The Flames of Youth

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter is a transitional one so no major battles, murders or public executions. (I'm saving them for later). Here's chapter 20; enjoy!

Last time:

The path to the Hyūga Compound

Hiashi said quietly but sternly, "I expect that things regarding my behavior around your Grandmother will be kept confidential Neji-san. It would not do to have anyone's reputations tarnished in the all-seeing eyes of our exalted clan."

Neji looked at his Uncle out of the corner of his eye. 'You mean the fact that the head of our clan is terrified of his own Mother? That certainly wouldn't fly.' "Of course, Hiashi-sama; I understand perfectly." 'Not that I entirely blame Hiashi-sama; Hanako Obaa-chan can be a very scary woman. I guess I'll have to invite Gai-sensei and my team over to see her soon. Given how she is about punctuality and all I should probably mention it first thing tomorrow.'

While Neji was preoccupied with his own thoughts; Hiashi was lost in his own. 'Kaa-san hasn't called me Hiashi-kun since Hizashi died. I've truly missed her. What a mysterious woman. Is this her way of opening the door for me once again…? Speaking of mysteries; Hinata-chan has changed so much. Kaa-san has made her so much stronger than I ever imagined possible. I'm so ashamed of myself that I cast her aside as worthless…I promise you my baby girl; I'll set things right no matter what it takes!'

…

Chapter 20

Konoha, Training Field 9

It was early Friday morning and Team 9 was sitting in front of their sensei, Maito Gai. "…And I could not pass up this youthful chance for you to interact with your future comrades of the Advanced Genin Class that Uzuki Yūgao is teaching at the Academy. They are a year younger than you three and don't have the field experience you do. I will be there with you so we can share our youthful knowledge with them."

Tenten had a sour look on her face. "So for the next month we are going back to the Academy and babysitting the ANBU Brats sensei? I can see how it would benefit them but what are we getting out of it? It's not exactly going to pay the bills you know."

"I'm so glad you asked Tenten-chan!" said Gai taking his 'nice guy pose.' "In addition to ongoing C-ranked pay to support yourselves and the feeling of youthful fulfillment; you will be receiving new ANBU grade armor, uniforms and equipment to help participate in the class. The ANBU equipment will be much more effective than your current gear."

Tenten's eyes were suddenly aflame. "ANBU grade armor and equipment?!" The weapons mistress was practically foaming at the mouth. "Where do I sign up?! I can teach anything!"

Gai had a tear in his eye at the young kunoichi's display of her Flames of Youth. 'This makes being a jonin sensei all worthwhile...' he thought joyously to himself.

'The pay is good and theoretically we can laze about eight hours a day. I'll have to step up my off-duty training though.' thought Neji. 'On the other hand; Hinata-sama has become incredibly strong. I suppose that's all due to Obaa-chan rather than a simple academy course though.' "It should be simple enough to help them out and give them a few pointers. We've got eight months of field experience and a few C-ranks under our belts. I am for it."

Neji had no clue what kind of a minefield he was stepping into…

"YES!" exclaimed Lee. "We will stoke the new genins Flames of Youth to untold heights! I'm so glad for this opportunity sensei!"

"LEE!"

"GAI-SENSEI!"

"LEE!"

"GAI-SENSEI!"

Cue the unbreakable sunset genjutsu with crashing waves…

Tenten was face palming. "For the love of Kami I hope they don't traumatize the class with that on the first day…they might revolt and try to murder Gai-sensei and Lee once they get over the shock. It would probably be considered justifiable homicide as well."

"I'm in total agreement Tenten…" said Neji somberly. "I just hope they all don't try to kill us by association as well."

After ending the accursed sunset genjutsu/man hug from hell; Gai said to his three students. "I have the requisition paperwork right here." He quickly handed it out to his genin team. "Let us take a youthful run over to the ANBU Armory and pick up your youthful new armor and equipment!" For once it was Tenten leading the way in a sprint for Team 9…

…

ANBU Armory

Taro saw a young kunoichi with her hair done up in buns burst in holding a piece of paper. "I am here!" she announced while panting.

Taro sat down his weapons magazine and said, "So you are young lady, the question is who you are and why you are here in the armory designated for ANBU." He was smiling but puzzled at Tenten's odd behavior. She looked like she'd just run a marathon.

The sweating Tenten came up with a requisition form in hand and hunger in her eyes. Regaining her breath she said, "I…need…gear! ANBU gear now!"

The now slightly frightened Taro took the requisition form with her name on it from Tenten and read it. "More ANBU Brats?" he asked.

"I am an ANBU Brat tutor thank you very much." said Tenten in a pontificating tone.

About that time Gai burst in and said "Tenten-chan! You are positively overflowing with the Flames of youth today! I am so proud. Even Lee-kun and I had to struggle to keep the pace with you."

Taro sweat dropped. "Hello Gai; it's been a while. Is Tenten-san your student?"

"That she is Taro-san." said Gai proudly. "My genin team is going to be helping the Advanced Genin class in their studies and to fan their Flames of Youth!"

Lee and Neji came in gasping for breath a moment later. "Tenten-chan, your Flames of Youth today know no bounds." said Lee between pants. "I must train harder so mine may reach the glorious heights yours have!"

"My respect for kunoichi has gone to a whole new level." gasped put Neji exhausted.

"Well said Neji-kun; Lee-kun! It's all a matter of proper motivation my students." said Gai sagely. "Cleary Tenten-chan's urge to teach others has supercharged her youth today!"

"Gods what's all the god damn noise?!" growled Mura as she stormed out and saw the four newcomers. "Oh I should have known…Hello, Gai."

"Mura-chan! It is so good to see you!" said Gai joyously. "Everyone, Mura-chan is the one who fits out our ANBU with their armor and attire. Always trust her judgment when it comes to the appropriate clothing!"

"I see you still wear your blinding green body suit Gai." she said dourly. "Who is this poor boy wearing you hand me downs?" she asked looking at Lee with a combination of horror and pity etched on her face.

"Mura-chan; you know as Konoha's Sublime Green Beast I must wear attire that lives up to my reputation!"

"…" said Mura with a sweat drop.

"As for this young man, he is my apprentice Lee-kun who is following in my footsteps to master the fine arts of taijutsu."

"I am honored to meet you Mura-san!" said Lee enthusiastically.

'Good god it's Gai's son or clone or duplicate or something. Was it some twisted form of mitosis? I don't want to think about it.' thought Taro in fear as he handed Tenten's requisition form to Mura.

Mura quickly tuned out Lee and Gai's youthful ranting and said, "Come with me Tenten. Let's get you some clothing and armor."

Once Mura saw Tenten deposit her huge assortment of sharp, pointy metal objects and scrolls, Mura said' "So you're a weapons specialist? I see you are well toned for taijustsu and speed as well; no doubt due to Gai's influence." Mura quickly took Tenten's measurements and said, "Wait here." Mura returned a moment later and got Tenten fitted out with all the mesh armor and attire she needed. Mura was about to hand Tenten her vest when she asked with narrowed eyes, "So what do you think of the 'Flames of Youth' your sensei Gai lives by?"

Tenten's face was etched in horror and she blurted out "It's a living nightmare!" Tenten then slapped her hand over her mouth and said weakly in embarrassment, "I mean, I highly respect Gai sensei's views…"

Mura barked out a laugh. "Well, at least you are honest. I like you girl; that's rare. Hang on a second." Mura disappeared into the back again and rummaged around for a few minutes before she came out with an unusual flak vest lined with extra pockets and holsters. It came with two bandoleers with kunai slots in them as well. "This is a special flak vest that weapons and demolition specialists wear. It's non-standard but I think it would suit you."

Tenten came out a few minutes later to get her weapons inspected by Taro. She was practically glowing with excitement. This vest was very special indeed. She vaguely heard Mura say evilly, "No more green for you brat!" in the background and Lee's anguished cry as the seamstress dragged the poor boy to the back cackling maniacally. Tenten was really too engrossed in all the weapons lying around to care about Lee's horrible fate.

Taro carefully checked the massive collection of armaments that Tenten kept on her person. "You've done a superb job of keeping all your weapons in top shape Tenten-san. They are excellent quality too." said Taro with approval in his voice. "The only thing I'm going to replace is these kunai. I'm sure you would prefer ANBU grade ones to what you have, yes?" he asked as he set a carbon steel kunai in front of her for inspection.

Tenten was carefully examining the kunai's weight and balance before asking about the tensile strength and shear strength of these kunai compared to her old ones (they were above average quality themselves). When she got in this mode Gai smiled at her enthusiasm and Neji typically had swirls in his eyes from all the technical jargon. About an hour later all of them were fully equipped in black ANBU style gear. For Tenten it had been uplifting experience and best of all she had more weapons at her disposal than most battalions. Neji felt the change in uniform was alright but he would have to get used to it. Poor Lee was suffering from trauma and an acute case of green withdrawal that Gai sensei was going to have to help nursemaid him through. On the positive side Lee's uniform was no longer so loud that it was deafening…

Gai said, "Alright Team 9, we're going to spend the weekend breaking in and adjusting to your new equipment. On Monday morning you are to report to Academy room 301 at precisely 4 A.M. and I will meet you there."

Neji, Tenten and Lee's eyes were big as saucers. "4 A.M.?!" they all cried.

"Well yes; you have to start early to fit in a twelve-hour school day." said Gai nodding seriously to himself as if in deep thought.

Tenten said in a sickly, acidic voice, "Since WHEN did Academy days become twelve hours long?!"

Gai raised one of his enormous eyebrows. "That's what the Advanced Genin course entails; 4 A.M. to 4 P.M Monday through Friday plus homework on the weekends you'll be helping with…Didn't I mention that?"

Team 9's wails of horror rang throughout Konoha before they collectively face faulted to the ground…

…

The Kurama Manor…

Kurama Yakumo was practicing her new exercises with the help of Kurenai-sensei. Her diet, exercise program and even her sleeping and eating schedule had changed. After completing her tai chi strengthening exercises Yakumo started her basic aikido katas which Kurenai learned from Gai. The more advanced ones Gai would be teaching Yakumo personally. First she needed to get her body in shape and used to it as soon as possible. "Alright Yakumo; let's take a break." said Kurenai. "I'm very pleased at how well you've done Yukumo-chan. After we have lunch, we're going to continue at an easy pace. How are you adjusting to that new uniform?"

"It's still a little stiff but I like it sensei." said the Kurama heiress happily. Truthfully Yakumo loved her ANBU style uniform. She felt like a real ninja wearing it. It helped to motivate her. Kurenai-sensei explained that the Academy was going to be difficult but she had every confidence that Yakumo would persevere and do well. The brown haired, brown eyed girl was determined to make this work and make Kurenai-sensei proud of her.

Tsunade had been very supportive as well and was confident they could slowly bring Yakumo's strength up to an appropriate level for a young kunoichi. Yakumo had no delusions that she would ever be a physical powerhouse but with her new training she would be brought up to average strength and endurance.

The Kurama heiress was a bit apprehensive about the Advanced Genin program, but she was very excited as well…

…

ANBU Headquarters, 3 P.M.

Naruto's clones were busily supervising and helping his students individually as they diligently worked on their assignments. It seemed that the entire class was absolutely amazed at the recent events at the Kurama Manor. Though Naruto was modest and said Jiraiya could have pulled it off; his students (plus ANBU Dragon and the Hokage) were of the opinion that Naruto was even better than the sannin with seals. Needless to say, the class enthusiasm went way up. Even Tortoise was very eager to learn.

Hikari came up to Naruto's desk and presented an explosive tag seal for his approval. The clone helping her said it was excellent but she wanted to hear it from the real Naruto-sensei. She was smiling hopefully as Naruto ran his fingers over the seal while inspecting it with a fine-toothed comb. The class had all wondered about Naruto's habit of inspecting seals in a tactile manner instead of just visually but no one asked. "This is very good Hikari." said Naruto as he set the paper down. "You have storage seals, explosive tags, shock tags and smoke tags down perfectly with normal ink. I think next week we should move to chakra ink and put all your hard work to the test."

The approval in Naruto's voice made Hikari want to squeal with joy but instead she said, "Thank you so much Naruto-sensei; it means a lot coming from you." That's when she noticed Naruto's desk was full of manuscripts with editing marks here and there and an excessive number of notes written in the margins. Curiously she asked, "What are all these papers sensei? Are they for class? They look like documents you are correcting or something."

"They are." said Naruto. "I went through over fifty fuinjutsu textbooks on the market for basic sealing and they are ninety nine percent garbage for teaching a real class in fuinjutsu. They are amateur at best and useless at worst." Then he straightened the large stack of papers on his desk and said, "These are the rough drafts for the textbook I am creating for all of you in ANBU and future classes in the art of fuinjutsu. I have the knowledge but I've never written a book, so I am collaborating with Jiraiya-sama of the sannin to make the best textbook on fuinjutsu there is. His knowledge is extensive and between his experience as a writer and as a sensei he's been a huge help for me to get my ideas and instructions down in a format that's easy to read and interesting but still very informative."

"Wow, seriously Fox-sensei?" blurted out Mouse in an uncharacteristically loud voice.

The whole class had stopped what they were doing when they heard Naruto was writing a book for them. "I had no idea you were so dedicated sensei!" said Raccoon. "I'm sure between you and Jiraiya-sama it will be excellent." The rest of the class voiced their opinions in agreement.

Finally, Naruto said, "Stop it you guys, you're making me blush." Everyone was very interested so Naruto read a rough outline of the table of contents and a few paragraphs aloud to them so they would have an idea. The entire class was amazed.

After class, ANBU Sloth (coincidentally a Nara) from Naruto's fuinjutsu class went to see ANBU Commander Dragon. Sloth was highly respected and experienced among the ANBU. He had long been a member of the sealing team and was the unofficial leader of the group. He'd been offered an ANBU Captain's position but thought it was too much of a bother (typical Nara) and turned it down. Still, his opinions carried a lot of weight. ANBU Dragon was surprised to see Sloth come in with such purpose in his step (normally Sloth shuffled along in a slow, lazy manner). After Sloth closed the door behind him, Dragon asked, "What brings you here Sloth? Do you have a report to make? I thought you'd still be in your fuinjutsu class."

"We just got out Commander. Permission to speak candidly sir." said Sloth.

Dragon nodded wondering what this was all about. "Permission granted ANBU Sloth; have a seat."

Sloth sat down and said, "Are you aware that ANBU Fox is going so far as to write a book to teach his students sir?"

"I was aware he was discussing the idea with Jiraiya-sama. I don't know if anything has come of it though." said Dragon. "Why do you ask Sloth?"

"Fox-sensei read a rough outline and a few paragraphs to what he calls Introductory Fuinjutsu Volume I to us today sir."

"…I see, and…?" asked Dragon wondering where all this was leading.

"It is absolutely brilliant!" declared Sloth. "Fox said he was writing it for us and for his future students. I've read a few fuinjutsu books and they bored me to death but the basic introduction he read to us made me want to read more. That book he is writing should be made a priority sir. I was there at the Kurama Manor and saw him at work. It had to be seen to be believed. He has so much knowledge to share that it is being wasted on just one class. If this stuff could be added to the Ninja Academy curriculum our students and future ninjas would have a huge advantage later. I would go so far as to make basic sealing a requirement for future ANBU. I am not exaggerating sir."

Commander Dragon steepled his fingers on his desk as he leaned forward. "Then what as an experienced ANBU agent would you recommend Sloth?"

Sloth said, "Commission ANBU Fox to write an Academy Student introductory book and then an advanced book for full ninjas including a classified version for ANBU only. What I saw at the Kurama Manor was astonishing but realizing he can share this knowledge and teach it so well to others is beyond belief. He's just an Academy Student but I would make him the head of the ANBU Fuinjutsu Team in a heartbeat if it were my choice."

Dragon's eyebrows raised behind his mask. 'I would have expected this from Gazeru as she has a romantic interest in Naruto but Sloth?! I'm shocked he hasn't been sleeping through class. I don't think I've ever heard him this enthused.' "I understand Sloth; I'll be discussing it this weekend with your classmates individually and see what the Hokage thinks. Keep this private; understood? If there is nothing else, you are dismissed." Sloth saluted and left Dragon's office.

Dragon was pondering the idea and the pros and cons involved about this whole book idea in his head when ANBU Ferret from Naruto's class came in to talk to him about the same subject. Then ANBU Mouse came in ten minutes after that….And then ANBU Racoon dropped in after that. They all declared the same thing, 'WE NEED THIS BOOK!' Dragon decided to visit the Hokage later that evening…

…

Natsume Clan Home 4:30 P.M.

Naruto (blissfully unaware he may soon be imprisoned in an office so he could write a book) was very happy to be home. They had no homework that weekend per Yūgao-sensei and they were informed a new student and three tutors would be joining them Monday. They all wondered why there was no 'homework from hell' but Yūgao-sensei informed them (confidentially) that there would be many legal proceedings because of the Uchiha situation. They were also told they may be called upon by ANBU agents for further information. The general consensus was Uchiha Sasuke was (rightfully) in deep shit. Even Sakura and Ino who were formerly Sasuke's biggest fans wanted him locked up tight. A heated spar that someone got carried away in was one thing but attempted murder was quite another…

Gossip around town was starting to go against Sasuke. The rumor mill was running at full steam but between the ninja population (who considered Sasuke a traitor for his actions) and the tremendous political influence of the Hyūga Clan public opinion was starting to swing against Sasuke and he was being labeled 'the next Uchiha Itachi.' The conspicuous absence of the Village Elders Koharu and Homura (who had always been his biggest supporters politically and otherwise) also led to a lack of support for Sasuke's case politically, legally and monetarily. A Military trial with a Tribunal was announced but who was on the Tribunal and the date of the trial had not been set yet…

Sasuke's amazing social life aside though; Naruto was looking forward to a peaceful weekend with his two beautiful girlfriends. They were thinking about going out to eat and seeing the latest Princess Gale movie together on Saturday. Walking into the house he hugged and kissed both Maya-chan and Hinata-chan hello before he took a shower to get the days sweat and grime off of him. After a nice long shower Naruto came out and found that Natsu was dusting around the house. She seemed rather subdued and a bit sheepish. Natsu had no recollection of molesting Naruto but Hanako had informed Natsu of her actions and needless to say the kunoichi maid was shocked and mortified at her unacceptable behavior. She meant to apologize to Naruto but was still far too embarrassed to broach the subject.

Naruto was of the mindset to pretend it never happened. But Maya and Hinata were plotting to have Natsu apologize on her hands and knees (After much discussion with Hanako Obaa-chan they both promised not to murder, maim or mutilate Natsu much to their disappointment). At any rate, everyone sat down in the front room and discussed their days with one another. Hanako made a decision. "Well, since you three have been working so hard in the Advanced Genin Class I think it would be nice for us to all take the weekend off from training and relax. It's good to give your bodies a break once in a while and since you have no homework it would be a good time to do it."

"Hot damn!" exclaimed Naruto joyously before the chopsticks of doom whizzed across the room and decked him. "Owww….'where does she hide those?!' "I mean, you're the best Hanako Obaa-chan!" he said as he rubbed his forehead.

"That's what I thought you said Naruto-kun." said Hanako with a self-satisfied smirk. 'He is doing better but sometimes…' she thought to herself.

…

Hokage's Office

ANBU Commander Dragon was sitting with the Hokage. Hiruzen said in a business-like tone, "The Military Tribunal will consist of you, Jiraiya and myself. As soon as the Uchiha can leave his hospital bed he's going on trial. That's estimated to be by the end of this coming week. Yamanaka Inoichi will be performing a mind walk this weekend once Ibiki has 'visited' with Uchiha Sasuke. After that ANBU Fox will seal Uchiha Sasuke's chakra and his bloodline. If and when we decide to repopulate the Uchiha Clan it will be via artificial insemination."

"No offense Hokage-sama but it seems you've already hung the Last Uchiha before he's even been to trial." said Dragon.

"No offense taken Commander Dragon." said the Hokage conversationally. "Under normal circumstances I would be quite a bit more delicate with a situation like this but Uchiha Sasuke has received his psyche checks from the same Doctor Genda Toru every year since the Uchiha massacre. Coincidentally when Mitarashi Anko questioned him he immediately spilled his guts in fear of her. It turns out that he's been receiving large bribes from my former advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu to say Sasuke is psychologically stable when he clearly is not. Doctor Genda has taken bribes from other wealthy members of our fair village as well, so he won't being seeing the light of day for some time I'm afraid."

ANBU Dragon nodded in agreement. "I remember Anko pouting that a psychologist hadn't even put up some resistance. Given Genda was a civilian in background I hadn't seen the report yet. What did Yamanaka Inoichi say at the idea of mind walking the Uchiha boy?"

Hiruzen lit up his pipe. "Frankly, he isn't looking forward to it. I believe he said something about 'Only Kami knowing what goes on inside the boy's deranged head.' He also went on to say that he was eternally grateful his daughter wasn't the one Sasuke snapped on because she could have been crippled or even killed in that taijutsu match unlike the Hyūga heiress who is exceptionally skilled. Apparently Inoichi's daughter used to have a huge crush on Uchiha Sasuke but suffice it to say that came to an abrupt end. The saddest thing is Uchiha Sasuke could have at least been a productive civilian member of society with the proper psychological treatment. It's such a waste."

"And Elders Koharu and Homura?" asked Dragon. "We've had them in ANBU Prison for some time."

"Tsunade has made that her first decision to deal with after taking office." explained the elderly Sarutobi. "Their fate is her decision but between you and I; I'm of the firm belief she intends to make an example of them as to what happens to corrupt officials."

"I sense just a touch of eagerness in your voice Hokage-sama." stated Dragon.

"What can I say?" asked Hiruzen with a shrug. "They betrayed me; they betrayed Konoha and they betrayed the Will of Fire they were raised upon. Tobirama-sensei would be both disgusted and ashamed. It's kind of poetic justice that sensei's own grand-niece will be punishing them for their betrayal of our ideals. Enough of my ranting though; obviously it's a sore subject for me. You said there was something else aside of the Uchiha's trial you want to discuss?" the Hokage asked.

"It's about the fuinjutsu textbook that ANBU Fox has been writing with Jiraiya-sama." said Dragon.

"Yes, Naruto-kun seemed quite earnest about the subject." said Hiruzen. 'The little brat went so far as to blackmail me over it! Oh well; at least I still have my wonderful picture of Hanako-chan.' thought the Hokage.

Dragon nodded. "Apparently he has a rough draft of it and shared a bit of it with his fuinjutsu class after they asked him about it."

"What was their reaction to it?" asked the Hokage as he took another drag on his pipe.

"They were so enthusiastic about it that they requested that Naruto actually should be commissioned to write it. They want it made a priority project." said Dragon. "Four of them came completely on their own accord and told me about it individually. I talked to four of the others and they think this unanimously. I intend to talk to his remaining three students tomorrow to confirm. Sloth suggested he write a basics book for the Academy and a classified version for the ANBU. He went so far as to suggest that we make it required for the ANBU."

"Sloth said that?" asked Hiruzen with raised eyebrows.

Dragon nodded emphatically. "ANBU Sloth was the first to voluntarily come to me with the idea of his own accord Hokage-sama. To be honest; for someone with a personality as lazy as his to come forward to me with such enthusiasm speaks volumes. Ferret, Mouse and Raccoon also came to me individually expressing the same sentiments."

"Inform Naruto to report to me at 8 A.M. tomorrow morning with a copy of his manuscript." said Hiruzen quickly writing a message scroll. "I want to see this personally." Then the Hokage added seriously. "If it can get the likes of Sloth excited it must be something special."

"Understood sir." said Dragon in agreement.

…

Natsume Clan Home

Gazeru appeared at the front porch of the Natsume Clan Home and sealed up her mask around 6 P.M. She'd just gotten off duty but volunteered when Commander Dragon said a message needed to be delivered to Uzumaki Naruto. Dragon told her to deliver the message scroll about the fuinjutsu manuscript and she was very excited for Naruto that his book would receive such attention. Commander Dragon asked for an unbiased opinion about it earlier today and she told him it was brilliant. Of course, she was a tad biased when Naruto-kun was involved…

Knocking on the door, Hikari heard Natsu come padding up and answer it. The kunoichi maid opened the door and was surprised to see an ANBU there. "May I help you ANBU-san?" asked Natsu.

"Yes, you may." said Hikari with a touch of excitement in her voice. "I am here to deliver a classified document to Uzumaki Naruto. Is he home?"

"He is, please come in ANBU-san." said Natsu. "Wait here and I will retrieve him."

Naruto soon came out and saw Hikari standing there taking in the view of the Natsume household. Her pretty, emerald green eyes seemed to be sparked with interest. 'So this is where Naruto-kun lives…' She saw Naruto walking up. "Naruto-kun; I'm glad to see you. I have a classified document for you. Is there someplace private I can hand it off to you?"

Naruto nodded. "Sure; let's go to my fuinjutsu office. I was just practicing my calligraphy." he said as he led her back.

Maya and Hinata spotted Hikari immediately and were conversing quietly to each other. "There is no way in hell Hikari-san doesn't like Naruto-kun. I say we interrogate her Hinata-chan. Watch her through the door with your byakugan and make sure she doesn't try to seduce him."

Hinata nodded and said, "Perhaps when she's done dropping off her message we can talk with her in private Maya-chan. Hinata activated her byakugan. "I hate to spy but if she's after Naruto-kun for his money or title we will have to chase her off."

…

In Naruto's office…

Hikari was looking around the office in absolute fascination. Row after row of fuinjutsu books were neatly shelved in order. There were so many multi volume sets it was unbelievable. The office itself was well lit, neat and spotless and all the papers and scrolls were impeccably organized in their own slots. Inwardly she cringed thinking of the fuinjutsu room at headquarters. It looked like a five year old got into several bottles of ink and decided to redecorate/go berserk. It was a disorganized pigsty and fuinjutsu guides were scattered about haphazardly. Usually finding a book to look up a seal took longer than it would to make the seal itself. That and it was poorly lit and decorated like a dungeon…

She saw Naruto's Fuinjutsu textbook drafts on the side of Naruto's table and suddenly remembered her actual reason for being there (Hikari had already been informed of the message). "Here you go Naruto-kun; it's sealed from the Hokage himself." she said as she handed the scroll over.

Naruto inspected the seal for tampering and then he opened the scroll. After looking over it for a minute he said, "Damn it Jiji; I wanted to sleep in tomorrow! Why does he want to see that thing anyway? It's not even nearly close to done."

"Naruto-kun, what you read us was brilliant." said Hikari with excitement dancing in her eyes. "I think that Hokage-sama just wants to review the manuscript to see it for himself."

Naruto asked with narrowed eyes, "And just how did Hokage-Jiji find out about my rough draft to begin with; hmmm?"

"It wasn't me!" exclaimed Hikari while waving her hands. "Someone leaked it to Commander Dragon but I don't know who it was. The Commander asked my personal opinion later but he already knew about it. Anyway, everyone was so excited about it so it's no wonder that Hokage-sama is interested. I'd think you'd be very enthused."

Naruto sighed. "If I had something to actually show Sarutobi-Jiji I might be excited but this is nothing compared to what I want to make." He motioned towards a large set of volumes on the shelf with the Uzumaki swirl on the spine. "Those are Uzu fuinjutsu sealing books. What I'm writing is so pathetic compared to them it's shameful."

"May I see one Naruto-kun?" asked Hikari sweetly.

Naruto shrugged and grabbed the introductory volume off the shelf. "Here you go Hikari-chan; this is the first volume so take a look."

Hikari opened up the old tome in the middle and saw advanced formulas and sealing patterns that completely blew her mind. With wide eyes she said, "What is all this Naruto-kun? I thought this was supposed to be introductory stuff."

"It is introductory stuff Hikari-chan." said Naruto. "These books break things down to the very basic components and formulas so you can create seals. I'm not talking about showing you how to make a sealing scroll; I'm talking about all of the building blocks, so you understand how and why the seal works. That way you could make a simple sealing scroll or dozens of variations to suit your purpose. For instance, I have a scroll with an already burning campfire in it for camping. It's only one use per scroll but it's really handy."

"You can actually seal open flames in a scroll?" asked Hikari in disbelief. At Naruto's nod she said. "That's absolutely amazing! Can I please see it work Naruto-kun? Please?!"

"Well, I don't see why not." said Naruto as he put his sealing book back on the shelf. "Let's ask the girls if they want to cook something over an open fire tonight for dinner. Are you off duty Hikari-chan?"

"Yes!" shouted Hikari. "I mean, yes; I'd love to have dinner with you."

Naruto came out of his office into the front room and saw Hanabi working on her kanji. "Hi Naruto-nii-san, who might your guest be?" asked the little girl brightly.

Naruto smiled, "Hanabi-chan; this is Tomoe Hikari. She's a student of mine. Hikari-chan, this young lady is Hyūga Hanabi. She is Hinata-chan's little sister."

"It's nice to meet you Hanabi." said Hikari kindly.

Soon, using Hanabi's byakugan they were able to round everyone up and everyone agreed that cooking over a campfire would be a nice change of pace. An hour later they were all outside and Naruto pulled out a scroll. Channeling chakra into it he said, "Campfire." and a smaller scroll popped out. Setting the smaller scroll on the ground Naruto motioned everyone to stand back and channeled chakra to the small scroll while saying, "Unseal!" The scroll opened and a medium sized campfire appeared in all its glory.

Hikari gasped and said, "That's incredible Naruto-kun!" Everyone soon sat down peacefully and had a nice dinner together.

Hanako watched as Hinata, Maya and Hikari all vied for Naruto's attention. 'This Hikari girl has it bad for Naruto-kun and he doesn't have a clue as far as I can tell. It seems it will fall into Maya-chan and Hinata-chan's hands to explain things to Hikari-san. Judging by the looks on their faces they know it too. Ah, to be young, foolish and in love again. On the positive side, Hikari-san is already in ANBU so she's no weakling. She's also quite stunning. She also seems genuinely interested in Naruto-kun as opposed to some sycophant interested in his money. The way he hides it I wonder if Hikari-san even knows that Naruto-kun has any money. He's very conservative with his spending. I suppose it comes from years of being poor. Hopefully it won't break out into a catfight. I really don't need that kind of headache this evening.'

…

POSTSCRIPT:

Next chapter we'll see how the Flames of Youth affect the Advanced Genin Class (and if Lee can survive without his beloved green). The Hokage is moving quickly on Sasuke's situation, and it looks bad for the Uchiha. Will Sasuke be rescued in the eleventh hour? We also have Naruto's little textbook side project that may have exploded in his face and Hikari is showing more than a little interest in our blonde fuinjutsu master. See you next time. Blue out. 6/16/23