the others Sasuke was the most balanced out of the three as Danny was readying to defend and Naruto was ready to attack. Sasuke's eyes flickered between the two sizing them up not knowing who was the bigger threat to eliminate first. Danny and Naruto looked to have their eyes closed as the Uchiha positioned himself to go at Danny. "Begin!"

BAM!

Before he could move Danny had protected him from Naruto's attack. ("What are you doing Naruto this is just a spar.") Danny's arm was already forming a bruise where he blocks the red head's kick.

"Easy Naru-chan, we got new brat on the field." Anko spoke jokingly, but was alert. While not untrained Sasuke was not up to their level and Naruto just went full force towards him. Before either could recover Danny grabbed the both of them and threw them out of the ring. "One point, Danny-chan and I'll say another for eliminating both of them."

Danny waved his arm trying to shake the soreness out of it. He may not really know what their history is or was, but he could tell Naruto was going for a bit of payback. "Everyone back in the ring." The three get back in with different emotions.

'New brat? I can handle whatever they throw.' Sasuke looked determined getting back in his stance. 'Best way to do that…' The young Uchiha was now glaring at the Halfa 'Take out the one in the lead.'

'What! She probably just made up that extra point crap to give Danny a bigger lead.'

'If I was out, I'd show Snow Kit some favoritism too and maybe some extra after puberty hits.'

Naruto's face turned sour being reminded of their first meeting with his ghostly ally 'Oh Danny, I blame you for my mood.'

'Hey, don't blame Snow Kit for what me and Anko cause.'

'He's the only one I can take my frustrations out on.' Naruto glared at Danny.

'Ah, misplaced aggression… I love it, act your age!' there was a brief pause 'Your physical age not mental, wouldn't want my host to need diapers.' Naruto was annoyed further by her laughter at the joke.

'I get the feeling there is a target on my back.' Danny looked to see two sets of angry white eyes that seemed to take up most of their faces staring daggers at him as they were surrounded by a purple haze. 'How do they do that?'

"Get ready and remember… Danny-chan has the lead!"

Danny turn towards Anko "You are putting a target on me!"

"Begin!" Danny didn't have time to turn as he was tackled out of the ring by the two. Naruto and Sasuke jumped up high fiving at their action and weird comradery for their victory. "For the teamwork you get a point each…" Little smiles formed on their faces at closing the point gap "But Danny is still in the lead though."

"Hey!"

"Get back in the ring and get ready" It didn't take long for them to get ready. "Begin!" Danny braced himself against the two as this warmup exercise became just three boys rough housing no real show of skill. Anko couldn't understand Naruto's strange hostility towards Sasuke or fast team up against Danny, but the result wasn't bad. Danny could handle the extra attention even though Naruto could hurt him… not that he would do so… He was tough enough to get through it with the added punishment. Danny tossed Sasuke out of the ring once he got a good grip on him, but that gave Naruto his opportunity to be the last one in the ring.

Naruto helped up the young Uchiha and finished out the rest of the warmups which Danny dominated by physical force.

"All right let' s change gear and see if any of you can hit a tree in a forest." Anko pointed to the three standing dummy targets in the standard T pose with targets at the end of each arm with two drawn targets on their face and where their hearts should be. "Danny-chan since you did so well in the warmup you'll go first."

Danny was given five Kunai and shuriken before standing a good distance away. He went zero for five with the kunai and two for five with the shuriken. The one kunai that made contact with one of the dummies didn't stick, but hit with enough force to take a chunk of wood with it. Anko would have given him a point if it was the one, he was aiming at. Danny was a point and shoot kind of person, but that didn't mean he couldn't throw things with accuracy. He was a bit hesitant with throwing sharp objects.

Naruto was better, but muscle memory did not come back with him. He started off a bit cocky and ended a bit humbled. Sasuke went five for five for each earning the victory with a smug grin… which got wiped off when they got to sparring. "Alright Danny let's see if you can make up for that terribly aim." Danny and Sasuke re-entered the ring as Naruto sat just at the edge. Sasuke stood in the standard Uchiha stance as Danny didn't really have a stance and was just doing what he felt was comfortable.

The match started and the Uchiha heir moved in fast with some confidence as he had sparred with his brother. His eyes were observant even without the Sharingan, but he did not see Danny's fist before it connected and knocked out his lights.

Anko laughed at the poor kid as she scooped him up and out of the ring. She set him off to the side against a tree as he began to stir. Anko went back to her spot "Okay Naru-chan get in there. This will be the end of our day anyway" Naruto stood opposite of his fellow time traveler as they got into their own stances. "Begin."

Naruto move first dashing towards Danny who simply raised his guard letting him strike first. Naruto began landing light strikes before backing away or throwing feints to goad Danny into attacking. Daniel's guard wasn't dropping under this onslaught as he tracked the former blonde's movement turning this spar into a test of patience. The Halfa waits for an opening as the Jinchuriki was trying to make one.

'One of them is going to slip up soon' Anko thought as she observed their fight while just feeling a bit of pride as she watched them and seeing the fine shinobi, she was raising. Sasuke was watching close as he realized the difference between him and them. They didn't fight like an Uchiha, they each had their own style, and while he did spar against Itachi; it was never a real spar just him showing Sasuke how to improve.

Naruto's attacks continued showing no signs of stopping until he finally decided to hit Danny hard. The Halfa opened his guard and the former blond took the bait. He palm struck Danny's chin hoping to jar his brain, but the ghost's head barely moved as he countered with a hard hit to the Jinchuriki's stomach. Naruto's feet left the ground before Danny began to capitalize with two jabs to the face finishing with a hook to the body sending him across the ring.

Danny pursued trying not to give Naruto any room to recover, but Naruto already had as he began putting his training to work. Every attack Danny threw was met with strikes that took away his power and accuracy. Danny attempted to grab him only for Naruto to slip out of it, but it distracted him from Danny sweeping his leg. Naruto used his fall to roll, but Danny saw it coming and he didn't get far as the ghost boy tackled him when he tried to stand. Naruto again used his falling momentum to be on top attempting to pin him only to be thrown off. Danny tried to stand only to receive a kick knocking him back down.

Naruto plan now was to get Danny out the ring. Naruto ran towards the downed Halfa who could hear the former blonde's footsteps. Daniel rolled taking out his legs once again and again Naruto rolled his way back to his feet… "Out of bounds!"

Naruto looked down seeing he was standing just outside the ring. 'Damn it!'

'Eh, calm down kit. You know spars mean nothing in the outside world.'

'I know, but if I want to advance my career as a ninja, I have to do everything by the book.' This surprised Kikyo, normally Naruto did not care for titles outside of Hokage. 'I may be better off than my last life, but I'm still going to get screwed over at every opportunity.'

'This kind of… I don't know, fills me with pride a little, but what brought on this frustration?'

'I know she didn't make up the extra points to spite me, but it just brought up those feelings.'

'That rule against you using Sage chakra? That was a bullshit rule to begin with, but why did you use that against the brat?'

'Simple, I just want to give Konohamaru my respect as a shinobi.' Naruto mood seemed to have been lifted. 'Besides, I already said I would be Hokage no matter what.'

"Naruto-kun! Danny-kun." All attention was grab by a certain Hyuga Heiress followed by her father.

"Hey Hinata-chan!" Naruto greeted as Danny waved.

"No hello for me?"

"*Hello Hiashi, it is good to see you.*"

"*Good to see you as well and you seem more confident in your voice.*" Hiashi looked over the group spotting the young Uchiha. "Hello Sasuke-kun."

"Hello Hyuga-Sama…"

Hiashi waved off the formality "This isn't an event or ceremony. You may use my name."

"Thank you, H-Hiashi-Sama."

'Trying to be like his father.' Hiashi chuckled in his head.

"Naruto-kun, Danny-kun. Are you going to come and see my little sister Kushina?!" Hinata said so excited being a big sister

'What? Hanabi is now named after my mom?'

'Boo! Don't give that poor girl such a shitty name!'

"Hin-Hinata-chan, your mother and I, decided to change her name to Hanabi. Sorry for forgetting to tell you earlier sweety." Hiashi seemed feel guilty for not telling his daughter as she now pouted at her father and even scolded him for not informing her.

'The Hinata I knew would never be so lively with him.'

'She is just a little embarrassed. Names of you loved ones are important to know and remember. Bitch Kushina was an important person to the Hyugas, especially Hitomi. I'm guessing her surviving the birth put the name on the table.'

'Well I am glad its off the table now.'

'Why is that?'

'It would just be weird to call someone by my mom's name when I knew them by another.'

("You okay? What's on your mind?") Danny asked seeing Naruto deep in thought.

"Oh nothing, I'd just would have found it weird to call her my mom's name." Naruto said that completely oblivious to the impact of his words.

END