Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shinigami no Naruto: Power of the Soul ❯ Confrontations ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter Twelve: Confrontations

"You, you and you, come with me." Naruto had decided to wait outside the courtroom for Hiashi to find them. He studiously ignored the unabashed stares that followed them as the Hyuuga Clan Head lead them to his study in the compound. He gripped both Tenten's and Hinata's hands tightly, and was mildly surprised when they squeezed back with equal fervor. Hyuuga servants quickly found reasons to make themselves scarce as they felt the rage rolling off the man in waves. His face was perfectly smooth, stride immaculately measured, but his pale eyes were lit by an internal fire.

He knelt down behind his desk when the four arrived at his office and he spent several interminable seconds just staring at them. Finally, after an eon and a half, he spoke. "Was what Higurashi-san said on the stand the truth, Naruto-san?"

"Yes."

"I see. And do you find it amusing to humiliate me and the Clan publicly?"

"It was never my intention to cause you or your family any distress, Hiashi-san. I have no idea how that lawyer found out about myself and Tenten-chan."

"How long has this affair been going on?"

"Since the day that I married Hinata-chan."

"DON'T you DARE call my daughter that," Hiashi roared in an extremely uncharacteristic display of emotion. "You marry my daughter, yet continue to date another woman, and you DARE refer to my daughter as Hinata-chan?"

"Hiashi-san, if you will recall, this entire marriage was yours and the Council's idea. Hinata-chan and I were unwilling participants in this. And besides, Hinata-chan has known about Tenten-chan and me the entire time."

Hiashi whipped his gaze to meet that of his daughter's when Naruto said that. "Is this true, Daughter? You knew about Naruto-san and Higurashi-san all this time?"

Hinata raised her chin and met her father's gaze squarely in an unexpected show of backbone. "Yes I did Father. In f-fact it was my idea that they continue to d-date."

"Explain," Hiashi growled.

"Father, I love N-naruto-k-kun. But I do not wish him to have to b-be with me if it is at the cost of his own h-happiness. So I s-sought out Tenten-san and g-gave her my blessing to each of t-them."

"That was not your decision to make Daughter. Now because of you, my reputation, and that of the Clan has suffered irreparable damage."

"I will say again, Hiashi-san, that this was not my intention when I continued to see Tenten-chan. I will say that I will not stop seeing her because you wish me to."

"Boy, you will do exactly as I say, or suffer the consequences."

"Do as you wish. You cannot possibly change my mind."

"And how do you feel about having the Caged Bird Seal placed on your forehead." Naruto pressed his lips together in a thin line but said nothing.

"As I thought. Higurashi-san, I wish to speak to my son-in-law and daughter privately so I will have a servant show you the way out."

Tenten threw a worried glance to Naruto and Hinata before reluctantly allowing the Hyuuga servant to guide her out. "Now, I wish to know more about you new abilities that you gained during your mission."

Naruto quickly glanced to Hinata before answering. "I really don't know how much we can tell you. I don't think that any of us really understands how our powers work."

"Tell me what you can."

Again, Naruto glanced over to Hinata, letting her know to let him speak for both of them. "All I know is that I was hurt really badly during a fight with some unidentified ninja on the way to Kiri and I spoke to a being that said he was my fighting spirit. When I awoke, I had my zanbato in hand, and eventually figured out most of my abilities through trial and error."

"What did your so called fighting spirit look like?"

"That is a very personal question I think."

"That may be. Regardless, I want to know everything about your powers that you know. I expect you to try to ascertain the exact catalyst that activated these abilities in yourself and your teammates. When you have, you will be instructed to assist the rest of the clan to obtain these abilities."

Naruto's first impulse was to give Hiashi the finger and tell him where he could shove that. But fortunately for him, Hinata and Tenten had far calmer heads than he, and between the three of them had devised a plan of action that wouldn't get Hinata or Naruto executed or worse. Naruto shook his head before answering. "I have no idea how I got these powers, much less how to give them to others. All I know is that I died, and then came back. Same thing with Tenten and Hinata. The only way I could think of possibly passing these abilities on is gathering the whole clan and then killing them, hoping for the best."

It was hard to tell, because Hiashi's neutral expression was a scowl, but Naruto thought that Hiashi's scowl increased in intensity. "That is absurd. You mean to tell me that you have not the faintest idea how to teach this ability to anyone else."

"Yes, that is exactly what I am saying."

"Well. Tell me of your abilities then. I want to know exactly what you three can do. I want to know every possible use of your abilities that you can think of. I want to know how long and how quickly you can use your abilities. In short, I want to know your abilities as well as you know them yourselves."

Naruto nodded and began speaking. He was less uneasy telling Hiashi of his abilities than he was the Council, because he was sure that Hiashi would guard whatever he was told with his life. With Naruto's marriage, he now considered these powers Hyuuga secret techniques, and he was the last person who would go spouting the inner workings of the clan Jyuuken style to anyone outside the clan, so it was safe to say anything Hinata and Naruto told him was not going to spread.

Hiashi was interested to learn that Naruto had gained a limited degree of ice manipulation, but equally dissatisfied to learn that Hinata's main ability was more suited to support than front line combat. Such powers were not appropriate to someone who was supposed to be the pride of Konoha's foremost clan, one that prided itself of being composed entirely of warriors, to one degree or another, something that not even the Uchiha could claim. Although, given whet Hiashi knew of her proclivities, it really wasn't much of a surprise.

"And what of Higurashi-san's abilities? Do they lend themselves to rear echelon grunt work also?"

"No, not really. Hers just emphasize her long range specialty."

"How so?"

"Ask her if you wish to know. It is not my place to reveal her abilities."

"I see. Now, leave me. You are both confined to quarters for the rest of the day." His displeasure was abundantly clear as they exited his office.

Hiashi ignored the looks that the two genin directed at him, preferring to glare at his desk until he had regained control of his emotions. A few minutes later, he stood up and exited the room. He collected his sandals at the door and a pair of branch Hyuuga as he left the compound for the Hokage's Tower.

People quickly made way for the head of the First Clan, so he arrived at the Tower in short order. He bypassed the chunin guards that were stationed at the main doors and spoke not a word until he arrived at the Hokage's office.

"I wish to speak to the Hokage," Hiashi growled at the chunin secretary. Hands trembling from the ki being directed at him, the secretary checked Sarutobi's calender before waving him in. Hiashi let the branch Hyuuga open and close the double doors behind him as he approached the elderly man behind the large desk.

"Good afternoon Hiashi. What, may I ask, is the reason for your illustrious presence in my office this fine day?"

"You know damn well why I am here Hokage-sama." The Hokage's features hardened slightly at the language that Hiashi used, but elected not to call him on it.

"Could you refresh and old man's memory then?"

"I want my son-in-law and daughter transferred to another genin cell."

"No."

"Hokage-sama, those three have publicly humiliated myself and my clan. Such a slight cannot go unpunished."

"No Hiashi. I refuse to split up a functioning genin cell, one of the better ones, I might add, just because you wish to punish Naruto and Tenten-san. Besides, that would require me to rearrange all of the genin cells, and I refuse to disrupt an entire class of ninja just so you can satisfy a grudge."

"Hokage-sama-"

"I said no Hiashi. I am not going to change my mind. However, you are free to discipline Naruto and Hinata in whatever way you wish as long as it does not interfere with their training or performance of their shinobi duties."

"Hai, Hokage-sama." Hiashi gave Sarutobi a small bow. "Thank you for seeing me." Without another word Hiashi spun on his heel and exited the Hokage Tower. Hiruzen leaned back in his plush office chair and sighed. There were sure to be repercussions from this.

OoOoO

Fortunately Naruto and Hinata were not left alone for long. Barely ten minutes had passed before the window looking out on an interior courtyard slid open. "What do you want Ero-sennin?" Naruto asked an upside down Jiraiya.

The elderly visage of the Toad Sage scrunched up in a scowl. "And here I was going to perform a jailbreak on your ungrateful self. If that is all the respect that I am going to get..." Jiraiya started to withdraw his head but halted as Naruto dashed over to the window with a huge grin plastered across his face.

"Err.. did I say Ero-sennin, I meant Super-sennin." Jiraiya lowered his head again, frowning at the beaming blond. A few seconds passed as Naruto continued to make puppy dog eyes at the wizened ninja. Finally he nodded and gestured for the two of them to gather their equipment. Two minutes later, swords, kunai and shuriken attached securely to their bodies the three of them were carefully sneaking their way out of the compound, easily avoiding patrols due to Hinata's use of her bloodline eyes, something in any other case would be a severe breach of etiquette. Use of the Byakugan was severely restricted inside the compound, to preserve privacy. Naruto and Hinata both breathed sighs of relief once they were beyond the boundary walls. Jiraiya just grinned like it had been one big game to him.

"Jiraiya-sama, where are we going?" Hinata was glad for the opportunity to escape the mansion, but she was curious at to why Jiraiya himself would wish to aid them.

"The Hokage and your mother think it is time for you to learn how to harness the true power of the demon sealed within you Naruto," Jiraiya responded to the blond. "I, the Great and Gallant Jiraiya-sama, shall be the one to instruct you on these matters."

Naruto scowled in disbelief. "And how are you going to do that?"

"I am the foremost seal master in the world. It is only natural that I would know a little something about how to help you. After all, I am the one who taught your father all he knew." It took about ten minutes to reach the remote and heavily wooded training ground. When Jiraiya and the two genin arrived, Anko, Tenten and the Hokage were already there. Naruto and Tenten met each other and shared a chaste kiss.

"What are you guys doing here?" Naruto asked her.

"Ah, I'm not really sure. The Hokage wouldn't say much."

Naruto looked over to the elderly Hokage. He was standing on the edge of a large seal array, about ten feet across, with a clear space about five feet across in the center. "What is all this Ero-sennin?"

"This is the seal array that is going to start to unlock the Kyuubi's power." Naruto looked hard at the symbols written in blood on the ground. "Well, to be more precise, this seal will contain the Kyuubi's power once released." Naruto nodded still eying the array warily. "There is nothing to worry about Naruto. It is perfectly safe. Now, I need you to take off your shirt and sit in the middle here with me."

Tenten watched hawkishly as Naruto did as instructed, both men sitting with legs crossed and knees touching. Jiraiya nodded to Sarutobi who bit his thumb hard enough to break the skin and smeared it on the seal. The array glowed white for a moment before settling back into a dark red of dried blood. Tenten didn't want to think where Jiraiya had gotten enough blood to draw this seal. Jiraiya nodded confidently and turned to Naruto. "Focus your chakra for me please but do nothing with it." Naruto nodded and formed the ram seal and focused. A strange design slowly faded into sight on his stomach and Jiraiya bent forward to examine it. A few seconds later he sat back, nodding to himself, apparently satisfied with whatever he saw. A second later he formed a double handful of seals and jabbed a white glowing hand into Naruto's stomach over his Dead Demon Consuming Seal. Naruto's eyes bugged out and he opened his mouth to scream, but no sound came out. Several long seconds passed with Naruto frozen in his silent scream, Jiraiya's face screwed in concentration. Then, without any warning, chakra exploded out from Naruto.

It was an absolutely incomprehensible amount, far more than the relatively minuscule amount that he had channeled during the mission to Wave. The chakra swirled up and out of sight, battering against the containing seal. Normally, visibly manifesting chakra was a difficult feat, but the red Kyuubi chakra that was rushing out of Naruto was so thick that it warped the air inside the seal to a degree that it made it almost impossible to see the two seated figures.

This went on for nearly two full minutes, without ever giving the slightest indication of abating. It wasn't until Tenten heard a peculiar noise, somewhere between a grunt and a whine that she looked down. Kneeling in front of the seal array was the Hokage. He had both hands tightly pressed against the seal, eyes screwed tightly closed in concentration, sweating lightly. It was then she realized that the noise was coming from him, as he was pumping what would be an impressive amount of chakra at any other time. Now, it felt like a drop of water falling into a raging river. Then she heard another alarming noise. Looking down to the massive containment seal, she saw that a few, not many, but enough to be worrisome, of the symbols composing the seal were slowly burning away. Now, Tenten only now the most rudimentary elements of sealing, but even she knew that those burning elements was Bad, as in Very Not Good. Looking down to the rapidly tiring Hokage she dismissed him. He had his hands full trying to keep the seal powered.

Deciding quickly, she cupped her hands and called out to Jiraiya. "Jiraiya-sama, the seal is collapsing!"

Jiraiya tore his fierce gaze from Naruto and quickly examined the parts of the seal he could see. His expression didn't change but he nodded grimly to Tenten. Tenten grew increasingly worried as the red chakra continued to pour forth from Naruto and the seal continued to burn. Eventually once approximately half the seal was burning and the Hokage was swaying dangerously, Jiraiya leaped forward from his seated position and clamped a hand over Naruto's face, thumb and middle finger on his temples, pushing Naruto back to lay down. Tenten, Hinata and Anko poised to leap forward but were halted by Jiraiya's out flung hand silently commanding them to stop where they were. The Hokage swayed once more and collapsed face first into the dirt. A few seconds later Jiraiya settled back onto his haunches and allowed the three women to approach.

Naruto looked completely fine and it was clear that Jiraiya was suffering from a mild case of chakra exhaustion. "Jiraiya-sama," Anko whispered, "What in the world was that?"

"That," Jiraiya responded tiredly, "was unexpected. There are eight suppression seals worked into the Dead Demon Consuming over seal. What I did was release one of them." He sighed at their incomprehension. "Suppression seals work like sponges. That is they absorb chakra and store it. What I did was wring one of them out. The first suppression seal absorbed the most chakra, all the Kyuubi's chakra that naturally leaked out of the seal like it is supposed went through that one first, so it had more chakra stored in it than I expected. The other seals won't have nearly so much when they are released. And even then, the containment seal was nearly overloaded, even with sensei reinforcing it."

"Will they be alright? Naruto-kun and Hokage-sama?"

"Yeah. Sensei is suffering from severe chakra exhaustion and Naruto will wake in a few hours a little sore, but no worse for the wear. Now someone go get sensei and help me up. That took a bit more out of me than I expected." Tenten pulled one of his arms over her shoulders while Anko hoisted the Hokage and Hinata picked Naruto up in fireman carries. When the group exited the forest they were greeted by a sizable contingent of the more powerful and prominent ninja of the village, along with what appeared to be half of the ANBU in attendance.

"Jiraiya-sama, what happened?" Hiashi asked gesturing to the knocked out Hokage, Naruto and himself, clearly tired. "And what are you and Naruto doing here, Daughter? I distinctly remember confining you to quarters."

"That is easily explained Hiashi-san. I collected Naruto and Hinata from your home. I had some training that Naruto needed, and would be good for Hinata to see. I assure you all, everything is completely fine. Or at least it will be once we got to the hospital."

"Well, if you do not require the presence of my daughter at this time, Jiraiya-sama, I shall escort her home."

Hinata winced at Hiashi's perfectly civil tone. Hinata was far from a master or the "sublime art of face reading," as Hiashi put it, but being raised by one who was gave Hinata an adequate grasp to know that her father was less than pleased with her. She looked to Jiraiya out of the corner of her eye, hoping without any real expectation that he would say that he still needed her, but Jiraiya nodded. She suppressed a wince as Hiashi subtly commanded her to move to his side, which she did so, reluctantly. Hiashi nodded and let the group past.

Naruto's Mindscape

As soon as Jiraiya jabbed his stomach, Naruto was jerked from the real world into what appeared to be a dank stone sewer. However, he barely had time to register his surroundings when a translucent wall of red something rushed to him. He took a breath and it was immediately forced from him as the red wave washed over him. Instantaneously he was pissed. At what, he could not say, not that he really cared. All he knew was that he was angry, was enraged, and wanted to rip, shred, maul whoever he could get his hands on into paste. He wasn't sure whether it was the red tide or his anger, but all he could see was red. Such a pretty color, red was. It was the color of life, and the color of death, the color of god. And he was god, more than god, with this power, this might, this most sublime puissance, he could reach up and dethrone God himself. There was nothing that was beyond his reach with this ability.

Naruto didn't know how long he stood there, it could have been a second, an hour, year, and eon, reveling in his strength, but as quickly as it came over him, it left him. He was frozen for a pair of seconds before the shock made him fall to his knees. He was horrified at the emotions that had overwhelmed him with the red tide, terrified at the unadulterated force at his fingertips and the accompanying emotions. He knew what that power was, the chakra of the Kyuubi, and pressed his lips together in anger, his own anger this time. He looked up from his hands and knees down the dark hallway.

"Sorry about that kid. There was a bit more chakra than I expected."

Tearing his glare from the dark hallway, where he knew the Kyuubi had to be, he looked on Jiraiya. "What the hell was that Ero-sennin?"

"Ah, that was one of the suppression seals being released. Like I said, a bit more than I expected."

"Clearly. Now what are you doing here? How did you get into my mind?"

"Oh, that was easy enough. The surge of the Kyuubi's chakra took down your unconscious mental barriers for a moment and I was able to slip past them. Now, lets go find that bastard fox. We need to have a chat." Naruto nodded dumbly and slowly rose to his feet. Jiraiya strode down the stone passageway, completely confident that he knew where he was going. So Naruto was only slightly surprised when a wall to wall iron bar door faded into view at the end of the hallway. Once they were close enough, Naruto was able to make out a menacing pair of glowing red eyes about two thirds of the way up to the ceiling.

Jiraiya and Naruto stopped in front of the gate, a great bellowing coming from behind the bars. It was, Naruto realized with shock, the sound of the Kyuubi's breath. It sounded labored, as if the Kyuubi had a great amount of stress placed on it recently. Human and demon stared at each other for a few interminable seconds before the Kyuubi leaned forward, enough so that Jiraiya and Naruto were able to make out the rest of its head.

"Who are you insects that disturb my rest?"

"I am Kyushu Jiraiya, and this is Uzumaki Naruto."

"Ah, yes. The summoner of that bastard Gamabunta, and my jailer. To what do I owe the honor of you illustrious presences?" Naruto was sure that the Kyuubi was mocking them, he just wasn't sure how.

"Nothing onerous, I assure you Kyuubi-dono. We merely wish to collect his due."

The giant foxes lips peeled back, revealing fangs that were larger than Naruto himself, and the Kyuubi threw his head back, releasing a great rumbling noise that Naruto realized was laughter. "And what," the Kyuubi managed to gasp out between bouts of laughter, "would possess you to believe that I would aid this young human in any way?"

"Because, if he dies, you die."

Annoyingly enough, that threat only elicited greater peals of laughter from the gigantic demon. "Human, I am a construct of pure chakra. I am immortal. I cannot be killed, even by the greatest of your species. I can only be imprisoned for a time. If my jailer were to die, I would disperse, but eventually, be it a year, or ten or a hundred, I would return. So save your threats for someone they would actually affect."

"Ah, but that is not entirely true. Did you not feel the pull on your chakra just a few minutes ago? That was because I released the first of eight suppression seals built into the greater Dead Demon Consuming Seal that is your prison. You feel weaker, not quite as whole as you were. That is because when I released that seal, it consumed a bit of you, and gave it to Naruto. One eighth to be exact. Now, imagine if I were to release a second seal. You would lose another eighth of your power, a fourth of your total power. And if I released the other six seals, you would cease to be. Now, releasing all eight at once would be a guaranteed death sentence on young Naruto, which is why I have released only one. So no, you are not quite as immortal as you might think."

"What do you want?"

"Like I said, nothing terribly onerous. Give use of your power, without the possession, to Naruto when he needs it, and I won't release the remaining seven seals right now." Jiraiya stared fearlessly straight up into the penetrating crimson eyes of the Kyuubi.

"Alright, insect. We have a pact. Just know, when I am freed from my prison, and it won't be long, as incompetent as he is, you are the first I will seek out."

"I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. You might be surprised." Naruto jumped as Jiraiya's large hand settled on his shoulder and began pulling him back. Once they were out of earshot, Naruto finally spoke up.

"Okay, what the hell was that?"

"Not now. You may not realize it, but your body is exhausted and you need rest. I will explain anything you wish to know to your complete satisfaction after you recover. See you on the other side." Jiraiya grinned and waved, then he was gone.

"Well, that is great," Naruto muttered. "He managed to forget to tell me how to get out of here too."

OoOoO

When Naruto awoke he saw the distinctive white tiled ceiling of the Konoha General Hospital and groaned. He really wasn't terribly surprised that Jiraiya's "training" had landed him here though. To be honest he was just glad that he wasn't in the ICU this time, just the regular shinobi ward. The next thing that he felt was something heavy laying on his chest. A second later he realized that a person was slumped across his body, and judging from the two spots of increased pressure, the weight was a female. A quick glances down proved both of those hypotheses correct, and furthermore, identified the person.

"Geeze, I didn't think I screwed up that badly, did I?"

Tenten lifted her face from where she had been rested it in the crook of her elbow, which was resting on Naruto's chest. Fortunately her eyes were not all red and bloodshot but the wet trails gave evidence that she had been crying not too long ago. "Great, you're awake. Hold on and let me go get Jiraiya-sama. He wants to talk to you as soon as you woke up." Tenten was up and out of the room before Naruto got the chance to utter a single syllable.

Naruto stared up at the ceiling until Tenten returned, Anko and Jiraiya in tow, but Hinata conspicuously absent. Anko and Tenten waited by the door when Jiraiya signaled them back. "What's up, Ero-sennin? Why am I in the hospital again?"

Jiraiya frowned. "How much do you remember, Naruto?"

"All of it, I think. I remember sitting in that seal with you, and then you punched me in the gut, and talking to the Kyuubi." Also the ocean of red chakra and the inhuman rage that had overwhelmed him for that indeterminate period of time. "After that, I blacked out."

Jiraiya nodded judiciously. "Yes that is just about everything."

"How is the old man? And Hinata? Is she okay?"

"Ah, sensei is recovering from a bout of chakra exhaustion. Hinata is fine. She never had to come to the hospital."

Naruto's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you not telling me Ero-sennin?"

"Ah, well, it's just that Hiashi-san has forbidden any of the Hyuuga, including Hinata, from visiting you while you are in the hospital."

Naruto's brow furrowed in confusion. "How long was I out?"

"Only a day or so, but we had no idea how long you would be out."

"Well, no big there I guess. Not like I really have anyone in the clan other than Hinata that I would want to visit me."

"Oh. Well that's good. Now, let's get you out of here. You don't want to be here any longer than you have to.

"Ya got that right." Five minutes later four people were sneaking out of a third story window and walking down the wall to freedom.

OoOoO

Naruto and Jiraiya were in an unused training field twenty minutes later, along with Anko and Tenten. "Let us start with a review of the basics," Jiraiya began once everyone was seated and comfortable, "of sealing techniques. Now, tell me Naruto, what are the three base elements of any seal?"

"Um... containment, purpose and ignition."

"Exactly. And what are the components for each element?"

"Well, containment has to have a barrier symbol and a buffer symbol. The purpose element has to have a direction symbol and an element symbol. Ignition just needs an activation symbol."

"Good. Now tell me the purpose behind each symbol in a seal and the order that they are inscribed."

"The containment element is drawn first, so that any error in drawing the seal will not damage anything outside the seal. The barrier symbol is drawn first, and the symbol for earth is usually used, as that is the final safety on a seal. The buffer symbol is drawn next, and is usually either wind or water, to kind of short circuit a malfunctioning seal. Then the purpose is drawn. Next is the direction symbol, one of the four cardinal directions most of the time. After that the element symbol or symbols are drawn in, to tell what exactly the seal will do. Finally, the activation symbol is drawn, as once it is drawn the seal is live. The symbol most often used for the activation symbol is most often order or chaos, depending on the general nature of the seal, and intersects the containment element."

"Very good brat. Now, what is the most common type of combat tag, and how is one drawn?"

"Um... the most common type is a fire tag, or explosive tag." Naruto used his finger to draw a fire tag seal in the ground. First was a ring of interlinked earth symbols, followed by a ring of water symbols. Then he drew the symbol for fire. After that he drew they symbol for north, saying that the energy from the fire symbol was to be directed straight forward. Next he drew the symbol for chaos, and intersected the first two rings with another chaos symbol. He paused to examine his work before shifting back to let Jiraiya examine his work.

Tenten watched in surprise as Naruto quickly and efficiently drew an exploding tag. Of course, Jiraiya was able to point out a few errors, mostly due to poor penmanship, so to speak, but then again, he was drawing in the dirt, and Jiraiya acknowledged that. The ensuing lecture lost both Tenten and Anko, who, while knew a bit about sealing, were already outstripped in knowledge by Naruto. The lesson lasted until the late afternoon or early evening. A good portion of the time was spent on Jiraiya having Naruto try to identify the components and elements of his own seal, much to the blond's frustration.

OoOoO

It was late afternoon, edging onto early evening when Naruto finally made it to the Hyuuga mansion. He absently greeted Yun and Jun, the two married chunin that seemed to be the Hyuuga equivalent of Izumo and Kotetsu, both career chunin who somehow always managed to get assigned the most boring assignments in the village. Not that either set really seemed to mind. "Hey guys. Either of you know where Hinata-chan is?"

"Good evening, Naruto-sama," the pair replied in unison, bowing before him. "I believe that Hinata-sama is in her mother's garden, reflecting."

"You know you don't have to call me Naruto-sama. Just plain Naruto will work fine."

"As you command, Naruto-sama." Naruto just sighed. No matter how he phrased it, as a casual comment, command or plea, nothing he never was able to get any of the branch house Hyuuga to refer to him in anything but the respectful mode of speech.

Back at his mother's house, they had a small garden in the back yard, used mostly to grow plants to be rendered for poison eventually, but Naruto had cultivated one small corner just for himself. So that was why he was surprised and pleased to find out that Hinata also maintained her own garden on the Hyuuga property. He went to his room first and changed into a ratty old set of his training uniform before walking to the garden. He picked up a trowel and knelt down next to Hinata, assisting her in removing the weeds that had cropped up around the more valuable plants. They worked together in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Naruto spoke.

"So how pissed is Hiashi at me?"

"You might wish to skip dinner tonight." Naruto stared at her in incredulity before she continued. "I could bring you something to eat after, but Father is not a pleasant person to be around at the moment." That statement caused Naruto to set his trowel down and give Hinata a look that said 'is he ever a pleasant person to be around?' "Alright, less pleasant than usual then."

"That sounds more like him. I could probably sneak down to the kitchen during the meal. The head cook likes me I think. Though it's kinda hard to tell sometimes. It's always 'Naruto-sama-this and Naruto-sama-that. Gah! Sometimes I wish someone would just yell at me. All this subservience is a little creepy."

"I am sure that you will adjust to it Naruto-kun."

"Eh, maybe eventually. I dunno. It's just weird to be treated with so much respect all of a sudden." Hinata had no idea how to respond to that. They spent the next hour in a comfortable silence, content to let the quiet stretch. Dinner that night was a tense affair, both Naruto and Hinata sitting on needles waiting for the explosion that never came.

OoOoO

"What do you mean I can't see my son?"

"I am sorry Mitarashi-san, but Naruto-sama has been confined to quarters and is not allowed to see anyone on personal business." The gate guard looked extremely apologetic.

"He is my son dammit. You can't tell me I am not allowed to see him. Now let me by."

"I am sorry Mitarashi-san, but Naruto-sama has been confined to quarters and is not allowed to see anyone on personal business."

"Arg, what are you, robots? Fine then. If I can't see Naruto, then I would like to see Hinata."

"Forgive me, but Hinata-sama has also been confined to quarters."

"You are shitting me, right? I want to talk to my genin, and you refuse to let me do so?"

"If you are here on a social call, yes. If not, I am sorry Mitarashi-san, but I have my orders. If you have official business with either Hinata-sama or Naruto-sama please hand over your orders and i can let you pass."

Anko grimaced and sighed. "Well, I suppose I can't fault you for that. Would you let both Naruto and Hinata that I was here?"

"I can do that Mitarashi-san."

"Thanks." Anko turned and walked away from the main gates of the Hyuuga complex to go back to her house. Unfortunately, Naruto and Hinata's rooms were towards the center of the complex, so a daylight jailbreak was an iffy proposition after the last time. Anko entered her house (it had stopped being home when Naruto had left,) and a small grin formed when she saw a messenger hawk resting on the sill of a window. Letting the bird in, she withdrew the flattened scroll from the leather envelope on the bird's back. Her grin expanded to a positively radiant smile when she perused the contents. She swore to give the Hokage a very personal thank you when she got the chance.

The first thing she did after reading the letter was to stop by the Higurashi's. When the door was answered, a very disgruntled Higurashi Kouseki frowned at her.

"Tenten-chan is grounded. So unless you need her for a mission or team training, she is unavailable."

"The Hokage has tapped our team for a mission and I need to speak to her immediately."

"Fine. Come in and I will get her."

"That is not necessary. I know where her room is so I can go get her." Anko did not wait for an answer as she brushed past the older man and ascended the stairs. Gently she knocked on Tenten's door.

"What now?" Tenten snapped.

"Tenten-chan, it's me." There was a five second pause before the door opened.

"Sorry Anko. I thought that you were one of my parents."

"No, it's okay. Grab your weapons, we're going."

"I'm sorry I can't. Unless we have a mission or team training, I'm grounded."

"Well, it is a very good thing that I happen to have one of those two things" and showed Tenten the summons.

Tenten grinned and quickly taped a pair of weapon pouches to her legs and grabbed half a dozen scrolls off the night table before following Anko out. She waved good bye to her parents and then the pair was on their way to the Hyuuga complex.

Anko saw the gate guards sigh when she approached, which only made her smile wider. She held up the mission summons as the guard opened his mouth to turn her away.

"Yeah yeah, I know, they are confined to quarters, blah blah blah. But you see here, I got me a mission summons, which means that they have to come with me, so let me in or get busted with the Hokage." The guards exchanged a glance before admitting the two women in. Anko waved off a Hyuuga servant, and strode purposefully to her son and daughter-in-law's rooms. She waved the paper at the servant kneeling in front of the door to the rooms and entered.

"Hey Mom, how'd you get in here? The guy outside said we aren't allowed visitors." Naruto and Hinata were each seated on one of the overstuffed armchairs that were in the room, one on each side of a coffee table that had a shogi board, a game in progress. Even from a casual glance, it was clear that Hinata was thrashing him quite badly.

"We gots us a mission. So shut, suit up, and get out. Hopefully before Hiashi-bastard appears." She waited a few seconds as nobody moved. She facepalmed and sighed. "He's right behind me, isn't he?" Without waiting for confirmation, she turned around to look up the three inches that separated them. "Team Nine has been tapped for a mission. So, they are coming with me, nothing you can do."

"I know. I came here to speak to my daughter. Come." He directed the last word to Hinata, who followed her father into her room, shutting the door behind her. Naruto went into his room and emerged a minute later Ice Fang on his back over his tan trench coat and weapon pouches on his hips and legs. Two minutes after that, Hinata and Hiashi reemerged from her room. Hinata didn't look any worse for the wear, and Hiashi looks slightly less annoyed than he had when he had gone in.

He departed without saying a word. Now that his father-in-law was gone, Naruto took Tenten's hands in his and the pair shared a brief kiss. Hinata looked away, and Anko smirked. "Alright you two love birds, time to go. The Hokage is not a man to be kept waiting." Team Nine rapidly made their escape, Naruto making a face at Hanabi as they passed the other Hyuuga in the hall. Soon enough they were over the wall and on the roofs. A few minutes after that, they entered the tower and ascended the seven stories to the Hokage's office. There were four other ninja in the room aside from the Hokage. Two were in green spandex, bowl haircuts, and eyebrows large enough to be alive, one was a Hyuuga, and the last was a blond with her hair up in a bun and bangs hanging long over one eye. She wore a purple top, cut to expose her shoulders and midriff enhancing her considerable bust, and a purple skirt that went halfway to her knees, grey leotard pants under those. On her knees and elbows she wore bands of ninja mesh.

"Ah, good afternoon, Anko-san."

"Afternoon Hokage-sama."

"Now that Team Nine is here, may we begin the briefing?" That was the Hyuuga, who looked vaguely familiar to Naruto.

"Of course Neji-kun. But before we do so, why doesn't everyone introduce themselves?"

"YOSH! I will start off, as I am Konoha's Beautiful Green Beast, Maito Gai! Along with my most youthful student Rock Lee, and his two teammates Hyuuga Neji, and Yamanaka Ino." Naruto recognized the Hyuuga now. He was a cousin of Hinata's from the branch house, a real asshole.

"Mitarashi Anko, and my son Hyuuga Naruto," her face twisted slightly at this and Naruto caught a slight tightening of Neji features, "Hyuuga Hinata and Higurashi Tenten."

Maito Gai apparently had not gotten the memo. "Hyuuga Naruto? You do not have the Byakugan."

"Hyuuga by marriage. Hinata is my wife."

"YOSH! Your FLAMES OF YOUTH must BURN brightly for ones so young to be bound in HOLY MATRIMONY," Gai exclaimed, missing the Hokage's look.

"Not exactly," Naruto muttered, again unheard by the large man.

"Now that everyone is acquainted, we will begin the briefing." He picked up a pair of manila folders and handed them to Gai,and he handed one to Anko. "Gai, I am assigning your team and Team Nine a C-rank escort mission, with you in command. There is a merchant caravan in Otafuku Gai that requests escort to the Grass Country. This is one of the larger caravans traveling this year, and so will be a medium level target to bandits and highwaymen. The mission will last approximately four weeks, including travel time."

"How many wagons and merchants are in the caravan?" Anko asked.

"Ten wagons and thirteen merchants. You will need to leave at ten o'clock to arrive at the Konoha Shinobi Employment Office at one. Any other questions should be answered by reading the mission dossiers. Now unfortunately, I have stacks of paperwork to deal with yet, so good day and good luck." Everyone bowed at the dismissal and quickly exited the office.

Gai looked at a clock hung on the wall of the lobby. "It is three o'clock now. Let us meet at the east gate tomorrow at 9:30 before we leave."

"That sounds good. I am sure that there is plenty that needs to be done before you and your team is ready to leave tomorrow."

"There is. See you tomorrow!" The last was shouted as Gai led his team away from the Tower, quickly ascending to the rooftops of the town.

Naruto looked over to Hinata and sighed. We had better get back to the compound to pack." He and Hinata had barely jumped when Anko's hand clamped down on their collars, eliciting a strangled "urk!" from Naruto.

"Nuh uh. You three are staying at my place tonight. We need to make plans and that could take all night." Naruto opened his mouth to counter that when Anko gave him a look and he realized what she was doing.

Next, they dropped by Tenten's house to allow her to gather her equipment while Anko explained to her parents that she was sleeping over with her to make plans for tomorrow's mission. Naruto and Hinata quickly gathered their gear from their rooms in the Hyuuga complex and the group was beating a hasty exit when they ran into an obstacle in the form of Hiashi and Hanabi.

"Hiashi-san," Naruto greeted with a slight head nod. "Gaki-chibi," he said to Hanabi, grinning slightly as she scowled and muttered "idiot" under her breath.

"Where are you going Naruto-san, Hinata-chan?"

"We have a joint mission with Team Gai tomorrow Father and are going to spend the night at Anko's to plan for it."

"No you most certainly will not. You can do that here just as well."

At this Anko grinned. "Ah, but you got no say in this Hiashi-san. I am their commanding officer and this is a team function. I am perfectly within my rights to order them to stay the night at my house, Also, Naruto is my son, so he is allowed to visit his dear old mother with his wife if he so pleases."

Hiashi had no way to respond to that, so rather than give her the pleasure of seeing him standing there searching for a proper response, he beat a quick retreat. Hyuugas that they ran into on the way out found somewhere else to be, because the way that Anko was smiling most thought she was on her way to a slaughter.

OoOoO

The three genin dropped their packs in their rooms in Anko's house before Hinata walked into the kitchen to see Anko bustling about. Hinata was mildly surprised to see Anko wearing a frilly pink apron with the words "annoying the cook results in being the portions." Although who, other than Naruto, would try to deliberately annoy Anko was a good question. Even the Hokage stepped lightly around her when she was in a temper.

Hinata cleared her throat after a few seconds to gain her attention. "Hello Hinata-chan. You need something?"

"No. Naruto-kun and Tenten-chan are in his room so I wanted to know if your needed some help."

"Sure," Anko pointed to a pile of vegetables that had yet to be chopped after Hinata washed her hands. A few minutes later, Anko filled the rice cooker and leaned back against the counter to face Hinata. Hinata was facing away from her still preparing the veggies. Anko carefully considered what to say to the blue haired girl as this kind of thing was not her forte. She had no daughters and was hardly what most would call feminine. Eventually she just decided to wing it. It seemed to work for Naruto most of the time. Anko approached Hinata from behind and enfolded the younger woman in a hug.

Hinata immediately stiffened, not expecting the gesture. "What is wrong Anko?"

"Nothing Hinata-chan. It's just I wanted to thank your for everything."

Hinata turned as Anko finally released her. "What do you mean?"

"Do you love my son?"

"Of course Anko!"

"And yet you allow Naruto and Tenten to keep seeing each other."

Hinata hesitated for a few seconds before answering. "I know Naruto-kun does not care for me like he does for Tenten-chan. I would rather he be happy with another woman than unhappy with me."

Anko smiled a bit at this. "You know, Naruto thinks of your as one of his best friends."

"I know that," Hinata replied, more than slightly wistful.

"I am sure that you will find someone to love you too some day."

"That would be nice, but only if I were to divorce Naruto-kun, and that is something that my father would never allow."

"Your father will not live forever."

"I know that also, but by the time he passes on I doubt that I could do anything."

Anko reached forward and pulled Hinata into a hug which she returned. "Don't lose hope. I am sure that everything will work out for the best in the end." Hinata said nothing, knowing better.

OoOoO

The moment the door to Naruto's room was closed Tenten tore the backpack from her shoulders. Her next action was to curl her fists in the blue fabric of Naruto's shirt and yank him into her. Their mouths slammed together with bone-jarring force but neither one cared.

The next three minutes were spent mouth to mouth, going so long that Anko, had she been there, would have wondered if either needed to breathe. When Naruto and Tenten had had enough of each other for the moment, Naruto pulled Tenten into his lap as he sat on his bed.

Both were silent for a minute, recovering their breath. "You know I love you."

"I know Naruto-kun, I know."

"It's just that I feel bad for Hinata-chan. She has nobody other than us, and I hate rubbing our relationship in her face."

"It is alright Naruto-kun. That is just one more reason whey I love you." Tenten punctuated that remark with a quick peck on the lips, which quickly turned into another full on make out session as Naruto laid back on his bed and pulled Tenten on top of him. She had already been slightly flushed before but her blush expanded to encompass her whole face as Naruto's hands, which had been resting comfortably at the small of her back moved to cup her buttocks.

Tenten smiled into the kiss. If he could be naughty, than so could she. Her hands, which were pressed against Naruto's chest, slid south. She tugged at the bottom of his shirt, untucking it so she could run her warm hand across his ridged stomach before moving to his chest. Tenten traced the contours of his chest before pinching one of his nipples lightly.

That made him grunt slightly and dig his fingers into her buttocks a bit more. Naruto broke their kiss and began trailing kissed from the corner of her mouth along her jaw and down her neck. As he did this, he slid one hand from her buttocks up under her shirt.

He slowly stroked her silky smooth skin, using his fingers tor trace the line of her spine all the way to her neck before sliding his pant to rest just above her hips. He grinned mischievously as he felt nothing but skin all the way. "What, no bra today Tenten-chan? Hoping to get lucky?"

"Can it buster. All my clean bras are packed away. And I had just gotten out of the shower when Anko came to pick me up." She knocked her forehead into his mouth lightly as he opened it again. "Watch what you say, or I will get up and go check on dinner downstairs."

When Naruto wisely said nothing, she grinned victoriously and laid her head down on his chest and closed her eyes. She smiled as she felt Naruto growl in pleasure, her breathing unconsciously falling in rhythm to his heartbeat.

"Tenten-chan," Naruto said softly several minutes later.

"What is it Naruto-kun?" Tenten replied, turning her head chin resting on his chest looking at him through her lashes.

"Would you be averse to me taking Hinata on a date after we get back from our mission?"

That caught Tenten by surprise. Tenten pushed herself up so that she was leaning on her elbows and looking down at Naruto. "Why? She asked.

"Well, for a bunch of reasons. I don't think that it is fair that she and I are married yet for all intents and purposes we might as well not be, it is only because of her kindness that we are still dating. I know that she hurts every time she sees us together, and I don't like it. I know that Hinata loves me and I would like to repay her if only a little bit."

Tenten was silent for a few long seconds, musing over what Naruto said. "That isn't everything though."

"No it isn't," Naruto admitted, averting his gaze. "I think I might be falling in love with her also." Tenten said nothing. "You are still and will always be my first love. You are beautiful, strong and determined. There is nothing in this world or any other that will ever change that. Ever. " Naruto had removed his hands from her back and buttocks to cup her face and make her look at him "Tenten-chan, look at me. I still love you, I always will. It is just that I love Hinata also. I swear that she will never take your place in my heart." Tenten still said nothing so he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Please Tenten-chan, say something."

"I don't know what to say Naruto-kun."

"That is alright Tenten-chan. I don't need an answer right now. Just know that whatever you decide, I will honor it. I will never give you reason to doubt my love for you. You are my precious Tenten-chan." Again, Tenten said nothing but laid her cheek and snaked her arms under his body and hugged him tightly.

Naruto didn't know how long they spent like that, but he must have dozed off because they were jerked awake by a knock on his door. Anko poked her head and grinned at them. "Up and at 'em lovebirds. Dinner's on." Dinner was a quiet affair, despite the quality of the food. Anko carried most of the conversation because the air between Naruto and Tenten was slightly tense, and Hinata had clammed up, her residual insecurities assuring her that whatever happened between Tenten and Naruto was her fault.

Everyone went to be soon after dinner as they had a mission on the morrow. Naruto kissed Tenten good night in front of her door before murmuring something in her ear, Hinata quickly entered her room not particularly eager to see them being intimate.

OoOoO

Anko was up and pounding on doors the next morning. Ten minutes after that Team Nine was alert and in the process of being fed. Twenty minutes after that they were triple checking weapons and armor and packs, making sure that everything that they would need for the mission was where it was supposed to be. Nobody spoke as they hopped across the roofs of the town heading towards eastern gate. The four ninja alighted at the gate exactly at 9:30 as Gai had asked. But the sight that greeted their eyes was not a pleasant one.

The two Beautiful Green Beasts of Konoha were currently engaged in certain actions that would leave the three genin of Team Nine traumatized for years. Gai and Lee were locked in a man-hug, dancing around in a circle, screaming each other's name, while in the background a sun set amid foaming waves crashing on a rocky shore.

"KAI! KAI! KAI! Sensei why isn't it working?" Fortunately for all involved, Tenten's yelling caught the attention of the two men and they released each other, the horrifying genjutsu fading. Of course, what replaced it wasn't much better. Naruto was looking directly at Gai as he greeted them, immediately striking his "good guy" pose, the shine from his teeth knocking Naruto back.

"YOSH! I SEE YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH BURNING BRIGHTLY AS EVER ANKO-SAN!"

"Yeah, yeah, Gai. Though would you mind toning it down a couple dozen notches. I think there was someone in Demon Country that didn't hear you."

"Anko-san, you have to have been hanging around my ever cool and outrageously hip rival Kakashi!"

"Errr... sure." Anko really wasn't going to risk arguing with him, lest she set him off on a rant about the flames of youth or something. "Now that we are all here, why don't we get the meeting started."

"Ah, yes. Even your mask of professionalism is not strong enough to hide your joy at being assigned this mission! Why don't we reintroduce ourselves and tell me a bit about your specialties as shinobi, so that when we arrive at our destination, I will know how to employ your FLAMES OF YOUTH to best effect."

"Sure I guess. Uh, well, I'm Mitarashi Anko and I specialize in assassinations and hit and run fights. My ninjutsu arsenal leans towards shadow and snake manipulation, with a few ninjutsu from every element. "

"Hyuuga Naruto, I have mastered the Shadow Clone Technique and know two wind element ninjutsus. I am a close range fighter, and am pretty good with my zanbato. Also, I can make small to medium yield explosive tags."

"Higurashi Tenten, I specialize in long range combat by carrying weapons in scrolls and unsealing them in the air. I have two earth jutsus and advanced chakra control. Although melee combat is not my forte, I am somewhat skilled with my katana."

"Hyuuga Hinata, I have a medium proficiency with my bloodline and family taijutsu, have a pair of lightning techniques along with average skill with my sword."

"I am Maito Gai, and along with my student Rock Lee am an taijutsu expert. I have a summoning contract with the turtles, but have sworn not to use ninjutsu or genjutsu in front of my most youthful student Lee."

"Hyuuga Neji. I have expert proficiency with the Jyuuken and my bloodline."

"Yamanaka Ino. I use my family's secret mind control techniques along with medial jutsu and genjutsu in combat."

"Anko-san, if I may ask you and your students a few questions?" Anko nodded. "Don't you hold the contract for the snake summons?"

"Yes I do. I can summon up to medium-level summons without problem."

"Naruto-san, you said that you can use the Shadow Clone Technique. How many can you make before becoming tired."

Naruto considered that for a moment. "I don't really know. I once made over a thousand clones at once."

"Really? That is a most youthful accomplishment. Hinata-san, how far can you extend your sight with your Byakugan?"

"Um, I can see about five hundred yards if I concentrate."

"That is very impressive for your age Hinata-san." Gai looked up at the rising sun. "It is time to get going if we want to meet our clients on time." Nodding to himself he lead the seven other shinobi to the guard house, confirming the members of the mission leaving, recording the time and when they were expected to be back. Ten minutes later everyone had ascended to the treetops and were making good time to Otafuku Gai.

OoOoO

Naruto was mildly impressed with Otafuku Gai. It was a sizable city, maybe a bit smaller than Port City, and about as busy. Naruto was not taking in the sights much though. He was worried about Tenten. She had barely spoked a dozen words to him since their conversation the previous day. She was one of his most precious people, and he didn't want to lose her over a single conversation. He had spent much of the previous night and most of the trip to the city trying to think of what to say to her. Thing was, he really couldn't think of much to say. He had made his views clear, and wasn't sure how to reiterate them. Either way, he had to speak to her privately when they made camp tonight.

 

A/N: About this chapter:
Hiashi is surprisingly difficult to write.
So is the Kyuubi.

I am kind of on the fence over this chapter. I don't particularly like a lot of the Hiashi interactions, but Hanabi was fun enough to offset mostly. This chapter is kinda filler-ish, but also begins a fairly important arc for a certain character. Not gonna say who, but I think you will be surprised at what I have planned for this arc.

Hope my explanation of the anatomy of a seal is palatable. I know that there are going to be people pointing out a hundred inconsistencies and holes in my explanation, but I was just going with the flow when explaining it. Either way, it is not a crucial bit of storytelling.

For those that wanted some Tenten fluff, here you go. Go rot your teeth.

And gaki-chibi means little brat, more or less.

On a semi-related note, Otafuku is a fun word to say. Otafuku otafuku otafuku hehehe

Also, this is the first chapter that has not had a chapter name just pop out at me...

 

Next time on Shifted Reality: Another C-rank could have disastrous consequences.