Sorry for the long wait!

Please enjoy and let me know what y'all think

Chapter IV: Into the Inferno

Some days later

Naruto's Mindscape

Naruto woke up in what seemed to be a bed of sorts. He looked around in shock."W-What where am I?" He then took note that he was no longer in his room. He then sensed what he felt was an unknown presence. One that scared him. He looked around frantically. "What? Who's there?"

It was then that a beautiful woman began walking towards him. She was clad in a bathrobe that hid her figure from view. She had long burnt orange hair. But the most striking thing about this woman was her orange irisless eyes. She smiled as she ran her hands through her hair "Good. You are finally up kit. I've been waiting for hours."

Naruto blinked as he looked on her with fear, glancing left and right "I…I don't know what you want…but please don't hurt me."

Kurama just laughed out loud as her sharp teeth showed for a second. "Kit. If I wanted you dead…I would have forced all my chakra in your body and taken over. I didn't bring you into my domain to hurt you."

She then shook her head. "Though I cannot blame you for your wariness. This is our first time meeting after all."

She then took the tray of hot tea of the table. "Perhaps some tea to help calm your nerves? Show you I'm serious?"

Naruto stared at her suspiciously and sighed. "Well...I am strangely thirsty."

Kurama nodded. "Good. Good. Progress. Progress is good." She then walked over and sat down beside him on the bed. She then grabbed one of the cups and handed it to him.

Naruto realized her hands were trembling a bit as she smiled nervously at him. "Please take it. I made it just for the two of us."

Naruto, not wanting to be rude, took the cup from her.

Kurama then took a sip from hers. "So how about we start with our names? My name is Kurama. I'm the Nine Tailed Demon Fox that's been living inside of you since you were a baby."

Naruto gave her a nervous nod. "N-Nice to meet you Kurama!"

Kurama smiled and pinched his cheek lovingly. "Aww well aren't we a gentleman! How refreshing! I was worried you'd stay quiet my sweet human child!" She then sighed. "My original form is my demon fox form but I was a bit cagey about just showing you that form. I didn't want to frighten you and so I decided to take the form of a human woman to calm your nerves." She then opened her arms for a hug. "So what do you say kid? I know I look scary with my tail, sharp teeth and all but I really don't bite. I'm really a softie at heart. Can we be friends?"

Naruto blinked. She seems friendly enough and she means well. He then gave her a nod. "I suppose so."

Kurama smiled. and squealed in happiness hugging him. He then realized she felt warm. Kurama smiled. "Ah. I've been wanting to meet you for so long. It feels so nice to have a friend now. It's been so lonely down here!" She then smiled at him. "Tell me your name."

Naruto just blinked. "N-Naruto! Naruto Namikaze Uzumaki!"

Kurama again began to laugh. "Hah! Of course! You look just like your dear old father! The hair! The eyes!" She then broke the hug and smirked. "How is the old man these days? I've been watching you for a while now. I know he came back to the realm of the living."

Naruto again spoke, stuttering, "H-He's doing okay."

Kurama nodded with a teasing smile. "Good. You know…I spent so long hating your guts because of his actions. Because he was the one who trapped me in your stomach." She then pinched his cheek. "But…as I've watched you get shit on by those damned villagers…I've quickly realized that I don't have the heart to hurt you. You didn't ask for me to be implanted in your stomach. You've been suffering just like me. I've seen it myself." Her irisless eyes flared for a minute as she muttered under her breath. "Those bastards…they have been cruel to you…and yet you still turn the other cheek." She smiled at him warmly and put a hand over his and squeezed it. "How would you like to change the odds kid? Eh? I can lend you some of my power. We're a team now. We can make them pay for everything they have done to us."

Naruto shook his head with a determined look in his "No. I don't want that. People will get hurt. Innocent people. I won't let the ignorance of the civilians change me. They can hate me all they want. I still won't let my anger win."

Kurama nodded with a smirk. " Hah. My my. You remind me of your mother. I remember her telling me the same. She was a Genin then."

The two of them then heard a knock on the door.

Kushina's voice could be heard. "Naruto! Sweetie! It's time to wake up! You'll miss breakfast!"

Kurama then laughed raucously and stared up at the ceiling. "Speaking of the Red Hot Habanero…guess who's calling for you!" She then smiled warmly at him again. "Can you keep a secret for me partner?"

Naruto blinked at her. "That depends on what it is."

Kurama smirked and pinched his cheek. "Don't tell your parents you talked to me. If they knew I pulled you in here…your dear sweet mother would charge in my space and give me out a mouthful."

Naruto blinked. "I don't know. I've never lied to Mom before. She tends to have a temper."

Kurama chuckled with a laugh. "Ah. You are correct. I remember her temper all too well." She then caressed his cheek with a hand. "It wouldn't be fair to put my precious human friend through all that." She then sighed and then got an idea. "Wait. I've got an idea." She then took his hands into hers. "Promise me you'll take them down here. We can all have a little chat. Clear up some misgivings." She then looked him in the eyes and grinned, her sharp teeth showing, "We have a deal?"

Naruto gave her a nod. "Seems fair enough. Deal. How do I contact you?"

Kurama smirked and tapped him on the forehead with a finger. "I'll be up here…in your head. I can sense and read your thoughts intimately. Call out to me telepathically and I'll use some of my chakra to summon all of you to my domain. I'll talk you through it."

Naruto nodded seriously. "Got it."

She then embraced him in a hug sighing happily. "Bye for now kit." Naruto hugged her back. "Bye."

Some days later

Naruto's Room, Uzumaki Compound

Then in the blink of an eye, he was transported back to his room in the Uzumaki Compound. He blinked and looked around in shock. "Kurama? Kurama? Where did you go?" The blonde shinobi looked around confused.

The demon fox spirit was nowhere to be seen.

Kurama then chuckled in his mind. As I told you kit…I'm here in your mind. Don't worry.

The knocking at the door suddenly grew louder. "Naruto Namikaze Uzumaki! Open this door right now!"

The sound of Minato's panicked tone was then heard. "Kushina…please! He's probably just tired! The food is fine cold!"

Kushina's voice was heard again. "I don't care Minato! It's too quiet in there! I don't like it!"

Naruto quickly got out of the bed. "I'm coming Mom!" He then rubbed at his eyes and opened the door. There in the doorway stood Kushina. The redheaded woman quickly rushed to hug him. She sounded almost relieved. "Oh! There you are! Why haven't you come out yet? Your food is getting cold!"

Naruto nervously chuckled. "Umm sorry. I was daydreaming."

Kushina sighed as she looked into his eyes, caressing his face with a hand. "Oh sweetie. You truly are just like your father. So absentminded."

Minato laughed. "Sorry son. It runs in the family."

Kushina sighed and hugged him. "Please get dressed sweetheart. Your father and are waiting for you. It doesn't feel like family time without you. Please. I know things have changed around here and that you prefer the quiet in your room but your father and I want to spend some time with you. Please?"

Naruto nodded, smiling nervously. "Of course Mom. I'll be right out."

Kushina squealed and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you sweetie! It's no good eating all alone in this dark room!" She then took Minato's hand and led them out of Naruto's room. "Come on my love. Let's get the plates set up."

Minato smiled at his son. "We'll see you out there son."

Naruto gave his dad a smiling nod. He then went silent as the door closed. He was not used to being given a home and having his family back. It still felt strange to him. He then wiped at the tears in his eyes.

Still feels strange doesn't it kit?

Naruto nodded. That it does.

Your nervousness is understandable but do not rob yourself of your time with your family. They love you. Embrace that kit.

Naruto gave her a nod. "You are right." He then stood up to get dressed.

Moments later

Kitchen, Uzumaki Compound

The three Uzumakis then sat down enjoying their breakfast.

Naruto then took note of the several Uzumaki clan insignia flags around the room and all the guards around them. "Where did the guards come from?"

Minato chuckled and took another sip. "I managed to get into contact with some old friends from the war. They owed me some favors."

Naruto then nodded and kept eating. He then smiled at Kushina. "Thanks for breakfast Mom. I appreciate it."

Kushina just smiled and tilted her head at him. "You are welcome sweetie. I was happy to make it." She then turned to Minato with a smile.

He smiled back.

Naruto then stared at his new clothes. "These clothes feel weird. What happened to my old ones?" Kushina smiled and leaned over the counter taking his hands into hers. "Listen sweetie. You are an Uzumaki. You are a clan heir now. Minato and I decided that you need to look the part. That is a standard Uzumaki flak jacket with standard colors."

Naruto nodded. "And it's mine?"

Kushina smiled, laughing. "Of course it is. I only have one son, Naruto."

Naruto just nodded. "Being a clan heir seems like a lot of pressure. I've heard there is a lot of politics involved. I'm nervous about this."

Kushina then squeezed his hands into hers. "Don't worry. I was once a clan heir myself. I'm going to help you through this."

Minato then stood up from his seat, sat next to his son and put his arm around his son's shoulder. "And don't forget your father is a former Hokage. I'll do what I can to guide you through all this."

Naruto turned to both of them and gave them both a nod.

Kushina smiled. "We will also be training you in our family justus but more on that later."

He then heard a knock at the door.

Minato then answered. "Who is it?" The voice of the guard then answered back. "Lord Minato…I have a Hinata Hyuga here. She's asking to see Naruto."

Minato then laughed. "Of course. She is. Bring her in."

Kushina just smiled.

The door was then opened as a guard stepped out. Following him was Hinata. She bowed her head. "My apologies Lord Fourth and Lady Kushina….I come bearing a message."

Kushina smiled. "No need to apologize dear. We were just having breakfast. What is it?"

Hinata then smiled at Naruto. "My father is hosting a gala for all the Shinobi families back at the Hyuga Compound."

She then smiled warmly at the three of them. "He would be honored if the Uzumaki Clan were gracious enough to attend."

Kushina and Minato stared at one another.

Minato blinked. "That so huh?" He then turned to Kushina. "You feel up to it my love?"

Kushina smiled, "I…wouldn't mind going out after a while." She then stared at Naruto, smiling. "What say you sweetie? You up for it?"

Naruto just sighed longingly and glanced sideways. "I don't know. The other heirs aren't fond of me. I'm…nervous about this. I don't know how to act…around people."

Hinata then took his hands into hers. "I…know it's scary but it is going to be alright my love. You know my family loves you. You've practically become Father's adopted son for the past few years." She then took his left arm in hers. I'll be at your side I promise. It's not good for you to be alone all the time. Please come. You've been the talk of the entire village. Isn't it worth a try?"

Naruto sighed and looked her into her lavender eyes and longingly sighed. "Well alright then. I'll go. For you."

Hinata then hugged him while giggling. "Oh! Thank you! Thank you!" She then kissed him. "I'll go tell Father right away that you are coming." She then turned around and rushed off.

Naruto then felt a hand on his shoulder.

Minato smirked. "Good call my boy." Naruto sighed and crossed his arms. "I'm still unsure about this."

Kushina kneeled down and took his hands into hers. "Hey. You will not be alone. We're a family. We stick together."

Minato nodded. "That's right."

Naruto nodded. "You are right. Thanks."

Hyuga Compound

Later on that day

All the families were eagerly conversing with one another as the Uzumaki family entered the compound. As everyone turned to look at them, gasps of awe filled the air.

Shikaku just smiled and started clapping. "Ah. I see the Uzumaki Clan was able to make it after all. Wonderful. Welcome back." He then began clapping. Soon, others began clapping as well.

Kushina just smiled, turned to her son and touched his shoulder, "You see Naruto? You had nothing to worry about. Everyone is happy to see us."

Naruto just gave her a blank nod, "Yeah...seems like it."

Hinata then approached Naruto, dressed in her usual lavender kimono. She let out a giggle "Naruto...you made it! I got so worried!" She then turned to Minato and Kushina as her face reddened and she nervously smiled, "Ah...Lord Minato. Lady Kushina. May I borrow him for a minute? "

Minato chuckled with a laugh, "Yeah. You two have fun."

Kushina just laughed, rolling her eyes, "Go on. Just bring him back. I'm holding you responsible for his well-being."

Hinata then bowed to the older woman. "Yes of course. I will guard him with my life." She then grabbed him by the hand and ran off.

Minato couldn't but chuckle, "Remind you of anyone?"

Kushina felt her face redden, "Yes. You and me…many moons ago."

Kushina then watched as Naruto and Hinata walked off, "To think I would be alive again to see Naruto happy with a girl. It is a beautiful thing to witness."

Minato laughed as he pulled her in chose, "Indeed."

Hinata was introducing Naruto to some of the new heirs. "And this is Shikamaru Nara. I believe you remember him."

Shikamaru then turned and met Naruto's gaze, smiling. "Hey Naruto! Good to see you out of your apartment!"

Naruto just crossed his arms, glaring. "Hey Shikamaru. It's good to see you too."

Shikamaru smirked, "Good to see you as well. We'll have to play a game of chess sometime."

Naruto then blinked. Shikamaru had always been one of the few actually to befriend him…even as a child. I should at least give Shikamaru a chance. He then nodded, "One day."

Ino then turned to Naruto and smiled, "Hey Naruto. It's been a long time. Congratulations on the new clan. You must be delighted to have your parents back."

Naruto blinked at the blonde kunochi for a moment, Ino and I have never really gotten along. Granted…that is probably because we've never bothered to do anything except glare at each other. I should at least try…for Hinata's sake. He then forced a smile, "I am. More than you know."

Ino smiled back. I…should try to be nice to him. He risked his neck trying to convince Sasuke to return to the village. Sakura's sweet on him. So is Hinata. Surely he isn't that bad. She then noticed Hinata at Naruto's side and thought of an idea. "You know…you can always come by the flower shop. Get some flowers for Hinata? I can throw in a good discount."

Hinata smiled and cuddled his arm, giggling., "I do like lavender lilies Naruto."

Naruto turned to her and Ino, subtly blushing, "Okay, I'll come by."

Ino clapped her hands together, beaming at him. "Wonderful."

Sakura then walked over with a smirk. "Naruto…is that you?" He then glanced toward Sakura and blinked at her. "Sakura? What are you doing here?"

Sakura snickered at him crossing her arms. "It's a social event Naruto. I'm here to have fun. Why the hell else would I be here?"

Naruto just nodded, "Happy to see you."

Sakura smiled at him. "You too. I heard about the Fourth's return. Must be great having your parents back."

Naruto nodded with crossed arms, "It's taking some adjustment. I must say…they are more affectionate than I thought they'd be."

Sakura laughed and put a hand on his shoulder. "Heh. Of course they are affectionate. They haven't seen you in sixteen years. Mine would be the same way."

Naruto blinked and shook his head, "I know. It's just taken some adjusting. I mean...I don't even know the first thing about being a clan heir."

Sakura sighed and shook her head, giving him a worried look. "Hey, it's alright. I do. I'm the heir to the Haruno Clan. Hinata is the heir to the Hyuga Clan. We'll help you. You just have to let us? Alright?"

Naruto nodded with a grumble. "Fine."

Hinata just smirked. She kissed him on the cheek, "I promise you I will aid you however I can my love."

Sakura smiled and hugged him, "Thank you, Naruto. Thank you for trusting us."

Naruto just sighed and hugged her back. "You are welcome…I guess."

Sakura grinned as she ran off. "Now come on! I hear the prizes this year are a blast!"

Hinata then took Naruto's arm in hers. "Shall we?" He just nodded. "We shall."

Meanwhile, Kushina and Minato were intermingling with their peers.

Shuri approached them, her long blonde hair tightly tied in a long knot. "Kushina! Minato! You both came! It is so good to see you again!"

Kushina just smiled warmly at Shuri. "Hello…Shuri. I appreciate your support during the meeting."

Mebuki then walked over to them with her husband in tow. "Good to see you Kushina. It's been a while."

Kushina turned to them and hugged her longtime friends, "Mebuki…Shuri…I have missed you both so much."

Mebuki then hugged her tightly. "As have I."

Shiki and Shikaku walked up to Minato. "Heh. It's been a long time since we've seen each other Minato. How the hell did you come back?"

Minato then grinned at his old friends. "I got a second chance at life."

The three men then hugged.

Shikaku then smiled, "Then let us drink and be merry together!"

Hyuga Compound

Sometime later

The party continued into the night until a large explosion was heard. Screams were heard. Everyone saw the smoke trail. Standing atop the building was a woman dressed in a long-sleeved dark red uniform and a red jacket with an orange collar and trimmings. She had a scar around her right eye. Her eyes were crimson. The jacket was fastened to the rest of the outfit by two buttons on the collar. It also had the Uzumaki crest on the back. About four other shinobi clad in black cloaks clad with a red-and-black flowers pattern then shunshined beside her. The young girl's voice suddenly sweetened when she met Naruto's eyes. "Ah! There you are! I have finally found you!"

Without warning, the strange girl suddenly pulled Naruto in a hug.

Naruto just sat there blinking.

Everyone just stood there in awe."

Naruto quickly pushed her off him, speaking gruffly, "Get your hands off me!"

Karin then just smiled at him and crossed her arms. "Oh come on Naruto. That's no way to speak to your blood cousin."

Suddenly, everyone gasped;

Hinata, who still had her arm around Naruto's, just gasped, Naruto has a cousin!

Naruto just blinked with widened eyes. "My cousin? What are you talking about?"

Karin smiled lovingly at him and shook her head, smiling, "You are skeptical. Heh. I can't say I'd blame you." She then smirked at him and began undoing her Akatsuki cape, letting it fall to the floor. The rogue ninja then turned around and pointed to the symbol on the back of her flak jacket. "This symbol mean something to you?"

Naruto, Minato and Kushina gasped when they saw the Uzumaki family crest.

Naruto felt his breath get caught in his throat. "You...You're an Uzumaki!"

Karin then turned around and smiled at him again, "Heh. Yup. I am Karin…Karin Uzumaki. You…and I…we are family."

Kushina blinked in shock. For as long as she could remember…she had been the last Uzumaki left alive. "How is it possible you are an Uzumaki? The last I remember…I was among the last ones to leave the Village Hidden by Whirling Tides before the other nations destroyed it."

Karin then glared at her suspiciously, "And who might you be?"

Kushina glared right back as her hair started to flow with chakra. She didn't trust this woman one bit. "Kushina…Kushina Uzumaki. I'm Naruto's mother."

Karin blinked as her face formed a smile, "I'm not the last one. Very interesting."

Naruto was getting rather irritated and worried about this situation. "Enough! What is the meaning of this Karin? Why are you here?"

Karin giggled, "Why else? I'm here to take you away from these damned Konohanians. Word of how you've been treated here reached me long ago. I'm here to take you home…to the Akatsuki." She reached out with a hand and squeezed his arm, "We need the Nine Tails inside of you. Our benefactor has a plan…a plan to bring peace to the Shinobi world."

Naruto then growled. His eyes briefly turned red as Kurama's chakra found its way into his bloodstream. "You intend to kill me?"

Karin let out a sigh, frowning and shaking her head. She then walked up to him and pinched his cheek lovingly. "No Naruto. You misunderstand my intentions. You are family to me. I've already told our benefactor that I will not let you be sacrificed for our goals. Trust me."

Naruto rested a hand on against his face. "I...appreciate the offer, but I will have to decline. I have a home here. Granted…I am still adjusting to my new life with my parents and being part of a clan again...but I know the Akatsuki. They tried to kill my best friend. Kin or not…I don't trust you or them."

Karin stared at him, confused, "We hurt one of your friends? Who?"

Naruto glared at her, "The Kazekage. I almost lost him because your friends tried to steal the One Tails from him. You must think I'm a fool if you think I will align myself with the same bastards who tried to kill him."

Karin sighed and grumbled to herself, Damn it all! How was I supposed to know he was friendly with the Kazekage? I wanted it to go differently than this. I expected him to be more…amiable to my influence. She then switched tactics and tried appealing to his animosity towards the Konohanians. She cared to ensure her words were as soothing and loving as possible. "Naruto…beloved cousin. Look around you. These people have treated you like dirt. Like nothing but dirt. They outcasted you and told you nothing about your parents for your powerful lineage. Your father and mother both sacrificed both themselves and you for the sake of these hypocritical bastards, and they gave you shit in return. You don't have to be their pawn anymore." She then took his hands into hers and smiled. "I'm sorry about Gaara…If I had known he was your friend…I would have tried to find another way."

Naruto then looked around at everyone and then at her. His left hand started to tremble. "What about my parents? Are you telling me I have to leave them behind?"

Karin then tilted her head at him, smiling, "They can come with. Your mother is of our clan, and your father's experience as a former Hokage would be useful to us."

Kushina rushed over to him and turned him around to face her worried gaze. "Naruto…you can't seriously be considering this. This is treason."

Naruto then turned to glare at her, his eyes turning red with rage as the Kyuubi's chakra flowed through his body. "And what Konoha did to me wasn't? Except the Hyuga, Kakashi and Iruka and maybe Grandma Tsunade...Everyone here has given me hell. They belittle me. They throw tomatoes at my face. They treat me like a monster." He turned his head away from his mother, scoffing, "I do my best to keep the peace. I stay quiet so no one has a reason to kill me..and yet nothing has changed. Even with you and Dad...and the reinstatement of the Clan…these people will never accept me. I heard of what happened during the council meeting. You and Dad both had to threaten the Council to leave me alone."

Kushina blinked and turned his face towards hers with a worried look. Her eyes widened, "Who told you that?"

Naruto then went quiet, averting her gaze.

Kushina, however, wasn't having it. Her world-famous temper soon made itself known. She turned his face towards hers. "Naruto! Tell me who told you this!"

Naruto seemed surprised at the sudden showing of her temper. Tears began to leak from his eyes. "I…I've been seeing visions as of late. Bad ones. In some of them…I watch you and Dad both die. In the one I had last night…You and Dad threatened the Council. I can still remember the looks on their faces."

Kushina nodded as she squeezed his arm and shook her head, "How often has this been happening? Why haven't you been telling us?"

Naruto then looked up at her with sad eyes. "I..didn't want to say anything."

Kushina just nodded and hugged him, tears running down her eyes. Oh Naruto…my sweet boy. "Listen to me…none of that happened. Yes…it was a rather terse meeting, but nobody will come after you now. I'm here. I would give my life to keep you safe. Don't do this. Please. You are my only son. I lost you once. I...can't go through that again. One time was enough. Let it go."

Minato then walked over to put a hand on her shoulder. "That's right son. You also forget that your father is the Fourth Hokage. I've got influence here. I'm not going to let the people here harm you…even if that means I have to kill. Like I told you before….I gave you up once. I'm not doing that again." He then ruffled Naruto's hair and grinned, "I know you are hurting, but you are a Namikaze as well as a Uzumaki. We of the Namikaze clan are good and honorable shinobi. You are a part of that lineage. Don't let the ignorance of the Leaf Village turn you into a monster. You are better than that."

Hinata then walked forward and took his hands into hers as she stared into his eyes. "And…you have me Naruto. You know I'd die for you if it came to that. So would the rest of my clan. You're not alone in this world. I love you with all my heart. Let it go."

Naruto then blinked as tears filled his eyes. His love from his parents and his girlfriend proved too much for the bitterness inside his heart. He hugged Hinata with all his remaining strength, shaking.

Hinata just smiled as she reciprocated the gesture. "It's okay my love. Come here. I've got you. "

Naruto just began sobbing.

Ino and some of the other Konoha shinobi suddenly felt a bit of shame overcome them. They had long treated Naruto like an outcast and pushed him away. Seeing the aftereffects of that made some of them feel sympathy for him.

Karin just stood there in awe and shook her head angrily, "Naruto! I know your pain! These people don't! My mother was killed by ANBU from Kusagakure! If you put your trust in them. They will betray you. I don't want to hurt you, but this is a one-time offer! Either leave with us or we kill everyone here! Your choice!"

Her threat soon called Naruto to action. He then walked over to Karin with a glare. He then formed a hand sign. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Several Shadow Clones then formed around everyone.

Karin blinked at him growling, "What are you doing?"

He then glared at Karin, "I'm sorry Karin. For the record…I sympathize with your pain but I can't go with you. I have family here. I can't leave them behind." He then sighed, "Plus I took an oath to defend the village. I'm my father's son. I can't let you destroy the Hidden Leaf. I want to be Hokage. For better or worse…I have to hold on to that dream."

Karin's crimson eyes narrowed at him. "Then you are a fool! I suppose I have no choice!" She then rushed at him with her kunai drawn.

Hinata immediately rushed to his defense. "Gentle Fist! 24 Palms!" She then hit her with her Gentle Fist hard in the abdomen. She then rotated and hit her again. She did it three more times, sending her into the wall.

Hinata then caught her breath. "He made his choice, Karin. He's not going anywhere. Hands off."

Kushina crossed her arms, smiling at the brunette. She then turned to Minato, "I'm really starting to like her. She's sweet and kind yet fierce and loyal. Reminds me of me when I was young."

Minato just nodded, "Never thought of a Hyuga woman as the protective type. Very interesting."

Karin quickly picked herself up from the rubble. She then dusted herself off, glaring at Hinata. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

Hinata glared at her, activating her Byakugan, "Sorry! I don't give my name to rogue ninja!" She then tightened her form, "Naruto is the love of my life! He's under my protection! You want him? You'll have to deal with the Hyuga!"

Hiashi, Neji, and the other members of the Hyuga family rushed to her side, activating their Byakugan as well.

Hiashi smiled with pride at his oldest daughter. Hinata. I'm so proud of you. You've grown up so much from that shy little girl I once knew.

Kushina then walked up to Naruto, glaring at Karin, and put a hand on his left shoulder. "I am sorry for what happened to your mother Karin but this is not the way. Your friends in the Akatsuki threaten the balance of the shinobi world. You seek to yank the Nine Tails from my son." She then put a hand on her chest, raising her voice, "I've been through that! A masked man ripped the Nine Tails out from me once! I almost died!" She then drew a kunai. "Minato and I had to risk our lives to save the village and our son! That is not happening again!" She then stepped in front of Naruto pushing him behind her. "Stay close to me Naruto! I lost you once! That is not happening again!"

Naruto blinked, "But Mom…I'm not a small boy anymore! I can protect myself!"

Kushina turned her head back to him. She then smiled back at him as her crimson hair flowed in the air, "I know you can sweetheart. I don't doubt you are strong but you are my son. It is my sworn duty to keep you safe. Please…promise me you will stay close. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you.."

Minato got an intense look in his eyes as he drew his kunai, "We fight together Naruto. As a family."

Naruto took a glance at both his parents, started at Karin, and nodded, drawing a kunai, "Alright then!"

Suddenly all the Konoha Twelve stepped up to Naruto's side.

Ino then got in her form, "That goes for us too!" Shikamaru nodded with a determined look in his eyes. "Damn straight! He's one of us!"

Karin just growled in frustration and pointed a finger at Naruto. "This was your one chance! I cannot promise mercy next time!" She then turned to her Akatsuki comrades and growled, "Let's go!" She and the rest of the Akatsuki then shunshined into smoke.

Naruto growled, his eyes turning feral, "She's getting away! We have to stop her!"

He was about to chase her until Minato put a hand on his shoulder. "No Naruto. Let's do this the smart way. There's no need to rush off half-cocked."

Kushina just smiled at her husband and put a hand on her son's right shoulder. "He's right Naruto. We tied it for now. We'll get Karin when we have the advantage. I promise."

Naruto just took an inward breath to calm himself and nodded sternly. He wouldn't go against his parents. To do so was against his Clan's honor. He crossed his arms, furious, "Fine."

Kushina just beamed at him and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you baby boy. You are a good son." Minato then ruffled his hair. "We appreciate it son."

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