..::..

So once again, I'm plagued by the random ideas that won't leave me alone. No crossover references this time and features another OP female Naruto. The idea is an old one in which Naruto's parents survived but left the village to raise Naruto's twin. Hopefully I'll do something right, and if I get too close to another author's work, do let me know … I haven't personally read ALL the Naruto Fan Fictions out there, okay?

..::..

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO.

..::..

"Ramen" – Speech

'Ramen' – Thoughts

"Ramen" – Bijuu/Summon Speech

'Ramen' – Bijuu/Summon Thoughts

"Ramen" – God/Deity Speech

'Ramen' – God/Deity Thoughts

..::..

Minato Namikaze smiled warmly as he verified his identity to the Gate Keepers of Konoha. Their plan was executed perfectly, and by the time the Village was restored close enough to its former glory, the Namikaze Clan had fled to the safety of the Land of Uzu. On their travels, they had met with Minato's sensei Jiraiya the Toad Sannin and Tsunade the Slug Sannin, and then they all moved to their new home on Uzu for the next sixteen years.

Minato then frowned as he remembered his only sacrifice in the whole plan … his youngest child Naruto. Once the unknown Uchiha had fled, the re-sealing of the Kyūbi no Kitsune (Nine-Tailed Fox) had taken a turn when they needed to choose who to seal the beast into … for Kushina and he had been blessed with twins. There was the eldest twin and his heir Kenji, and their youngest Naruto. Kenji bore startling resemblance to Minato … so much so in fact that the only difference between the two was the colour of their eyes. Minato's eyes were blue, and Kenji possessed his mother's amethyst eyes. Naruto held his girly features, but his colouring was his mother's in all things besides hair colour. Thankfully Naruto was born with a darker variant to the Uzumaki red hair.

In the end, Minato used a revolutionary new seal that he and Kushina had designed for that very outcome. Minato resealed the Yin Chakra into his wife, whilst Tsunade kept her stable, and the Yang Chakra into his eldest child Kenji.

He'd never know that the cost was that a chakra 'echo' of the two closest sources at the exact moment of sealing would imprint on his youngest son's mind, body and very soul.

..::..

Naru blinked in momentary confusion as she surveyed her surroundings. 'Oh, that's right, I passed out while working.'

Naru stood gracefully and lightly stretched the tension out of her shoulders and back. It wasn't the first time that she'd fallen asleep at work, but she would be damned if the Sandaime (Third) Hokage walked out to see his secretary sleeping instead of working. At sixteen years old, Naru was a sight to behold. She had long and dark blood-red, almost black hair and soft creamy features. Her eyes were a deep amethyst colour that drew attention to themselves just by being there, as they were framed by perfectly formed lashes. Her lips were soft and pink and to the men that often stared too long … they looked scrumptious.

Naru yawned softly behind her dainty hand and went about straightening up her outfit around her equally dainty body. She actually dressed in the exact manner as her mother did when younger, just with different colours. Naru wore a short-sleeved pale blue kimono dress/top that was held together with a darker blue sash that gave her C-Cup breasts support and a pair of skin-tight shorts that peaked out from under said top. Completing her outfit was a pair of thigh-high Kunoichi heeled sandals that were equally skin-tight, but did not hamper movement while a fishnet vest of armour could be faintly seen underneath her kimono.

With the outfit an identical replica of Kushina's teenage outfit – bar the colour change – you'd think people would see the resemblance … but the common people didn't, for the consequences of the sealing at the time of Naru's birth.

For one … Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze was born a male … but Naru was female.

The two chakra echoes belonged to one Tsunade Senju and the unknown Uchiha. Through the integration of the echoes, Naru obtained the memories, power and skills of Tsunade's career, whilst the unknown Uchiha gifted something far more precious – the Sharingan. They couldn't tell why she had only received the Sharingan from the unknown Uchiha and nothing else, but the fact was established that it was an Uchiha that attacked that night.

It was quite the shock to the Sandaime when he found out.

She and the Sandaime had always been close, even before the discovery of the memories and chakra echoes, but that day when she scared the Sandaime into accidentally throwing a kunai at her and awakening the Sharingan was forever stored in her mind.

However the biggest change was that when Naruto unlocked his Chakra … he died … and Naru took his place. All they could discern was that it was a reaction to having Tsunade's Chakra overwrite the male side of Naru and as a purer source of chakra … thereby mutating Naru's own chakra and DNA. Technically … Naru was still an Uzumaki … but her Senju genes were stronger, whilst the Uchiha's Sharingan was a freak mutation.

A soft smile made its way onto her face when she heard the shuffle behind her.

"Naru-chan," the voice of her leader spoke from behind her.

Naru turned and bowed gracefully, "Hokage-sama."

After addressing the topics for the day Naru turned and moved to leave when an ANBU Unit appeared before them. "Lord Hokage, they have returned!"

The ANBU that said it sounded decidedly upset by the news. His Dog Mask denoted him as the Captain of the squad and he sent a slight glance in Naru's direction as he delivered the news. Naru smiled softly at the man and bowed to the group before leaving – fully aware of the lingering eyes of said ANBU.

Naru expertly moved files and scrolls exactly where they were meant to go when she glanced up. "Oji-san will want his tea and headache powder, right about now."

Quickly making the tea, she scrutinized every single element in the tea and even tasted the powder for any toxins or poisons before nodding. Naru knocked politely on the door and waited for permission to enter, before calmly walking into the room and placing the tea beside her leader.

"You are troubled, Hokage-sama?" Naru quietly asked.

"Yes, they will be here within the next few hours," Hiruzen grumbled.

"Well," Naru hummed – she checked for anyone before talking more familiarly with her Hokage. "Grumbling will get you nowhere Oji-san – drink your tea and take your powder. You always feel better once you do and then you can relax and read your *cough* book."

"But what about the –"Hiruzen started.

"I completed the sorting, removed the unnecessary requests and sent them to their proper recipients before making your tea, Oji-san," Naruto giggled. "There are no files that require your attention until this afternoon's reports from the Gate, Academy and ANBU HQ."

The Sandaime gaped at his granddaughter in all but blood. He really didn't know how he'd survive if Naru quit her job as his secretary. She had only held the position for the last three years, which ironically was the longest he'd ever had a secretary remain the same person, but Naru's analytical mind saw that about three quarters of his immense workload was unnecessary and tried pointing that out to his old secretary. She didn't take it too well and Hiruzen was forced to fire her when she tried to slap Naru – not that Naru needed the help.

13 year old Naru herself had just finished her three year service as an ANBU, as she'd graduated the Academy at the tender age of 7 years old. She was offered the position in ANBU after being a fully qualified Medic-nin for three years and the only Medic-nin that equalled Tsunade's expertise in the field … they even mentioned once or twice that she could become even greater than Tsunade.

Of course that was solely due to Naru inheriting Tsunade's skills and was educated by Hiruzen himself when he realised the potential talent that Naru had.

"Oji-san," Naru's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Yes, sorry Naru-chan," Hiruzen coughed. "Drink my powder and take my tea."

Naru sighed fondly and kissed Hiruzen's cheek lovingly. "Never mind Oji-san … may I take my lunch break now?"

Hiruzen blinked and chuckled. "Of course, I trust you won't be delayed by your lunch date, will you?"

"I'm a professional, Hokage-sama," Naru pouted – her face stained by a pretty blush.

The Sandaime just chucked again and gestured to the door. Naru smiled widely and hugged her grandfather figure before speeding out the door. Hiruzen dutifully took his powder and sighed in relaxation as he sipped his perfectly brewed tea.

"Silly me," the Sandaime chided himself. "Of course she's eager to leave today … it's his last day of ANBU Duty today, and they can finally reveal their relationship."

..::..

"Kakashi, I challenge you to a duel!" boomed the voice of one Maito Gai.

The one identified as Kakashi casually raised a silver brow and turned a page in his book. "I'm sorry Gai – did you say something?"

Naru giggled as she approached Training Ground 7. Typical that both of them would be together, but she'd been waiting for nearly two years for this moment … so smoothing out her kimono, she approached the duo in front of the Memorial Stone.

"Good morning Maito-san," she greeted with a polite smile.

"Uzumaki-san," Gai returned cheerfully. "Are you here to shine your youthful smile upon us, this fine morning?"

Naru smiled fondly but shook her head as she gazed to send a slight signal to Kakashi.

"No," she verbally denied. "I'm here to visit my husband."

Gai blinked and frowned. "Oh, I wasn't aware that you were married … but this is a monument to the dead … oh, what a poor fate! Married and widowed so young … you poor thing."

Kakashi gaped at his 'eternal rival's' display of dramatics before Naru burst out laughing. It stopped the energetic man in his tracks and he coughed to collect himself.

"No, Gai-san," Naru giggled before she moved to take Kakashi's hand in her own. "I'm here to visit my husband."

Gai blinked in shock, then joy, then confusion and then joy once more. "OH MY ETERNAL RIVAL, I'M SO PLEASED TO KNOW THAT YOU'RE MARRIED TO SUCH A CHARMING EXAMPLE OF YOUTH!"

"Maito-san," Naru shushed softly. "Please remember where we are."

"NO, NO, NO!" Gai boomed before sheepishly quieting down – something that surprised Kakashi to no end. "I mean … no, no, no! You are practically family now, Uzumaki-san – you must address me as Gai, I insist."

"Then you can also address me as Naru," Naru countered with a smile before turning to Kakashi. "Kashi-kun, Oji-san said that it's time."

Kakashi tensed at the hidden message but then blinked as the full ramifications hit him. "You mean that we are allowed to be … open?"

Naru stood on her toes and kissed Kakashi's covered cheek. "Yes, you hip man you. It means we don't have to hide our marriage anymore because we're both officially off the ANBU Roster."

Kakashi paused at the light touch of his wife's kiss before wrapping his hands around Naru's waist and pulling her close – ignoring Gai's cries of beautiful youth. He buried his head in Naru's long, waist length hair and took in his wife's scent.

"Finally," he croaked. "Seeing you every day at the Sandaime's office was driving me insane. Your scent is even in his office when you're not there."

"Oh sweetie," Naru hushed with a sigh of comfort into their embrace. "Everything worked out, and I think that Oji-san has approved your Jounin Transfer because of their return."

Kakashi tensed once more, but the scent of his wife and mate calmed him down mere seconds later. He felt Naru smile into his chest before reluctantly untangling herself from him. They turned to see Gai still shedding 'youthful' tears.

"Gai-san?" a nervous Naru asked. Seeing the man snap out of his thoughts, she continued. "I'd very much like it if you'd visit for dinner tomorrow night."

Gai looked overjoyed by the offer and nodded vigorously. "Yooooosh, I'd be delighted to attend – I assume you're the reason that Kakashi has had such wonderfully nutritious and tasty food?"

"Of course," Naru agreed – a mock and slightly haughty tone evident as she dramatically put her nose in the air. "We all know Kakashi would starve without my cooking, as his, is completely dreadful!"

Gai shivered visibly at the mention of Kakashi's cooking. "Yes, we can only hope that he never has to cook ever again!"

Naru coughed to prevent herself from laughing, but nodded. "Oh, I only have one rule in my home, Gai-san."

"Of course," Gai responded excitedly.

"There is no Ninja-talk at my table," Naru informed before a vindictive gleam entered her eyes. "If there is – then you eat elsewhere." Here, Naru turned to Kakashi. "And if you do … you'll be eating elsewhere and sleeping on the couch – alpha or not."

"Your orders are received and will be respected, Naru-chan," Kakashi instantly answered – a slight hitch in his throat.

"Good," Naru nodded, but was cut off from further conversation when she glanced up at the shrill cry of a messenger hawk. "Oh dear, I have to go or I'll be late. Until later, husband dearest."

"Gai, can you please turn around for a moment?" Kakashi asked innocently.

Gai instantly obliged and did so – once he had turned his head, Kakashi all but ripped his mask down and kissed Naru deeply. Their kiss lasted a minute before Naru pulled away blushing. "I-I need to go … Oji-san will be expecting me back unblemished dear."

Kakashi whined but nodded. Naru hugged Gai and bade the two men goodbye.

"Oh Kakashi, my eternal rival," Gai declared as he slapped his back. "We must drink to this good day!"

"You know what, Gai?" Kakashi replied. "That … is a good idea."

..::..

Naru gracefully smoothed her appearance and swept into the Hokage's office in a single movement.

"I take it that he's pleased," Hiruzen chuckled. "You do realise that for all intents and purposes – you have to be called Mrs. Hatake now, don't you?"

"I have no problem with that," Naru retorted with a smile. "He's the Alpha in my Family's Pack."

Hiruzen coughed on his pipe tobacco at the insinuation backfire in her comment. "P-Please return to work now, Hatake-san."

The beaming smile he received from his granddaughter in all but blood was so bright that Hiruzen was stunned. Naru almost skipped from the office and had to take a moment to collect herself before resuming her duties as the Hokage's Secretary.

Mere moments later she received word that the Gate Report was ready to be collected, so Naru carefully braided her hair and let it hang over the front of her left shoulder. She stood and began the trek to the Main Gate.

..::..

"Ah, Konoha," Minato beamed. "I can't believe we're finally home."

In the same procedure as when they'd left, the Namikaze Clan plus Tsunade, her niece Shizune and her pig TonTon verified their Chakra signature to re-enter the Village … though Jiraiya had already left to maintain his spy network – he'd left a Toad to cement their identities.

"Good morning Kotetsu-san, Izumo-san," came a soft voice to their immediate left. The group instantly noticed that the two Chūnin sat straighter in their chairs and smiled brightly to the young woman before them.

"Naru-chan," beamed Kotetsu. "My, you're looking more beautiful every time I see you."

"Oh please," the one named Naru returned with a giggle. "I don't think your husband would be pleased by your shameless flirting."

"No," Izumo interjected – a glare at Kotetsu on his face. "No, he is not pleased … but he is right Naru-chan."

Naru sighed at the two fondly before standing professionally. "I am here to retrieve the Gate Report, on behalf of the Hokage's Office."

The two snorted but handed over the report. Naru accepted the Scroll from the duo before turning and bowing with far more grace that even the most noble of women could ever possess.

"My Lord Yondaime (Fourth), Lady Namikaze, Lady Tsunade," Naru intoned. "The Village structure has changed, and I'd be pleased to escort you to the Hokage Tower. I can assure you that I can lead you there … unhindered."

The Yondaime sighed in gratitude. "Yes, but I was hoping to meet with someone else first."

"Oh," Naru blinked. "Then allow me to direct you … my Lord Third would find my assistance to you an acceptable reason for my late return."

"In that case," Kushina interjected. "We would like to see our son, Naruto Uzumaki?"

The two Chūnin tensed and Naru sighed. "I'm afraid that I must inform you that there is no one by the name of Naruto Uzumaki currently residing in this village."

Time froze for the Namikaze Family at the response. "Is there aught I might do to assist you further, Yondaime-sama?"

"N-No," Minato sighed. "Please take us to the Hokage Tower, miss?"

"Oh forgive me, I neglected to properly introduce myself," Naru bowed. "I am Naru, Hatake Naru."

"Hatake, as in Hatake Kakashi?" was the squeaked question from Kushina. 'Kakashi got married?'

"Yes," Naru replied nonplussed by their shock. "I am his wife."

Naru then lead the stunned party to the Hokage Tower.

..::..

"Sandaime-sama," Naru called as she knocked on the office door. "Yondaime-sama, Lady Namikaze, Lady Tsunade, and party are here to see you."

Hiruzen cringed at Naru's overly polite tone and nodded them in. "Please remain Hatake-san, you will be needed."

Naru sighed quietly but nodded to her grandfather. "Shall I summon my husband, Sandaime-sama?"

"Oh Kashi-kun, yes please summon him Naru-chan," Minato interrupted – failing to see the frowns of the Sandaime or Naru at the overly familiar term of address.

Naru had no choice but to obey, as the Yondaime was still a superior in ranking. She pressed a seal and channelled her chakra in a unique code into it. To the surprise of Minato and company – Kakashi appeared instantly and with a murderous glint in his eye.

"Are you hurt, Naru-koi?" Kakashi instantly asked as he checked her over for any injuries.

"I am completely fine, dear," Naru returned with a smile that calmed the room. "Yondaime-sama ordered me to summon you to this meeting, love."

Kakashi stiffly turned to see his ex-sensei and the rest of the Namikaze Family – along with Tsunade and Shizune. Instead of the cheerful reunion that the Namikaze Family expected, Kakashi sniffed angrily and turned to the Sandaime.

"I was finalizing my retirement from ANBU, Sandaime-sama," Kakashi bowed. "Is there a reason I was summoned?"

"Oh Kashi-kun, you're retiring from ANBU?" Minato inquired. "I was hoping that you'd stay on as a favour … especially since my son is missing."

The way that Minato said 'my son' was entirely too possessive for the Sandaime, Kakashi and Naru's tastes – did he honestly expect Naru to openly accept them after they abandoned her to the hands of Konoha's Civilian population? Sure, when Naruto died and Naru was born, the villagers stopped, but that didn't erase the pain and suffering that she'd endured as Naruto.

"I'm afraid that your request cannot be fulfilled, Yondaime-sama," Naru interrupted – preventing her husband from snapping. "You misunderstood my meaning earlier. When I said that I was afraid that I must inform you that there is no one by the name of Naruto Uzumaki currently residing in this village … I meant it, as Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze has been dead since his 5th birthday."

"E-Excuse me?" stuttered Kushina.

It was the Sandaime that answered. "Naruto-kun died at the hands of the Villagers on his 5th birthday, Kushina-chan. They were 'Fox Hunting' when the incident occurred, and since you left Naruto-kun here as a means to cover your tracks – the Villagers immediately assumed that young Naruto was the Kyūbi in human form. They went too far on his 5thbirthday and since Naruto-kun wasn't the Jinchūriki … he never recovered from the trauma … he died that night in the hospital."

It was the cover story concocted from those that knew the truth, but the Namikaze Family didn't know that. Their gaping mouths combined with the awkward silence were shattered by Kushina, who sobbed loudly and collapsed from shock. Tsunade was too shocked to move by the news, but witnessed firsthand Naru's medical prowess as she caught Kushina and smoothly scanned and soothed her brain's stress.

"That was very well done," Tsunade commented as she snapped out of her daze. "I'm pleased to see that the Medic-nin Program has been evolving to include new techniques."

"Naru-chan is an exceptional Medic, Tsunade," the Sandaime nodded proudly. "She has already mastered your repertoire of techniques … at least the techniques that you'd known before your departure."

"B-But," Shizune blinked. "But she's so … young."

"Naru is a rare case," Hiruzen replied.

"If what you say is true," Tsunade hummed. "Then I would like to personally test you, Naru-san. I am interested in taking on a new apprentice, as the Slug Clan has denied my niece their blessing to summon them."

"I would be honoured to be of assistance, Tsunade-sama," Naru blinked. "However, I am Hokage-sama's Secretary and it will be his decision to release me from my current position."

It wasn't lost on those watching the tone of pride in Naru's voice at being the Sandaime's Secretary.

"I'll make it easy then," Minato interrupted. "My wife, Kushina will be my secretary once I resume my role as Yondaime Hokage, and since I won't need you to assist, you can be relieved of your current position."

Hiruzen gasped at Minato … did he just fire his Secretary? The problem was that Hiruzen couldn't stop Minato from what he was doing. The moment Minato re-entered the village, he no longer held power as the Sandaime.

"Minato," Hiruzen coughed. "Please reconsider what you're doing."

"I-I understand, Yondaime-sama," Naru's demurred voice cut through. "I shall have my belongings removed from my station and be ready to leave by the end of the working day."

Here, Naru turned to Tsunade. "I will report to your office tomorrow, Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade paused at the dejected look on Naru's face and cringed internally. She didn't mean to get the girl fired – especially from a job that she clearly enjoyed. 'Not exactly the best first impression.'

"Is that all, Yondaime-sama … or do you require anything else?" Naru continued in a professional tone.

"Actually," Minato spoke – oblivious to what he'd just done. "Can you please get us something to eat and drink? We've come a long way and haven't eaten."

"Understood, Hokage-sama," Naru nodded professionally – though those there could hear the rejection underlining her tone. "Would you like your preference of Ramen, or do you want something else? At this time, there is a new Barbeque Restaurant that offers decent food."

The almost instant response to the request baffled those unfamiliar with Naru. How did she know of Minato's preferences to Ramen?

"Ah yes," Minato blinked. "Ramen is a great idea. I'm sure the Ichiraku Family will know whose Ramen they're preparing just by our order."

Minato chuckled fondly as he thought about the little Ramen Stand.

"Then I shall leave you to your business, Hokage-sama," Naru bowed. "I shall return with your food and drinks as soon as possible."

Naru bowed once more before leaving the office in silence. Kakashi clenched his fists together tightly to prevent an outburst at seeing his wife look so pained. Naru took great pride in her position. She'd completely overhauled the position to make it a position of importance to the inner workings of the Village. The Village's administration, along with the Shinobi Council, Civilian Council and the ANBU all relied on her expertise and skills to keep the village running at 100%.

"Do you realise what you've done?" Hiruzen snapped. "Naru is an important figure in this Village, and I can only hope that Kushina is up to the task of taking over such an important position."

"She's a secretary, Hiruzen," Minato deadpanned dismissively. "There are many people that could easily fill the position."

A growl cut off any further arguments, and Minato turned to see a very angry Kakashi. Minato then realised what he'd said and just done and looked apologetically at his student.

"Sorry, Kashi-kun," Minato apologised. "But your wife is not Kushina. Kushina will be taking over as my Secretary/Assistant."

Kakashi glared at his ex-sensei and Hiruzen decided to intervene – lest there be a fight in the office.

"Minato, Kakashi," he cut in. "Control yourselves at once. Minato, you may be the Yondaime Hokage, but show some understanding. Naru-chan is more than just a simple secretary. She is a vital asset to the inner workings of the Village with the highest level of clearance to properly function. The ANBU Commander, as well as the Academy and both councils will be difficult to appease over your impromptu decision. For the Village's sake – I really do hope that Kushina is prepared for the responsibility that comes with the job."

Minato blinked at the Sandaime's response, but he couldn't understand the importance of a Secretary. He eventually sighed in response and nodded to his predecessor.

"I understand your concern, Hiruzen, but Kushina can handle such an 'important' role with ease." He sniffed.

The slight against the role that Naru played within the Village wasn't lost on the others in the room, and even a now awake Kushina gasped at her husband's thoughtlessness. The way that Hiruzen had described Naru's position was with such pride, and respect that she was beginning to think that she may be in more trouble than originally thought over taking the position away from the poor young woman.

Then there was a slight familiarity to the way the young woman was dressed and her chakra. Kushina thought she was looking in a mirror at first, and if it wasn't for the glaring differences in her colouring and sex – she'd have thought that she was a … wait a second!

"Is Naru-san … an Uzumaki?" she questioned quietly – though the entire room heard her.

Silence gripped the Hokage's office until Hiruzen spoke after he and Kakashi shared a nod. "Yes. Naru-chan is half-Uzumaki. She was an experiment of Orochimaru's before she was discovered and freed from captivity."

There was the remaining bulk of her cover story. Since 95% of Orochimaru's experiments were classified or sealed, they couldn't refute the possibility of the story.

The room's occupants immediately tensed at the Snake Sannin's name, but that was replaced by curiosity and pity.

"T-The poor girl," Tsunade replied – genuine remorse colouring her tone. "And her other half … she's only half-Uzumaki, so there has to be something odd or special about her … especially if she got Orochimaru's attention."

"Sharp as ever, Tsunade-chan," Hiruzen nodded. "Do you remember the experiments he conducted in trying to re-create the Mokuton (Wood Release)?"

Tsunade glared heatedly. "Of course I do! That bastard desecrated my Clan's Tombs to get his hands on Senju DNA."

"Naru-chan is the result of implanting Senju DNA into an Uzumaki child," Hiruzen sighed. "She was cloned from DNA acquired from an Uzumaki woman and then forcibly implanted with genetic material from two sources."

"Two sources?" she growled in response. "Can that vile bastard sink no lower?"

"Moving on," Hiruzen continued. "Senju DNA and a pair of Sharingan were forcibly implanted into her unborn genetic material."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "To have even a remotely possible chance at succeeding … he'd have had to use living Senju Cells … female preferably."

A well-rehearsed 'awkward' silence was her answer. "S-She's got my DNA in her, hasn't she?"

"Your DNA and Chakra," Kakashi replied in a 'remorseful' tone.

'B-But," Tsunade stuttered. "I-I'm infertile sensei … if what you say is true, then she's my … my daughter."

Shizune instantly moved to hug her Aunt tightly as Hiruzen mentally sighed. Hiruzen knew their cover revolved around playing on Tsunade's insecurities, and he did feel terrible about using her, but the plan revolved around Tsunade protecting Naru … especially if Minato and Kushina learned the truth. The Hatake Clan was a Minor one and not powerful enough to protect her should it be revealed, but the Senju Clan was protected from control due to its ties to Hi no Kuni (The Land of Fire).

And they were technically telling Tsunade the truth … because of the sealing, and the consequences … Naru was Tsunade's child, even a DNA test would reveal that truth.

..::..

Naru kept control of her emotions with a practised ease as she approached the Ramen Stand simply called 'Ichiraku Ramen'. The owner, Teuchi and his daughter Ayame were good friends to Naru and they knew of who she was even after her change from Naruto to Naru. It wasn't hard to guess after watching the girl order and eat the exact same amount of Ramen per sitting.

Teuchi instantly noticed the frown on Naru's face as she approached. "What's wrong Naru-chan?"

"Teuchi," Naru replied tiredly. "I am here to order Ramen for the Yondaime-sama, Lady Namikaze, Lady Tsunade, her niece and the Sandaime."

Teuchi instantly tensed at the mention of Minato and Kushina. He knew exactly what they'd done to cover their tracks and vowed to confront them should they return to Konoha. Naru sensed his train of thought and shook her head negatively.

"Please just make their usual order, Teuchi," Naru quietly interrupted. "I know you vowed to never serve them again and confront them, but your business will suffer if you don't."

"I understand, Naru," Teuchi nodded in reply. "I wish there was another way, but you're right. Business is slow now that that new Barbeque Restaurant is open."

Ayame poked her head out from the back as she heard Naru's voice and smiled at the girl. That smile turned into a suspicious frown as she detected more than just a professional front at the mention of the Namikaze Family.

"What else haven't you told us, Naru?" she asked sternly.

Naru hesitated but sighed – she really couldn't lie to her elder sister figure.

"I was relieved of my position as Sandaime-sama's Secretary," she revealed quietly.

"Those bastards!" exclaimed Teuchi and Ayame in unison.

"I really don't want to talk about this," Naru quickly cut them off. "Please just get their order ready … I'd like to end my position on a professional note."

The Ichiraku duo nodded sadly and got to work on the large Ramen order, along with their side of drinks. They finished in record time and Naru sealed them in a special food scroll for transport. Teuchi and Ayame just looked on sadly as Naru quickly made her way back to the Hokage Tower.

..::..

"Your order, Yondaime-sama," Naru announced as she gracefully swept into the room – the fact that she made no noises as she did so was not lost on the room's occupants.

Minato gaped as she brought out a scroll with a seal that he didn't recognise. Naru ignored the man, unsealed the food swiftly and presented Ramen and their drinks in a way that everything was easy to access.

"By your leave, Yondaime-sama?" she intoned softly – her depressed tone not as carefully hidden as she would've liked.

"Actually," it was Kushina that interrupted the awkwardness. "Could you please show me to your station? I'd like to have you familiarize me to your position."

Kushina didn't like that she was taking the young woman's job, but she also didn't think the position would be so difficult either. Naru bowed at the request (read order) to her superior and led Kushina to her station.

Kushina was wrong.

The young woman's job was intense and if she was honest … complicated and so very vital to the village. She could see it by the way she could see the sheer relief of several Chūnin at Naru's return to her station. Kushina watched as the young woman effortlessly catalogued and directed the Chūnin, before turning and smoothly writing missives addressed to the Shinobi Council and the Academy.

"Please take this to Iruka-san and the Jounin Commander," Naru instructed a Chūnin. "I am no longer in a position to assist their requests anymore."

Here, Naru gestured to Kushina – who did not miss the terror flash in the Chūnin's eyes at the mention of her dismissal. "Lady Namikaze will be taking over my position as the Hokage's Secretary. Please make sure to notify the Shinobi and Civilian Councils that any orders or requests are now to be addressed to her."

The Chūnin looked like he was about to firmly protest the statement, but Naru smiled reassuringly at the man. "I'm quite positive that Lady Namikaze is more than qualified to hold the position and that she will handle the position with ease."

The Chūnin frowned and nodded nervously. "Very well … I'll send these missives and inform the Councils immediately. You will be sorely missed, Naru-san."

Naru merely bowed to the Chūnin. "Thank you for all of your hard work."

Once the man had vanished to carry out his task, Naru turned to Kushina and pointed out the important details of the position of the Hokage's Secretary.

What followed for Kushina was an in depth report of duties, codes, lists of important procedures and much more confidential matters that she would be required to handle. The requests that were to be moved to certain departments and the speed in which she would need to take over Naru's tasks made Kushina dizzy.

'Surely I can handle it,' Kushina tried to reassure herself.

Naru bowed once more and left Kushina to her own devices as she sealed up her personal belongings and left the station that she had dearly loved.

It would only be because of Kakashi's protective embrace that Naru slept that night – worried over how the village would manage and hopeful that Kushina really was up to the task.

..::..

Tsunade was shocked into silence. Her sensei Hiruzen wasn't kidding when he said that Naru had mastered her techniques. Sure, in her journeys she had created new techniques and learnt new things, but something told her that the girl in front of her would easily master those too. Shizune couldn't learn some of her techniques due to having insufficient chakra, but this girl stood there without showing any signs of being tired.

"Very good Naru-san," Tsunade praised. "I didn't expect you to be at this level … it makes me even more eager to have you as an apprentice. Have you considered the offer?"

Naru had considered the offer and had already decided. If she couldn't help the Village by being the Hokage's Secretary, then she would help it by being what it needed most … a fully trained Medic-nin.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Naru replied. "I will accept your offer of apprenticeship."

Tsunade was overjoyed over Naru's acceptance. She truly wanted to get to know the girl as she was technically her daughter. Tsunade had tested one of Naru's hairs the previous night and was equally stunned and giddy over the results.

She had a daughter.

Yes, the girl was the by-product of horrible experiments, but she couldn't bring herself to care. For years she had worked on a Jutsu to help cure her infertility but wasn't able to do so … so Tsunade had resigned herself to never being able to have children or pass on the Senju Blood, but now there was Naru.

"Excellent," clapped Tsunade and summoned a small Slug. "Katsuyu-sama – I have a potential summoner for testing. This girl is also carries Senju Blood!"

The Slug, Katsuyu instantly perked up and leapt onto Naru's shoulder to test her chakra.

"Yes," Katsuyu bobbed her head. "She has the required chakra and possesses the type of chakra we need to be trained by us. Very well Tsunade, we accept this child. Have her sign the contract and summon me once more."

Once Katsuyu disappeared, Naru did as ordered and signed the contract in her blood. It dried quickly and showed the Slug Clan's acceptance as it faded into an inky colour. Naru followed the hand-seals and effortlessly summoned Katsuyu once more.

"Thank you for granting me the honour of summoning your great Clan, Katsuyu-sama," Naru bowed to the small form of Katsuyu. Said slug beamed at their newest summoner's manners and returned to the summoning realm with a happy demeanour.

"Now that that's taken care of," Tsunade spoke. "As my apprentice, you will be required to be here at the hospital earlier than the other medics and you will be in charge of handling my appointments and schedule. Will that be a problem, Naru-san?"

"No my Lady," Naru instantly replied. "I will do what is required of me to the best of my abilities."

"Good," the Slug Sannin replied. "Report here tomorrow."

Recognising the order to leave, Naru left after a polite bow to her master. It left Tsunade with a frown … the girl was so polite and respectful, but it was clear that she was still depressed over her new circumstances. Still, she was pleased that Naru had accepted. Katsuyu was incredibly difficult to please, so the mere fact that she'd accepted Naru so easily was a good sign.

..::..

Kushina was swamped. The requests and reports kept coming in and she couldn't handle the speed in which they were to be processed. Chūnin and Jounin alike were annoyed by the waiting times that they were to endure by the slow process but remained silent … Kushina was the Hokage's wife and it was best not to upset her, after all. It was only made worse when an ANBU dropped from the roof and desperately requested that the Hokage authorise his team's deployment to the Imperial City as the Princess was missing. The request had been lodged hours ago and every second they wasted was giving the possible kidnappers a chance to escape. Kushina paled at the situation and quickly ran through the stack of requests to search for the document. Her heart sank when she realised that she'd forwarded it to the wrong department. Panic threatened to overtake her as she quickly moved to her husband's office to get the ANBU request authorised.

Minato wasn't fairing any better. The sheer amount of paperwork that was piling up was intense and he was sure that Hiruzen's pile was less than this the previous day. Kushina quickly bustled in and notified him of the Daimyo's request and he immediately authorised the mission. How was everything so backed up? The Sandaime was relaxed and in control the previous day and everything was in order. Less than 24 hours later and his office looked like a warzone. He could see Kushina's desk – her workload even worse than his and the many people waiting on approval or directions.

It hit him suddenly! Kakashi's wife Naru … she was the reason everything ran so smoothly. Hiruzen's words about how important her role was to the Village suddenly made sense… he'd have to get her back to help Kushina or else the administration would be in ruins by the end of the day.

"ANBU," he ordered frantically. "Get me Naru Hatake immediately!"

What poor Minato failed to realise that the moment Naru agreed to Tsunade's offer of apprenticeship … he couldn't rehire her without Tsunade's approval as her master.

..::..

Naru had just finished with Tsunade's schedule when the ANBU arrived with her summons to the Hokage. She acknowledged the summons and knocked on her Master's Office door.

"Enter," Tsunade growled.

"My Lady," Naru bowed. "I have been summoned to the Hokage Tower."

"Well that's odd," Tsunade frowned. "I did not receive a notification of your summons… the paperwork surrounding your acceptance of Apprenticeship was lodged this morning."

Naru had a guess as to why they needed her and had also failed to notify Tsunade. Clearly her worst fears were being realised and Kushina was not up to the position she had tirelessly worked to achieve.

"Very well," Tsunade sighed. "Let's see why you were summoned and why I wasn't notified."

"Hai, Tsunade-sama," Naru bowed.

Tsunade watched Naru as they left Konoha Hospital. In no time at all, Naru had efficiently sorted, catalogued, redirected and familiarized herself with Tsunade's schedule and the Hospital's entire system. She had memorized the codes and the layout and Tsunade had to admire the girl's professionalism – she doubted even her niece Shizune was capable of doing such a thing so quickly. She wondered how she could've been so lucky to discover Naru – her long thought dead motherly instincts screamed of pride for the young woman. To achieve so much in such a limited time was incredible.

Tsunade refocussed her attention as they arrived at the Hokage Tower.

..::..

That's it. I'm going to reattempt to continue with Red Eyed Master now that this distraction is out of the way. XD

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!

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\^O^/

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