Sarutobi Clan Compound
The Kumo ninja were lounging on the sofas in the main house's living room, waiting for their host to arrive. Konohamaru was asking about the exams to a very amused Naruko, while Hinata and Haku quietly read a book on medical ninjutsu. Bee snored like a bear.
"Tell me, children, what is your plan for this month? I'd like to help," said Old Man Sarutobi as he entered the room, his grandfatherly demeanor on full display.
"Well, we're definitely going to train. Yo, Konohamaru, wanna join us? I mean, I can leave a clone to help train you while we work. Plus, it's good to watch stronger ninja—it gives you tips and ideas for your own style! Man, I bet you can even get Gramps' scrolls on taijutsu and bojutsu!"
"Can I? Can I train with N-chan and her team, Jiji? Please?!" Konohamaru begged, practically bouncing. Hiruzen nodded with a warm smile and simply asked that he not disrupt their work… too much.
"I also want to meet the Yamanaka clan head… Momma gave Ino quite the scare, and I want to fix that—and run a bit of damage control. I want to assure them they're not in danger, but that means sharing a few secrets."
"It would be great to convince Ino-san that we're good people. If I recall correctly, she was quite popular. She could reintroduce us to the village's social life—not just as allies, but as friends," commented Hinata, brushing her hair.
"Well… I can arrange that. But before the meeting, we'll discuss what you can and can't reveal. And I'll be present. Is that okay with you?"
The Uzumaki couple nodded in agreement.
"There's also someone who wants to train you, Naruko-chan. Will you agree to meet him?"
"The old toad?" Naruko asked, nearly growling.
"Yes…"
Naruko huffed, her face stiff with irritation. "Fine… I'll meet him. But tell the old toad he has to prove himself worthy. I know why he wasn't there, but he could've visited me once in a while." Hinata elbowed her gently, and she grumbled before adding, "I'll be civil and try to accept him—but tell him not to expect hugs and sunshine."
Hyūga Compound (Three Days Later)
Hanabi Hyūga entered the clan head's office and respectfully kneeled near the door. Her father raised a hand, silencing his advisors to attend to his heir.
"Yes, Hanabi?"
She rose and approached her father's desk. "Father, I've been invited to a private training session at the Sarutobi compound by Sarutobi Konohamaru. I know the Kumo ninja are staying there, but Konohamaru told me the Hokage himself will be supervising. I request your permission to attend."
"Preposterous! Have you lost your mind, child? Don't you remember what that Kumo scum tried to do to your deceased sister?" one advisor barked.
"You don't need training from outsiders! You are the rising gem of the Hyūga. Who better to perfect you than your own clan?" another added.
"I don't remember asking either of you," Hanabi hissed, her glare slicing through the room and silencing the advisors.
"Give me a good reason to allow this. You are my heiress, so give me arguments, not glares," Hiashi commanded, arms crossed, waiting.
"As you wish, Father. First, it would reflect poorly on our clan to refuse a direct offer from the Hokage. Second, even though our fighting style is unmatched, as heir, it's important that I gain knowledge and experience in other disciplines. Third, it will demonstrate our clan's strength—we don't hide from those who tried to harm us. And I will be under the Hokage's direct supervision." She paused, then added firmly, "If the Hokage can't guarantee my safety, then no one can."
Take that, you idiots. Kami knows how much I hate these stupid games—but not even your nonsense can beat me. This is just the start of my winning streak.
"I permit you to go. Well argued, daughter. I approve of your association with young Konohamaru-san. Though the Sarutobi clan is small, it is powerful and respected. Befriending him will strengthen our own clan's position in the village."
Hokage's Office (Same Time)
Jiraiya, the Toad Sannin—one of the most powerful ninja alive—sat in the window behind his former sensei. Though they said nothing, they were fully aware of each other's presence.
"You've taken your sweet time coming back," Hiruzen said at last, voice laced with disappointment. "Especially knowing we finally found her. For once, I was hoping you wouldn't waste time peeping and would rush to where you were needed."
The white-haired man sighed in defeat. "For once, I have a good reason to be late. I've discovered a plot against the village… a war-level threat." He handed the Hokage a small notebook filled with intelligence. "Tell me, Sensei. Where is he? How is he? Please, let me train him—let me make up for my mistakes…"
"Hehehe. No, Jiraiya… I can't decide that anymore. You see, she's not a he anymore. She's a she—a proud and strong kunoichi of Kumo. Married."
After a long and painful explanation, Jiraiya was left stunned.
Trying to lift his spirits a bit, the old Hokage added, "You know, Jiraiya, she doesn't resent us as much as we probably deserve. And you still have a chance to make amends and train her. But remember—she's as loyal and fierce as her mother was. And her loyalty is not to Konoha."
Sarutobi lit his pipe, looking out at the stone faces of the Hokage Monument.
"The Raikage wants an alliance. Young Uzumaki will be our ally and friend in time. I just hope our village doesn't drive her away again. She's staying in my compound now—visit if you want. But don't try to impose yourself."
The Hokage said no more. His silence spoke louder than any warning could—the situation was more delicate and dangerous than words could convey.
Konoha Streets (Next Day)
"Are you nervous, Hyuga-san?"
"Kono-kun, when we're alone, I told you to call me by my name. I get enough 'Hyuga-san' or '-sama' at home and from all the adults. If you're my friend, please treat me like I'm my own person. And of course I'm nervous! I can't wait to meet Moon-chan…"
Hanabi trembled slightly, and Konohamaru placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, offering a warm smile. She nodded in thanks, and together they continued toward the Sarutobi compound.
Entering the training area of the monkey-loving compound, they found the old Hokage observing a spar while smoking his pipe. The match was less of a fight and more of a deadly dance.
Naruko, blonde and expressive, shifted seamlessly between various training blades, spinning and charging around Hinata. The latter stood serene and regal in the shallow lake, deflecting or evading every attack with unnatural grace. It was as frightening as it was mesmerizing.
Noticing the newly arrived kids, Naruko halted her movements and sealed away her tools, signaling to Hinata. Her blue eyes widened in surprise when she saw her dear sister standing there.
Hanabi froze in place as the strange-looking teen approached her. There was a resemblance to her sister—and even to her mother in her younger years—but something was off. The eyes were wrong. That strange fighting style was nothing like the Juken. Was this really her sister?
Hinata noticed the hesitation in Hanabi's expression and responded the only way she knew would dissolve her doubts. She sang—the same lullaby she used to sing when Hanabi was just a baby.
**"Rise sun. Shine and have fun
Your sister awaits you shy and calm
And when tonight you turn to sleep
Safe and warm, you I will keep.
Dear sister, you shall shine
I am the Moon, dear sister of mine."**
Hinata opened her arms just in time to catch a sobbing Hanabi, who rushed into her embrace.
"Shhhh, my dear. Let's go inside, where we're safe from unwanted eyes."
Once indoors, Hinata dropped her perfect henge. Hanabi gasped at the sight of the faintly lavender-tinted Byakugan—something only her sister possessed. Hinata tightened her hold on her now-reunited little sister.
"Hinataaaaaaa… sob sob Hinata-Onesama… I—I…"
Hanabi couldn't restrain herself any longer and wept openly. After several minutes of what Konohamaru silently considered the most touching moment he'd ever witnessed, the two girls finally calmed down.
Then both Uzumaki girls told the Hyuga and Sarutobi heirs everything—holding nothing back.
After the not-so-happy tale, Hanabi turned to Naruko with a confused but curious expression, tilting her head.
"So… I guess you're also my sister now, Naruko-san?"
Naruko sighed and released her henge. "Can you accept me as I am?"
Hanabi nodded without hesitation. Naruko froze for a moment, then joined the tight embrace the sisters shared.
"Call me Onee-chan or Naruko-chan. I don't want anything formal from the little bit of family I have left," she said with a joyful smile.
"Yo! Hey, kiddos! Wanna train with us this month? We can help with your personal training, and maybe you can help my team polish their style! What do you say!?"
Bee asked, wiping away his "manly tears of happiness." Both heirs nodded eagerly, excited by the idea of training with the Kumo team.
"Sister! Put your henge back on! There's a weird-looking man near the door!"
Just as Hanabi said that, there was a knock.
Once all the henges were back in place, Konohamaru opened the door, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with white hair.
"Ah! Young Konohamaru, I presume? Is your gramps around? Tell him I'm here."
"Who are you… weirdo…"
Jiraiya winced at the insult from the young Sarutobi.
"You… you don't recognize me?"
Konohamaru shook his head.
"Well…"
Jiraiya suddenly leapt back and struck a dramatic pose.
"I am the one feared by men and loved by women! The mighty ninja trained by Hiruzen Sarutobi himself! The most loyal of the Sannin! The white-haired toad tamer of Mount Myoboku—JIRAIYA THE GALLANT!"
Everyone, including the Third Hokage, sweatdropped. Everyone except Bee, who clapped enthusiastically and praised the performance.
"So the so-called super pervert finally makes his appearance," Naruko muttered with a sigh.
"Naruko? Naruko, is that you? I—"
Jiraiya stopped when the girl's piercing blue gaze silenced him.
Naruko dropped her henge again, sadness flickering in her eyes as she spoke to the legendary ninja.
"I know, I know. Sandaime-Jiji told me everything. Look, I forgive you for not being there. You made mistakes… I made mistakes… What I'm trying to say is—everyone screws up sometimes, okay?"
Hinata gently touched Naruko's arm in quiet support.
"Jiraiya… I know you've been searching for me ever since I left the village. And I… Ugh, this is hard for me, alright? I don't have much family, so I can't afford to be picky. How about we start fresh? I know you're my godfather, so… Hi, I'm Naruko Uzumaki. Nice to meet you."
It was awkward, but after a few moments, they hugged—ready to start over, ready to become the family they should've been all along.
Jiraiya offered to help train them, including teaching Naruko how to summon toads and use her father's signature jutsu.
Later that day, Naruko signed the toad contract. One of her clones helped Konohamaru learn the basics of his grandfather's bo-staff style, while a clone of Hinata trained Hanabi.
Hanabi was captivated by her sister's grace and strength. As she and Konohamaru took a break, they quietly watched the Genin team train—both awe-struck by the display of power and potential before them.
Next Day (Outside of Konoha)
"Well, Naruko, these are the seals for the Summoning Jutsu. Try it! I bet your first summon will be a tadpole. Je je je," said Jiraiya, pulling a spyglass from his pouch.
"Hey, Ero-sensei, I don't mind you perving on girls… but if you ever spy on my Hinata, you're dead. Hmm... how much chakra should I use for this?"
"Just try. I'll tell you if you need more or less after your attempt. And don't call me that! I am the mighty Gama-sennin!" said Jiraiya, striking a ridiculous pose.
"That's it. You're Ero-sennin from now on. And call me N-chan. The fewer people who know about me, the better. Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu!"
To Jiraiya's surprise, a small orange toad appeared in a puff of smoke.
"Hiya, pretty lady! Hey, old fart, why did you summon me?"
"N-chan, this is Gamakichi. Gamakichi, meet the new summoner."
She summoned a toad on her first try... That's some raw talent she has… and plenty of chakra to spare! Jiraiya thought in awe.
"N-chan, you'll need to use more chakra to summon the boss toad. Once you strike a deal with him, you'll be able to choose which toad you summon and estimate the chakra required. I suggest using the red chakra for this."
"No need, Ero-sennin. I've got enough chakra to put the Hokage to shame," said Naruko, flashing peace signs with both hands.
"You summoning Pops? He's kind of grumpy until he warms up to new people. Mind if I stick around?" asked the small toad.
"Kit, use way more chakra—or use mine, alright?"
"Yup, on it!"
Naruko performed the hand seals again, this time pushing out a significant portion of her chakra. "Summoning Jutsu!"
The world was suddenly engulfed in smoke.
When the smoke finally cleared, Naruko realized she was much higher than before. Nervously, she looked down to find herself standing atop a massive red toad the size of a house.
"That's the boss toad Naruko, don't take him lightly," Jiraiya warned.
"JIRAIYA! Where am I?! Why did you summon me, you old pervert?" boomed the enormous toad.
"Excuse me, sir, but it was I who summoned you. I just signed the toad contract, and Jiraiya-pervert told me to try and summon you so you'd accept me."
"You? A skinny, whiny tadpole summoning me? Bwahahaha! That's a good one. Now where's the pervert?!"
"But Pops! It's true. The pretty lady did summon you!"
"Gamakichi? What are you doing here?"
"The new summoner summoned me, and I asked to hang out for a bit. She's really nice—I told ya!"
Gamabunta closed his eyes in annoyance. If he were human, he'd be pinching the bridge of his nose. After some grumbling and tsk-ing, he addressed Naruko again.
"So, you're indeed the new summoner? Tell me the truth—how did you manage to summon me? If I find you worthy, I'll let you be my henchman. Otherwise, you'll have to prove yourself."
Naruko gulped and scanned for any signs of people nearby.
"Well, I'm not supposed to say this out loud because it's a secret… but if we're to work together, I guess I should trust you. I managed to summon you because I have tons of chakra—both because I'm an Uzumaki and the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi."
So this is their tadpole… Gamabunta mused.
"Tell me then—why should I let you become part of the Toad Clan? What do you expect from us?" Gamabunta narrowed his eyes.
"Honestly… I don't really know what I can offer the toads, nor do I have a strong reason for you to accept me. I guess I summoned you because Ero-sennin told me I should. But if you do accept me, I expect us to help each other. I guess that means I'd help you too, yeah? I don't really understand how this summoning thing works," Naruko said, rubbing the back of her neck.
"So you understand that we are not servants, but allies—and that you will be my minion in this realm, right? If you are allowed to summon us, you will act as our proxy in the human world. You are to treat us with respect, never as animals or shields. You'll also be expected to bring honor and fame to the Toad Clan."
"I would never use a friend—or an ally—as a shield. That sounds like a fair deal. I don't get why anyone would treat summons like animals… but then again, I don't understand people very well either…"
"That's it? Not even going to try to convince me? No mention of your father?"
"And why should I? I'm the one trying to prove her worth, not him! Besides, better to be honest if I want to earn your trust, yeah?" Naruko said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"You're right… Very well. You are loyal and sincere—therefore, I accept you into the Toad Clan. Now we just need to drink sake together to seal the deal."
"Well… we've got a problem there, you know. I'm a minor—I can't buy or drink alcohol. If you can wait, I'll bring sake when I get back to Kumogakure. But right now? Nope, not happening. Uh-uh. Nain. No way," Naruko waved her hands rapidly to deflect the idea.
Gamabunta grumbled, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke before agreeing to postpone the sake ceremony.
"Gamakichi, we're going home. Very well, Naruko Uzumaki—I accept you as my underling. From now on, call me 'Boss.' Jump—I'll tongue-lift you down before I return."
"Thanks, Boss. Also, call me N-chan, not my full name. Gamakichi—wanna hang out later?"
"SURE!"
Next Day — Sarutobi Compound Training Grounds
Konohamaru and Hanabi were training with Naruko and Hinata's clones, while the originals trained on their own. After several attempts at tree-climbing, the clones poofed as the real Kumo shinobi gathered with them. Bee and Haku arrived shortly after.
"Yo, kiddos, time to rest a bit," said Bee, leaning against a tree.
"Tell me, little fellas—what do you know about ninja bloodlines?"
"They're traits related to chakra that are passed down genetically. They come from chakra mutations and are usually hereditary. Most of them can only be used by people born into the bloodline—except for a few, like the Byakugan," said Hanabi.
"Very well, missy. H-chan, looks like your sister's as clever as you. Now—what differences are there between bloodlines?"
Seeing both kids a little confused, Bee whistled a happy tune and asked Hinata to explain.
"There are three main types of bloodlines—and some exceptions. Chakra-based," she said, raising a finger. "Body-based, and the so-called 'false' bloodlines," she finished, raising two more fingers.
"The first are chakra mutations—not changes to the body itself, though they can influence it. N-chan and Haku-san are perfect examples. The Uzumaki have extremely dense and powerful chakra. This grants them vitality and longevity, among other traits—like chakra chains," Hinata explained, glancing at Naruko, who was grinning.
"Most chakra bloodlines are elemental. Like Haku-san's Ice Release. It is possible to combine elements without a bloodline, but it's extremely difficult. Chakra mutations can also mix with each other and with other bloodline types, creating advanced bloodlines—but those are very rare."
"Jiji once told me that if one parent has a bloodline, the children will have it too," Konohamaru chimed in.
"You're not wrong, Kono-kun—but you're not totally right either. That only applies to chakra-based and false bloodlines," said Naruko.
"As N-chan said, body-based types are different. These bloodlines alter the body and can't be mixed—because they cancel each other out. Sometimes, they even negate other bloodline types," Hinata added, looking at Hanabi.
"Dōjutsu fall into this group, but they're special. Eye mutations like the Sharingan and Byakugan affect both chakra and the body. They can mix with other types—but not with each other. Also… they can be stolen."
Hanabi looked down in sorrow. It was that very fact that turned her clan into paranoid dictators.
"And false bloodlines are adaptations to specific jutsu. Konoha has many. Most of the major clans have special techniques that only they can truly master. Others can learn them, but only clan members can fully develop them—because their bodies are built for it. If you develop a special jutsu outside of the elemental ones, and your descendants keep practicing it, a false bloodline might emerge. The Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi are prime examples," added the Third Hokage, who had just arrived.
"So—who's ready for more training?" asked Naruko, leaping to her feet with a grin.
A/N: I will be posting 1 chapter each day until I posted and edited all the chapters from the original. after that I will update as I see fit.