Welcome back everyone. Here is where I start to show things, I didn't show in the original. Like I said, I'm going to focus on Naruto and his wives for a little longer and go in depth with the prejudices they had to face when their relationship became public. Who turned on them and who will stick around to help them when they need them the most? The answers begin in the chapter below.
Enjoy.
The next day Naruto, Hinata and Hanabi were ready to start the day, but they couldn't leave the house. Kakashi had advised them to stay indoors until he could send a few Shinobi to guard Hanabi. Because of the situation, Naruto and Hinata had been given time off from missions so they could defend Hanabi until her name was changed. Unfortunately, they weren't able to stay with her around the clock. Naruto still needed to continue his training with Kakashi to be the future Hokage and Hinata had errands to run. Hanabi had been ordered to stay until they had resolved the issues with the Hyuga clan. Little did they know the Hyuga Clan was just one issue they would have to deal with.
"Weird, I thought they'd be here by now," commented Naruto. "If I don't leave soon, Kakashi-Sensei's going to wonder where I am."
"I don't think he'll mind, he understands we're in a difficult situation right now," stated Hinata before turning to Hanabi. "Are you sure you're fine to watch Boruto while I'm out?"
"This isn't the first time you left him with me," stated Hanabi who was rocking Boruto in her arms. "Besides, if I'm going to be a mother myself, I'm going to need all the practice I can get."
"True, but don't forget, Naruto and I will be here to help you with whatever you need," stated Hinata.
It was at this point they heard a knock on the door.
"I guess the security's arrived," joked Naruto. "I'll see you guys tonight, stay safe."
Naruto gave his wives a kiss each before leaving. When Naruto opened the door, he was surprised to see not security sent by Kakashi, but Kakashi himself.
"Sensei, why are you here?" asked Naruto confused.
"Because the situation is more complicated than we initially thought," answered Kakashi. "May I come in? We have a lot to discuss."
"Sure," said Naruto gesturing Kakashi inside and closing the door behind them.
Naruto and Kakashi headed to the living room.
"Lord Sixth, is something wrong?" asked Hinata who was surprised to see Kakashi had come in person.
"Unfortunately, yes. I recommend we all sit down this'll be hard to hear," stated Kakashi sitting down on one of the couches as Naruto did the same.
"So, what's going on?" asked Naruto.
"I'm afraid plans will have to change. All three of you are going to have to stay indoors until we can change Hanabi's name," answered Kakashi.
"What? Why? I thought you said you would send free Shinobi over for extra security," stated Naruto.
"That's just the problem, I tried to, but no one is willing to help," stated Kakashi.
"Are they unwilling to fight against the Hyuga Clan?" asked Hinata.
Considering the Hyuga Clan's reputation and strength it was understandable if no one wanted to fight against them.
"If only it were that simple," sighed Kakashi.
"What do you mean?" asked Naruto.
"Naruto, while the village has started expanding since the end of the war, would you agree that it is still small and gossip spreads quickly?" queried Kakashi.
"I guess," answered Naruto still not sure where this was going.
"Well, let's just say that not only has word spread about your conflict with the Hyuga clan, but the whole village also knows the reason behind it!" explained Kakashi.
"So wait, your saying that…" Naruto was at a loss for words.
"I'm afraid so, your decision to take on a second wife is the reason no one is willing to help," stated Kakashi.
"But why? Why is it so wrong that I have love in my heart for two people?" asked Naruto.
"It's more complicated than that," sighed Kakashi. "As you'll remember you spent much of your life isolated due to something you didn't choose or ask for. Your recent actions have led to some of those prejudices returning."
"What does the Nine Tailed Fox have to do with this? And how can people still resent me for that? Without the fox we would've never won the last war," stated Naruto.
"I know that Naruto and the villagers do as well. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean they can't be afraid of the power you possess," stated Kakashi.
"The power I possess?" queried Naruto.
"Would you agree, that despite now being a friend and ally to the nine-tailed fox, you still don't know everything about being a jinchuriki or the legends that surround them?" asked Kakashi.
"I guess not," answered Naruto.
"Then you should know there are way more legends about jinchuriki then you think, and unfortunately, a lot of them are bad," stated Kakashi.
"What does that have to do with me taking a second wife?" asked Naruto.
"It's actually quite simple," answered Kakashi. "For a long time, the legend has been that by using the power of a tailed beast, a jinchuriki can place a seal on someone they decide to take as a mate. This seal is infused with the jinchuriki's chakra and makes the infected completely submissive. Furthermore, this ability isn't limited to a single use. A jinchuriki can use this seal to take on as many mates as they want."
"So wait, the villagers think I…" Naruto couldn't finish his question because he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I'm afraid so. The villagers believe you infected Hanabi with this seal to make her your second wife. They also believe you did this to Hinata to make her ok with this!" explained Kakashi.
"Sensei, I swear I didn't…"
"Calm down Naruto, I don't believe you infected them with the seal," Kakashi interrupted.
"You don't?" asked Naruto.
"No, because I know you well enough to know that's not something you would do. Furthermore, if those legends are true, both Hinata and Hanabi would be acting very differently. Like I said the seal makes them completely submissive," stated Kakashi.
"Then why do the rest of the village think this?" asked Naruto.
"Like I said, you grew up isolated, so it's a known fact that the thing you crave most of all is acceptance. People have come to the conclusion that you'll go to the most extreme lengths to get it. Even if it means turning women into submissive mates, to bear you all the children you want," answered Kakashi. "It also doesn't help that you had a reputation as a pervert in your youth."
"But why would I need more acceptance. I saved the entire world and stopped the war. I'm the hero of the village, I thought everyone loved and adored me," stated Naruto.
"They did, but your actions and the renewed fear they have regarding the power of the fox, have caused them to reevaluate their opinions. Not only that, but some also think you've let the glory of being a hero go to your head and you now consider yourself better than everyone else. Some fear that you're going to turn into a tyrannical dictator, who believes he has the right to take on as many wives as he wants."
Naruto's head fell and tears started to form in his eyes.
"Naruto?" asked a concerned Hinata.
"How can it be, that after how hard I've worked and after everything I've done, people are still so quick to judge and reject me, just because I make one decision they disagree with?" asked Naruto.
"Unfortunately Naruto, fear is a big motivator and hearing you've done something as old fashioned and tyrannical, as taking a second wife, makes people fear you'll force more women into becoming your mates," answered Kakashi.
Naruto started to clench his fists.
"Is this my destiny? To always spend my life struggling for acceptance? Because just when I thought the world would finally accept me for who I am, everything goes back to square one."
"Life's complicated Naruto, people are complicated," stated Kakashi.
"I'm guessing they also don't want me to become Hokage now?" asked Naruto.
"I'll admit they're not that keen on it now," answered Kakashi.
"Well, I did say I have a new dream now," said Naruto looking up and facing his wives.
Hanabi handed Boruto to Hinata, got up from the couch and hugged Naruto.
"I'm sorry Naruto, this is all my fault," cried Hanabi. "If I had just kept my stupid feelings to myself, none of this would've happened."
Naruto hugged her back.
"None of this is your fault," he comforted. "You have the right to love whoever you choose and remember I eventually felt the same way, so this is just as much my fault as it is yours."
Hinata walked forward and placed her hand on her sister's back.
"And I was the one who wanted you to join us in the first place, so I'm also to blame," she admitted.
"But if it wasn't for me, Naruto might've been able to live his dream of being Hokage," stated Hanabi.
"Like I said, I have a new dream now. To be with the women I love and to be a father to my children. All of them," stated Naruto placing his hand on Hanabi's stomach. "What about you, what's your dream?"
Hanabi looked at Naruto, then Hinata and Boruto and back to Naruto.
"My dream… is for us to be one big happy family," confessed Hanabi.
"Then that's my dream to," said Naruto hugging her closely.
"And mine," said Hinata, kneeling down and joining the hug.
"But still, what do we do now?" asked Hanabi. "With no one willing to help, how are we going to stay safe from the Hyuga Clan?"
Naruto chuckled.
"I think you forget, you're with the strongest ninja in the world and I promise you I won't allow anyone to hurt you. Not while you're carrying my child or after. I'll make sure your protected until you can walk the streets as a free woman."
"But you can't stay with me all the time. What about your Hokage training?" asked Hanabi.
"Considering my chances of becoming Hokage have taken a big hit, I don't think it'll matter if I push back the training for a few weeks. For now, my priority is you and our child," declared Naruto.
"And it's my priority to. As your older sister and the co-wife of Naruto, I'm going to do everything I can to help you," said Hinata confidently.
"I thought I was the more confident sister," laughed Hanabi.
"You are, but I'm still the older sister and the responsibility an older sister has to their younger sister never changes, no matter how old they get," stated Hinata.
"You guys are the best," cried Hanabi and the three of them hugged again.
"I hate to break up the touching moment, but we have more to discuss," interrupted Kakashi.
"Sorry Sensei," apologised Naruto releasing his wives.
"Its alright, this is a difficult time for you so I can understand the need to take comfort where you can find it," admitted Kakashi.
"What else do we need to discuss?" asked Naruto.
"Well first off, while I can appreciate the willingness to give up dreams for the people you care about, being Hokage isn't out of the question just yet," stated Kakashi.
"But you said…"
"I said you being Hokage wasn't a popular opinion right now, I didn't say it was impossible," interrupted Kakashi.
"So, you think it's still possible?" asked Naruto.
"I do, but it'll be even harder than we thought and will likely take longer," answered Kakashi.
"But how can I lead a village, if the people in it don't want me as their leader?" asked Naruto.
"You'll have to convince the majority of both the village leaders and the villagers that you're still the best suited for the position. In most circumstances, I'd advise you do as you did before. Continue to fight for the village and show nothing but utmost loyalty and devotion. That way you would gain their respect like you did before. Unfortunately, the circumstances here are a bit different, as the issue stems from decisions in your personal life, not your duties as a Shinobi. That being said, I think we may be able to use this to our advantage," stated Kakashi.
"We can? But I thought my decision to take a second wife was what caused this situation," stated Naruto.
"It was, but that doesn't mean we can't turn a negative into a positive," stated Kakashi. "Sorry to bring this up again, but as a child you were feared because the villagers were afraid of the power of the fox. You were able to change the villager's perception, by using the fox's power to help the village. You proved that the fox was the villages greatest asset, not something they should fear. It might take a while, but I'm sure we can find a way to convince the villages that this decision is beneficial to them."
"How?" asked Naruto,
"Most would argue that people can only have enough love in their heart for one person. You've shown you have enough love in your heart for two. Right now, most people think you've taken on two wives because you have a high opinion of yourself, and you'll use the power of the fox to be a tyrant and take on as many wives as you want. You need to prove to them that this wasn't due to the fox's power. There were two women who held genuine feelings for you, and you had enough love in your heart to love them both. And as odd as it might sound, both women were also ok with this arrangement. Based on what Hinata has said, she wanted this before you did," stated Kakashi.
"I wanted my sister to be happy, so it seemed like the best option. It also makes me happy that I can share the man I love with my sister," interjected Hinata.
"You don't need to convince me of that. It's the village you need to convince, but if you can, hopefully you'll be able to show them that since you have enough love in your heart for two women, you'll work twice as hard to not only protect those you love, but the entire village. That is how I think we can turn this into a positive," stated Kakashi.
"Ok, where should we start?" asked Naruto eager to change the villages opinion on him.
"First, I think we need to focus on the situation with the Hyuga Clan," stated Kakashi. "Let's take it one problem at a time. We'll focus on fixing your reputation with the village, after we've resolved the issues with the Hyuga Clan."
"Good point, it'll probably be quicker to resolve," laughed Naruto scratching his head.
"Indeed," sighed Kakashi.
"So, what do we do?" asked Naruto.
"Like I said before, since no one is currently willing to help with security, you and Hinata are going to have to stay here with Hanabi until we can change her name," answered Kakashi.
"That's fine, like I said, right now my priority is my children and my wives," stated Naruto.
"Very good. Furthermore, this should only take a few weeks, so you won't fall far behind on your Hokage training" stated Kakashi.
"That's ok, something tells me Hokage training will be pointless until we can convince people I'm not turning into a tyrant," stated Naruto.
"Good point," chucked Kakashi.
"But wait, who's going to run errands?" asked Hinata. "Who's going to go to the shops to get groceries?"
"I'll send Shadow Clones," stated Naruto. "Even if public opinion of me has taken a hit, people know of my abilities with Shadow Clones, and something tells me no one will dare attack me in public. Not after my feats in the war."
"Well, I guess it is our best option right now," admitted Hinata.
"Like I said, no one available is willing to help right now, but I'll keep asking. You have a lot of friends in this village Naruto, so hopefully they'll be willing to help you despite the decisions you made and if not, hopefully they'll be willing to help out Hinata and Hanabi," stated Kakashi.
"Here's hoping, after everything we've been through hopefully our friends will be willing to help us in our time of need," stated Naruto. "Hey, wait a minute, you said no one was willing to help us."
"I said no one available was willing to help," corrected Kakashi.
"So, wait your saying that?"
"I'm afraid so, all your closest friends are currently away on missions or preoccupied with other responsibilities," stated Kakashi.
"Huh, what are the odds of that?" asked Naruto.
"Who knows, but as soon as they're available I'll ask if their willing to lend a hand. Given your history, I'm sure they'll be able to look past any issues they have with the current situation," stated Kakashi.
"Here's hoping but considering how Sakura reacted, I wouldn't hold my breath," laughed Naruto.
"Agreed. Listen, I have to get back to the office, so I'll leave you with this. Stay safe and only leave the house if absolutely necessary," advised Kakashi. "I'll come by with updates every day and if I can find anyone willing to help with security, I'll let you know right away."
"Thankyou Sensei," said Naruto.
Kakashi nodded and turned to leave. Before Kakashi could leave they heard a knock on the door.
"We're not expecting anyone," stated Hinata, holding her son closer.
"Stay here, I'll check it out," Kakashi decided.
"I'll come with you," stated Naruto.
"No, you said your priority was your family so stay with them," ordered Kakashi.
"Alright," Naruto conceded standing in front of Hinata and Hanabi.
Kakashi walked to the door. He heard continued knocking as he approached. Kakashi knew this could be trouble, as it was likely a group of Hyuga ready to storm the house and take Hanabi back to the compound. He was just hoping his position as the Sixth Hokage would make them hesitant to do anything.
Kakashi opened the door and was surprised to see not members of the Hyuga Clan, but a woman with messy black hair and red eyes, who was holding hands with a young girl standing next to her. This was Hinata's old Sensei Kurenai.
"Kurenai?" asked Kakashi.
"Kaka… I mean Lord Sixth, what are you doing here?" asked Kurenai curiously.
"I could ask you the same question," countered Kakashi.
"Sensei?" called Hinata who came into view after hearing Kurenai's voice.
"Hello Hinata, it's good to see you again," called Kurenai.
"You still haven't told me why you're hear," interjected Kakashi.
"Do I need a reason to visit my old student?" asked Kurenai.
"Depends on how much you know about the current situation," stated Kakashi.
"Fair enough," admitted Kurenai. "I'm sure it won't surprise you to hear I've heard about the rumours regarding Naruto and his partners. I've also heard about how no one is willing to help them with the Hyuga Clan."
"That still doesn't explain why you're here," stated Kakashi.
"What do you think I'm doing here?" asked Kurenai. "I've come to offer my services."
Kakashi looked down at the girl next to Kurenai.
"Are you sure that's wise? You have your own child to think about," stated Kakashi. "Come to think of it, why did you bring her here? It's dangerous."
"I'm aware of the dangers, but this is the best option I have. I was going to ask Shikamaru to watch Mirai, but he's away. I considered asking some other friends, but I thought it was best she stay by my side," stated Kurenai. "Also, this way you can take Naruto to continue his training, while I help watch the house."
Hinata walked forward and took Kurenai's hand.
"Thankyou Sensei, you have no idea how much this means to me," cried Hinata.
"It's no problem Hinata, I'm always happy to help," admitted Kurenai.
"Hang on," interjected Kakashi. "While I appreciate the offer, this might not be ideal. While the Hyuga Clan won't attack while Naruto's home, they might not be as hesitant with only you and Hinata around. As strong as you are, you're only two shinobi against an entire clan. Furthermore, by bringing Mirai that's another vulnerable person we need to protect."
"Then I recommend getting better security," called a voice.
They turned to see a woman with blonde hair and brown eyes, standing at the gate. She was Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage.
"Lady Tsunade," greeted Kakashi.
Most of them were happy she was here, because they knew they would be safe with her around. Naruto however was nervous, because if he didn't choose his words carefully, he could be in for a world of hurt.
Tsunade approached the group.
"First of all, why are you all still outside? You're completely exposed out here," stated Tsunade.
They took note of her warning and headed inside, closed the door behind them and headed to the living room.
"Lady Tsunade we really appreciate the…" Hinata was cut off as Tsunade held up a hand to silence her.
"While I am willing to offer my assistance, there are a few things I need to know first," she said turning to Hinata and Hanabi. "Let me see your backs."
"Why?" asked Hanabi.
"So I can disprove one of the rumours spreading throughout the village," stated Tsunade.
Hinata handed Boruto to Naruto, after which both she and Hanabi let Tsunade examine them in another room.
When they came back Tsunade looked satisfied.
"Just as I thought no seals. If the legends about the previous nine-tailed jinchuriki are true, Naruto would have had to place a seal on his chosen mates by biting them on the shoulder. This would've imprinted the seal on their backs!" explained Tsunade. "As expected not only are Hinata and Hanabi seal free, I also can't sense any evidence of corruption within their chakra."
"So, this has nothing to do with the Nine Tails?" asked Kurenai.
"No, as crazy as it sounds both these women have chosen to share Naruto out of their own free will," stated Tsunade.
"Considering how well I know Hinata, it's not as crazy as you'd think," joked Kurenai. "But something tells me that's not what you're here to talk about."
"No, its not," said Tsunade before glaring at Naruto.
Without having to be told, Hinata walked forward and took Boruto from Naruto. Neither of them wanted their son to be in the crossfire of what was about to happen.
Tsunade approached Naruto and continued to glare. She looked angrier than Naruto had ever seen her.
"So, was one woman not enough for you and you had to take another?" asked Tsunade rhetorically.
Naruto wanted to explain it wasn't like that, but before he could Tsunade spoke again.
"Do you think Jiraya would be proud of what you've done?"
Naruto had a feeling he should just answer the question honestly, because he knew he'd be in trouble regardless.
"I guess," he answered weakly.
Tsunade did not look impressed.
"No, I think he would definitely be proud. There's only one thing a pervert would love to have more than a beautiful wife, and that's two beautiful wives."
"Its not like that I swear," stated Naruto.
"Then what is it like?" asked Tsunade. "How did you manage to get not only two women to fall in love with you, but also have them be ok with this?"
"Umm, Lady Tsunade?" interjected Hinata.
Tsunade turned to her.
"Maybe it would be better if I explained this part."
Hinata explained how one day Hanabi had come to them to confess her feelings for Naruto, because she felt guilt over being in love with her sister's fiancé. She then explained how she happily welcomed Hanabi into the relationship, much to the surprise of both Naruto and Hanabi. Hinata finished by explaining that they had been in a secret relationship for the past year but had decided to reveal the truth now that Hanabi was pregnant.
To say Tsunade was shocked would be an understatement.
"So, you're telling me you were the one who wanted Hanabi to join the relationship?" enquired Tsunade. "And you're completely ok with sharing Naruto with her?"
"My little sister's happiness is important to me," admitted Hinata. "I could see being with Naruto would bring her happiness, so it felt like the only right thing to do."
Hinata then put an arm around Hanabi.
"And if I'm honest, I think this relationship has made us grow closer as sisters as well."
"What about you Hanabi, how do you feel about having to share the man you love with your sister?" asked Tsunade.
"I'll admit it was a bit difficult at first, but I think we've found an arrangement that works for everyone. And Big Sister's right, it's allowed us to grow closer as well," said Hanabi returning her sister's hug.
"And you're completely ok with being Naruto's number two?" asked Tsunade with crossed arms.
"Big Sister will always be his first love. There's nothing I can do to change that, but as long as Naruto loves me too, that's all I care about," admitted Hanabi.
"Is that so?" queried Tsunade before turning back to Naruto. "Well Naruto, do you love Hanabi as well?"
"If I'm honest I was a bit weirded out by the situation at first, because I'm still not sure if I had any say in the matter at first," admitted Naruto.
"We can vouch for that," interjected Hinata. "We did kind of expect him to just be ok with this."
"But did you really expect him to look a gift horse in the mouth," joked Hanabi.
"Anyway, I only really saw Hanabi as a new girlfriend at first, but over the last year, I can honestly say I've grown to love her just as much as I love Hinata," admitted Naruto.
Tsunade took a few seconds to think about everything she'd heard, but before long she let out a big sigh.
"How is it that after all this time you still manage to surprise me?" asked Tsunade.
"I am known for being unpredictable," answered Naruto.
"That we can agree on," stated Tsunade, before turning to Kakashi. "I'd like to offer my services as well. Now that I've stepped down as Fifth Hokage, I have all the time I need to assist with security."
"Are you sure?" asked Kakashi.
"Despite their strength, the Hyuga Clan won't attack while I'm around. I can understand their anger towards Naruto. In fact, I'm still a little angry at him myself, but we have a young pregnant woman who needs protection and I'm not going to let them hurt her," stated Tsunade. "Also, as it's going to take a few weeks to get Hanabi's name changed, she'll be unable to go to the hospital for checkups. As a medical ninja, I'll perform the checkups in the meantime."
"Granny Tsunade thank you," said Naruto happily.
"If you call me that again, I'm removing my offer," said Tsunade angrily.
"Sorry Lady Tsunade," said Naruto wanting to stay on her good side.
"That's better," stated Tsunade. "Now, don't you have Hokage training to do?"
"Right, we better get going Naruto," said Kakashi. "I won't keep him too late."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," said Hinata happy things were looking up for them.
"Hang on," interjected Kurenai. "Am I no longer needed, as you said, with Lady Tsunade here the Hyuga Clan won't dare attack."
"Well actually Sensei, there are a few things you might be able to help me with," admitted Hinata. "I was going to run some errands today, but now that I know the situation is more dire than we thought, I'd prefer to say here with Hanabi. Would you mind doing them, I can watch Mirai in the meantime."
Kurenai smiled and said.
"Like I said, I'm happy to help you with whatever you need."
"And if I'm honest, I think we'd feel safer knowing you're here," stated Hinata.
"Very well, I'll stay to help guard the house as well," stated Kurenai.
"Well, now that everything's settled, I think its about time Naruto and I leave," stated Kakashi.
"Agreed, especially since he's going to have to work twice as hard to gain back the respect of the villagers," said Tsunade.
Naruto and Kakashi turned to leave.
"One more thing Naruto, when you get the chance, you might want to clean that graffiti off your fence," advised Tsunade.
"What graffiti?" asked Naruto.
"You'll see," answered Tsunade.
Naruto and Kakashi left the house and after they went through the front gate, Naruto turned to see many painted messages on the fence. Among them were, 'Creep', 'Monster', 'Tyrant' and 'Not the next Hokage' among others. This removed any doubts Naruto had that the villagers had turned against him.
"Like I said, things are worse than we thought," was all Kakashi could say to comfort Naruto.
"Well as Tsunade said, it just means I'll have to work even harder to get their trust back," stated Naruto. "Let's go, the day won't last forever.
As they walked to the Hokage office, Naruto couldn't help but notice how people were looking at him. Most of the villagers, mainly the women were looking at him with utter disgust. Naruto remembered how before he got together with Hinata, the women of the village were fawning over him, as they hoped they could be the one to capture the heart of the village hero. Now those women looked at him like he was a monster. He even saw a few women with either their partners or fathers, who stepped in front of them, with the intention to protect them. This saddened Naruto. It made him feel that all the work he had put in over the years had been for nothing. The village now appeared to hate him again, just because he made a decision they didn't agree with.
Thanks for reading. Please leave a review and let me know what you think, all feedback is greatly appreciated. A part of me fears that the reasoning I gave for the village turning on Naruto might be a bit unrealistic, given how much he did for them in the war, but it was the best I could come up with when writing. If you can think of anyway this could be improved, please let me know, I'd love to hear what you have to say.
Thanks again for reading and I'll see you next time.