2,337Naruto: Curse of the Ryugan
Futurepast
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge
AUTHORS NOTE:
Still slogging through writer's block. Here is Chapter 63, enjoy!
[ ] signifies hand signs
{ } signifies a foreign language
Last time:
…
Tsunade's Office
The Hokage was pissed. "So, you've been feeding information to Showa Ito for how long chunin?!"
"…Since you took office Hokage-sama. Showa Ito-sama didn't trust you as the Fifth Hokage and hired me then to report on missions to the Fire Capital." answered Shinji "When he came to the village recently, he asked me to send copies of the missions chunin Uzumaki Naruto was on."
"Do you know why Ito-sama did this?" asked Tsunade.
He squirmed a bit. "I was paid to obey, not to ask questions."
Tsunade stood up. "Showa Ito-sama is plotting against Daimyō-sama and all your messages were to support his treachery. Were you aware of this?"
Shinji's jaw dropped. "N-no! He said it was Daimyō-sama's will!"
She shook her head. "You are a fool, Riku Shinji. Lizard, take him away to ANBU prison on charges of High Treason. His punishment will be decided later. We need him alive for now."
Shinji wailed before ANBU Lizard took him away in a body flicker...
…
Fire Country, Konoha, Front Gates
Three days later, Jiraiya and company arrived with Uzumaki Honoka. They had no idea what surprises awaited them…
…
Chapter 63
Fire Country, Konoha, Front Gates
Uzumaki Honoka had mixed feelings. Uzu Island was in ruins, but she was safe in Fire Country and more importantly, alive! Honoka decided to dedicate herself to the restoration of Whirlpool any way she could.
The gates of Konoha were impressive to her but the first thing she noticed was the fuinjutsu on the village walls. She wondered exactly what they did but decided to ask later. The gate guards Izumo and Kotetsu welcomed the group to Konoha and informed them to report to the Hokage immediately.
…
Hokage Tower
Tsunade was happy to see her husband Jiraiya had returned safely with everybody. She welcomed Uzumaki Honoka to Konoha and received the reports from her ninja. Then the Hokage pulled Naruto and Hinata aside and said, "I have a bit of a surprise for you two."
…
"We…we have a daughter?!" asked Hinata with wide eyes. "But we're not even married yet!"
"Believe me when I say we were as shocked as you are." stated Tsunade. "The blood tests don't lie. She came back in time from the future in a sealing array that I won't pretend to understand."
Naruto asked, "Is she trying to get back to her time then? That's what I would do."
Hanako shook her head. "Himawari's summons informed her that time travel is far too dangerous for mortals. He said she was fortunate to have survived."
"Was she hurt in any way?" questioned Hinata concerned.
"She seems to have the same healing factor Naruto has." explained the Hokage. "The girl is ridiculously healthy."
Hiruzen smiled. "Himawari-chan is staying at the Hyūga Compound waiting for you to return. Why don't we go see her together? Hanako-chan and I can introduce you. The girl is dying to see you."
After a bit more discussion, the quartet set out to see the youngest Uzumaki…
…
Hyūga Compound
Himawari was going through her water juken katas in the sparring circle as Hiashi watched from the veranda of the main house. 'Her forms are perfect.' he thought. 'It's hard to believe I have a granddaughter. To think she's only fourteen. Himawari-chan is brilliant.'
Team 9 was there as well. Maito Gai was observing with an expert eye. He watched as Himawari flawlessly switched to her sword katas. The girl moved rapidly through the Uzu style of swordplay. The Green Beast noted that it was brutal and unpredictable but smooth and graceful at the same time.
Tenten was more interested in Himawari's blade. I was black with rippling patterns like Naruto's swords but had a white cutting edge. The katana was named Gekido*①. From what Himawari had told the weapon's mistress, the sword was forged from chakra metal in Iron country and then etched with seals in Uzu. Tenten was fascinated.
It was about the time Himawari completed her katas and sheathed her sword that Naruto and Hinata arrived at the Hyūga Compound. They were welcomed by the Hyūga gate guards and entered the compound with Hanako and Hiruzen in tow.
Himawari saw her parents enter the gates and raced over to them in a body flicker. The young couple was dumbstruck as their daughter gave them each a bone crushing bear hug and said, "Mama! Papa! I've missed you so much! I love you!"
Hinata was fighting for air and Naruto felt his back pop. Their eyes were as big as saucers. Hanako smiled and said, "Hima-chan, you should give proper introductions. They don't know you yet."
The girl released her parents and sniffled. Her eyes were wet with emotion. She bowed gracefully. "Mama, Papa, I am your daughter Uzumaki Himawari. I'm fourteen years old and I love you both very much. Please accept me."
Hinata recovered her breath and slowly cupped Himawari's cheek with her hand. "You are such a beautiful girl. You have Naruto-kun's whisker marks." She looked at Naruto who smiled softly at his fiancé.
The orange loving blonde said, "Himawari, Hinata-chan and I have never been parents before…I guess we'll all have to get to know one another."
"Please call me Hima-chan, Papa." said the girl. "I'm very happy you're here. I want to make you proud of me."
Hinata smiled, "Hima-chan, you seem to be a very sweet girl. Tsunade-sama told us you are a chunin and hold the Dragon Contract. That's amazing."
Himawari's eyes lit up. "The dragons are my friends and very wise. My personal summons is Hiryu-sama."
"So how exactly did you travel through time?" asked Naruto.
Himawari frowned. "I was experimenting with the Hiraishin Transport Seal that you and Kanna kaa-chan invented and accidentally was shot through time instead of space. My summons told me that time travel was forbidden so I can't research it further."
Then Naruto and Himawari started talking in abstract fuinjutsu terms and everyone else had their heads spinning. Then the blonde said, "…So you tried to use a Hiraishin seal without an anchor…very clever Hima-chan. I wonder if we could make it work…"
Himawari sagged a bit. "With the time factor involved, my summons said it was prohibited. They said I was lucky to be alive."
"Well, that's no good." replied her Father glumly.
Hinata's eyes were swirling. "May we should all sit down and have some tea with Hima-chan."
Naruto grinned. "That's a great idea Hinata-hime. Let's all get to know each other better!"
…
"…So, I was being taught water style juken by Mama since I was old enough to walk and talk!" explained Himawari happily. "I've incorporated some of the Uzu style from Papa and a few moves from my other Kaa-chans too. You never know when you'll need an extra move. I invented the Twin Dragon Fists by combining the juken an Uzu styles."
'By the gods, no wonder she's such a monster!' thought Hiashi with a shiver.
"I do wonder about Little Uzu though." said the girl. "I'm not sure exactly when it was built."
"Little Uzu?" asked Naruto.
"I guess Mama had a lot of land here in Konoha and had it redeveloped. Our family had a big house there and it doubled as the Uzu Embassy after we started rebuilding Uzu Island." explained Himawari as she pointed north. "It looks like no one lives up there now."
"I think you must be talking about the old Uchiha Quarter, Hima-chan." said Hanako. "It's all abandoned on the north side of Konoha."
Hinata looked thoughtful. "I've thought about levelling it at starting anew but wasn't sure where to start."
"It was all rebuilt by the time I was born." answered the girl. "A lot of people originally from the Tiger Tree Village moved there after the purge from what I was told."
"The purge?" asked Naruto and Hinata as one.
Himawari's tone became dark. "Kanna kaa-chan's twin brother Menma killed a bunch of innocent people in the Tiger Tree Village to cover his tracks after he and his advisor tried to murder you. She told me it was a bloody affair and didn't like to talk about it."
Naruto's eyes widened. "We need to talk to Kanna-chan about this. I can't believe her own brother tried to kill her."
"Do you know any details Hima-chan?" asked Hinata.
The girl explained, "It all happened before I was born. When you returned to the Tiger Tree Village, Menma said he would launch an investigation as to who tried to kill you all. Kanna kaa-chan left it to him and lived in Konoha. It wasn't until a year later that the truth was revealed and by that time Menma was paranoid and killing anyone who opposed him and his advisor. It was a horrible atrocity."
"Kanna-chan is going to be terribly upset." said Hinata. "We need to prevent this from happening."
"Maybe Hiryu-sama could fly us to the Tiger Tree Village." said Himawari. "It couldn't hurt to ask. We could set up Hiraishin Transport seals between Konoha and the Tiger Tree Village then."
Naruto sagged. "But we haven't invented a seal yet Hima-chan."
The youngest Uzumaki smiled brightly. "But I know it, Papa. I can teach it to you and Kanna kaa-chan."
Hinata was deep in thought. "It sounds like we have the beginning of a plan then."
…
Natsume Estate
Maya and the rest of the family were just as floored as everyone else had been that Naruto and Hinata had a fourteen-year-old daughter. Himawari was elated to see her family again (even though they were much younger) and was given a warm (but awkward) welcome. It really wasn't until late that night that reality hit the youngest Uzumaki, and she went to see her Mother…
…
Hinata heard a knock on her door and saw it was Himawari using her byakugan. The girl was crying silently and hugged Hinata when she opened the door. The older of the pair asked caringly, "What's wrong Hima-chan?"
The dam broke and Himawari cried, "All my brothers and sisters are gone! I'm all alone!"
Hinata cradled her daughter in a hug and sat down beside the distraught girl on the bed. "Hima-chan, Naruto and I will always be here for you, and you'll be a nee-chan in the future." She kissed Himawari's forehead. "It's going to take some getting used to, but I know everyone will love you. It will just take time."
Eventually Himawari settled down and fell asleep in her Mother's embrace. Hinata laid her down and eventually fell asleep herself. 'My poor baby…' was the last thought the byakugan princess had before she dozed off.
…
The next morning, Himawari awoke and her eyes fluttered open. She smelled her Mother's scent in the sheets and felt warm inside. Smiling, the young woman got up and went to the guest room she was staying in and changed into some fresh clothes. Padding out into the front room she saw Naruto, Kanna and Hikari practicing their calligraphy.
The blonde seal master saw his daughter and said, "Good morning, Himawari-chan. Come join us."
The girl smiled and sat down before unsealing her ivory calligraphy brush she was so fond of. After receiving a parchment to practice on, she immediately started going through the primary kanji that were used is fuinjutsu… Only to notice everyone was gawking at her.
Kanna was the first to ask, "How are you writing without dipping your brush in fresh ink Hima-chan?"
Himawari giggled. "This brush has several liters of chakra ink sealed in it so I can write all day. Unfortunately, I still have to clean it conventionally…"
"Liters?!" asked Hikari in amazement.
The girl replied, "I tweaked Papa's old paint tag seals and applied them to my brush. It was my first original fuinjutsu. With seals you can do anything."
"That's brilliant Hima-chan!" praised Naruto.
"Thank you, Papa." she said beaming.
Hanako came in and said, "It sounds like you inherited Naruto's inventiveness with seals."
"Yes, I love inventing new seals." said Himawari. "I helped with the Arashi Seal Company too. It is hard work sometimes, but I really enjoy it."
Kanna smiled. "It sounds like the company took off."
The girl nodded. "You, Papa and Hikari Kaa-chan all taught me about seals since I was little. We are a very busy clan." Suddenly she sniffed the air, and her mouth started watering. "Mama is fixing cinnamon rolls! They are the food of the gods!"
Naruto sweat dropped and Hikari and Kanna started to laugh…
…
It wasn't until evening that the subject of the purge came up. Kanna didn't want to believe it. She was very upset but the puzzle pieces all fit. "Menma was always afraid I would try to usurp him because I was stronger." said the red-haired young woman through sniffles. "Asahi, Otsu and Michiko have been our advisors since we were little. After our parents died, Michiko was like a Mother to me. It's so hard to accept."
"I'm so sorry Kanna kaa-chan." said Himawari. "You told me about it but not in detail. Michiko was alive during my time, and I think Otsu was, but I've never heard of Asahi."
Kanna sighed. "Michiko was my advisor and Menma favored Asahi. Otsu was older and was an advisor to my parents. He may have retired by the time you came around, Hima-chan." She shed a tear. "We need to confront Menma. Attempted murder carries the death penalty in the Tiger Tree Village."
…
The next morning, Himawari demonstrated the Haraishin Transport Seal to Naruto, Kanna and Hikari. "…And that's it." said the girl as she completed the seal. "Once a counterpart seal is set up in the Tiger Tree Village, we can transport there in an instant."
Kanna had wide eyes. "That's excellent Hima-chan! This seal is a beautiful piece of work."
Naruto's daughter replied, "You and Papa invented it. This is all your work." Then she smiled. "By the time I was born you already had a transport network set up between Konoha, Uzu and the Tiger Tree Village we used all the time."
Hikari was studying the seal. "Wow. This is still a bit beyond me."
"You're getting better every day, Hikari-chan." said Naruto supportively. "Just give it time."
The purple haired young woman hugged Naruto and kissed his cheek. "I can't wait to learn it Fox-sensei."
…
Hokage Tower
Tsunade was talking to Naruto and Kanna that afternoon. "So, you want to take Team Kuro to the Tiger Tree Village and set things right. I haven't got any missions that require you at this point so I don't see why there would be a problem. When are you leaving?"
"The plan is to leave tomorrow morning provided Hima-chan's summons will take us." said Naruto. "I still have to talk to Yūgao-sensei but everyone else is on board."
"Well, check with Yūgao and set up a time so we'll know when to expect a dragon." ordered the Hokage. "I don't want another panic like last time."
…
Yūgao and Hayate's Apartment
Naruto went over to see his sensei with Kanna in tow. They were sitting in Yūgao's kitchen, and the sword mistress said, "I'm sorry to hear about this Kanna but it all makes sense. I can't imagine what you are feeling right now."
Kanna frowned. "It hurts. Having my own family betray me is breaking my heart. I can't bear to execute my brother, so I've asked Naruto-kun to do it as the Uzumaki Clan Head. It will be hard for everyone."
"Well count me in on this trip." replied the purple haired woman. "I want to see justice done."
…
Natsume Estate
The next morning, Himawari had already cleared things with Hiryu via a small messenger dragon and he had agreed to take them back to Ōrora and the Tiger Tree Village. She called, "Summoning: Come forth, Hiryu!"
The green and yellow dragon appeared in a cloud of smoke and said in his deep voice, "Hello, Hima-chan. I trust you and your passengers are ready to go?"
Himawari smiled. "Yes Hiryu-sama, thank you for taking us. I hate to bother you."
The dragon grinned showing his razor-sharp teeth. "After you explained the situation to me, how could I refuse? Introduce me to your friends."
She introduced Naruto and the others one by one and Hiryu seemed amused at their looks of awe. The dragon said, "It is a pleasure to meet you all. Let us get going. Time is wasting."
Himawari, Team Kuro and Kanna climbed up on the back of Hiryu's massive head and he zoomed off skywards…
The group was amazed that they were clipping along through the clouds and within a couple of hours they were over Ōrora and the Tiger Tree Village. The dragon circled the great tree once before letting his passengers off at the highest aqueduct and terrifying the locals. Then Hiryu bid Himawari farewell and vanished back into the sky.
…
Ōrora, Tiger Tree Village
The entire village was in an uproar about the dragon when Kanna took charge and said, "Someone tried to MURDER my friends and I on our quest! Take me to my brother Menma and his advisors immediately!"
…
Menma was shocked beyond words to see his sister again and burst into tears. "Kanna-chan! You are alive!" he wailed. "I thought you fell into the lava. I'm so happy to see you!"
Asahi was shocked, Otsu sensed an underlying tension from Naruto's group and Michiko was overjoyed that they had returned safely. The three advisors were silently watching the twins interact. Menma was regaining control of his emotions and Kanna seemed furious.
"Tell us what happened, Kanna-sama." said Michiko. "We were all afraid that you'd been lost in the Sea of Lava forever."
Kanna closed her green eyes and said, "Someone tried to murder us, Michiko. They placed exploding seals on the heads of our Pteranodons and tried to kill us. It was a cowardly and vile act of treachery, and I want justice done."
Asahi exclaimed, "Who would do such a thing? To attack Lady Kanna and our Uzumaki Clan Head is unthinkable. We must launch an investigation immediately!"
Kanna turned to Otsu and asked, "As the eldest of the three advisors, who do you think could possibly benefit from our deaths?"
Otsu deliberated for a moment and said, "A careful investigation is necessary, but we must do it cautiously and methodically. Let's face the facts, most children know how to make exploding seals. It's very basic. We haven't had anything like this happen in the history of the village. The people are going to be shocked."
"I suppose we should start questioning those who tend the Pteranodon stables." said Michiko reasonably.
"Yes, we will interrogate the stable keepers first! No stone will go unturned until this mystery is solved." added Asahi.
"What do you think Menma?" asked Kanna.
Menma rubbed his eyes. "I'm just glad you are alive and unhurt Kanna-chan. I've missed you so much."
"Yes, Menma-sama has been inconsolable since we thought you died, Kanna-sama." said Asahi. "You don't know how relieved we all are… Just leave the investigation to us and return to Konoha for your safety knowing the Tiger Tree Village is in good hands."
Michiko was going to say something, but Naruto held his hand up in a 'stop' motion. The blonde pinned Menma and the three advisors with a crushing amount of killing intent and growled, "Tell us who did it Menma. As your Clan Head, I command it."
Menma was about to faint from the killing intent and choked out, "It was Asahi's idea! It was all him!"
Asahi was buckling under the pressure and rasped. "You little traitor! You won't pin this all on me! You carried it out with me!"
Naruto's killing intent stopped and he said, "Let's restrain them."
Kanna painted a restraining seal on Asahi and Naruto did the same on Menma. Kanna's brother was crying and said, "Forgive me Kanna-chan! I love you and have nothing but regret. Forgive me…"
Asahi on the other hand was furious. "Damn you all! If Menma wasn't so weak, we could have ruled this village with an iron fist! We don't need Naruto-sama ruling over us!"
"No wonder the Tiger summons and Kaze no Hashi chose Kanna-sama." said Michiko sadly. Then she painted a silencing seal on the still raging Asahi. "Do shut up you traitor."
Otsu turned to the blonde. "As our Clan Head, what are your orders Naruto-sama? The penalty for attempted murder here in the Tiger Tree Village is death by beheading."
"For trying to kill my betrothed Lady Kanna and the rest of my family, Asahi will be publicly beheaded in front of the whole village at dawn." stated Naruto. "As for Menma, we will put his affairs in order before his execution. Are there holding cells here in the village?"
Otsu answered, "They are very rarely used but yes there are."
The Uzumaki Clan Head ordered, "Put them in the cells for the night."
Menma was still begging for forgiveness as the guards took him away. Kanna was heartbroken but keeping up a strong front for the time being. It wasn't until hours later when she and Naruto were alone in her room that she finally allowed herself to cry in his arms.
…
The next morning was grim. Four guards took Asahi to the forest floor and put him in a kneeling position with his hands bound behind his back. The entire village populace was watching in silence as Kanna unsheathed the Kaze no Hashi and said, "For the crime of attempted murder you will be executed, and your body will feed the animals will feed the animals on the forest floor. May your soul forever be in torment traitor!"
Her green eyes blazed with vengeance. The blade came down and decapitated the betrayer in one swift stroke. Asahi's head rolled as his body fell over to one side. Blood flowed liberally on the forest floor, and it was over. Kanna flicked the blood off the Kaze no Hashi and cleansed it with holy water before sheathing the blade.
Kanna's voice rang over the crowd and said, "It is done."
The people of Tiger Tree Village watched the macabre spectacle in silence know justice had been served before returning to work. There would be no mourning for Uzumaki Asahi as the forest predators scented blood and feasted on the remains below…
Later that day, Himawari applied a Hiraishin Transport Seal to the upper level where the ruling family lived. She quickly linked it to the Natsume Estate and tested it by heading to Konoha and back. The locals were amazed at the new seal and that such a young girl was such an accomplished seal master.
…
Over the next few days, Michiko, Kanna and Otsu went through Menma's papers and (with his help) put everything in order for the village. He was full of sorrow and regret but did his best to cooperate with them. Otsu and Michiko were to choose a third advisor to be approved by Kanna. They would oversee the Tiger Tree Village in Kanna's absence knowing they could travel to Konoha in the blink of an eye for advice.
At the end of the week, Menma was executed in silence as much as Asahi had been. It was bleak situation, but an example had to be made. The consensus was that Kanna should have been the leader of the village to begin with. It was also highly approved that Kanna was to become one of Naruto's brides and celebrations were held for their upcoming nuptials. The Tiger Tree Village needed some proverbial sunshine after the rain…
…
Fire Country, Konoha, Natsume Estate
Teams C and F got out of the Academy and were headed towards the Natsume Estate. Bob's civilian girlfriend Konoike Chiaki*② was with them. Aya was telling her friends about Himawari.
"…Anyway, she's a chunin even though she's only fourteen. It's really amazing!" gushed the bubbly girl. That's when the group saw Himawari walking ahead of them along with Hanabi. "Oh, there she is right now." added Aya. She called out to the pair of byakugan users, and they turned around to wait for the two teams to catch up.
Madoka was as exuberant as even and raced up to Himawari. "I'm Mawari Madoka! You must be Himawari. You're so adorable, I just want to hug you!"
The rest of the group caught up and saw Madoka's verbal barrage had Himawari stunned. Aya laughed. "Hi Hima-chan, Hanabi-chan. How are you two doing?"
Himawari pivoted mechanically to Aya and said, "Madoka-san was just introducing herself."
Introductions were soon made by everybody as they travelled to the house and smelled Hinata's delicious cooking. Himawari had stars in her eyes. "Mama said she is fixing a feast! Her cooking is the best!"
Aya smiled. "Hinata nee-chan is amazing. I wish I could bake like her."
"So, you a really Hinata and Naruto's daughter from the future?" asked Chiaki. Seeing Himawari nod, she said, "That's incredible!"
"Hima-chan can do seals like nobody's business too!" exclaimed Aya.
The group was soon welcomed home by Hyūga Natsu who was looking forward to eating as much as they were. "Dinner will be served in about an hour." said the maid.
…
After everyone ate their fill, Souichiro was leaning back on the couch with a full stomach. He leaned over to Masataka and said, "I don't know about you, but I think Himawari-chan is hot."
Masataka was about to reply when they both felt a chill like death travel up their spines. The pair looked over their shoulders and saw Naruto standing there as a dark silhouette with glowing white eyes. He asked, "What did you say about my little girl, Nagi?"
Souichiro was bug eyed and squeaked out, "N-nothing Aniki! Nothing at all!"
"That's what I thought you said." said the specter as it hovered away and vanished into the darkness.
Masataka and Souichiro were both pale and dripping with sweat when Bob and Chiaki joined them on the couch. Bob said, "Good food and good friends, I- Are you two okay?"
"Ehehehe…" chattered the terrified Masataka.
Nagi was no better. He replied in an unhinged voice, "Aniki is the Shinigami…"
…Bob didn't know what to say to that and Chiaki burst into giggles at the identical looks of horror etched on their faces.
Hanako heard the entire exchange and smirked. 'It seems that Naruto is falling into his role as a Father rather quickly.' she thought to herself as she remembered her own Father overprotecting her when she was young.
Naruto was standing over with Hinata who was smiling at her fiancé. "Is everything alright Naruto-kun?" asked the byakugan princess.
The blonde kissed her forehead and said, "Everything is just fine now." as he side-glanced at the couch.
Hinata raised an eyebrow as she looked over at the shivering Souichiro and Masataka but shrugged it off. 'I wonder what got into them…'
…
The next morning everyone got up early and Hinata was looking over the surveys of the old Uchiha Quarter in the kitchen. Their friend Uchiha Mikoto had already looked the ruins over but other than a few heirlooms there was nothing she wanted. 'I guess the thing to do is completely level the property and start from the ground up. Fortunately, there isn't a graveyard on the land like we Hyūga have.' thought the pearl eyed young woman.
"Making plans Hinata-chan?" asked Maya. The silver haired girl was in a good mood.
"There's just so much to do." replied Hinata. "Other than the natural hot springs up there, I figure nothing will be left of the original layout. Everything needs to be dug up and renewed."
Kanna entered the kitchen and said, "What's up girls? Looking over a map I see."
"It's the old Uchiha Quarter Kanna-chan -The future Little Uzu." said Maya. "We were just looking over the lay of the land. It's pretty featureless except for the hot springs." she said pointing at the map.
Himawari came in and smiled brightly. "Good morning, Mama. How is everyone doing today?"
Hinata smiled at her daughter. "Good morning to you Hima-chan. We were just looking over the land I own up north."
"So, are you planning out Little Uzu?" asked the younger girl.
"Something like that." answered Kanna. The redhead motioned to the map and said, "Do you remember the layout?"
Himawari laughed, "Of course I do! I grew up there after all."
"Can you draw it Hima-chan?" asked Maya.
"Certainly, Maya kaa-chan." Himawari pulled out her brush from her obi and said, "Let me sketch it out for you."
…Within the hour, they had a very detailed map of Little Uzu. Hinata beamed. "This is outstanding Hima-chan!"
The younger girl smiled happily. "Thank you, Mama. I always liked to draw."
"I guess we should consult with Hikari-chan and Naruto-kun before racing off to see an architect." interjected Kanna.
Maya nodded. "Yes, it's going to be their home too."
…Hours later, after much discussion, Naruto and Hinata went to the land offices to see about costs.
…
Naruto came back and summed it up in one word, "Ouch."
Hinata was more articulate. "The cost of levelling a redeveloping the land would cost everything Naruto-kun has in the Arashi Seal Company without building anything new. The money I got from the Uchiha court settlement could build us a nice house but not what we need for our whole clan."
"I'm supposed to have some money in the Fire Capitol." said Naruto. "I'm not exactly sure where it is though other than it's under the Daimyō's stewardship."
Himawari frowned. "So that's how the Showa family got involved. I always wondered."
"What do you mean, Hima-chan?" asked Naruto.
The younger girl said, "When I come from, Showa Mitsu-sama is in a politically arranged marriage with Papa. Her Father prepared a huge dowry so the Uzumaki Clan would back him up later. I don't know all the details, but Papa told me it was the worst mistake he ever made in his life."
Now it was Naruto's turn to frown. "I already turned that woman away once. I guess Showa Ito-sama is really hell bent on overthrowing his brother."
Himawari said, "Stay away from her Papa, no matter what."
The blonde Uzumaki smiled. "We'll avoid the Showa family like the plague. Don't you worry Hima-chan."
"Still, we need to access those funds in the Fire Capital assuming they even exist." said Maya. "We just need to cut Showa Ito and his daughter out of the picture."
"I think talking to Hokage-sama or at least Hanako Obaa-chan would be the best option." stated Hinata.
Kanna nodded. "Hinata-chan is right. We could avoid a huge mess with their help."
"It sounds like we need to talk to Jiji and Hanako Obaa-chan then." said Naruto.
…
Hokage Tower
Sarutobi Hiruzen was talking with his surrogate grandson, Naruto. "When Uzu fell, there was a fortune transferred into the Fire Daimyō's care but gaining access to it could take some politicking. It sounds like you allied yourself with Showa Ito in Himawari-chan's future to get to it and regretted the consequences."
"What do you think I should do Jiji?" asked Naruto.
Hiruzen pondered a few moments and said, "I can think of a few options but none of them are good ones. You can submit a request to the Daimyō, but that could take years and would draw the attention of the nobility. Another option would be to talk to Showa Ito to get the gears turning but obviously that was the mistake you made in Himawari's future. The only other option I can think of is to forget about the money entirely. That might be the safest route to take."
Naruto got a gleam in his eye. "Do you know where the vault is that all that cash is in?"
"Of course I do Naruto, I was still Hokage at the time and had to approve it." said Sarutobi. "Why do you ask?"
"Because there is a fourth option Jiji." answered the blonde. Seeing his Grandfather figure cock his head to one side, Naruto grinned and said, "We steal it."
Hiruzen almost fell out of his chair and then sweat dropped. "Only an Uzumaki would go so far as to steal their own money…"
The head of the Uzumaki Clan beamed and said, "I am what I am Jiji." 'This will be my biggest prank yet!'
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Gekido -The sword's name means Fury.
*②: Konoike Chiaki -See the Tenjho Tenge Wiki for her appearance.
This installment was meant to be out weeks ago. It isn't as long as I planned but it sets up things for the next chapter (which hopefully won't take as long to write). Anyway, See you next time. Blue out. 9/30/24