Every step for Anko felt like a thousand miles as they rounded towards the entrance all eyes on them. Most where friendly smiles or indifferent stares. Then there was Hyuga and his lackeys gazing intimidating. Naruto was better and shot one back making them tense.

"Welcome Anko, Naruto, and Kurenai we were all waiting for you." Kakashi sounded like his normal self although he was just as on edge hoping this meeting went smoothly, but with Naruto here he knew that was unlikely.

The room was dead silent the tension seemed to be building between the clan heads. Kakashi motioned first for them to move from their seats and meet in the middle of the room. All the young clan heads Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino quickly lined up next to Kakashi followed by Shino and his dad. Then Tsume and Kiba stood in line. Next, the three civilian representatives took their place. Hiashi, of course, hadn't moved from his seat. Hinata started to get up but let out a frightful yelp when Hiashi grabbed her wrist and forced her to sit. "We will not apologize to that snake's whore." His fake whisper carried across the room.

Chakra exploded from Naruto, deep crimson red covering the room in seconds. "Watch your tongue Hiashi or I'll rip it out." Naruto practically growled the sentence out as his skin started to peel away revealing scarlet red chakra underneath.

"Naruto calm down before you do something you can't take back. I've been called worse just breathe I'm ok it's fine." Naruto barely heard his mate his anger was getting the best of him. He hated feeling this way but he would be damned if anyone disrespected Anko like that in front of him.

Of course, the whole room was in shock they had never seen Naruto flip that fast, especially from mere words. The pressure from the chakra alone was enough to make their knees shake. The civilian council was on the verge of passing out completely."Please excuse my father Naruto-kun!I'm sorry for representing our clan with such dishonor! Hinata bowed deeply her apology as sincere as could be. Hiashi looked to Hinata humiliated by her actions his vision starting blur from anger.

Surprisingly it was Kurama who calmed him down. "Kit you're too worked up you're forcing my chakra out I can't control it. Your gonna turn into the mindless demon you hate so much. Get your emotions under control and fast or I'll cut the link between us!" Kurama was getting mad he hated when his hosts took his chakra without permission even Naruto didn't have that right.

Kurama's protest was just barely enough to get Naruto to think about what he was doing. He was taking advantage of Kurama's friendship. His anger kept turning him into someone he didn't want to be. "Sorry, Kurama I'm still new to this I couldn't stop myself." Kurama let out a ferocious growl in response. "I'm just as mad as you Kit how dare he insults our mate! He will definitely pay, but not like this if we take the bait he just proves that we're below him." Naruto let his chakra relax the pressure leaving the room just as fast as it came.

"I apologize Hiashi I let my emotions get the best of me. Please refrain from the insults while in my presence." Naruto's voice was cold and emotionless making the room fill with awkward silence. Hiashi only nodded feeling his life may be on the line if he said the wrong thing. Haishi wasn't stupid he knew how powerful Naruto was. No matter how well he could control the demon fox the outburst moments ago proved his life was on the line.

Anko felt like a small fish in a big sea at the current moment she had no control over anything and her anxiety was spiking. She hated watching Naruto lose control because of her. She knew how important being Hokage was to him and if he every let his anger get the best of him it was over for him. His dream would be gone in an instant because of her. The thought alone was enough to make her second guess their relationship.

Kakashi decided now was the right time to cut in. Before the meeting went completely off the rails. "Anko Mitarashi let me be the first to say I'm very deeply sorry for the way you have been treated by my predecessors and clan heads of a bygone era. You have been nothing but a loyal and honorable Shinobi. Please accept our apology for everything and we hope we can rebuild our trust one day." Kakashi followed his words by the deepest bow he could manage the rest of the clan heads followed his lead. Naruto took his place next to Kakashi along with Kurenai and bowed with the rest. Anko looked on, a sense of fulfillment she had only felt with Naruto washed over her as she watched the village leaders acknowledge her. Tears started to fall as an immovable smile graced her perfect face (according to Naruto). Of course, no moment could stay perfect with Hiashi in the room.

"This is a farce why should we apologize to her she betrayed the village the moment she met Orochimaru! doing his dirty work like the good little traitor she is! I will never accept her as a Shinobi of the hidden leaf and just because she got into bed and seduced this naive child barely old enough to know what is happening to him, doesn't mean you all have to either." Hiashi's words were harsh and filled with resentment.

Hinata and Hanabi hung their heads in shame having to witness their father's ugly actions. Hinata wanted to cry but kept her self from doing so by white-knuckling the table trying not to lose her composure. This wasn't about her and crying would only shame them more. "Naruto I know women can be tempting but do you not see what's happening you're being used. Surely you can see that she's still under Orchimaru's thumb and the minute you fulfill your purpose you will be killed like all the others." Naruto felt his anger boiling again. Anko felt his word's stung her pride but her first concern was keeping Naruto calm. She had heard all this before it didn't bother her. She was more worried about how Naruto would react. This new protective side of him and made her anxiety worsen at what his response would be.

"Hiashi you are letting your hatred blind you! You're letting your hatred for Orchimaru blind you! Why can't you see that? You, the old clan heads, even Lord Third feared Anko. You're scared of somebody you made up in your head, you made assumptions and didn't have the thought or even an inclination to see the real her. Anko isn't some cold-blooded snake like you think!" His anger started to build again but he quickly calmed himself knowing this wasn't the time for it. He had to get through to Hiashi for Anko.

"She was young and alone she had no one, it's a feeling I'm all too familiar with so like any of us would in her position she clung to the first person who acknowledged her. In fact, I did the same thing during my academy days when Mizuki acknowledged me and said I could be a Ninja. He tricked me into helping him steal the Scroll of Seals. If Iruka-sensei wasn't there I could have easily followed him to Orochimaru or been killed. All because I thought I found somebody who I could count on. The only reason I've made it this far is because I had people to rely on. That's something Anko never had growing up and when she finally found somebody she did anything to keep ahold of that bound. Even so, she never made excuses or tried to shift blame she took responsibility and held the weight of her actions. To be a shinobi is to endure and she does that better than anyone I know."

Naruto was trying his best to get convince Hiashi but he was too far gone to actually think about anything naruto was saying, his anger made him stubborn. Anko, on the other hand, had a look of complete satiated contentedness. Her eyes almost glossed over in pure happiness watching him talk about her with so much passionately and love made her fall even more in love with him. She couldn't be bothered to care what anybody thought of her at that moment all that mattered was him. The others looked on in complete astonishment that Naruto even had this side to him. They watched how Naruto quite literally worshipped Anko. Kurenai wanted to run and hug her best friend, tears started to pool and fall down her cheeks she so happy for Anko that she found somebody like him. Kurenai was very happy for her long time friend but she couldn't help but look towards Hinata. She knew how Hinata felt for Naruto and Kurnai knew this couldn't be easy for her to watch.

Hinata felt her heartbreaking as she watched the man she loved to talk so passionately and fiercely for the on he loved, and it wasn't her. She was jealous and she hated herself for it. She dreamed and prayed every night that he would see her that way. Through all those feelings though, she was truly happy Naruto had found someone he could rely on at least she hoped he did. If not Hinata swore to herself she would kill Anko if she ever hurt her precious Naruto.

"Anko is a kind and loving person who would happily give her life for the village. She never complained or grew to resent the village for how she was treated." Naruto clenched his shirt as he felt his chest tighten at the memory of her begging to be accepted by the village. His eyes caught Anko's she was looking at him with so lovingly he felt his heart jump in his chest.

Even in this situation, she was in awe of Naruto and the way he cared for her how willing he was to go for her. She reached out for his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze that Naruto reciprocated with his own smile. "All she wishes for is to be accepted by the village and yet you sit here and judge her, somebody you don't even know! Her will of fire is stronger than anybody here including me and if you can't see that then your blind and your love for this village is as false as you misconceptions about Anko!"

Haishi jumped from his seat his anger mudding his clarity and actions. "How dare you question my love for the village you damn brat! I've spent my life protecting this village! You will never understand the sacrifices I've made, what I've had to do! That damn girl has ruined you Naruto I will never accept her or your relationship with her. I demand you end your relationship immediately." Haishi got a disgusting smirk on his lips as he found a weak spot and he was about to dig into it.

"As you should know in order to become Hokage you need the unanimous approval of all the clan heads." He let out a sickening laugh as Naruto's face turned from anger to stunned silence. "As long as you are with her I'll never accept you as Hokage. That's right I'm sure that's her plan from the very beginning once you take office she will report everything to Orochimaru and use you like a puppet. It's so obvious you should all thank me for saving you from this blunder." Hiashi was almost diabolically laughing at this point. While Anko felt her legs buckle her worst nightmare was coming true.

"You keep missing the point Hiashi." Naruto shook his head in disappointment. "If being with Anko means I can't be Hokage it's no contest." His voice was rock steady with no hesitation. Everybody in the room was stunned even audible gasps escape a few mouths at how easily the words flowed from him.

"It is disappointing that my dream will never be realized but having Anko and hopefully if she is willing in the future a family is more than enough to fill that hole. The truth is I just wanted to be acknowledged by everybody to not feel alone for once." Naruto looked to Anko who was trembling as he watched Naruto swiftly throw away his dream for her. He had a soft smile the whole time. "With Anko, I'll never be alone and I can still make a difference, I can still protect everyone no matter what rank I hold in the village. So Hiashi if that's what it takes to prove to you the kind of person Anko is, so be it." He gave a bright smile " But that doesn't mean I'm giving up!"

Naruto didn't give them time to respond as he walked out of the meeting hall he wouldn't show how hurt he was to Hiashi. He was certain in his decision he had never been more sure about anything but it didn't make it hurt any less. Anko was a half step behind him following him out of the room her emotions swirling, jumbled. She didn't want any of this. She didn't want the apology in the first place and now Naruto lost what he wanted most. She had no say in any of this and somehow she was responsible for everything.

Naruto flew through Hokage tower tears were threatening to fall. He couldn't cry in front of Anko he knew she would think it was her fault. He heard her fast on his heels but he couldn't look behind him. 'Keep it together dammit' as he hit the front doors he disappeared in a yellow blur. Anko was left staring at the path leading to the street. "Naruto!" She screamed into the sky. She held her emotions knowing a breakdown wouldn't solve anything. She knew where he went.

—

Back In the meeting room, the air was filled with silence the tension palpable. All eyes were on Hiashi, his terrible behavior having been on full display not 5 minutes ago. There seemed to be a stalemate as to who would speak first.

Hiashi kept his same dignified stature as always he was clearly thinking he was in the right. Much to the ire of everybody in the room. Kakashi spoke first taking the stance of the diplomatic leader. "Haishi do you think it was best to go about your objections in this way. Naruto has sacrificed everything for the village and he only asked for this one thing in return. It means more than being Hokage to him can't you see your actions have once again isolated him."

Haishi listened too his words carefully while Hinata was close to tears her fist bunched together so tight her skin was breaking. She felt her heart yearn to unleash her fury on her father. She knew the minute he said those terrible words he didn't deserve to be the head of the clan anymore. He let his own bias and hatred carry into his duties as Clan head. No matter whether he thought he was in the right or not. Not that he was if you could trust anybody's judgment in this village it was Naruto. An unbreakable resolve formed in her at that moment she would challenge her father to a duel and take the Clan head position from him. But now wasn't the time, she needed time to prepare to train. She stood no chance at her current ability but that didn't stop her she knew she would win when the time came, after all, it was for the one she cherished most.

"My decision is final Lord Hokage I'll never allow Naruto to be Hokage while that traitor bends his ear and is in his sheets! Nothing will change my mind so if that's all I will be taking my leave I have clan business to attend to. He stood gracefully motioning for his daughters to follow him.

"Father I have some business with the Hokage I will meet you at home." Hinata's words where deceivingly calm for her torrent of emotion inside her. Hiashi only nodded and left the room while most of the clan heads followed most of them in a daze at how today's events played out their minds all thinking to the future where the next Hokage wasn't Naruto. Kakashi's succession was suddenly opened to many unanswered questions.

The new events weighed heavy on the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. This was the first they heard of the two's relationship. It was certainly a shock to find out this way but they held no bias against Anko and they could tell Naruto was happy being with her. If they gathered anything from today's events it was how far Naruto was willing to go for her.

Shino looked to his father who like usual showed no emotion but his kikachiu held a faint rumble under his skin revealing his displeasure. Kiba was ready to bite the head off of his teammate's father but Tsume's alpha growl kept him check for the time being. The room cleared only leaving behind Kakashi and Hinata.

"Kakashi sensei I want you to train me! I can't let my father continue this!"

—-

Anko dashed towards her destination she had no doubt he was headed for their forest. She had so many questions not to mention her unbridled fury gathering in her. She was devastated while at the same time ready to smash his head in. She cut out of the village as fast she could her feet barely keeping traction as she tore through the outskirts of the village. IT didn't take long for her to clear the entrance of training ground forty-four she sent her tracking snake Ibi out and quickly got word back to Naruto's location.

As she hopped from tree to tree she started to calm down enough to think of what she was going to say to him. She quickly came to the decision that she had no idea what was going to come out of her mouth, but it was going to be loud and angry. she spotted him standing on a branch waiting for her his nervous smile plastered on his face.

"Hey, Anko! Sorry for ditching you there just needed a moment to myself." He sheepishly rubbed the back giving a toothy smile. 'Why does he have to be so charming' Anko thought to herself as she looked at her.. well she didn't really know what the two were, all she knew was that he was the most important person in the world to her. Naruto slowly moved closer testing the waters he put his hand on her shoulder.

"Damn you Naruto!" The sudden touch broke Anko from her mindlessness and delivered a hard blow to his stomach. Not ready for the sudden attack air rapidly escaped from leaving him gasping. "Why can't you just ever listen to me you asshole. First, you drag me to that meeting, and let's be clear I didn't want to go to in the first place. I was more than happy with the way things were but no mister hero has to get involved and make everything better. Well, news flash Naruto you didn't this time you just made it worse!" Naruto could only listen as he was still fighting to breathe.

"You keep making all these decisions on behalf of me like I'm some little girl that needs protecting. I'm a goddamn Jonin of the Leaf Naruto I don't need you to protect me or decided what I need. Then you get in a pissing contest with Hiashi which you knew would only make him angrier. You start spouting all this bullshit about me and give up the dream you have worked your whole life for like it meant nothing. How do you think I felt when I watched you destroy yourself, and your life for me. Was I suppose to be happy? well!? Was I? "

Anko I just wanted..." Before Naruto could retort Anko Just yelled louder interrupting him. "I'm not done! So shut up and listen!" Anko threw another punch hitting him square in on the chin laying him out on his back. Anko quickly saddled him so she was bearing over him. Naruto expected to see the anger in her eyes unadulterated fury but in the end, all he could see was sadness. Tears gathering at the corner of his eyes.

"Why can't you see Naruto I'm no good for you! I'll just drag you down and we will both be stuck at the bottom. You keep making all these decisions fighting battles for me that you have no right too. Saying you want to have kids with me how am I suppose to react to that I mean you just keep pushing and pushing I don't have time to react so I just get dragged along. I mean we barely know each other what if the curse mark ruined me?" Anko felt cold and barren. She never really thought about kids until that moment she never thought it would happen for her so the thinking about it was a waste of time to her but know she felt a warm feeling rush over her abdomen at the thought of carrying Narutos child in her. Anko felt her rage leaving her thinking about it so she cleared her mind getting ready to verbally attack her lover even more. "Even better yet what if I didn't want kids? you never ask me what I want, you just keep charging ahead never stopping to think about how I will feel, To make it worse every time you stick up for me you just get knocked down another peg." Tears fell freely from Anko as she laid her head on his chest. Naruto felt like his heart was being ripped out everything she said was true.

"I'm sorry Anko." Naruto's voice cracked he was furious with himself everything she said hit him to his core. "You're right, I'm still young and inexperienced when it comes to this kind of relationship. I've always let my emotions guide me... In life in battle in relationships with friends... but its different with you my emotions are so strong for you Anko that I can't control them sometimes. But no more excuses, now I need to be considerate of your feelings as well. I'm sorry if I made you feel like you have no choice or that I'm making decisions for you. I promise I don't mean too. It's just so frustrating! I know the real you the kind, caring, loving, and amazingly strong Anko, and when people try to tell me who you are I can't stop myself." Anko seemed to cool down as she laid on top of Naruto his soothing hands rubbed her back as she listened to his words.

Anko let out a long sigh as she enjoyed his touch no matter how mad she was at him it never outweighed this new feeling of love. "The truth is no matter how much you charge ahead or fight my battles for me it makes happy. It makes me so happy to know I have you beside me that I was lucky enough to find you. I knew from the beginning that was the type of person you are so I'm sorry I threw it back in your face and I'm sorry, you have to keep sacrificing things for me. I know it's not fair to blame you when you only want to help me, but I can't help but get mad when you throw away important things for me. You just keep giving, giving, and giving and all I can do is take while you keep losing more and more." Anko felt her grief release in that moments as tears poured down her face.

Naruto gripped her as tight as he could. "It's not a sacrifice to me Anko I'm not losing anything I promise. You don't need to give me anything other than you Anko. No one is keeping score everything I do for you is because I want to. You deserve to be happy and ill do everything I can to make that happen." He let a shy chuckle as he lovingly rubbed her back as she progressively melted further into him. he couldn't help how cheesy he was being but It never felt wrong to spoil Anko with love.

"Sure I wanted to be Hokage and it was truly my dream and I'm by no means giving up on that I will find a way. But if it never happens if I can't there's a much bigger dream I want to come true. What I really wanted since I was a little kid was a family. So no I don't see it as a sacrifice I see it as an exchange. Even if you don't want kids I'm more than happy with just you and me."

Anko"s Bloodshot eyes and red face shot up and interjected "I want kids! I was just trying to make a point earlier! But I really do I just don't know if I can a lot of weird things happened to my body when I got the curse mark." She felt a little embarrassed but he had a right to know. "Like for example, I stopped having my period... I was too nervous to go see if I was infertile. I assumed it didn't matter anyway. I never expected to find someone like you." Anko buried further into his chest as held onto her.

Naruto for all his faults knew when to be sensitive. "Its ok Anko, There's more than one way to start a family we were both orphans... you know, every day I was at the orphanage I dreamed that my mom and dad would come and find me. That they were just lost and they were coming back for me I just had to wait patiently. So I would sit outside and wait every day until they kicked me out." Anko nodded her head in agreement. "I was the same I would spend hours fantasizing what they would look like and what our house would be like. Getting woke up in the morning and eating breakfast. Dad telling stupid jokes and mom pretending to be mad but couldn't hide her smile." Naruto laughed thinking about what a young Anko would look like.

At that moment the world and its problems melted away thinking about her future with Naruto made everything else seem so unimportant and at the moment she knew. "I love you." Her voice was barely above a whisper but it was filled with so much love it made Naruto hair stand on end. " I love you too Anko." He said before giving her a soft kiss that relayed his feelings as much as his words. They stayed like that just holding each other in the proclaimed forest of death until Naruto finally spoke. " Can I take you somewhere I think its time I introduced you to some important people."