Welcome back everyone and here's chapter 3. I have to say I'm glad I decided to go back and do more on the early days of the relationship, as its allowed for more creative freedom. When I was just retelling Boruto, I was always second guessing my choices on how I should change the cannon. I'm hoping this will also help me be more creative when I get to that.
Until then, here's the continuation of the aftermath that has occurred from Naruto's polygamous relationship becoming public. I hope I don't disappoint.
Although it saddened him to be a way from his wives, Naruto was glad he spent most of the day indoors doing leadership training with Kakashi. It meant he didn't have to see the judgemental glares from the villagers, which reminded him of the ones he would always get when he was young. He also wondered what his friends thought. Lee seemed to be fine with this and he probably just needed to give Sakura time to calm down. But what would the other's think? Was he about to lose a lot of friends all because he had decided to love two women. Naruto tried to put this out of his mind and focus on training.
Things were calm at the Uzumaki household. As predicted, no Hyuga had dared approach them while Tsunade was there. Her presence also prevented additional vandalism. However, Tsunade couldn't help but feel something was off. While she had been able to spot a few Hyuga nearby, it wasn't nearly as many as she thought. Tsunade knew that if the whole clan was for having Hanabi branded, there would be many more trying to sneak in, but there were barely any. Tsunade wondered if this had anything to do with how close Naruto and Hinata had been to Hinata's cousin Neji, and how big an impact this had on the branch family. Tsunade felt she would have to investigate this further.
Meanwhile, Kurenai did as asked and ran errands for Hinata, leaving her daughter in Hinata's care. After completing the errands Kurenai returned and agreed to stay until Naruto got home.
When night fell, she was still there, despite her presence being unneeded. Her daughter Mirai lay asleep on the couch.
"Miss Kurenai you're still here?" enquired Hanabi coming into the room.
"Yes, Hinata asked me to stay until Naruto got home," answered Kurenai turning to face her.
"That's not necessary, with Lady Tsunade we're perfectly safe," stated Hanabi before looking at the sleeping Mirai. "You should get home and put your daughter to bed."
"She's fine for now and like I said, Hinata asked me to stay so that's what I intend to do," stated Kurenai. "I think my presence makes her feel safer, especially now that she has a child of her own."
"Why are you doing all of this?" asked Hanabi.
"That's a silly question. I care about Hinata. You know that," answered Kurenai.
"Yeah, I know. You gave her the support she needed when our father wouldn't," said Hanabi sadly.
"And I intend to do that again. I know deep down your father cared, but he should've realised what Hinata needed was encouragement and support, not enforced harsh training," stated Kurenai. "It saddened me that he didn't support her then and it's even sadder that he won't support both of you now."
"He wanted to support us, but he had no choice. He didn't want this, this is what the clan elders want," Hanabi clarified.
"That doesn't change the fact that he should've fought harder," stated Kurenai.
"That still doesn't explain why you're helping," stated Hanabi, who continued before Kurenai could speak. "Big Sister's the one you're close to, not me. I could understand you risking everything for her, but not for me and I'm the one you're protecting."
Kurenai sat down on one of the couches and gestured for Hanabi to sit next to her.
"You're right, Hinata is the one I'm close with and the one I would support without hesitation, but my support extends to those she cares about. You're arguably the most precious person to Hinata, even more so than Naruto. Because of that, keeping you safe is important to her, which means it's important to me!" explained Kurenai.
"But I thought you resented me," stated Hanabi.
"Resented you? Why would I resent you?" asked Kurenai.
"Because I was also responsible for Hinata's suffering," answered Hanabi. "Long ago we fought to determine who would become heir to the Hyuga Clan. I won despite being younger and less experienced. Father disinherited her, which caused her so much pain."
"I don't resent you for that," stated Kurenai.
"You don't?" asked Hababi.
"We both know she let you win, because there was one thing that would hurt her more than being disinherited and that was hurting you. You're her precious little sister and she would never hurt you," stated Kurenai. "So, I don't resent you for beating her and becoming clan heir, because that was a decision she made because she loved you. If anyone's to blame, it's your father and the clan, because they should've known forcing her to fight you, wouldn't give a clear indication of her strength."
"That makes sense. How do you feel about me becoming a part of her and Naruto's relationship?" asked Hanabi.
Kurenai chuckled at this.
"Knowing Hinata as well as I do, it wasn't hard for me to believe when I heard the rumours," answered Kurenai.
"How so?" asked Hanabi.
"Like I said, you're arguably the most precious person to Hinata, meaning she'll do whatever it takes to make you happy. Hinata also loves Naruto with all her heart and was hoping to have him all to herself. Or so I thought. Considering how much Hinata cares about you and wants you to be happy, I have a feeling you're the only person in the world she'd be willing to share him with. So, when I heard that he had taken you as his second wife, I knew it wasn't because of corruption by the Nine Tails, it was because Hinata wanted to make you happy."
"Only someone as awesome as Hinata would share the man she loves with her sister," laughed Hanabi.
"Agreed, so don't stress about me staying behind. Hinata wants you kept safe and that's what I intend to do," stated Kurenai.
"Thank you, Miss Kurenai," said Hanabi.
"No worries, it's my pleasure," stated Kurenai. "Still, I should get Mirai home. I hope Naruto gets home soon."
"I was actually wondering what's taking Naruto so long. I thought he'd be home by now," stated Hanabi.
"They probably just got distracted by Hokage training. Kakashi has a lot to teach him," said Kurenai.
"I know, but Lord Hokage said he wouldn't keep him too late, so I thought he'd let him leave early," stated Hanabi.
"Good point," said Kurenai.
"You don't think he's avoiding us, do you?" asked Hanabi.
"He better not be, especially with the commitment he's made to you both," answered Kurenai.
"I think it's more complicated than that," called a voice.
Hanabi and Kurenai turned to see Hinata coming into the room.
"What do you mean?" asked Kurenai.
"Something tells me this situation is hurting Naruto even more than it's hurting us," answered Hinata.
"How so? We're all in this together," argued Hanabi.
"I know, and Naruto knows that as well, but how the village has reacted to this has likely opened up wounds for him. For the longest time he was alone, shunned for something he didn't choose or know about, and he spent a long time working hard to get acceptance from the villagers. After the war he'd done that. Everyone loved and admired him for his efforts. But now it seems they've all turned on him again, because of the decision we made and he probably feels all his hard work has been for nothing!" explained Hinata.
This made Hanabi sad.
"Please understand though he doesn't blame you for this," stated Hinata.
"How can he not, this is my fault," said Hanabi.
"Remember what he said this morning. You had every right to love the person you choose. And we all agreed to this relationship. We knew the risks and accepted it," stated Hinata. "I think Naruto just felt people wouldn't react this negatively, after everything he did in the last war."
"If I'm honest, I think people are overreacting to this," interjected Kurenai. "Naruto saved the world, so what if he has two wives?"
"My point is, I think Naruto just needs a little time to process everything, so if he's running late, he might just be taking some time to think," said Hinata. "But remember, Naruto said his new dream is to be there for us and his children. And Naruto always keeps his word, so he'll be back, we just need to be patient."
"Alright," Hanabi admitted. "Still, where do you think he is?"
"I have a pretty good idea," smirked Hinata.
"So do I and I'm not even one of his wives," added Kurenai.
Both Hinata and Kurenai were correct in their assumption.
Kakashi had kept his word and let Naruto leave early, but as Hinata predicted he hadn't gone home right away. As soon as Naruto left the Hokage Office, he again saw people staring at him and avoiding him like he was some power-hungry tyrant. Because of this, Naruto found himself unable to go home, as he believed his wives would now be forced to face the same rejection as him. Naruto knew they wouldn't mind, but he still felt bad that the women he loved would face similar prejudice that he was forced to face growing up. Naruto knew deep down that none of them had done anything wrong, so it felt unreasonable that the village was judging them for this.
This led Naruto to going to the place he always went to when he felt sad. His favourite restaurant. Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto just hoped the owners would still let him eat there.
Naruto headed to Ichiraku's and as predicted, anyone who was there immediately got up and left, leaving their money and half eaten bowls behind.
"Good evening Naruto, can I get you the usual?" asked Teuchi, the owner and founder.
"You're still ok with me eating here?" asked Naruto.
"Why wouldn't I be, you're my favourite and best customer," answered Teuchi.
"Well, I figured you'd heard about the rumour's surrounding me?" asked Naruto.
"Yes, I have," answered Teuchi.
"And you're ok with them?" asked Naruto.
"I'll admit it's a bit strange, but not the weirdest thing I've seen. Besides you're not the first person to have two wives and I have a feeling you won't be the last either," answered Teuchi.
"What about the rumours of me using the fox to corrupt my wives. Aren't you worried I might use this power to corrupt your daughter?" asked Naruto.
"No, because I know that's not something you would do, because if you did, I'm sure you would've done something a long time ago to ensure you always got free ramen from me," laughed Teuchi. "Now to repeat what I said before, can I get you the usual?"
"Yeah, that'd be great," answered Naruto sitting down. "Sorry I made you lose some business."
"Don't worry about it, you'll more than make up for it and with another Uzumaki on the way, I'm sure I'll get plenty of business," laughed Teuchi. "However, you look like you've had a rough day, so this ones on the house."
"Thanks," said Naruto.
Before long Naruto had a bowl of Ramen in front of him.
"What're you doing here anyway? After all that's happened, I figured you'd want to stay home with your family," stated Teuchi.
"I don't know if I can face them right now," said Naruto who had started eating.
"Why not? You clearly care about them. And I can tell they love you dearly. It didn't occur to me before, but seeing how the three of you acted whenever you came here to eat, I should've known something was going on between the three of you," stated Teuchi. "I'm honestly amazed I didn't connect the dots until the truth came out."
"It's more complicated than that. I know you and Ayame always treated me well, but we both know that's not the case for the rest of the village," stated Naruto.
"I get what you mean, people have started treating you like before," sighed Teuchi. "But I don't think you need to worry about that. You gained their acceptance once and you can do it again. I'm sure they'll come to realise that Hinata and Hanabi chose to love you and you didn't force them to."
"Yeah, but now I'm exposing Hinata and Hanabi to the same life I had growing up," sighed Naruto. "The rejection, the glares and the constant hate, I felt from the village, I would never wish that on anyone, especially them."
"I can see what you mean. It's one thing to be hated, but for the people you love to be hated by association must feel even worse," stated Teuchi.
"Exactly and now, I don't know what to do," expressed Naruto.
"Like I said, you need to stop worrying about it," stated Teuchi.
Naruto looked at him curiously.
"I know you feel bad about exposing them to the same hate you get, but at least none of you will have to go through it alone. You all have each other, which will make the journey easier," stated Teuchi. "Besides their lives have been pretty difficult as well, so don't underestimate their strength."
"You're right, as long as we have each other, that's all that matters," smiled Naruto finishing his bowl.
"You want another?" asked Teuchi.
"Not this time, as you said I should be with my wives," said Naruto before pulling money out of his pocket. "I know you said it was on the house, but I feel bad about making you lose business."
Naruto handed the money to Teuchi who took it without objection.
"Thanks, and don't forget to stay positive, I'm sure things will get better," said Teuchi.
"I hope so," said Naruto before leaving.
Wanting to waste no more time, Naruto headed straight home. He still saw a few people look at him with disdain, but he didn't let it bother him, because he knew with Hinata and Hanabi by his side, everything would be alright.
Before long Naruto returned home.
"Hinata, Hanabi, I'm home," called Naruto.
Hinata and Hanabi came into view. Kurenai followed close behind them while carrying her sleeping daughter.
"Sorry I'm late," said Naruto while taking of his shoes.
"Did you go to Ichiraku's?" asked Hinata.
"Um…" Naruto had a feeling he was in trouble.
"It's ok Naruto we understand," said Hinata. "These last few days have been a lot so we can understand why you needed a moment alone."
"We're just glad your back," said Hanabi hugging Naruto.
"I'm glad to be back," said Naruto hugging her back after which Hinata joined.
"Still, maybe call first that you're going to be late," interjected Kurenai. "It's a hard time for all of you and you made them worry."
"I'll do better next time I promise," said Naruto.
"You better," said Tsunade coming through the front door. "They might be willing to forgive you, but I have half a mind to slap you over the head, especially considering you kept us longer than necessary."
"Sorry Lady Tsunade," said Naruto.
"It's alright, as Hinata said it's been a tough few days," sighed Tsunade.
"So did you have any trouble?" asked Naruto.
"No, as predicted my presence prevented anyone from getting too close," answered Tsunade. "Although there were way fewer Hyuga's lurking then I thought."
"What does that mean?" asked Naruto.
"I'm not sure, but I'm determined to find out," said Tsunde bid them goodnight and they left.
After Tsunade and Kurenai had parted ways, Tsunade went somewhere unexpected. Before long, she was standing outside the Hyuga compound. The events of the day had generated a few questions for her and she knew there was only one person who could provide the answers she wanted. She just hoped the head of the Hyuga clan would be willing to talk to her.
The next day after Naruto, Hinata and Hanabi found themselves once again waiting for Kakashi to show up so he could give them updates.
"After all this time he still runs late," groaned Naruto. "Oh well, means I get to spend more time with you guys."
"I agree a great silver lining," joked Hanabi.
They heard a knock on the door.
"That must be Sensei. Hinata, stay with Hanabi in case it's trouble," requested Naruto.
Hinata nodded and Naruto headed for the door. He opened and thankfully Kakashi was on the other side.
"Well Sensei, what's new?" asked Naruto, gesturing him inside.
"I have good news and bad news," answered Kakashi entering.
"What's the good news?" asked Naruto as he and Kakashi walked into the living room.
"The good news is I've got the papers Hanabi needs to change her name. All she needs to do is fill them out," said Kakashi handing the papers to Hanabi.
Hanabi looked through them quickly.
"Alright, I'll get this done today," she decided.
"Very good and once we submit them, we should be able to get your name changed in no more than two weeks, but I'll see if I can do anything to speed up the process," stated Kakashi.
"Thankyou Lord Hokage," said Hanabi.
"Now what's the bad news?" asked Naruto.
"Kurenai, can't come by today. Mirai feel sick this morning and she has to stay home with her," sighed Kakashi.
"That's ok, I'll just stay home today. Like I said no point in training to be Hokage if the village currently hates me," stated Naruto.
"Actually Naruto, I need you to come to the office with me. Theres something important I need to tell you," stated Kakashi.
"Can't you just tell me here?" asked Naruto.
"I wish I could, but its better we have this discussion at the office," answered Kakashi.
"Do we bring Hinata and Hanabi with us?" asked Naruto.
"No, even though you'd be able to fight off any Hyuga that attack, it's best if we don't have a fight in the middle of the village. It'll be safer for them to stay behind," stated Kakashi.
"How is that safer? Hinata may be pretty strong, but she can't fight the whole Hyuga Clan on her own and we can't let Hanabi fight in her condition," stated Naruto. "Wait a minute, why isn't Granny Tsunade here to help?"
"That's a question that'll be answered, when we get to the office," said Kakashi.
"I'm not leaving. Not while Hinata and Hanabi need my help," stated Naruto.
"Wait, I probably should've mentioned I have more good news," said Kakashi.
"What? Are the Hyuga backing down?" asked Naruto.
"No, I just found others who are willing to help," answered Kakashi. "Now that I think about it they should be here by now."
They suddenly heard shouting outside.
"I told you I got everything we need," complained a man.
"That's what you said last time, and you forgot half of what we needed," lectured a woman.
"Could you stop being a drag," complained the man.
"Oh, there they are," said Kakashi heading for the door.
"I think I have pretty good idea of who he sent," sighed Naruto following Kakashi.
They opened the door to see a man with black hair by the name of Shikamaru, arguing with a blonde woman named Temari. Temari was also carrying their son Shikadai.
"Lord Sixth sorry we're late," apologised Shikamaru. "Temari wouldn't let us leave."
"That's because you wouldn't double check we had everything we need," lectured Temari. "You might be smart, but your so lazy you have no common sense."
"What a drag," groaned Shikamaru.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" demanded Temari.
"Nothing," answered Shikamaru.
"That's what I thought," stated Temari. "Now, Naruto, do you mind if I set up stuff for Shikadai in the living room?"
"No, go ahead, also thanks for coming," stated Naruto. "I'm actually amazed your both here, I thought Shikamaru was away."
"I was, I only got back last night, and I was hoping to have the day off," groaned Shikamaru. "You owe me for this Naruto."
Temari then slapped Shikamaruo over the head.
"He doesn't owe you everything, you chose to be his advisor after he became Hokage, so you'll be helping a lot in the future, so you might as well start now," she lectured.
"Yes Honey," groaned Shikamaru.
"I'm more amazed you're so willing to help with this," commented Naruto. "I thought you'd be as angry as Sakura was."
"Look, I'll admit its not something I would do and I do find it a little gross, but quite frankly its none of my business what you do in your personal life. If you want to have two wives that's your choice. Especially if they're ok with it," stated Temari. "Also I've heard why you need security around the house and I'm more than happy to help.
"What about the rumours regarding the nine-tails?" asked Naruto.
"Oh please, my brother used to be a jinchuriki. If he had an ability like that, I'm sure he would've used it a long time ago. Even if that is an ability you possess, Gaara knows you wouldn't do something like that and that the rumours are complete nonsense," stated Temari,
"Well, thanks I guess," said Naruto who was still amazed Temari was ok with this.
"Personally I think your insane for taking a second wife," whispered Shikamaru to Naruto. "One is too much for me."
"Is that so?" enquired Temari who overheard what he said and started glaring at him. "Do you find me overbearing? Would you hate if there were two of me?"
"No," answered Shikamaru.
"That's what I thought," stated Temari. "Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to set up."
She walked past Naruto and Kakashi and entered the house.
"You keep this up, you're going to be in the doghouse," commented Naruto.
"Don't you think I know that?" groaned Shikamaru who then sighed. "This is what I get for marrying a woman similar to my mother."
"Maybe Nara men like strong willed women," argued Naruto.
"They are the only ones who can keep them in line," joked Kakashi.
"You guys aren't helping," stated Shikamaru. "Anyway I better get inside before she yells at me again."
Shikamaru walked past them into the home.
"I'm glad they agreed to come," stated Naruto. "Shikamaru can use his shadow possession to stop any intruder and Temari can easily blow away anyone who approaches. I just hope they're enough."
"We have to assume they aren't, which is why I've managed to get a few more people to come over," stated Kakashi. "Conveniently a lot of people got back last night."
Two more people then entered through the gate. Both brown haired, but one was accompanied by a large white dog and had red fang marks on his face, while the other wore sunglasses and had a mysterious attitude. Naruto recognised them has Hinata's old teammates Kiba and Shino.
"Guys thanks for coming we really appreciate…"
Kiba held up a hand causing him to go silent.
"Just so you know Naruto, we aren't here to help you. The Hokage said Hinata needed our help and that's why we're here," stated Kiba.
"We're still a little sceptical with the rumours, but as long as you didn't hurt Hinata there'll be no trouble from us," added Shino.
"Oh, come on guys, do you really think I'd do anything to hurt Hinata?" asked Naruto.
"We'd like to think you wouldn't but we want to know for sure," answered Shino.
"We also know how much Hinata cares for her sister, so we could see her being willing to share you with her, but no one else," stated Kiba. "If you take a third wife, we'll know for certain your up to something sketchy."
"You don't have to worry about that," stated Naruto. "There are still days where I wonder how I ended up with two."
Kakashi decided to break up the conversation.
"Guys I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but I'm going to request you leave them till later. Naruto and I have a lot to do."
"Alright Lord Hokage," stated Shino. "Let's go Kiba we have a job to do."
"Fine, but I got my eye on you," said Kiba to Naruto.
They to walked past Naruto and headed into the house.
"Well, at least they're taking it better then I thought they would," sighed Naruto.
"Like I said Naruto, you've made a lot of friends over the years. You need to trust they'll stand by you when you need them the most," stated Kakashi.
"I guess," said Naruto. "Anyway, you said you had something important to tell me at the office?"
"Indeed, so we better get going," said Kakashi.
"Could you at least tell me why Granny Tsunade couldn't help today?" asked Naruto.
"Like I said you'll get the answers you're after when we get to the office," answered Kakashi.
Without another word they made their way to the Hokage's Office. They headed their as quickly as they could, because whatever Kakashi had to tell Naruto was extremely urgent. Upon arriving at the office door, Kakashi came to a holt.
"Before we go in, I feel you should know, that no one here is looking for a fight," stated Kakashi.
"Huh?" asked Naruto.
"You'll see," stated Kakashi.
They headed inside and saw Tsunade was there waiting for them, but she wasn't the only one. Hinata and Hanabi's father Hiashi was also present.
"What is he doing here?" demanded Naruto.
"Naruto, I said no one is here to look for a fight," advised Kakashi. "There's something Lord Hiashi wants to tell you, and I recommend you listen."
"I don't want to listen to anything he has to say. I bet he's here to say that this isn't what he wanted. If that was the case, he would've fought harder for Hinata and Hanabi," growled Naruto.
"He's done more than you think," interjected Tsunade.
"What do you mean?" asked Naruto.
"I think it's better that Lord Hiashi answer that question. Before that though I think I should explain why we're all here," answered Tsunade. "As you know I spent all day yesterday guarding your home from attackers and I only spotted a few Hyuga's lurking. I'd been led to believe that the entire Hyuga clan was opposed to the relationship between you and its two heirs. If that was the case, I feel there would've been way more Hyuga surrounding the house trying to find an opening. As this was not the case, I decided to do some investigating. I headed to the Hyuga Compound after leaving your home and requested an audience with the clan head. This led to a very long discussion between us"
Hiashi stepped forward.
"Naruto, I wasn't completely honest with you and my daughters. I only told you what I did, because I felt the truth would be too hard for them to hear, so I only told you enough to push you away. I swore I wouldn't be the cause of any more pain to my daughters. Unfortunately, even as Clan head there is only so much, I could do to fight against the clan elders. No matter what I said, I couldn't change their minds."
"Why what's going on?" asked Naruto calmly.
"First, I want to apologise again for getting angry at you before. I'll admit I was a little angry by the situation, but it was for selfish reasons. I'd long accepted that what Hinata wanted more than anything was to be with you and if that made her happy, I wasn't going to fight it, regardless of what the Clan said. They didn't mind though, as we still had Hanabi to continue our traditions. I too was hoping Hanabi would continue our traditions because it would keep peace. So, when I heard she was in a secret relationship with you, and Hinata I lost it because I knew this was going to cause a lot of trouble. I wanted to blame you, but I knew I couldn't, as we all know my daughters loved you before you loved them. This was their choice, and I should've done more to support them!" explained Hiashi. "Also, something tells me I should've predicted this, Hanabi moved out of the compound to gain more independence, then she moved in with you and Hinata. And never left."
"Yeah, I'm honestly amazed no one found out until we told the truth," chuckled Naruto. "But you still haven't told me what's going on."
"Right. Let's just say the Hyuga Clan is actually less disgusted by Hanabi's child then I let on. The reason they wanted Hanabi to come back is because they have a lot of plans for her child," stated Hiashi.
"Plans? What Plans?" asked Naruto.
"All in good time Naruto, we'll tell you everything we discussed last night," interjected Tsunade.
Thanks for reading. In the next chapter, I'm going to go into greater detail on what the Hyuga's plans are with Hanabi's child and the extent they will go to achieve this. In the meantime, please leave a review, I would love to hear your feedback. Especially if it helps me improve the overall story. I'd also be keen to hear your predictions on what the Hyuga Clan is plotting. Feel free to leave your predictions in the reviews or through personal messenger.