It All Started With A Smell

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Shikamaru had hoped to limit the number of people who were included in the Nine-Tails conversation. Unfortunately, Kiba actively looked for his teammates to ensure they were there for the discussion, leading to Lee also looking for his teammates. Once Hinata, Shino, Neji, and Tenten were located they all went to Lady Tsunade's office. Shikamaru sighed, leaning against the wall beside the door. Everyone who witnessed Naruto's transformation wore a grim expression, staring at Lady Tsunade expectantly.

"I would like to start at the beginning and would appreciate it if I didn't have to stop or repeat myself." Lady Tsunade took a deep breath. "When the Nine-Tails attacked the village sixteen years ago, it was after it broke out of the person housing it."

"Housing it?" Tenten spoke up, looking confused.

Lady Tsunade silenced her with a glare. "They are called Jinchuriki, those who have a Tailed Beast inside them. When the Nine-Tails attacked, and his old host died, the Fourth Hokage had to choose a new Jinchuriki. And it had to be an Uzumaki."

Hinata's eyes widened as she gasped. "Naruto," She whispered.

"Yes. Naruto was born the day the Nine-Tails attacked, and was the only other Uzumaki in the village besides the host. Even if I had been in the village I would not have been a good candidate." At the questioning looks Lady Tsunade sighed. "My grandmother was an Uzumaki. Naruto was chosen and the village was banned from speaking of it. Even though the Fourth had wanted Naruto to be seen as a hero for what he did he was mistreated by the village. This is why, even when Neji became a Jonin, it was not divulged to any of you. As most of you have now seen, the seal on the Nine-Tails has weakened. Captain Yamato was put onto Team Seven to ensure the Nine-Tails does not break free."

Lady Tsunade finished speaking and surveyed the group. Shikamaru watched as a frown deepened on Kiba's forehead, Hinata's breathing became erratic, and Lee chewed his lip enough to make blood drip onto his chin. Pushing himself off the wall with his elbow, Shikamaru cleared his throat.

"Even though the seal has weakened nothing has changed. Naruto is still the same kid we've always known. And those who saw him tonight can attest to the fact that he can control the Nine-Tails, can force it back inside. I don't believe any of us would have the strength to do the same."

"But we've only known Naruto whilst he has had the Nine-Tails in him, have we not?" Shino asked in an even voice. When he received a hesitant nod off of Shikamaru he went on. "So we have only ever known the Jinchuriki?"

"Well yes..."

"This is sick!" Kiba cut over Lady Tsunade, standing up and pacing, his hands clenched into fists. "You're telling me that the beast that destroyed the village when I was a baby is inside that idiot?"

"Kiba," Shikamaru growled, stepping forward.

"He's right, it is sick," Hinata piped up, tears trickling down her cheeks. "How could this happen? Naruto..."

"You are honestly disgusted?" Shikamaru snapped, glaring from Hinata to Kiba.

"Aren't you?" Shino asked. "I thought out of everyone you would be the most outraged from this."

"I don't see why we should be mad, or disgusted." Choji had a hard look on his face as he addressed the other team, Ino standing beside him with her arms crossed. "Naruto is a good ninja and a good friend. He has never hurt us and he forgave me when I hurt him. Just because he has the Nine-Tails in him doesn't change anything."

"Like Shino pointed out, we've only known Naruto whilst he was the Nine-Tails," Lee added.

"Container for the Nine-Tails," Shikamaru corrected. "Naruto is not the Nine-Tails. And Kiba, if you think he is, and are so disgusted by Naruto than you can shove it!"