Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Between Deception and Truth ❯ Home Is Where the Heart Is ( Chapter 15 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lord Archive 
Ai and Jiro have arrived in Konoha and the questions for their future looms above them.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Martial Arts / Hentai / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.20.2008 | Updated On: 02.10.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 797 | Status: Completed
Ai and Jiro have arrived in Konoha and the questions for their future looms above them.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Martial Arts / Hentai / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.20.2008 | Updated On: 02.10.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 797 | Status: Completed
Between Deception and Truth
Chapter 14 - Home Is Where the Heart Is
By: Lord Archive
Naruto belongs to Kishimoto, all rights reserved. I'm only borrowing them.
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Wondering around the streets of Konoha, Ai looked at the places she remembered well. No one paid any attention to her as she walked amongst the crowd along the main street. Initially the lack of any harsh glares at her had been something of a comfort, but the total lack of recognition began to sting more. She was home, but few people knew it. She was alone now as much as she was when she had first joined Team Seven.
"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen!" Teuchi greeted with a broad smile. Gray hairs poked out from under his white hat. "I haven't seen you around before. New to Konoha?"
Ai strangely felt like she had been stabbed. She pouted at him. "Not exactly. I'd like a large pork ramen, don't forget the _naruto_." She oddly accented the food topping that shared her original name. He didn't seem to notice.
"So, when have you been to Konoha before?" Teuchi questioned.
"I was born here. I've just been a long mission and only just got back," Ai replied.
"I see. Sorry. It must've been a really long mission if I didn't recognize you," Teuchi commented.
Ai let out a laugh. "I wasn't even dating when I left. Now I have a daughter."
"Really?" Teuchi raised an eyebrow. "Too bad my daughter left on a trip. She'd have loved to talk to you about that."
Ai nodded, thankful for the explanation of where Ayame was without her asking about it.
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Jiro tried to shush his crying daughter. He was at a loss for why Shinobu was screaming. Her diaper wasn't soiled and it was too early to feed her. She didn't have any sort of fever, and seemed to only be red faced because of her crying.
There was a twitch within his mind, and he muttered out a word, "Henge." Now Hinata held Shinobu tenderly in her arms. She didn't do anything different than Jiro had, yet Shinobu immediately started to quiet down.
"You just wanted your Mommy, didn't you?" Hinata asked.
Shinobu's arms flailed toward her.
"If only I was your mother," Hinata whispered tearfully.
Shinobu slapped Hinata's arms and giggled. There was no frowning with the baby girl, no matter how heavy Hinata's heart felt.
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"And why didn't you tell me that Jiro was a separate personality from Hinata? That I still have my daughter?!" Hiashi growled.
Tsunade glared at him. "Jiro is as much your son as Hinata is your daughter. They are the same person. The situation they are in now has no simple solution. Without the complete story, making the best decision for them is not possible."
"It's a simple solution. Turn Hinata back as was planned," Hiashi demanded.
"And ignore that Jiro is your son and the father of your granddaughter?" Tsunade shot back.
"That child is no relation of mine," Hiashi retorted.
"Jiro was born from your actions. He is your son," Tsunade stood firmly.
"And am I supposed to recognize those without Hyuuga blood as heir to strongest house of Konoha?" Hiashi retorted. "That would be greatest crime against the clan I could possible do."
Tsunade growled. "I understand that Jiro and Shinobu can never be legitimate heirs, however you are ignoring the point. The reality that Jiro is alive cannot be ignored, neither can Shinobu needing her father be forgotten."
"You have my decision on this. Hinata is my daughter, and I want her back," Hiashi stood firm.
"Be that way," Tsunade spat. She stood up and stomped away.
"What of Toge?" Hiashi called out.
Tsunade stopped. "You know the restrictions."
"Yes, the same restrictions you went around to enact your plan in the first place." Hiashi leveled his gaze at the hokage. "Together we could convince the council."
Tsunade frowned. "We shall see."
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Ai's scowl grew deeper as she walked down a road, turning down an alleyway that connected to another street. She quickly called out, "Kage Bunshin." and a copy of her bounced between the two homes in an effort to reach the roof. She continued on her way to the end of the alleyway and turned around. She saw nothing, but appearances were deceiving.
The clone dropped down from the roof, surprising the attractive woman with long brown hair that had been following her.
"What do you want?" Ai's clone questioned.
"I want to know why you look like a dead girl," the woman hissed.
Ai blinked, recognition slowly leaking in. She had seen this woman at the academy, but she had not been one of Naruto's teachers. "Eh, sorry sensei. Can't tell you."
The teacher grabbed the clone, pinning her to the wall a kunai poised threateningly. "I will not have a spy soil the memory of one of my students."
"I'm no spy." The clone dispersed in a cloud of smoke.
The teacher stumbled, having been off-balanced to hold the girl down. "Huh? That's..."
Ai folded her arms. "Look, I'm no spy. I'm a cousin of Ami's who has been on a long mission. I can't explain more, Tsunade-baachan's orders. You can verify I'm not a spy by asking her, Shizune-neechan or Sakura-chan. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to feed my daughter."
The teacher followed Ai back to the 'Yamada home' and peeked into the window to see not just Ai, but Hyuuga Hinata holding a baby and a boy she did not recognize. There was certainly a story here, but something told the teacher that she wouldn't get to learn what it was.
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"Tsunade-sama. I've been thinking about... Hinata-chan's situation," Sakura began as she worked on filing some of the Hokage's reports.
"Was there something you wanted to know?" Tsunade wondered.
Sakura nodded. "Splitting personalities... it's happened before, hasn't it?"
Tsunade turned to gaze out the window. "A few times, really. We dismissed the potential psychological damage for the power and utility Kage Bunshin offered."
"When did it stop being 'dismissed?'" Sakura pressed.
"One jounin had an especially troubled childhood. At the age of five, he killed his father to stop the sexual abuse that was being inflicted on him," Tsunade growled out disdainfully. "His mind was already fractured, but Konoha was at war with the Hidden Village of Stone. And despite the jounin's obvious insanity, he was still taught Kage Bunshin. He took his shadow clones to a level no one thought was possible. Each of his clones was a separate personality. Fighting him was like fighting eight different ninja as each employed different methods of fighting and reasoning."
"Was he ever cured?" Sakura asked.
"There is no cure for him." Tsunade sighed. "He has been functionally exiled. He mans a watch post, knowing full well he's not allowed to leave it."
Sakura pouted. "That won't happen to Hinata-chan, will it?"
"None of her personalities is a full-fledged homicidal psychopath," Tsunade pointed out.
Sakura shuddered. "Yes. Right."
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"Henge!" Ai called out, changing into Naruto. He then looked toward Hinata. "Let's take a walk around town."
Hinata blinked. "Are... are you asking me on a date?" She cast a confused look toward her soul twin.
Jiro frowned. "You do realize that announcing that Naruto is in Konoha will alert Akatsuki to where you are."
"If the Akatsuki wanted to find me, they would've attacked us a long time ago. Since we killed that one Akatsuki guy, they haven't come after anyone with a tailed-demon," Naruto pointed out.
"But is there any reason to expose our position?" Jiro demanded.
"No one recognizes me." Naruto huffed. "I'm just a stranger to them as a girl. I'm home, but it doesn't feel like it. I freaked out Shikamaru when I waved at him. I want to say 'hi' to my friends and let them know that it's really me."
Hinata gazed at the floor. "I... I would like to do that as well. It has been a long time since I've seen my sister or my teammates."
"Fine," Jiro growled out. "Please be careful."
"Yes, dear," Naruto groused. He kissed the father of his child on the cheek. "We'll be back before dinner."
Jiro let out a small chuckle. "You better, or you'll have to answer to your daughter."
"Yes. Yes. Mommy promises to be home before curfew," Naruto teased, tickling Shinobu's stomach and earning a happy giggle. He then grabbed Hinata's hand. "Let's go on our date."
Hinata flushed, once again casting a look at Jiro with confusion and uncertainly etched on her face.
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"NARUTO is the MOTHER of an UCHIHA baby?!" one of the councilmen called out in shock.
Tsunade folded her arms irritably. She had intended to wait before addressing the council about Naruto's situation and the possible plans to deal with it, but Hiashi brought it up in the council meeting meant to discuss the upcoming Chuunin exams. "Yes. However, that is not the only... casualty of the mission. Unaddressed trauma in Hyuuga Hinata's childhood has led her to develop a split personality. Her cover, Yamada Jiro, has become fully separate and distinct from her."
"Wouldn't it be more accurate to say Uchiha Jiro?" Mitokado grumbled. "Why did you not inform the council that you used an Uchiha for your plans?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "I do not see how that has any baring. As I had outlined in my plan, I would select two dead children that would give the best chance for Naruto to succeed in his training. The best match for Hyuuga Hinata just happened to be an Uchiha boy."
"So, you risked discovery of the mission by covering one bloodline with another. That was an ill-conceived choice that could've easily doomed the mission," Utatane pointed out darkly.
"Arguing over something that has no baring on the present issues at hand is pointless," Hiashi interrupted. "The mission did not go as planned. That is an unfortunate reality in our way of life. Dwelling on what cannot be changed will not allow us to advance. What we need to do now is focus on what to do next."
"And what should be done?" Utatane asked harshly. "The Akatsuki are beginning to stir again. Their spies are tracking down the tailed demons as we speak."
"Because Naruto has become a mother, she currently wishes to remain as she is to better care for her baby. That a simple henge can return her to being fully Naruto for a time, she is in no rush to reclaim her birth form," Tsunade explained.
"It is not so simple with Hinata. Both she and Jiro wish to exist. As they are now, only one can be true while the other would remain only as a shadow," Hiashi added.
"Are you suggesting we cover up the failure of one forbidden technique with another?" Mitokado demanded.
"That jutsu is not actually forbidden. Only contact with the creator of the jutsu has been restricted," Tsunade pointed out. "Until now we've had no good candidates to learn it. To use the skill that helped us defeat the Hidden Village of Stone and yet not suffer the same consequences."
Utatane looked at Hiashi. "You do realize the risk you are suggesting. Sending a _child_ to meet him. He is eight jounin in one. Even with Sharigan and Byakugan, Hyuuga Hinata is no match for him if it came down to a fight. And with his bloody record, it may very well become one."
"His exile was self-imposed. There are no walls to his prison, but it is still one he cannot leave. Besides, Jiro is older than any of the victims of that rogue personality. He might not garner any interest from him," Tsunade pointed out.
"It still remains a risk. He has been without... young companionship for so long. Even as a girl, that might not be enough to stave off a potential attack," Utatane warned.
Mitokado rubbed his chin. "Perhaps this is the best solution after all. There is a risk in any mission."
Utatane glared at him. "The girl must know ALL the risks before she meets him. Make sure she understands that more than her life may be at stake. And if her mind begins to fracture more, creating more personalities that may become dangerous to Konoha, that she may be killed to protect everyone from her."
"Understood," Tsunade growled, not happy with the last comment.
Hiashi nodded, doubting that anyone would be able to defeat Hinata if she could become several ninja.
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"Is it okay to be doing this?" Hinata asked shyly.
Naruto looked at her strangely. "Don't you want to see the people you've missed?"
"Of course I do..." Hinata shifted nervously. "But is it okay for us to be on d-date? I mean Jiro is your..."
Naruto tapped the tip of her nose. "You're part of Jiro and Jiro is part of you. Dating you is dating him. Anything you do he'll remember."
"Well, yes... I guess." Hinata's face was deep red. "It still kind of feels like we're cheating on him."
"Have you talked to him?" Naruto asked.
Hinata turned away. "Not really..."
"You should." Naruto shrugged. "Actually, we all should sit down and figure this crap out. I don't want any misunderstandings to occur between Jiro and you."
"Hinata!" a dark haired and animalistic looking teenage boy called out, riding upon a giant white dog.
"Wha?! Kiba?!" Naruto cried out in surprise.
"Kiba-kun..." Hinata whispered fondly. "It's been a while."
The boy leapt off the dog and grabbed the girl into a hug.
Hinata immediately turn beet-red. "Kiba-kun, please let go."
Kiba released her. "Still don't like being touched, huh?"
"Unless it's me," Naruto countered, putting his arm around Hinata, who continued to blush but didn't protest the contact. "And what the hell is with THAT!" He pointed at the white dog that was giving him a weird look.
"That's Akamaru, of course. Don't you recognize him?" Kiba questioned in confusion.
"THAT'S Akamaru?!" Naruto waved excitedly. "HE was riding YOU when I left!"
"He certainly does grow fast. I could barely hold him before I left on my mission," Hinata added.
Kiba scratched his mangy hair. "He does? Didn't really notice."
"'Didn't notice?!'" Naruto questioned incredulously.
"Hello," a boy greeted, with only the upper part of his face visible.
"Who are you?" Naruto wondered.
Hinata smiled shyly. "Hello, Shino-kun."
"Huh? That's Shino?" Naruto asked.
Hinata nodded.
"At least she recognizes her comrade," Shino muttered, seemingly hurt by Naruto's lack of recognition.
"Like I could realize who you are with one word and this much face," Naruto shot back using his hands to cover part of his own face.
Kiba pouted deeply at Hinata. "What were you doing on your mission with Naruto?"
"I... er... well... was to help protect him," Hinata answered nervously.
"Protect him from what?" Kiba wondered in confusion.
"Can't say. Top secret," Naruto replied.
Shino raised an eyebrow. "Why was she chosen?"
"Hard to explain that without breaking secret," Naruto told them.
"Did it have to be you?" Kiba growled. "Couldn't they have sent someone else?"
Hinata shook her head. "It had to be me. I couldn't let someone else do that."
"Huh? Why?" Kiba pressed.
Hinata shifted uneasily. "It's just... well..."
"She knew it'd be a long mission and that my partner would most likely be a girl." Naruto chuckled and drew Hinata in close to him with his arm. "She wanted me all to herself."
"Naruto..." Hinata flushed gazing at the ground.
As covered-up as Shino was, his surprised expression was still evident. "You don't mean you two are together?"
Naruto grinned. "Actually, we're parents."
Kiba flopped onto the ground. "You two are..."
Akamaru began to growl dangerously.
"What is it boy?" Kiba asked in a dazed tone. He sniffed the couple's scent at his dog's suggestion. "Huh?"
Akamaru lurched forward and bit Naruto's arm. The boy's eyes widened in fright just before a cloud of smoke enshrouded him, revealing a purple haired girl underneath.
"Spies?" Shino wondered, before unleashing a swarm of insects at Hinata.
The Hyuuga girl took a step back as the bugs engulfed her in a living cloud. There were hundreds of tiny pricks upon her skin before she disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Kiba and Akamaru launched themselves at Ai, with claws and teeth.
"This makes no sense. That was Hinata's chakra, yet she was a shadow clone," Shino commented.
"What have you done to Naruto and Hinata-chan?" Kiba demanded.
"Damn it, Kiba, I AM Naruto. This was part of the mission!" Ai cried out.
"Kiba, Akamaru, SIT!" Shino ordered.
Much to Ai's surprise, the two listened to Shino's command, literally sitting down on the street, with Kiba sitting the same way as his dog.
"You're going to have to explain who you are and what happened to Hinata," Shino demanded.
Ai didn't immediately respond. "Fine... If I can tell Sakura-chan, then I guess you two should know at least most of what happened. Follow me. I'll explain at my home."
"So, your comment about being parents with Hinata was a lie," Kiba growled.
Ai smirked at him. "Nope. She's the father."
"WHAT?!" was chorused and barked.
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"This is totally messed up." Kiba shook his head. "I thought my family was screwed up."
Ai raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying that your family's love of dogs--"
"Don't go there," Kiba snarled.
"How much do you remember of what Jiro does?" Shino wondered.
Hinata fidgeted. "Everything. I just view it differently."
"One way to view us is to think of me as Hinata born as a guy," Jiro mentioned. "Everything she has done, from her earliest memories, I remember as well. I just don't have the same insecurities and fears."
"So... you remember having sex with Ai?" Kiba questioned uncertainly.
Hinata nodded with a deep blush.
Ai laughed. "Before conceiving Shinobu, we even did it as Naruto and Hinata, so she knows very well that sex can be a lot better as a girl. Though it also can be a lot worse."
Shino looked confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"Girls feel more during sex, both the good and the bad. If you move the wrong way, it hurts more as a girl. Move right, and your brain turns to pleasure-induced mush," Ai explained.
"Can we not talk about that?" Hinata pleaded quietly, her words thick with embarrassment.
"Yes. Let's talk about something else," Shino agreed, shifting uneasily.
A soft knock came from the door.
Ai carefully opened the door. "Hey, Tsunade-baachan. Why are you here?"
Tsunade glared the guests in the girl's home. "I could say the same about them."
"If Sakura-chan can know my story, they should be able to know about _Hinata's_ story," Ai stressed, making it clear they did not have the full story about her.
Tsunade frowned. "I see. Well, I have something I need to discuss with you and... your spouse alone."
"We were just leaving." Shino bowed toward Hinata. "We shall see you again," he promised before dragging Kiba out of the house. Akamaru soon joined them from where he had been laying in the street.
Tsunade glanced around as she shut the door, making sure they would have privacy. She did not take a seat as she addressed the young family. "We have just received word that the next Chuunin exams will be held in Konoha. Ai, would you like to participate in them?"
"Yes!" Ai immediately replied.
Tsunade nodded. "I will arrange for you to meet the two genin on the current Team Seven. They will be your partners for the test."
Ai nodded. She began to shift excitedly.
"The other thing I have to say is for Jiro and Hinata." Tsunade closed her eyes for a moment. "The current situation with you two leads to two undesirable consequences, with one of you active and the other as a shadow. There is a third option, but there are risks to it. During the war with the Hidden Village of Stone, there was a ninja who shared Hinata's problem, only it was more severe. He had eight distinct personalities. Those personalities manifested through his Kage Bunshin. The ease of being dispelled was upsetting to him. With eight separate minds, he set himself to the task of making an advanced Kage Bunshin. One that allowed the clones he made to withstand attacks and had to be killed with lethal damage before they would dispel."
Jiro blinked in surprise. "Are you saying with his technique Hinata would be almost real?"
Hinata frowned. "I don't want to be 'almost real.'"
"The true extent of his technique is only known to him." Tsunade looked away. "After helping to win the war, we learned that one of his personalities is... extremely dangerous, especially to young, innocent boys. He is now in exile at a watch post and is not allowed direct contact with anyone. He's only had himself for company."
Jiro frowned deeply. "So, if I go to him, he might not teach me his technique but rather kill me?"
"With the personality I'm talking about, he would only kill you after raping you and torturing you for a few days," Tsunade corrected. "Though I should point out that is but one of his personalities. Another one of his personalities would kill you without remorse. You want to deal with the other six personalities, particularly the one we've viewed as the leader. He is responsible and loyal to Konoha. He was the one to exile himself for the protection of the village."
"That all sounds rather risky," Ai pointed out.
"But it may let me live separately from Hinata," Jiro pointed out.
"And that's supposed to make ME feel better?" Ai shot back. "Are you two going make me choose between you?"
Hinata and Jiro looked at each other, neither knowing how to answer her.
"You don't have to answer me immediately," Tsunade told them. "However, due to that personality's fixation on young boys, if you do go on the mission it would be best to go fully as Hinata. Jiro's presence would increase the danger."
Ai folded her arms. "Yes, we will have to discuss this."
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Author's Notes:
Coming Next - Chapter 15 Discussions
Ai meets with her temporary teammates while Jiro and Hinata must decide what to do.
Chapter 14 - Home Is Where the Heart Is
By: Lord Archive
Naruto belongs to Kishimoto, all rights reserved. I'm only borrowing them.
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Wondering around the streets of Konoha, Ai looked at the places she remembered well. No one paid any attention to her as she walked amongst the crowd along the main street. Initially the lack of any harsh glares at her had been something of a comfort, but the total lack of recognition began to sting more. She was home, but few people knew it. She was alone now as much as she was when she had first joined Team Seven.
"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen!" Teuchi greeted with a broad smile. Gray hairs poked out from under his white hat. "I haven't seen you around before. New to Konoha?"
Ai strangely felt like she had been stabbed. She pouted at him. "Not exactly. I'd like a large pork ramen, don't forget the _naruto_." She oddly accented the food topping that shared her original name. He didn't seem to notice.
"So, when have you been to Konoha before?" Teuchi questioned.
"I was born here. I've just been a long mission and only just got back," Ai replied.
"I see. Sorry. It must've been a really long mission if I didn't recognize you," Teuchi commented.
Ai let out a laugh. "I wasn't even dating when I left. Now I have a daughter."
"Really?" Teuchi raised an eyebrow. "Too bad my daughter left on a trip. She'd have loved to talk to you about that."
Ai nodded, thankful for the explanation of where Ayame was without her asking about it.
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Jiro tried to shush his crying daughter. He was at a loss for why Shinobu was screaming. Her diaper wasn't soiled and it was too early to feed her. She didn't have any sort of fever, and seemed to only be red faced because of her crying.
There was a twitch within his mind, and he muttered out a word, "Henge." Now Hinata held Shinobu tenderly in her arms. She didn't do anything different than Jiro had, yet Shinobu immediately started to quiet down.
"You just wanted your Mommy, didn't you?" Hinata asked.
Shinobu's arms flailed toward her.
"If only I was your mother," Hinata whispered tearfully.
Shinobu slapped Hinata's arms and giggled. There was no frowning with the baby girl, no matter how heavy Hinata's heart felt.
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"And why didn't you tell me that Jiro was a separate personality from Hinata? That I still have my daughter?!" Hiashi growled.
Tsunade glared at him. "Jiro is as much your son as Hinata is your daughter. They are the same person. The situation they are in now has no simple solution. Without the complete story, making the best decision for them is not possible."
"It's a simple solution. Turn Hinata back as was planned," Hiashi demanded.
"And ignore that Jiro is your son and the father of your granddaughter?" Tsunade shot back.
"That child is no relation of mine," Hiashi retorted.
"Jiro was born from your actions. He is your son," Tsunade stood firmly.
"And am I supposed to recognize those without Hyuuga blood as heir to strongest house of Konoha?" Hiashi retorted. "That would be greatest crime against the clan I could possible do."
Tsunade growled. "I understand that Jiro and Shinobu can never be legitimate heirs, however you are ignoring the point. The reality that Jiro is alive cannot be ignored, neither can Shinobu needing her father be forgotten."
"You have my decision on this. Hinata is my daughter, and I want her back," Hiashi stood firm.
"Be that way," Tsunade spat. She stood up and stomped away.
"What of Toge?" Hiashi called out.
Tsunade stopped. "You know the restrictions."
"Yes, the same restrictions you went around to enact your plan in the first place." Hiashi leveled his gaze at the hokage. "Together we could convince the council."
Tsunade frowned. "We shall see."
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Ai's scowl grew deeper as she walked down a road, turning down an alleyway that connected to another street. She quickly called out, "Kage Bunshin." and a copy of her bounced between the two homes in an effort to reach the roof. She continued on her way to the end of the alleyway and turned around. She saw nothing, but appearances were deceiving.
The clone dropped down from the roof, surprising the attractive woman with long brown hair that had been following her.
"What do you want?" Ai's clone questioned.
"I want to know why you look like a dead girl," the woman hissed.
Ai blinked, recognition slowly leaking in. She had seen this woman at the academy, but she had not been one of Naruto's teachers. "Eh, sorry sensei. Can't tell you."
The teacher grabbed the clone, pinning her to the wall a kunai poised threateningly. "I will not have a spy soil the memory of one of my students."
"I'm no spy." The clone dispersed in a cloud of smoke.
The teacher stumbled, having been off-balanced to hold the girl down. "Huh? That's..."
Ai folded her arms. "Look, I'm no spy. I'm a cousin of Ami's who has been on a long mission. I can't explain more, Tsunade-baachan's orders. You can verify I'm not a spy by asking her, Shizune-neechan or Sakura-chan. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to feed my daughter."
The teacher followed Ai back to the 'Yamada home' and peeked into the window to see not just Ai, but Hyuuga Hinata holding a baby and a boy she did not recognize. There was certainly a story here, but something told the teacher that she wouldn't get to learn what it was.
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"Tsunade-sama. I've been thinking about... Hinata-chan's situation," Sakura began as she worked on filing some of the Hokage's reports.
"Was there something you wanted to know?" Tsunade wondered.
Sakura nodded. "Splitting personalities... it's happened before, hasn't it?"
Tsunade turned to gaze out the window. "A few times, really. We dismissed the potential psychological damage for the power and utility Kage Bunshin offered."
"When did it stop being 'dismissed?'" Sakura pressed.
"One jounin had an especially troubled childhood. At the age of five, he killed his father to stop the sexual abuse that was being inflicted on him," Tsunade growled out disdainfully. "His mind was already fractured, but Konoha was at war with the Hidden Village of Stone. And despite the jounin's obvious insanity, he was still taught Kage Bunshin. He took his shadow clones to a level no one thought was possible. Each of his clones was a separate personality. Fighting him was like fighting eight different ninja as each employed different methods of fighting and reasoning."
"Was he ever cured?" Sakura asked.
"There is no cure for him." Tsunade sighed. "He has been functionally exiled. He mans a watch post, knowing full well he's not allowed to leave it."
Sakura pouted. "That won't happen to Hinata-chan, will it?"
"None of her personalities is a full-fledged homicidal psychopath," Tsunade pointed out.
Sakura shuddered. "Yes. Right."
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"Henge!" Ai called out, changing into Naruto. He then looked toward Hinata. "Let's take a walk around town."
Hinata blinked. "Are... are you asking me on a date?" She cast a confused look toward her soul twin.
Jiro frowned. "You do realize that announcing that Naruto is in Konoha will alert Akatsuki to where you are."
"If the Akatsuki wanted to find me, they would've attacked us a long time ago. Since we killed that one Akatsuki guy, they haven't come after anyone with a tailed-demon," Naruto pointed out.
"But is there any reason to expose our position?" Jiro demanded.
"No one recognizes me." Naruto huffed. "I'm just a stranger to them as a girl. I'm home, but it doesn't feel like it. I freaked out Shikamaru when I waved at him. I want to say 'hi' to my friends and let them know that it's really me."
Hinata gazed at the floor. "I... I would like to do that as well. It has been a long time since I've seen my sister or my teammates."
"Fine," Jiro growled out. "Please be careful."
"Yes, dear," Naruto groused. He kissed the father of his child on the cheek. "We'll be back before dinner."
Jiro let out a small chuckle. "You better, or you'll have to answer to your daughter."
"Yes. Yes. Mommy promises to be home before curfew," Naruto teased, tickling Shinobu's stomach and earning a happy giggle. He then grabbed Hinata's hand. "Let's go on our date."
Hinata flushed, once again casting a look at Jiro with confusion and uncertainly etched on her face.
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"NARUTO is the MOTHER of an UCHIHA baby?!" one of the councilmen called out in shock.
Tsunade folded her arms irritably. She had intended to wait before addressing the council about Naruto's situation and the possible plans to deal with it, but Hiashi brought it up in the council meeting meant to discuss the upcoming Chuunin exams. "Yes. However, that is not the only... casualty of the mission. Unaddressed trauma in Hyuuga Hinata's childhood has led her to develop a split personality. Her cover, Yamada Jiro, has become fully separate and distinct from her."
"Wouldn't it be more accurate to say Uchiha Jiro?" Mitokado grumbled. "Why did you not inform the council that you used an Uchiha for your plans?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "I do not see how that has any baring. As I had outlined in my plan, I would select two dead children that would give the best chance for Naruto to succeed in his training. The best match for Hyuuga Hinata just happened to be an Uchiha boy."
"So, you risked discovery of the mission by covering one bloodline with another. That was an ill-conceived choice that could've easily doomed the mission," Utatane pointed out darkly.
"Arguing over something that has no baring on the present issues at hand is pointless," Hiashi interrupted. "The mission did not go as planned. That is an unfortunate reality in our way of life. Dwelling on what cannot be changed will not allow us to advance. What we need to do now is focus on what to do next."
"And what should be done?" Utatane asked harshly. "The Akatsuki are beginning to stir again. Their spies are tracking down the tailed demons as we speak."
"Because Naruto has become a mother, she currently wishes to remain as she is to better care for her baby. That a simple henge can return her to being fully Naruto for a time, she is in no rush to reclaim her birth form," Tsunade explained.
"It is not so simple with Hinata. Both she and Jiro wish to exist. As they are now, only one can be true while the other would remain only as a shadow," Hiashi added.
"Are you suggesting we cover up the failure of one forbidden technique with another?" Mitokado demanded.
"That jutsu is not actually forbidden. Only contact with the creator of the jutsu has been restricted," Tsunade pointed out. "Until now we've had no good candidates to learn it. To use the skill that helped us defeat the Hidden Village of Stone and yet not suffer the same consequences."
Utatane looked at Hiashi. "You do realize the risk you are suggesting. Sending a _child_ to meet him. He is eight jounin in one. Even with Sharigan and Byakugan, Hyuuga Hinata is no match for him if it came down to a fight. And with his bloody record, it may very well become one."
"His exile was self-imposed. There are no walls to his prison, but it is still one he cannot leave. Besides, Jiro is older than any of the victims of that rogue personality. He might not garner any interest from him," Tsunade pointed out.
"It still remains a risk. He has been without... young companionship for so long. Even as a girl, that might not be enough to stave off a potential attack," Utatane warned.
Mitokado rubbed his chin. "Perhaps this is the best solution after all. There is a risk in any mission."
Utatane glared at him. "The girl must know ALL the risks before she meets him. Make sure she understands that more than her life may be at stake. And if her mind begins to fracture more, creating more personalities that may become dangerous to Konoha, that she may be killed to protect everyone from her."
"Understood," Tsunade growled, not happy with the last comment.
Hiashi nodded, doubting that anyone would be able to defeat Hinata if she could become several ninja.
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"Is it okay to be doing this?" Hinata asked shyly.
Naruto looked at her strangely. "Don't you want to see the people you've missed?"
"Of course I do..." Hinata shifted nervously. "But is it okay for us to be on d-date? I mean Jiro is your..."
Naruto tapped the tip of her nose. "You're part of Jiro and Jiro is part of you. Dating you is dating him. Anything you do he'll remember."
"Well, yes... I guess." Hinata's face was deep red. "It still kind of feels like we're cheating on him."
"Have you talked to him?" Naruto asked.
Hinata turned away. "Not really..."
"You should." Naruto shrugged. "Actually, we all should sit down and figure this crap out. I don't want any misunderstandings to occur between Jiro and you."
"Hinata!" a dark haired and animalistic looking teenage boy called out, riding upon a giant white dog.
"Wha?! Kiba?!" Naruto cried out in surprise.
"Kiba-kun..." Hinata whispered fondly. "It's been a while."
The boy leapt off the dog and grabbed the girl into a hug.
Hinata immediately turn beet-red. "Kiba-kun, please let go."
Kiba released her. "Still don't like being touched, huh?"
"Unless it's me," Naruto countered, putting his arm around Hinata, who continued to blush but didn't protest the contact. "And what the hell is with THAT!" He pointed at the white dog that was giving him a weird look.
"That's Akamaru, of course. Don't you recognize him?" Kiba questioned in confusion.
"THAT'S Akamaru?!" Naruto waved excitedly. "HE was riding YOU when I left!"
"He certainly does grow fast. I could barely hold him before I left on my mission," Hinata added.
Kiba scratched his mangy hair. "He does? Didn't really notice."
"'Didn't notice?!'" Naruto questioned incredulously.
"Hello," a boy greeted, with only the upper part of his face visible.
"Who are you?" Naruto wondered.
Hinata smiled shyly. "Hello, Shino-kun."
"Huh? That's Shino?" Naruto asked.
Hinata nodded.
"At least she recognizes her comrade," Shino muttered, seemingly hurt by Naruto's lack of recognition.
"Like I could realize who you are with one word and this much face," Naruto shot back using his hands to cover part of his own face.
Kiba pouted deeply at Hinata. "What were you doing on your mission with Naruto?"
"I... er... well... was to help protect him," Hinata answered nervously.
"Protect him from what?" Kiba wondered in confusion.
"Can't say. Top secret," Naruto replied.
Shino raised an eyebrow. "Why was she chosen?"
"Hard to explain that without breaking secret," Naruto told them.
"Did it have to be you?" Kiba growled. "Couldn't they have sent someone else?"
Hinata shook her head. "It had to be me. I couldn't let someone else do that."
"Huh? Why?" Kiba pressed.
Hinata shifted uneasily. "It's just... well..."
"She knew it'd be a long mission and that my partner would most likely be a girl." Naruto chuckled and drew Hinata in close to him with his arm. "She wanted me all to herself."
"Naruto..." Hinata flushed gazing at the ground.
As covered-up as Shino was, his surprised expression was still evident. "You don't mean you two are together?"
Naruto grinned. "Actually, we're parents."
Kiba flopped onto the ground. "You two are..."
Akamaru began to growl dangerously.
"What is it boy?" Kiba asked in a dazed tone. He sniffed the couple's scent at his dog's suggestion. "Huh?"
Akamaru lurched forward and bit Naruto's arm. The boy's eyes widened in fright just before a cloud of smoke enshrouded him, revealing a purple haired girl underneath.
"Spies?" Shino wondered, before unleashing a swarm of insects at Hinata.
The Hyuuga girl took a step back as the bugs engulfed her in a living cloud. There were hundreds of tiny pricks upon her skin before she disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Kiba and Akamaru launched themselves at Ai, with claws and teeth.
"This makes no sense. That was Hinata's chakra, yet she was a shadow clone," Shino commented.
"What have you done to Naruto and Hinata-chan?" Kiba demanded.
"Damn it, Kiba, I AM Naruto. This was part of the mission!" Ai cried out.
"Kiba, Akamaru, SIT!" Shino ordered.
Much to Ai's surprise, the two listened to Shino's command, literally sitting down on the street, with Kiba sitting the same way as his dog.
"You're going to have to explain who you are and what happened to Hinata," Shino demanded.
Ai didn't immediately respond. "Fine... If I can tell Sakura-chan, then I guess you two should know at least most of what happened. Follow me. I'll explain at my home."
"So, your comment about being parents with Hinata was a lie," Kiba growled.
Ai smirked at him. "Nope. She's the father."
"WHAT?!" was chorused and barked.
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"This is totally messed up." Kiba shook his head. "I thought my family was screwed up."
Ai raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying that your family's love of dogs--"
"Don't go there," Kiba snarled.
"How much do you remember of what Jiro does?" Shino wondered.
Hinata fidgeted. "Everything. I just view it differently."
"One way to view us is to think of me as Hinata born as a guy," Jiro mentioned. "Everything she has done, from her earliest memories, I remember as well. I just don't have the same insecurities and fears."
"So... you remember having sex with Ai?" Kiba questioned uncertainly.
Hinata nodded with a deep blush.
Ai laughed. "Before conceiving Shinobu, we even did it as Naruto and Hinata, so she knows very well that sex can be a lot better as a girl. Though it also can be a lot worse."
Shino looked confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"Girls feel more during sex, both the good and the bad. If you move the wrong way, it hurts more as a girl. Move right, and your brain turns to pleasure-induced mush," Ai explained.
"Can we not talk about that?" Hinata pleaded quietly, her words thick with embarrassment.
"Yes. Let's talk about something else," Shino agreed, shifting uneasily.
A soft knock came from the door.
Ai carefully opened the door. "Hey, Tsunade-baachan. Why are you here?"
Tsunade glared the guests in the girl's home. "I could say the same about them."
"If Sakura-chan can know my story, they should be able to know about _Hinata's_ story," Ai stressed, making it clear they did not have the full story about her.
Tsunade frowned. "I see. Well, I have something I need to discuss with you and... your spouse alone."
"We were just leaving." Shino bowed toward Hinata. "We shall see you again," he promised before dragging Kiba out of the house. Akamaru soon joined them from where he had been laying in the street.
Tsunade glanced around as she shut the door, making sure they would have privacy. She did not take a seat as she addressed the young family. "We have just received word that the next Chuunin exams will be held in Konoha. Ai, would you like to participate in them?"
"Yes!" Ai immediately replied.
Tsunade nodded. "I will arrange for you to meet the two genin on the current Team Seven. They will be your partners for the test."
Ai nodded. She began to shift excitedly.
"The other thing I have to say is for Jiro and Hinata." Tsunade closed her eyes for a moment. "The current situation with you two leads to two undesirable consequences, with one of you active and the other as a shadow. There is a third option, but there are risks to it. During the war with the Hidden Village of Stone, there was a ninja who shared Hinata's problem, only it was more severe. He had eight distinct personalities. Those personalities manifested through his Kage Bunshin. The ease of being dispelled was upsetting to him. With eight separate minds, he set himself to the task of making an advanced Kage Bunshin. One that allowed the clones he made to withstand attacks and had to be killed with lethal damage before they would dispel."
Jiro blinked in surprise. "Are you saying with his technique Hinata would be almost real?"
Hinata frowned. "I don't want to be 'almost real.'"
"The true extent of his technique is only known to him." Tsunade looked away. "After helping to win the war, we learned that one of his personalities is... extremely dangerous, especially to young, innocent boys. He is now in exile at a watch post and is not allowed direct contact with anyone. He's only had himself for company."
Jiro frowned deeply. "So, if I go to him, he might not teach me his technique but rather kill me?"
"With the personality I'm talking about, he would only kill you after raping you and torturing you for a few days," Tsunade corrected. "Though I should point out that is but one of his personalities. Another one of his personalities would kill you without remorse. You want to deal with the other six personalities, particularly the one we've viewed as the leader. He is responsible and loyal to Konoha. He was the one to exile himself for the protection of the village."
"That all sounds rather risky," Ai pointed out.
"But it may let me live separately from Hinata," Jiro pointed out.
"And that's supposed to make ME feel better?" Ai shot back. "Are you two going make me choose between you?"
Hinata and Jiro looked at each other, neither knowing how to answer her.
"You don't have to answer me immediately," Tsunade told them. "However, due to that personality's fixation on young boys, if you do go on the mission it would be best to go fully as Hinata. Jiro's presence would increase the danger."
Ai folded her arms. "Yes, we will have to discuss this."
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Author's Notes:
Coming Next - Chapter 15 Discussions
Ai meets with her temporary teammates while Jiro and Hinata must decide what to do.