Chapter V: Forming New Alliances

Part II: Meeting with the Yamanakas

Naruto's Room, Uzumaki Compound, Konohagakure

Kushina bent over as she smiled at Naruto. She felt her heart warm seeing him sleep so soundly. She then sighed, "Oh Naruto. As much as I adore watching you sleep…you have a lot to do today." She then smirked as she tickled his whiskers.

He began tossing and turning a bit. "Mmmnnn….What is going…"

She giggled, "Naruto…sweetie…You have to wake up. Lots of clan meetings to attend today." He then blinked as his eyes opened. He gasped as he pulled the covers over him. "Gah. Wha..Wha…" He blinked, "Oh…Mom. It's just you."

She smirked back at him. "Of course it is sweetie. Who else did you expect?" She then tilted her head at him. "Stand still for a moment." She then rested a hand against his forehead. It felt cool to the touch. "Okay no fever. You look well rested. Just…let me know if you start feeling ill okay? Clan business can always be rescheduled."

Naruto blinked, "I-I can take care of myself. T-There's no need to fuss over me y'know." Kushiina chuckled with a laugh. "As if you telling me that is going to stop me." She then pulled him into her embrace, "Naruto…I'm your mother. I'm going to baby you until it is my time to go. I love you. You are my baby. No matter how old you get…You are always going to be my baby." She then tightened the hug. "I lost sixteen years of your life. I plan on making up all those years and more. So you better get used to it. You hear me?"

Naruto nodded, "I hear you. I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound ungrateful."

She then smiled and kissed him on the forehead. "It's fine sweetie. You're still adjusting to our return. I'm not saying all this to guilt trip you. I'm just letting you know I'm here to talk…or for whatever you need. So is your father. We loved you when I birthed you from my womb…and we love you now. I know how things have been these past two months. You've had so much to adjust to…and you have risen to the challenge. You" She smiled as she held his cheek lovingly, "I couldn't be more proud to be your mother."

Naruto hugged her back.

Minato then walked in, "Good morning you two." He was dressed in an apron.

Kushina turned to her husband and smiled. She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him.

The two then kissed for a moment before letting go. "Good morning my love."

Minato then turned to her and smirked, "Good morning." He then smiled at Naruto, "Good morning Naruto. I hope you slept well. You are going to need your energy."

Naruto raised an eyebrow at his father. "What for?"

Kushina smiled pridefully at him as she leaned her head on Minato's shoulder. "You have become quite popular sweetie. Ever since your standoff with Karin…all of the shinobi clans here in Konoha have been begging for an audience with our clan. They all want to form an alliance with us."

Minato joked, "We've even gotten some offers to pair you off with some eligible bachelorettes.."

Naruto went red in the face. "No…way. That can't be right."

Kushina and Minato both burst into laughter.

Kushina laughed as she across from the bed again smiling at her son. She then took one of his hands into hers and squeezed. "I mean…I'm not surprised. Your father was quite the looker and charmer back in the day." She then turned to Minato with a wry smile. "You remember when Mikoto was trying to woo you away from me? When we were young shinobi?"

Minato then gave him a wry smile, "Heh. How could I forget? Those were some wild times." Naruto blinked, "Mikoto as in…"

Kushina turned to him and solemnly sighed, "She…was Sasuke's mother. I heard she died during the massacre of the Uchiha. At least that is what the Hokage told me." Kushina's lip quivered a bit, "She was both my romantic rival and…yet my most stalwart confidant as well as my best friend. You probably don't remember but when you and Sasuke were babies…we would schedule playdates together." The redheaded woman cupped a hand over her mouth as tears down her eyes. She tried to hide the sobs.

Minato rushed over to her side and put a hand on her back.

She leaned into him.

Minato sighed, "I miss her too Kushina. She was a dear friend." Kushina leaned into him and nodded.

Naruto just nodded and joined in on the hug, putting his arms around his parents.

Kushina smiled and felt her heart warm. Being in the embrace of the two men she adored warmed her heart and eased her pain. "Oh. Thank you. Both of you. I love you both so much."

Minato smiled as he kissed her on the forehead, "We love you too Kushina."

Naruto just nodded and hugged them both tighter. "Love you too Mom."

Kushina smiled as she hugged her husband and son tighter. My boys. I'll defend them with my life if I have to.

Clan Conference Room, Uzumaki Compound, Konohagakure

Captain Takamaki then bowed to Naruto on one knee, "My most esteemed heir….Lady Hinata is here to see you."

Naruto just blinked, "Hinata is here?"

Captain Takamaki then stepped to the side.

Hinata then stepped in front of the older guard. She was dressed in a purple kimono that accentuated her beauty. She then smiled at all three of them. She then bowed to Minato and Kushina. "Lord Minato. Lady Kushina."

Kushina smiled as she crossed her legs. "Hinata…I'm so glad you could come at such a late notice. I got worried."

Minato smiled, "Good to see you Hinata. We appreciate your time."

Hinata then gracefully bowed with a smile, "Anything for my future in-laws. I was honored to be summoned." Her eyes then focused on Naruto. She giggled and tilted her head at him. "Judging from your shocked expression Naruto...I take you weren't expecting me."

Naruto just blinked maintaining his composure, "That would be an understatement."

She giggled as she let herself blush. "It's a part of what we do. As your girlfriend and partner…I'm required to be here to lend my expertise and to be a part of the proceedings."

Kushina grinned at her son , "I didn't tell you because I wanted to see the look on your face. You are turning as red as a cherry. So adorable."

Naruto huffed and turned his head away from her. "Well…whatever."

Both Kushina and Hinata laughed.

Hinata then walked towards him and took her seat in the seat beside him.

Ino and the Yamanaka Clan were the first clan to present themselves.

Ino smiled as she bowed to the three of them. "Hello Naruto. Lady Kushina. Lord Fourth." She then turned red from embarrassment. "Ah….sorry…I meant Lord Minato."

Kushina and Minato both laughed again.

Minato smiled at the blonde. "It's quite alright. I understand your hesitation but I'm not the Hokage anymore. No need to refer to me by such title."

Ino smiled at him and nodded. "Of course." She then smiled at Naruto and bowed. She took note of how handsome he looked in his maroon red kimono. She noticed his messy blonde hair had been properly groomed. It caused her to blush a bit. She blinked. Wow. Is it just me or did he just get more attractive? He actually looks like a proper heir. He seems so much more mature than that punk kid I used to know. It's a damn shame he is already with Hinata. She then pouted. I really wasted all those years pining for Sasuke. She then cleared her throat. "Naruto you look quite handsome in that maroon red kimono. Are those the colors of the Uzumaki Clan?"

Naruto nodded quietly, "They are."

Ino smiled, "Very nice. They suit you." Hinata watched the blonde intently and glared. I hope you aren't trying to flirt with my Naruto. He's mine.

Shuri smiled as she bowed, "On to business then."

Kushina smiled at her and bowed her head, "I agree."

Sometime later

Kushina was at her son's side with a hand on his shoulder with an serious look in her violet eyes. "So let me get this straight. You seek to form a alliance with us because you want to help protect Konoha? What exactly do you have to offer our clan?"

Shuri smirked at her and jokingly spoke, "Ah. I see you aren't just going to shake on it because of our friendship. Shame."

Kushina's eyes narrowed, "As fond as I am of you Shuri…I have a duty both to my clan and my family to seriously consider all the possibilities and motives of any clan desiring to align with the Uzumaki Clan. The safety of my husband and my son means everything to me."

Shuri grinned again, "As do I old friend." She then sighed, "So let's be brief. Your son has the Nine Tails jinchuriki. Throughout our clan's history, we have specialized in mind jutsus. Our specialty is gaining intelligence on Konoha's enemies." She then sighed, "We aren't skilled in fuinjutsu or possess any jinchuriki. So we are at a disadvantage if it came to warring with the other clans. The same goes for protecting the village." She then smiled, "I believe it would be better for both our respective clans and families if we joined forces."

Kushina just nodded, "I tend to agree." She then turned to Minato, "How about you my love? What do you think of her intentions?"

Minato crossed his arms at her and then stared at Shuri, "I believe that to be a fair trade. I only have one concern."

Shuri smiled at him, "Please. Speak your mind Minato. I'm an open book."

Minato nodded, his eyes turning cold, "Do you or anyone in your clan have any intention to threaten or harm Naruto? He's the heir to our clan and my only son. I warn you now that any attempt to assassinate or bring any harm to him would result in your death. I have fondness for you as a friend Shuri…but I'd have no qualms killing to protect my family."

Suddenly everyone felt a chill in the room as Minato's chakra was felt. Some of the guards got shivers down their spines.

Shuri then laughed as she crossed her arms at him. "Like I would want to piss off the Yellow Flash. I remember how deadly you were during the Fourth War." She then shook her head, "At ease Minato. I come in peace. I promise you that if any member of my clan ever thought of something so foolish…I'd have them killed or banished right away."

Minato then nodded. "Good. Glad to hear it."

The former Hokage then walked down and put a hand on Naruto's right shoulder. "What is your opinion of all this Naruto? Your mother and I are here merely as advisors. Your opinion on this matters too."

Naruto turned to his father and nodded. He then turned to Hinata. "Your opinion on this Hinata?" Hinata turned to him, felt her heart leap, and smiled. He's asking for my input! Oh! I'm so giddy right now! She then calmed herself down and took his hand in hers. "Well…I know Ino is an honorable kunoichi of the village. We went to school with her. She stood up for you against Karin back at the festival. The Uzumaki Clan will need allies in the village in order to survive…especially if war breaks out again." She then took his hand in hers and squeezed. "Having both the Byakugan and the Yamanaka's mind justus in our corner would benefit you greatly. You could learn how to defend against genjutsu attacks."

Naruto then kissed her hand and nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate your input." Naruto then turned to Ino and nodded. "At this point…the past is the past. As the heir to the Uzumaki Clan…I accept your terms."

Shuri, Shiki and Ino all beamed at him.

Shuri smiled at Naruto as she bowed before him. "Thank you Naruto. You honor us with your trust. You are truly worthy of your station. I look forward to a time of peace between our clans." Ino smiled at Naruto, "Indeed. Thank you Naruto. I promise to not let you down."

Moments later

Naruto and Ino both put their hands on opposite sides of the scroll. The scroll turned blue. Kushina smiled, "And the contract is signed."

Shuri smiled back at her, "That it is."

Everyone clapped.

Naruto then offered his bleeding hand to Ino. Much to his surprise however, she grabbed it and pulled him into a hug.

Naruto blinked, "Ino? What are you…"

Ino smiled with tears in her eyes, "Thank you Naruto. For forgiving me and giving my clan a chance to atone. I gave you a lot of hell back when we were kids. I was part of the problem. I promise you. I promise I will teach you everything you need to know about defending against genjutsu. You're a friend and a comrade to me now. Never forget that okay?"

Naruto just nodded and hugged her back. "Of course."

Hinata couldn't help but smile. Everyone is getting to know the Naruto I adore and love. It warms my heart.

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