May It Be

Author's Note - I have to apologize for the delay in getting this out. Holiday blues, computer woes, and another blasted wombat biting at me. A seasonal one-shot, mind you! I never do those. Well, it kind of froze when I got to the lemon portion, so I think my Christmas Naruto story will be finished later and probably posted next Christmas as I've missed the holiday deadline. That's if I don't decide to turn it into a full length story, which it's been nagging at me to do. We'll have to wait and see. I've got quite a few projects on the table now, including a joint effort between Assassin’s Kiss and myself. Check out "Taken" when you have the time! I think all of you will enjoy it.

Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews and comments made about the last chapter. To be honest, I was worried stiff about it. I've always seen Kakashi as a bit of a wolf, protective of his pack. That's probably why he's mourned his last team and sensei so much, they were pack and their loss hit him too hard.

This chapter is a bit more explanation into the Hatake Clan and will cover some information about his father as well. To be honest, I was never really pleased with the vague mentions of what happened to his father and why he committed suicide. So I decided to give my own touch to it.

Disclaimer - I do not own Naruto as much as I'd like to be able to say I did.

Chapter Six - Hatake

Once inside, Kakashi saw to it that Naruto was cleaned up and dressed warmly before laying him down in his crib. Afterwards, he cleaned himself up and dressed, reverently putting away the ceremonial items. In truth, he was also trying to put together an explanation that would satisfy Iruka's temper and curiosity. The Genin had good reason to be upset; Kakashi himself would have been too had he been the one observing the ritual. However, the ritual had been badly needed for several reasons and he was not one to leave things to chance if he could help it. Time and experience had taught him that.

The silver haired Anbu entered the living room to find only Iruka waiting for him; he could tell the Genin had calmed down a little and hoped the explanation would help soothe the anger further.

"Hokage-sama left?"

"A little bit ago, he said he needed to get to his family. Now, explain to me what the hell that was all about."

Kakashi sat down, gesturing for the other to take a seat as well. Once Iruka had done so, the mismatched eyed teenager began his explanation.

"When the people think of Konoha, they think of the clans and the bloodline limits the clans posses. What most people are unaware of is how each clan gained these traits at the start of their clan history. Most of the clans took a blood oath with a certain type of demon, who then gifted the clan with their unique bloodline. Of the clans in Konoha today, only two remember and honor the pact that gave them their gifts.

"The Inuzuka have a pact with a dog demon of some kind, which explains their gift of speech with their canine companions. The companions are chosen in honor of the demon who gave them the gift of canine speech as well as fighting in unison."

Iruka nodded, understanding the history lesson although he was shocked by the idea of the clans having demonic traits.

"The pact between the Hatake Clan and the wolf demons was set up differently. Instead of just taking traits and paying lip service, which could be forgotten, every Hatake child is bonded with a bond sibling. Our souls are bonded to a chosen wolf, who is mentor, companion, partner, and family. Our bond sibling teaches us to use the traits gifted to each Hatake as agreed by the covenant the clan founder swore with the Pack Leader. The bond between Hatake and sibling is strong and can be devastating to us if broken."

There was a sad, pensive look on Kakashi's face when those words were spoken, and it made Iruka wonder at that.

"What happens?"

"You've heard about my father, I take it?"

Iruka nodded. Everyone had heard about Kakashi's legendary father and how he'd taken his life in dishonor.

"Well, what most people do not know is the truth behind that mission. The final attack came without warning, and Father's team had been hit hard. Contrary to popular belief, there had been no chance for any of them to reach the mission goal due to the sheer overwhelming numbers."

That confused the dark haired teenager.

"Then why.."

Kakashi cut him off by holding up his hand, silently asking for patience.

"He summoned his bond brother, who brought in some of the pack for help. At that moment, all Father wanted was to try to get as many of his team out of there in one piece as possible. He was fighting when two of the enemy flanked him from behind. No one saw, save one, and that one sprang in to help. Nightshade, my father's bond brother, saved Father's life at the cost of his own.

"By the time Father returned home, the loss of his bond brother had taken a heavy toll on him. It was a testament to his strength of mind that he didn't break before reaching Konoha. He saw his teammates reach the hospital to get treatment, delivered his mission report, and then spoke to me and Hokage-sama about what needed to be done before taking his own life. It was at Father's own request, to protect the secrecy of our bonds to our siblings, that the rumor of his 'disgrace' be spread out. He would rather sully his own name than to disclose anything about our pact and how it works."

A dark eye stared at the wall, holding a haunted look that shook the Genin. He hadn't expected to hear any of this when he'd demanded an explanation for tonight's events.

"The loss of our sibling literally destroys us. The bond keeps us stable and whole. Without that, we diminish and can no longer function. We linger for a time, fading, and the period is painful for the victim and family alike. Those who lose their siblings choose to take their own lives in order to save themselves and their loved ones the pain."

That explanation did clear up a mystery that had been debated on for years. Iruka had heard his instructor comment on it. Most people in Konoha had been astonished that Kakashi would honor his father every year and that the so called 'failure and disgrace' had been buried with such reverence and honor in the Hatake portion of the cemetery.

Kakashi was silent for a moment before continuing on.

"One of the agreements in the pact was the ability to bring in those who were not born Hatake but had been adopted. The ritual has not been used often. The child is presented to the pack and if he or she passes inspection, the ritual commences. The one bringing in the child will determine which bloodline is overwritten by Hatake."

"What do you mean?"

"Meaning, as of tonight, should anyone inspect Naruto's blood, they would find my genetic code as well as Minato-sensei's. Naruto is Hatake by blood as well as by law."

Chocolate colored eyes widened as Iruka processed what he'd heard. It didn't seem possible but given what he had seen tonight, the Genin knew better than to use the word impossible. Demons had their own ways of doing things, and the serious tone Kakashi used told him that this was all fact.

"The Council could try to take Naruto from us at any time, despite the paperwork, but they can't separate us if there's a blood tie. He is my son, and I will not lose him due to their arrogant stupidity."

Iruka leaned back in his seat as he processed all of what he'd been told. Kakashi had protected Naruto in a way he hadn't dreamed would be possible and when he thought about it, he was grateful. Even as young as he was, he knew the Council could easily try something. He'd heard his parents gripe about them before and knew that they weren't the most trustworthy of people.

One worry down, but now there was another.

"What will this rewrite of his genes do to him?"

Kakashi shook his head, pondering over the possibilities himself.

"We'll probably know in a few days if any physical changes are made. He looks a lot like Minato-sensei, and I haven't seen any sign of the bitch that carried him."

"You didn't like her much, I take it?"

The Anbu snorted, fists clenching.

"That was the biggest mistake the Council made. She hated Minato-sensei and made his life miserable as much as she could. Because the Council wanted a Namikaze heir, the two had to sleep together but when she found out she was pregnant, she kept threatening to abort Naruto or do something to damage him while carrying him unless Minato-sensei gave her what she wanted. It was one huge nightmare."

Iruka wrinkled his nose as he thought about it. How in the world had the Yondaime survived such a horrible marriage? And to think she had threatened the life of an innocent baby. It wasn't right at all. What the hell had the Council been thinking?

"Glad she's gone and nothing of her will survive in Naruto. She doesn't deserve to have any type of influence on him, genetic or otherwise."

"Exactly. And even if her family wanted to lay claim to him, now they can't. I doubt it though. They were very eager to be rid of her. I heard they didn't even complain at the price of the dowry."

The Genin relaxed for the first time since the ritual.

"I'm glad you were able to do something to protect him. Granted, I haven't been near him long but I don't think I could handle losing him. He's precious."

A small smile was given to the dark haired teenager.

"That he is, Iruka. With care and training, we won't lose him for a long time."

The two shared a look of determination, both knowing that they would do everything and anything in their power to see to it that the blond haired baby would live a long, happy life."

Author’s End Note – Well, it’s shorter than I would like but at least the explanation is done. Hopefully, this will help get things moving again. I’m starting to like how things are flowing. It’s my hope that my readers will enjoy it as well! If you’re interested in receiving update notifications for this story or any of my other stories, please check my author page for the URL for my yahoo group. That’s the best way to receive the update notices. Also, please check out the story I am writing jointly with Assassin’s Kiss called “Tamed.” I think all of you might like it. I’m having a great time working with her on it. Until next time, all of you have fun and stay safe. Please review! -Laran