Here's the next one! Enjoy!

Story Legend (Updated):

Jutsus- Bold and Italicized

Chapter III: The Return of the Uzumaki Clan

Naruto's Apartment, Konoha

As Naruto woke up the next day, he saw something he'd never thought he'd ever see. The events of last night had all felt like a dream.

Minato then walked in the room. He was wearing a black bathrobe. The man was carrying a tray of food in her hands. "Good morning son. I hope you slept well."

Naruto just stared blankly and rubbed his eyes. He then looked around.

The room looked as if it had been cleaned. "Um…good morning." He then looked around and saw that everything was organized and put in neat places. "I don't remember this place being so clean."

Kushina then walked in the room, clad in a dark red bathrobe. "Your father did some spring cleaning this morning. It was desperately needed."

Naruto then blinked at both of them. "Wait a second. Last night…"

Minato smiled. "...was for real Naruto. Your mother and I are back…for good this time."

Naruto turned to his father blinking and then stared at the bedding. "I…I..um…I'm sorry. This still feels like some fever dream."

Kushina and Minato both turned to each other nodding.

The two of them then rushed up to her son, gently hugging him.

Kushina sighed, holding him close. "It's alright sweetie. Your father and I were gone for most of your life up until this point. We don't blame you for being afraid or being nervous." She then took off the shinobi's hands and placed it on her heart. She then smiled as sweetly as she could. "All I want…all we are asking…is that you give us a chance to be the parents we never had a chance to be."

Minato sighed nodding, "Yes. Nothing more. Nothing less."

Naruto blinked and then just took in a long sigh. "I..I can do that."

Kushina felt her heart leap and hugged him again, this time more affectionately. "Thank you sweetie. Thank you for opening your heart to us. We love you. We both love you…so much."

Minato smiled. "Yes..we do." He then got up ruffling the teen's hair. "Now…let us get you something to eat son. I'll go start up the eggs."

The blonde nin then walked off.

Kushina then smiled after him. "We'll be right up honey. Just give us a minute." She then frowned and took her son's hands in hers. "Are you…really okay with all this Naruto. You can be honest with us. It has been years sweetie. I promise you I won't be upset if you don't trust us just yet. Neither will your father. The last time you saw us….we died trying to save you from Kurama. We understand if you need time to adjust."

Naruto shook his head and hugged his mother with tears in his eyes. "No…I don't need time to adjust. I don't care that you two were gone so long. I…just want my parents back. Please don't leave again."

Kushina then hugged him tightly. Tears fell from her violet eyes. She admitted she was surprised. She had not expected her son to grow so attached to them so soon. She then let out a grateful sigh. Tears fell from her eyes. She then gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Okay. We have a deal baby boy.." She then stood up. "Now come on and get dressed. Your father and I will be waiting."

Naruto gave her a nod. "Of course Mother!"

Kushina gave him another hug, letting out a squeal, "Oh! You called me Mom! I've waited years to hear you call me Mom!" She then rushed off to the kitchen. "Minato! Minato! Naruto called me his mother!"

Naruto then heard a chuckle come from across the room. "I heard!"

Naruto then turned to glance at his mother as she walked away. He then turned look at his hands. They are here! They are really here!

Kitchen Room, Naruto's Apartment

As Naruto sat himself down on the seat, he found himself in complete shock.

The place looked clean, cleaner than he'd ever seen it before.

There were actual clean dishes on the table.

Kushina and Minato had already made their own plates and sat down. They soon began eating.

Naruto, meanwhile, just stared at the meal as if he had never seen . it before. "Um…what is this?"

The meal looked like ramen but well made ramen with lots of vegetables in it.

Kushina blinked at him, confused. She gave him a warm smile. "It's okodoyken ramen sweetie! An Uzumaki specialty! I made it myself!"

Naruto nodded. "I see. Sorry. I'm used to crappy tins of instant ramen. It's usually all I can afford."

Kushina blinked at him. "How is that possible? You're a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. Surely you earn enough to afford…"

Naruto just raised a hand, sighing. "The vendors…don't sell to me. Haven't since I was a little boy. They don't like I'm the demon fox."

Kushina and Minato then turned to each other in shock. Just how much had they missed being dead?

Minato added sternly. "They don't sell to you? That should be illegal. What's their justification?"

Naruto then looked his father dead in the eyes as if he had asked the dumbest question in existence. "Why do you think Dad? I'm the Demon Fox! The one who holds the Nine Tails jinchuuriki! Everyone blames me for what happened to the village long ago! So...none of the civilians talk to me. They just stare at me and grunt. I've even had to learn how to defend myself from mobs growing up."

All Minato could do was nod in stunned silence. Anger filled the former Hokage's emotional state. I…give my life for Konoha. I sacrifice myself, my wife and my own infant son for this village and this is how they repay my sacrifice! By mistreating my only son and demonizing him for his entire life. The older blonde then sighed and bowed his head. "Naruto…I can't begin to…"

Naruto shook his head. "Not your fault Dad. I understand why you did what you did. You were Hokage. The leader of the Hidden Leaf Village. You had to protect everyone." The teenage shinobi then shook his head. "I've just grown to accept things as they are. I still desire to change the minds of the people here. I've just grown to accept that not everyone will like me." The blonde then faked a smile. "I have my friends. I'm not completely alone."

Kushina then wiped the tears from her eyes and frowned. She then reached out and squeezed her son's hand. "That doesn't make it right sweetheart. Minato and I aren't going to stand for their bigotry. We both admire that you have kept strong without the two of us to guide you but that ends now. You aren't just the container of the Nine Tails. You are the heir to the Uzumaki Clan. The people of Konoha will have to deal with that now…whether they like it or not. You understand me?"

Naruto blinked at his mother. "You…want to restore the clan? How do we…do that?"

Grateful for the icebreaker, both Kushina and Minato laughed at him.

Kushina then got up from her seat and ruffled her son's hair smiling brightly. "You let me worry about that baby boy. Okay. Just know I'm here to protect you and keep you safe. No one is going to lay a hand on you ever again."

Minato then smirked, putting a hand on his son's shoulder. "That's right. Don't worry. Your mother and I…have our ways. We'll protect you."

The two then heard a knock at the door.

Naruto got up from his seat. "I'll get that." He was then stopped when both Kushina and Minato stepped in front of him with kunai drawn.

Kushina spoke softly. "Let us handle this. Your life is in danger." She then turned to Minato. "Minato…what do the signal detectors say?" Minato then closed his eyes and used the ram sign.

Signal Detection Jutsu: Identification.

The man's eyes then glowed white. One of the secret jutsus of the Namikaze Clan was the Signal Detection Jutsu. The men and women of the Namikaze clan were masters at Identification Justu. It fit well with their mastery of speed-based combat. In his vision, he spotted a young teen of about sixteen years. She was remarkably pretty with fair skin, brunette hair in a straight, hime cut that was elongated at the end and lavender eyes. She also wore a loose-fitting, long-sleeved, lavender and cream zip-up jacket with lavender cuffs over mesh armor with navy blue pants and black, low-heeled sandals. The young kunoichi wore her headband around her neck.

Minato's eyes then turned to their original color as he stood there shocked. "It's a young girl! Around Naruto's age! She looks like a member of the Hyüga clan!"

Naruto then blinked with widened eyes. "I know her! It's Hinata!" He then rushed to open the door. There…at the doorway stood Hinata Hyüga. She then smirked at Naruto. "Heh. It's about time you opened the door my love." She then cupped his face in her hands and kissed him full on the lips before breaking away. I was getting worried."

Minato and Kushina suddenly gasped at one another.

The two then broke the hug.

Naruto blinked and nervously chuckled. "Sorry. I had some family come in to visit."

Hinata's eyes perked up. "Really? You never mentioned family. Can I meet them?"

Naruto blinked, turning red. "Heh. Sure. Come on in."

She then bowed her head. "Thank you Naruto." She then walked in as he closed the door. "Hinata…this is my father Minato Namikaze and my mother Kushina Uzumaki."

Hinata's eyes suddenly went wide with shock. "Wait? You know the Fourth Hokage?"

Minato couldn't help but laugh. "Yes young lady. He's my son."

Hinata then did a double take glancing between both Minato and Naruto. As she looked, she could see the similarities. The older man had the same color eyes and color hair as her best friend and boyfriend. The only difference was that he looked several years older. She then turned to Minato and gave him a bow. "It's an honor to meet you Lord Fourth. I-I apologize for interrupting."

Minato chuckled with a laugh and smiled at her. "No need to apologize. I'm grateful for the greeting."

Kushina then blinked at Hinata. Could it be…that my boy has a girlfriend already? Things…really have changed. She then smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you Hinata. I'm Kushina Uzumaki. Naruto's mother."

Hinata smiled and bowed her head. "An honor Kushina." She then bowed her head to them. "Allow me to introduce myself as well. Hinata Hyuga. Heiress of the Hyuga Clan." She then gave Naruto a wink. "I'm Naruto's girlfriend. We've been going out in secret for the past year."

Both Kushina and Minato were flabbergasted.

Minato was astonished. Kushina was as well. What? He already has a girlfriend? How is this possible? She then smiled at her boyfriend. "So…Naruto. Care to take a walk with me? It's really pretty outside. I was hoping we could head to that dango place I was mentioning. You know the one I mentioned in my last letter."

Naruto blinked. "Hinata…you know the townspeople aren't fond of me."

Hinata smiled. "I do. Don't worry. I'll protect you. You are practically an unofficial member of the Hyuga Clan now. It'll be fine. Trust me." She then leaned on to him, giving him pouty eyes. "Please…"

Kushina started to laugh.

Minato then walked up and put a hand on his son's shoulders. "Do not worry son. Your mother and I will ensure that you will have nothing to fear anymore from the people here. We're actually going to visit the Councils. You two just go have fun okay?"

Naruto turned to his father. "What are you going to do Dad?" Minato then put a hand on his son's shoulder. "I was Hokage once. I'm probably due for some influence with the Councils."

Kushina then walked towards him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "He's right sweetie. Go have fun with your girlfriend. We'll handle it."

Naruto just nodded. "Alright then. I'm going. Please be careful. I don't want to lose you two again."

Kushina nodded, walked forward, and kissed him on the forehead again before pinching his cheek smirking. "Not going to happen sweetie. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

Minato then walked over and ruffled the boy's hair. "Same here. I had to leave you once. Never again."

Konoha West Market, Konohagakure

Moments later

Naruto and Hinata were walking together arm in arm. Hinata sighed. "So how was your last mission? I overheard you were able to free Gaara from the hands of the Akatsuki."

Naruto turned to her and gave her a nod. "We were. It was a bit hairy but we managed to get there in time. Chiyo…sacrificed her life in order to bring him back." His expression darkened. "The things the Akatsuki are doing to us jinchuruki…it fills me with so much anger inside." His eyes then flared orange if for a moment.

Hinata nodded and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "Naruto. My beloved. Your eyes." He then turned to her, nodding. "Thanks. Sorry about that."

Hinata smiled and leaned against his shoulder. "No need for apologies beloved. I know how personal it was for you. You've always seen Gaara as a brother of sorts…even though the two of you are from different villages. Your anger is understandable."

Naruto then looked around. "Yeah. For all I know…one of them could be watching me right now. I feel as if every day is going to be my last."

Hinata smiled. "Don't think like that beloved. That's exactly what they want you to think. Fear feeds one's sense of paranoia and paranoia leads to madness." She then hugged him. "You are not alone. You've got our friends in the Shinobi military, myself and my family as well as your parents now."

Naruto hugged her back. "I still wonder how they came back. They've been gone for so long. I...don't know how to act…or who I should be around them. What if I'm not good enough for them now? What if I disappoint them?"

Hinata smiled. "Beloved…from what I saw…they seem to be nothing but wonderful people. They love and adore you. I could just from observing your interactions with them."

The blonde nodded, turned her head to face his, and kissed her gently. "Thanks. That helps."

She giggled and kissed him back. "You are very welcome beloved."

Their brief moment was then interrupted when tomato hit Naruto clean in the face. "Get out of here demon brat! We don't want you here!"

Naruto then scowled at the man, balling his fist. His eyes flashed with orange chakra for a moment. "You…" More of them began gathering behind the lone man. It looked like a mob was forming. That was when Hinata took his hand and looked him in the eyes. "Don't lose control beloved. Let me handle this."

Naruto blinked at her. "He then gave her a nod, scoffing. "Fine."

Hinata smiled and caressed his face with a hand. "Thank you." She then turned to the man, activating her Byakugan, Her chakra signature flared up, scaring the mob of civilians.

While Hinata was nowhere as powerful as her father Hiashi, she was no pushover. She was no longer the small timid little girl that feared a good fight. Especially if that meant protecting the ones she loved. Many of them started to back away in fear. "Listen up you bastards! You lay one hand on him and I will make sure you never set up shop in Konoha ever again!"

One of the men glared at her. "You dishonor your noble blood by consorting with that demon! Why couldn't you have found a more noble man? The daughters of this village look up to you."

Hinata stared him down, holding her ground. "For one…My status in the Hyuga Clan is none of your business civilian! I decide who I love! And I have chosen Naruto!" She then put up another finger. "As for your next insult….I would never choose anyone from the other Families! What they have in abundance they lack in heart and compassion! He has that!" She then raised a third finger. "Third…If I am to be an influence on younger kunoichi…I would hope it would be the influence them to follow their hearts!"

The man then glowered, walking back to the mob.

Hinata then took Naruto by the hand smiling. "Come beloved. We have a date to get to!" She then led him towards the dango place she had mentioned.

Naruto sighed and began to shiver. "This is exactly what I didn't want to happen. Now your family is going to get another complaint."

Hinata then smiled, turned him around, and took his hands into hers. "Hey. You let my father and I worry about those idiots. You are my boyfriend and you are also family. We are all in this fight together." She then pouted and spoke in a hurt tone. "Now can you stop being such a worrywart? Please? Let's just focus on us tonight. Can we do that? "

Naruto took in a deep breath. "You are right. I'm sorry. Forgive me."

Hinata giggled. "Oh beloved. When you say it like that…how can my heart resist such honesty?" She then kissed him passionately once and then twice. She then linked their arms together as they walked into the restaurant.

Somewhere in the Council Room, Konohagakure

Tsunade faced both Councils with a grin on her face. She then turned to Hitomi Hyuga.

The elder Hyuga and Hyuga representative on the Shinobi Council smirked at her.

She smirked back. The two women had a very close bond. Most of it involved Naruto. Both women had a soft spot for the young jinchuriki. Tsunade saw the teenage shinobi as her adopted grandson and Hitomi saw him as her adopted son. The Hyuga Clan was one of the few clans that had volunteered to assist in Naruto's upbringing since Kushina and Minato's passing. The boy had become a valued member of the family and shared a close bond with the Hyuga clan.

Tsunade had actually informed Hitomi of both Kushina and Minato's return to life beforehand. The elder Hyuga was ecstatic as she had known both of them ever since she was little.

Shikaku Nara then leaned back in his seat, leaning back. "So…why are we here? I was in the middle of a chess game with Choza."

Choza Akimichi nodded in understanding. "Yeah. Why are we here? It is unusual for the Hokage to call an emergency meeting."

Shibi Aburame nodded in his own impassive way. "Indeed."

Mebuki Haruno smiled. "At ease everyone. I'm sure the Hokage will explain the need for this meeting." She then turned to Tsunade with a smile.

Tsunade smiled back. "I am."

The Fifth Hokage then cleared her throat. "A miracle has happened."

All eyes were now on her.

Tsunade continued and then stepped to the side. "I have the great pleasure to introduce…Minato Namikaze…the former Fourth Hokage…and his lovely wife…Kushina Uzumaki.

A chorus of oohs and awws filled the room.

Minato and Kushina then walked into the light, allowing everyone to see them.

Everyone was shocked…besides Hitomi."

Danzo then stood up. "H-How is this possible? You two died during the Nine Tails Attack! I remember!"

Minato just turned up to glare at the older man. "Let's just say the Death God had different plans for us." He then stared at the rest of the them unsure of how to read them. "I have many questions."

One of the Civilian Council members then stood up smiling. "W-We'd be happy to answer them Lord Fourth! Please ask what you wish!" Minato then nodded, a hint of anger in his tone. "You all know my son…Naruto Namikaze Uzumaki. I sacrificed my life, the life of my beloved wife, and even the well being of my own son to keep this village safe."

One of the Civilian representatives stood up. "Of course we know! We celebrate your victory every anniversary of the attack!"

Kushina's chakra then spiked up. Her hair began flowing in the air. The venom could be heard in her tone. "That's what you call what you bastards have been doing to my boy? Celebrating?"

Everyone took note of her temper.

Tsume Inuzuka sighed. "Kushina…we can explain…" She, like Hitomi had grown up with Kushina and Minato as a young girl.

Kushina, however , could not and would not be silenced. The rage of a mother came out. "Explain? By all means…explain away Tsume! Explain to me how my own son did not know I existed! Explain how when Minato and I came back…he lived in a dilapidated and broken down apartment! Explain how he told me that none of you except maybe the Hyuga Clan have ever reached out to him to help! Explain how when I made him a proper breakfast this morning…he didn't even know how to eat it!"

Danzo and another Civilian Council member then stood up. "We had to make a decision…a decision for the sake of the Hidden Leaf Village…the boy was a present danger. He had the Nine Tails inside of him. It was a tough call but a necessary one. We needed to isolate him for his own good."

Tsume nodded. "Yes. What you did was brave Minato but we couldn't take the risk of having Naruto in the community."

Minato then turned to her, glaring. "He was just a boy Tsume! He didn't need isolation! He needed love and compassion from you! From all of you! That was my last order as the Fourth Hokage!" The man then felt guilt enter his heart along with a feeling of betrayal. I entrusted these people with my son's safety. I trusted them and they pushed him away. Naruto…I am so sorry! He then growled. "I put my faith in you people! I trusted you all with my son's welfare…and you allowed for him to be treated like an animal! You celebrate my name and accomplishments…my feats that I did for this village…and yet treat my only son with such disdain and anger! You have chosen to spit on my name and everything I accomplished. "

Another Civilian Council member stood up. She stammered. "Lord Fourth..be reasonable. We did what we thought was best. We had no other choice. Who knows what Naruto would have done if we hadn't been careful? He's an unpredictable time bomb."

Another woman then stood up and glared at her, forcing her to stand down. She had short brown hair tied into a ponytail. It was Shuri Yamanaka, the representative for the Yamanaka Clan. She sighed with an obviously guilty look on her face and turned to Minato. "You are right…Minato. I'm sorry. Our clan should have done more for your son. He beared a terrible burden for all our sakes and he deserved love and compassion. Instead…we treated him with indifference." She then stood and bowed her head. "On behalf of the Yamanaka Clan…please accept our dearest apologies." The woman's defeated tone shocked everyone in the room. Normally, Shuri Yamanaka was the calm peacemaker of the Shinobi Council along with Hitomi. It was rare of her to sound so defeated.

Tsume then stood up, sighing. The woman loved her son Kiba and her daughter Hana. She knew she would fight to the death for both of them. She felt shame that she didn't do the same for Naruto in a way. Him and Kiba weren't that different and Kiba was always saying how loyal he was as a friend. She then stood up. "Same here. Kiba…actually looks up to Naruto in a way. They are rivals. Naruto has always pushed him to his absolute limits. I offer apologies as well. I hope you both can find in your hearts to forgive us."

Minato and Kushina then turned to each other.

The two of them decided that even though they were angry at the treatment their son endured…they did not want to waste time being angry anymore. They had gotten a second chance at life. The two then gave one another a nod. Minato then glanced at all of them. "The apologies are appreciated. It will take time for Kushina and I to trust you all again but we do not wish to revel in our anger. We got a second chance at life. We do not wish to waste it. A truce it shall be then." He then asked the next question on his mind. "Who gave the order to keep all this a secret from Naruto?"

A sudden silence came across the room.

Jiaraiya then walked in. "That…would be your old sensei Minato. Hiruzen Sarutobi. He...cared much for Naruto and was afraid that the kid knowing his true heritage would endanger his safety. He also did it to keep the Councils happy. It was either offer such a compromise or risk the kid's death."

Minato then closed his eyes, taking in a long sigh. "Sounds like my old sensei. At least he cared. Where is he?"

Jiraiya sighed again, frowning. "I'm sorry Minato…he died fighting Orochimaru during Naruto's Chunin Exams. He gave his life for the village."

Minato then closed his eyes nodding. "I suppose there's no point in holding a grudge against a dead man then. May he rest in the heavens." He then turned to Jiraiya and Tsunade. "Thank you..both of you. I appreciate you both taking care of my son while Kushina and I are gone."

Tsunade then smirked with crossed arms. "Not a problem. I took a liking to the kid. He's like my adopted grandson. He's my hope for this village."

Jiraiya just smiled crookedly. "I tried to do what I could."

Iruka then stepped out from the corner and smirked. "Now…don't go giving those two all the credit Fourth."

Kakashi then shunshined behind him. "Indeed..sensei"

Minato and Kushina then turned to see Iruka Umino.

The shinobi smirked at them. He was a man of average height and built with a scar that ran across the bridge of his nose. The other man was much more familiar to the couple.

It was Kakashi Hatake…Minato's former student.

Kushina blinked at him. "I-I'm sorry? You are?"

Iruka then rubbed the back of his head nervously, with a nervous grin. "Oh…I'm so sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Iruka Umino. I teach at the Academy. Naruto is kind of like my surrogate son. I took him under my wing and…helped him graduate."

Minato gave him a nod and smiled, closing his eyes. "I see. You have my thanks Iruka Umino."

Iruka then bowed on one knee before him. "The honor is mine Lord Fourth."

Kushina then smiled. She rushed to hug the man. There were tears in her eyes. Iruka was taken aback by this gesture. "You helped keep my baby boy safe! Thank you Iruka! Should you need anything from the Uzumaki Clan…please do not hesitate to ask."

Iruka just hugged her back, albeit nervously. "You are welcome…Mrs. Uzumaki."

Minato and Kushina then came face to face with his old student.

Minato then turned to Kakashi with a smile. He took note of how the young boy now turned into a much older and much more capable shinobi. "Kakashi…so good to see you again."

Kakashi just blinked. "Sensei…is that you?"

Minato smirked. "The one and only."

Kakashi was not a man usually lost for words. A lifetime of service and combat had hardened the white-haired man into a capable soldier. "How are you alive?"

Kushina then rushed to Minato's side wrapping an arm around his. "We got a second chance at life. It is good to see you again Kakashi. You've grown so much since the last time I saw you."

Kakashi then turned to her. "Kushina?" He then bowed his head to them. "I...did not believe I'd ever see you two again."

Minato and Kushina then smiled at him, both pulling him into a hug.

Kakashi just closed his eyes as he felt tears run down them. Not since Rin's death had he felt such emotions. There were very few of his comrades from the Third Shinobi World War left.

Minato sighed. "Neither did we."

Kushina sighed happily. "It has been so long."

Tsunade just stood there in awe. She had never seen the masked nin emotional. She smiled. What a beautiful reunion. The three of them broke the hug.

Minato smiled. "So..Naruto tells me that you have also been taking him under your wing. Thank you for taking care of our son Kakashi."

Kakashi just bowed his head. "I felt obligated to do all I could in your memory."

Kushina then hugged him. "You will always be a valued guest in Clan Uzumaki Kakashi. Come home if you need to."

Kakashi just nodded. "I will." Tsunade then clapped her hands together. "Alright then…now that we have all that wrapped up. We still need to discuss the matter of the reinstatement of the Uzumaki Clan as well as all their assets. Let us continue with the meeting."

West Konoha, Konoha

Hours later

Naruto and Hinata had a wonderful time together and were walking from the restaurant when Minato and Kushina shunshined in front of them.

Kushina smiled sweetly. "Did you two have fun?"

Hinata then hugged Naruto's arm. "We did! Thank you so much! I'm honored to have your approval!"

Kushina smiled. "So long as you stay faithful to him…we will be fine Hinata."

Minato nodded. "Indeed." Hinata nodded with a smile. "I will always be at his side!"

Naruto smiled. "Yeah…thanks Mom! It was nice to get out of the house!"

Kushina then kissed him on the forehead and smiled. "Of course baby boy!"

Minato smiled and ruffled his hair. "Of course son!" He then turned his back to Naruto. "Come…we will show you to the Uzumaki Compound!"

Naruto blinked. "We have a compound now?"

Minato turned back to him with a smirk. "Yes son. We do. Follow us." Hinata and Naruto turned to each other and smiled, taking each other's hand and following them.

Cliffhanger!

Let me know what y'all think!