The Rebirth of the Uzumaki Clan

By FeaganofLegends

A restart of an old fanfic I had on here!

Please enjoy!

Comments are appreciated

Story Legend

Locations and Time/Jutsus- Bold and Underlined

Characters' thoughts- Italics

Actions- Normal text

" " - Quotation marks

Communication between Naruto and Kurama- Bold and Italicized

Chapter V: Forming New Alliances

Part IV: A Trip to the Village Hidden in the Sand

Uzumaki Compound, Konoha

Sometime later

Naruto sat back in his chair, silently drumming his fingers on the armrest.

Hinata took his hands in hers. "You're tensing up. What's wrong?" He shook his head. " I'm just restless. I don't like this. Everyone is putting their lives on the line for me." He rubbed his eyes. "I feel like I have a lot of this on my shoulders. If something happens to my parents…to me…what will that mean for the village?"

Hinata smiled as she took his hand and placed it on her heart. "Naruto. It's going to be alright. I won't let that happen. Karin will have to kill me if she wants to get to you. That's part of the whole blood oath, you know."

Naruto blinked, "Even if it means putting your life on the line? Your life just got a bit more complicated."

Hinata smirked as she cupped his face, "I'll handle it." She then kissed him. She smirked, "Now we best get to our seats. Tenten is almost here."

Tsunade smiled. "Yes, that's correct. Gaara heard about the Akatsuki's attack on the village, and he wants me to send you as Konoha's official representative."

Naruto blinked as he crossed his arms, "For what reason?"

She smirked at him, "Well...he desires to unite our two villages against your blood cousin and her terrorist friends. You already bond with him, so Konoha has a better chance of allying with them with you as our official representative."

Naruto nodded as his eyes turned serious, "You can count on me, Grandma Tsunade."

Tsunade smiled. "Good. Good." She then hugged him tight., "I trust you to be careful. I love you, Naruto. Come back to me in one piece."

Naruto hugged her back. "Of course, Grandma."

She then sat back down in the chair, smirking as she rested her face on her hands. "As always…your guard will go with you to keep you safe." She looked at everyone and said, "Any questions?"

Everyone just shook their heads at her. Tsunade smiled, "Good. Off you go then."

Naruto took in a deep breath as he tied on his headband. "Here goes." He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning to his left, he saw Hinata smiling at him. She took his hands into hers and squeezed them. "You okay, Naruto?"

Naruto nodded, "I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm just anxious."

Hinata nodded with a smile, "Understandable. You do have a price on your head." She giggled, grabbed his face, and kissed him, "Listen to me. You're going to be alright. I'm right here. I told you. They will have to go through me to get to you."

Naruto nodded, "I know." He sighed as he looked afar in the distance. "It's a shame I have to fight my flesh and blood. If there is anything I'd want right now…it would be to invite Karin into the clan. She's family by blood. I feel for her. I know what it's like to be alone after all."

Hinata smiled as she cupped his face, "Your compassion is admirable but misplaced." She put her hands on his shoulders, "Blood relative or not...she's our enemy. She's picked her side. Don't let your sympathy for her cloud you from what needs to be done. She means to rip the Nine-Tails from you…forfeiting your life in the process. She means to take you from those of us who care about you."

She then squeezed his shoulder. "Your mother…Your father…." She kissed him on the cheek and grabbed his face, "And me."

Her lavender eyes turned soft and vulnerable, "I need you, Naruto—more than I need to breathe. You're the other half of my heart... You are…and have always been…my light in the darkness. I can't do any of this without you. If you died…I'd rather join you in death than be without you." She then picked up his face and smiled warmly, I know. You want to save everyone. I admire that. Hell. I've always admired that about you, but even your charms are limited. I need you to promise me you'll remember to be careful around her."

Naruto just nodded and shrugged, "I promise." She smirked. "Good."

Kushina and Minato both shushined in.

Minato smirked, "It's been a long time since I've been to the Village Hidden in the Sand. This'll be interesting."

Kushina nodded with a smile, "Indeed. So much has changed. I've never been."

Minato touched Naruto's shoulder and asked, " Are you alright?" Naruto nodded, "I'm good, Dad. Let's get moving."

Outskirts of Sunakagakure

Naruto blinked as he spotted Gaara waiting outside with Temari and Kankuro at his side. "You're already here?"

Gaara smiled, "Naruto. It's good to see you, old friend."

Naruto blinked, "You too Gaara. I was surprised when the Hokage sent me your message."

Gaara smiled back, "Well…when I heard about the Akatsuki's failed attack on Konoha….I knew you probably were the target. I wanted to offer my assistance." The Fifth Kazekage then smirked and crossed his arms. "After all…us jinchuriki have to stick together."

Gaara smiled as he eyed Minato and Kushina. "And you must be the infamous Yellow Flash…Minato Namikaze and his mother Kushina Uzumaki. You both should be proud of Naruto. He's accomplished a lot. It's because of him that I eventually became the Fifth Kazekage."

Minato smiled, "An honor to meet you, Gaara. We are."

Kushina smiled brightly, "A pleasure to meet you, Gaara."

Gaara then blinked, and his eyes widened when he met Hinata's gaze. "Hinata. I'm surprised to see you here."

Hinata smirked as she grabbed Naruto's arm. "My relationship with Naruto is now considered legitimate Konoha law. I'm a part of the Uzumaki Clan. I'm bound to him by a blood oath.

Gaara nodded, "I-I see." So Naruto finally got with her. Good for him. I need some advice on that.

Gaara gestured to Temari, "This is my sister Temari, and my brother Kankuro is to my left."

Temari smirked at Naruto, "Well, well…you finally got rid of that stupid black-orange crap you used to wear. Looking like the proper Uzumaki clan heir. It suits you."

Kankuro grinned at Naruto and Hinata, "Yeah. Congrats on getting your clan back."

Naruto smirked at Kankuro and Temari. "Thanks, Temari. Kankuro, I appreciate the compliment." Gaara clapped his hands together. "Please let us go inside. I must hear how your clan came back."

Sometime later, Kazekage's Quarters

Gaara's eyes widened, "So…you two were brought back to life by a shinigami?"

Minato nodded gently, "That's about right. We were brought back to the world of the living to guide and protect Naruto."

Gaara glanced at both Minato and Kushina. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating." He then met Minato's gaze. "It truly is an honor to meet the Fourth Hokage. My father…Rasa…would seldom speak of you. You led quite a fearsome reputation in your past life."

Minato chuckled with a half-grin, "That…is putting it mildly." The Fifth Kazekage then met Naruto's gaze, "So…according to my recon teams…Is the one who leads the Akatsuki, your blood cousin?

Naruto nodded, "Unfortunately…yes. She came to Konoha hoping to win me to her side."

Gaara nodded, "It seems so. Why did you refuse her?"

Naruto met eyes with his fellow jinchuriki, "Family or not…she almost killed you. I can't forget that." Gaara smiled, "I appreciate the camaraderie."

He smiled as he sipped his tea, "On to the real reason I called you…I want your help on a joint mission with Sunagakure. I already got the Fifth's approval."

Naruto nodded, "What's the mission?"

Gaara's features darkened. "We're going to hunt them down before they can capture any more jinchuriki. We're going to stop them in their tracks." Gaara extended a hand. " Are you in?"

Naruto nodded with intensity in his eyes as he shook his hand. "You bet I am."

Gaara smiled, "But you aren't going alone." He smiled, "The Fifth Hokage and I have decided to involve the other three villages. Kirigakure…Kumogakure…and Iwakagure. This will be a joint operation."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "That's a hell of a thing. How did you and G…" He then stopped himself. It's best not to tell Gaara I'm related to Tsunade like that. Spies are everywhere. "...the Fifth Hokage manage that?"

Gaara smiled widely, "Well, after what happened to me and then to you...the other Kages are more than a little paranoid that their Jinchuriki holders are in danger." He scoffed, "Nothing like a little self-preservation to help motivate our neighbors, huh?"

Hinata blinked as she sipped her tea. "This is going to be interesting. The Villages have never come together in a long time."

Minato nodded with crossed arms. "It's been a long time since I've met with the other Kages. This will be interesting."

Kushina nodded as she turned to Gaara. "Do you think any of them pose a threat to Naruto?"

Gaaira turned to her and shook his head, "I doubt it, Kushina. They are all too worried about their affairs to threaten Naruto." He then leaned forward on his hands, "It will take some time to gather everyone. Perhaps you would all like to rest. I'll let Temari, Kankuro, and Matsuri lead you all to your rooms."

Naruto nodded and bowed. "Thank you. The Uzumaki Clan thanks your village for its hospitality.

Gaara then turned to Temari and said, "Temari…if you would." The blonde smirked at her brother. "Is that all you want me to tell her, Gaara? Is there nothing else on your mind?" This seemed to catch Gaara off guard, and he turned red with embarrassment. "J-Just do as I say!"

Kankuro chuckled as he touched Gaara's shoulder, "Right. We'll do that."

Soon, Matsuri came into the room. Her eyes fell on Gaara, and she turned red. She smiled nervously, "Yes? You called?"

Gaara felt his face grow red. It took the Kazekage a moment to regain his composure.

Matsuri met his gaze. The two were quiet for a moment. Temari and Kankuro both smiled at each other and then at Gaara.

Hinata looked between the two. She instantly knew what was going on and smirked. It seems I'm not the only one who fell for a Jinchuriki. Get her Gaara. I want you to be happy too. You're an honored friend.

Gaara then tore himself away from Matsuri and coughed nervously. "Matsuri…would you help our esteemed guests find rooms for the night? Top quality, please."

Matsuri smiled warmly as she brushed a hair behind her ear. "Of course, Gaara. I'd be honored." She then sighed and put her hands to her heart. "Is…there, um, anything else you need? Anything at all?"

Gaara took a deep breath and smiled. "I can look her in the eyes. I owe her that much. "No, thank you. I appreciate the offer. It's very kind of you."

Matsuri smiled back, blushing. Hey, it's a start. Maybe he's finally warming up to me. "Of course, Gaara." She then smiled at Minato, Kushina, and Hinata. "Please follow us, you three. We'll lead you to your rooms."

Minato smiled, "That's very kind of you."

Kushina smiled, "Yes, thank you."

As Naruto stood to walk, Gaara met Naruto and Hinata's gaze. "Naruto…Hinata…would you two mind if I had a word in private with the two of you?"

Naruto nodded, "Of course, brother. Whatever you need."

Hinata smiled brightly at Gaara, squeezing Naruto's hands into hers, "Of course, Gaara. We'd be honored to aid you.."

Gaara gave her a nod, "Thank you."

Minato chuckled as he pulled Naruto in a hug. "Get some rest, son. I'll see you in the morning."

Naruto nodded with a sly smile, "Of course, Dad."

Kushina kissed her son on the forehead, hugged him, and smiled. "Goodnight, sweetie. We'll be close by if you need anything."

He nodded with a smile, "Goodnight, Mom!"

She smirked and pinched his cheek. "Ah. There you go, calling me Mom again. I never tire of that." She then hugged Hinata. "Rest well, Hinata. We'll see you two in the morning."

Hinata hugged her. "You as well, Kushina. Goodnight."

As soon as the door closed, Gaara turned and smiled at the couple, "I must say…it warms my heart to see you two united. I've been watching for a long time." His gaze then turned to Naruto. "Hinata's devotion…her connection to you always had me in awe. I knew she was the one for you."

Hinata smirked at Gaara, "Well..it isn't like I was hiding it well."

Gaara nodded, smirking. "Indeed. You seem much more confident and brash since we last saw each other."

Naruto turned to Gaara and smiled, "We've both changed. I'm honestly lucky to have her. I'm not the easiest person to care about. I put up a lot of walls at first. She's one of the very few able to break them down. I'm a better person because of her."

Hinata leaned into his embrace, putting his arm around her, "Damn right you are. I'm the heiress of the Hyuga Clan. I have very high standards."

Gaara smiled, "I..tend to feel the same about Matsuri." He then placed a hand over his right eye. "I just…struggle to put it into words." The man turned to Naruto with a desperate look, "That's why I need your help. You are one of the few outsiders I trust. You've been there for me and even saved my life. I…want to tell Matsuri how I feel about her, but I don't want to come on too strong. I don't want her thinking I'd use my power or influence as the Kazekage to make her do anything she wouldn't consent to." He stood up, put his hands on the desk, and sighed, "I..also feel like I'm not worthy of her. I'm still a jinchuriki. I still feel like a monster at times. Even the prestige and the position of the Kazekage don't do enough to dim my worries."

Naruto nodded, "I can see your point and am honored to help Gaara. You're my brother." He then sat down. "I'm going to make this sound real simple…even though it isn't. What does Matsuri like?"

Gaara stopped to think for a minute, "She…likes walks in the sand, a simple tea date, and helping others in the village."

Hinata's eyes brightened as she kissed Naruto on the cheek and leaned into his embrace. Smiling at Gaara, she said, "Ooh! So we're twins, then! I'm a pretty down-to-earth girl myself!"

Naruto eyes her, smirked, and turned to Gaara, "I'll be blunt. Ask her out for tea. Just cut the bullshit and tell her how you feel."

Gaara turned to his friend, his jaw clenched, "I want to, but…what if she says no? What if she's afraid of me because of my tailed beast?"

This time, Hinata chimed in, smiling warmly at Gaara, "With all due respect, Gaara…I don't think that's the case. I saw how Matsuri looked at you. She likes you. She wants to love you."

Gaara turned to her nervously, "You think so?"

Hinata rolled her eyes and smiled at the Kazekage, "How she looks at you…is the same way I look at Naruto. Trust me on this. If anyone knows how a girl's heart works…it's me. That look says everything."

Gaara nodded with widened eyes, "And the part about my tailed beast?"

Naruto spoke seriously, "If she rejects you because of your tailed beast and refuses to see the good in your heart…she doesn't deserve your time, Gaara. I know you. You're more than a jinchuriki. You're a damn good leader, a good man, and a damn good friend."

Hinata turned to Naruto, chuckled, and smirked at Gaara, "What he said. You're a good person. Give her a chance to know you; you won't regret it. Let your heart speak for itself. That's how Naruto and I started. I never gave up on him, and he let me in."

Naruto turned to her and blinked, "Why do I get the feeling that the only reason you are encouraging this is so we can have double dates?"

Hinata pouted as she eyed him. The corner of her mouth turned into a half-smirk. "Because you're good at reading people."

Gaara smiled at his two friends, grateful for their input. "Thank you. Both of you. I'll…do as you say. Hopefully it goes well."

Hinata laughed and smiled at him, "Just be sure to let us know when you two are up for a double date."

More coming soon!

Thanks for all the support!