4

Chapter 210:

From within the gourd, they can hear the sand whirling around, as if

agitated, and his cold blue eyes say as much as his voice relays.

"Family? You're just lumps of meat linked by hatred and murderous

intent. I am alone. I won't believe in anyone, I won't love anyone, and

you will do this or you have no further value to me."

Temari and Kankurō turn to Baki, but as expected, their glorified

babysitter does nothing. Gaara retires to his room and rather than plan

how they're going to make this outrageous demand happen, Temari

calmly walks into her room.

TENTEN

"Tou-chan," Tenten calls out with a hint of curiosity as she enters her

father's shop. At first, she didn't understand why the shop was closed,

and then she's further bewildered by the dark room. She turns on the

light before she walks through the shop into the back and up the stairs

to their apartment above. All the while she can't help but constantly

replay the fight between Sasuke-kun and Naruto-kun.

Absentmindedly, she recalls her team meeting around Lee's bed. He

was awake, however, having used the Inner Gates, he'll be bedridden

for at least a week. The only two questions the three of them had was

why he stopped Lee's match and about Naruto-kun. Having fought the

loud blond herself, never in her wildest imagination could she have

predicted such an absurd amount of strength. Guy-sensei wouldn't

completely reveal why Naruto-kun was so powerful but he assured his

team it's not too unlike Lee's gates.

"He can call upon power when he truly needs it, very much like that

young Gaara-kun," Guy-sensei told a bedridden Lee. "I'm sorry Lee-

kun. One of life's greatest difficulties is no one ninja is capable of

defeating everyone they come across."

Focusing on herself and Neji-kun, Guy-sensei adds, "none of you are.

No one shinobi that can beat everyone. If Konoha expected as much

out of its ninja, our village would surely be weak indeed. We fight as a

team because this world and its monsters are much larger than any

one man."

Turning to Lee, their sensei tells him, "if I allowed the match to

continue, I feel confident he could've ended your career as a shinobi."

Lee was dejected to hear such disheartening news, as was Tenten,

because it means Naruto went easy on her. She thought it was

impressive that he could create so many clones of himself, but that

didn't even scratch the surface of his full capabilities…

'I'm not good enough to bring out his best,' she loathes to accept.

With a sigh, she enters the living space of their two-bedroom

apartment to the startling shock of seeing her father tied and gagged to

a chair. Before she can even utter a syllable, the very long blade of

Kubikiribōchō advances from behind her, passing the side of her head

so the corner of her vision can see an ill-defined reflection of her entire

face against the flat of the blade. The edge was pointed to the floor,

and if whoever was wielding the blade brought it down, it would cut

through her trapezius muscle, her collar bone, her ribs, lungs, liver, and

she'd surely die.

"Far too lax," a deep and dark voice calls from behind her. The hairs on

the back of her neck stand, however, she manages to control her

breathing as he continues. "Your life hasn't hovered near death

enough, girl. You're no ninja."

"Wh-Who-" Tenten starts and is interrupted by her father's muffled

yelling.

"Your trash of a father made a grave error when he tried to sell my

sword," the ominous voice imparts.

With wide eyes, a shaky Tenten realizes aloud, "you- you're Momochi

Zabuza…"

His sinister chuckle was his only response.

Chapter 211: The Threshold

KAKASHI

'…I fucked up,' Kakashi's simple thoughtfully expresses.

Standing at attention with his fellow Jōnin-sensei before their Hokage's

desk, Kakashi couldn't help but recall his ever-lengthening list of

miscalculations. Avoiding thoughts of his failures to Rin, to his Sensei,

to Obito, his perceptible mind fast forwards to his neglect of Sakura

and Naruto.

'Naruto-kun and Sakura-chan may not contribute to the village as much

as Sasuke can, but that's okay,' he thought. Kakashi knew he could still

form a team around Sasuke. The last Uchiha would elevate his

teammates, in turn, they will do their absolute best to keep up. If one

died in the process, such is the life of a ninja. If not, they will always

grow stronger with Sasuke as the bar.

Considering Naruto is at the heart of this matter, Kakashi saw fit to

bring a clone for this meeting, if only to offer his opinion. Watching the

clone lazily stand next to Hiruzen's chair, Kakashi couldn't figure out

how the amiable blond completely blindsided him. The bored blue-eyed

blond may be his sensei's son, but, it was evident early on he was no

ninja; not in the truest sense of the dark word. Naruto was simply too

bright, too optimistic, too good for the heinous deeds a ninja is meant

to do.

Many children hear stories of saving princesses or protecting towns,

however, Kakashi knew that was the shallow end of their world, and for

most of his life, he's operated in the deep, dark, murky depths of death

and survival. Rather than saving lives, ninja serve countries better by

taking lives; politicians, merchant princes, tycoons, feudal lords,

warlords… innocent or not.

'Anything for the mission…' his mind voiced.

Naruto does not represent the full depth a ninja must struggle with. For

this deeply damaging way-of-life, a shinobi must be a little dead inside

and Kakashi was content with Naruto not embodying that motto. If it

meant preserving that ray of hope within the boy for as long as

possible, he's certain his peaceful and caring sensei would approve.

'Because even if Naruto can't bear the worst of a shinobi's struggles,

the world still need ninjas like him,' Kakashi believes. Shinobi like

Naruto and Sakura are the future dark-horses like Kakashi and Sasuke

will protect. It's the best way broken shinobi like them can contribute.

Still, as the contemplative Hiruzen turns from the heedful window in his

office, and takes a seat, Kakashi thinks, yet again, 'I fucked up.'

As Sarutobi observes the five Jōnin-sensei standing at attention before

him with elbows on his paper stacked desk and hands fastened

together by interlaced fingers, Hiruzen doesn't initiate security protocol

just yet. Guy, Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, and Yari all await their Kage's

directive over Naruto's red chakra cloak witnessed not more than two

and a half hours ago.

"Appearance only regulates mere scraps of what is truly underneath,"

Hiruzen's wise and airy voice starts. As he continues, however, the

sudden shift to a commanding tone is quickly evident to every Jōnin in

the room. "It is why we teach our own to always search underneath the

underneath, so we are never unduly surprised."

Despite the clone of Naruto yawning, Hiruzen's piercing eyes land

sternly on Kakashi, and ignoring the urge to swallow his

embarrassment as a Jōnin-sensei, he, yet again, thinks to himself, 'I

really fucked up.'

"As you all may have guessed," Hiruzen addresses his captains of

education. "I risked everyone's lives to answer one question; Could

Naruto-kun retain control under extreme distress? I agree the answer

to that question shouldn't have such high potential for loss, however,

I've been blessed with the fortune of observing this young man beside

me grow up since his birth."

Kakashi notices Naruto pay more attention as the Sandaime resumes

saying, "regardless of the very real risks to you, your students, my

countrymen, and warriors, I wanted to believe in Naruto-kun…" Hiruzen

turns to the surprised clone and finishes, "and this very old man is

proud to witness his trust has not been misplaced."

With closed eyes, Naruto couldn't help a chuckle through his bright

smile, and again, Kakashi feels that boy is the future he needs to

protect. 'It may be too late for Sasuke-kun, but Naruto can still remain

clean of the sickening darkness of the shinobi world.'

Hiruzen tells the line of Jōnin-sensei, "your students will doubtlessly

have questions. As their sensei, it is understandable if you're inclined to

satisfy their curiosity."

"I want to tell them," Naruto states from beside their Hokage. "They're

going to figure it out eventually. Why not now?"

Hiruzen takes a moment to consider his words. Leaning back in his

chair he takes a slow drag of his pipe before informing the gathered

Jōnin, "under my authority, I will allow you to inform your students only

vague details." Sitting up straight, he orders the sensei, "reveal nothing

by name. The general narrative should imply since Naruto's birth, he's

had two chakras. Nothing more-"

"Aw, come on, Ji-chan," Naruto bellows and it still marvels a the long

veteran Kakashi that a subordinate—no matter the relation—can be

that casual with the strongest shinobi in their village. "There's no

reason not to tell them everything. If Konoha ever gets attacked, trust

me, I'm going to use all of my strength to defend it. It only makes

sense they know what to expect."

"I appreciate your forethought, Naruto-kun," Hiruzen tells the blond

genin. "But until I am confident this will not blowback on you, we will

proceed with caution."

"Blowback how," Naruto asks with a quirked brow.

"Without getting into too much detail, the village's trust in you is

tentative," Sarutobi tells the blond, and Kakashi knows what exactly

what he means. The village will turn on the Fourth's son much easier

than they would thank him for his service.

"There isn't an adult within these walls that have forgotten that day,"

Hiruzen explains to Naruto. "If we're going to ensure the village fully

trusts you with preserving their safety, accidents mustn't ever happen.

For now, we will give the genin half-truths." Turning to the Jōnin-sensei,

he dismisses them. As Kakashi expected, his leader calls, "Kakashi."

Pausing, Kurenai asks, "with your permission, Hokage-sama, if it

involves Naruto-kun, I humbly request your permission to remain."

"Thank you, Kurenai-kun, but that will not be necessary," he smiles as

he responds to her. "If there's a manner by which you can be of

assistance, I will not hesitate to ask it of you."

"May I speak to a clone," Kurenai asks.

Though Kakashi finds it odd she can't simply wait till tomorrow, he

watches their Hokage nod his consent and Naruto make a clone of

himself that follows Kurenai-sensei out. When the three are alone in his

office, Hiruzen activates the Kage's security protocol. Once the

windows are blacked-out, the walls illuminate with glowing blue Fūin

seals, and the lamps at the corners of the office light, the Hokage

speaks to Kakashi.

Chapter 212:

"Despite Sasuke-kun breaking no rules in his match with Naruto-kun,"

the elder slowly voices. "He nevertheless attempted to kill his

teammate with an assassination technique you taught him."

Kakashi says nothing. He had no defense against the obvious and so

simply responds with all the shame and regret he currently feels, "hai…

Hokage-sama."

The elder takes a deep breath and leans back against his chair before

he swivels to Naruto and asks, "how do you feel about Sasuke-kun's

actions against you?"

Comically tilting his head with squinting his eyes, Naruto takes a

moment to gather his words before answering, "well, I was pretty

pissed at the time, but, like I told Sasuke, I get his whacked-out anger

issues. So, while I don't like the way he is right now, like, at all, I know

he needs help more than anything else."

"You never cease to surprise," Hiruzen gaffs, and Kakashi feels the

same, strengthening his desire to always protect that light, even if he

has to keep his distance to do so. "The life of a shinobi may very well

be a dangerous profession, to the mind as much as the body, but we

train hard every day, as individuals as much as teammates, to defy

death's grasp. I still believe Sasuke-kun can be an asset to this village.

It's possible I'm simply an old fool who believes in even the most

troubled youths…"

Hiruzen's pause easily signals to Kakashi the elder's travel in the far

back memory banks of his regrets, but soon begins again. "The

method by which we guide Sasuke-kun is a more daunting task than

previously expected, however, I have not yet reached the conclusion

that he is a lost cause-"

"He isn't," Naruto casually states, leading Kakashi to wonder why his

young student seems so confident, then appreciating his sensei's son

for his positive life force in the face of Sasuke's darkness. "I'm not sure

how just yet, but I think I know how to help him."

A curious Kakashi asks his student, "what makes you think that?"

"Nobody knows the truth," Naruto tells the older men, confusing both of

them. "Honestly, I don't know how just yet, but I'm working on it. I'll let

you know when I have something more solid."

Hiruzen nods, showing Kakashi the trust the elder seems to place in

his young genin. "Until then," the Sandaime continues, turning to

Kakashi. "When Sasuke-kun recovers, I want a full report on the

cursed seal, along with everything he's done to achieve that level of

capability."

In the dark sealed room, Kakashi replies, "hai, Hokage-sama."

"Until we learn otherwise, we have to assume Orochimaru was

involved, which alludes to some level of participation from Sasuke-kun.

Kakashi, from this moment forward, he is to remain in your vicinity at all

times, and if the young Uchiha doesn't approve, remind him there are

other preventative measures that are much less accommodating."

Though he doesn't show it, Kakashi is surprised by the Sandaime's

directive. Some part of him felt for sure he would be reassigned to a

task more suited to his lethal strengths. Instead, it seems Sarutobi

Hiruzen will not allow him to quit, and so Kakashi proclaims, "I request

all my students live under the same roof."

"What?" Naruto yells. "But I like living at Iruka-sensei's and he's nearly

out of the hospital. Who's going to help him out if I'm not around?"

"Naruto-kun may stay in his current residence," the Hokage declares.

"You may offer Haruno-chan the option of staying with you, or if she

would prefer, with Kurenai-sensei. I want Team 7 insulated.

Understood?"

"Hai, Hokage-sama," Kakashi responds.

"Now," Hiruzen continues, turning to the young blond. "Naruto-kun, as I

said, I was quite impressed by your control over the Kyūbi's chakra, but

I would like to know how you managed to gain that level of command.

You said you trained, but how?"

"Well, I wouldn't say I command it or anything like that," Naruto states,

though Kakashi feels like it's an evasion. "I asked and he gave it to

me."

'He's holding back,' Kakashi, and no doubt Hiruzen, instantly think as

Kakashi asks, "just like that? It didn't attempt to take over your mind?"

"Nope," Naruto answers before he explains to his Hokage and sensei,

"though, at the time, we were both pretty pissed so I probably could've

asked for more and he would've given it to me."

"…So you speak to it," Hiruzen mumbles more than asks, likely noting

Naruto's use of the word 'he,' as if it's a person. At the rather casual

relation between Naruto and the Kyūbi, Kakashi feels a small seed of

nervousness at the pit of his stomach.

"Mnn," Naruto hums his affirmative answer, adding, "like four or five

times."

"What do you talk about," Kakashi wonders.

"Well, when he's not bitching about how much he hates all humans, we

talk about how disappointedly weak I am, or girls."

"…girls," both men repeat, surprised to hear any interest to the demon

beast, let alone girls. However, with red cheeks, both highly observant

males can effortlessly picture how any angle of a seductive and

shapely woman holds the power to easily break down seemingly

insurmountable barriers.

"…Yeah," Naruto slowly answers, staring curiously at the deeply

pensive adults. "But that's private so I don't want to say anymore."

Clearing his throat and his thoughts, Sarutobi asks, "is it possible you

could tame the beast?" Though Kakashi understands how beneficial to

the village having a Jinchūriki on the capability of Killer Bee can be, he

can only imagine a much darker path for Naruto than he would like.

Naruto quickly asserts, "nope! I mean, no more than you can tame a

person."

"Is it possible you can convince it to cooperative with Konoha," Hiruzen

then asks.

"I don't know, I never asked," Naruto shrugs as if he doesn't even care

to. "It doesn't really feel right to push like that. I don't want him to think

I'm just using him for his chakra."

'Again with the 'him,'' Kakashi mentally notes.

"I can't even describe how thoroughly impressed I am, Naruto-kun,"

Hiruzen proclaims. "None of your formidable predecessors have ever

conversed with the Kyūbi, let alone made use of its chakra in a combat

situation."

"Yeah, well, you never know what tomorrow will bring," Naruto tells

them. "You have to be ready for anything, right Ji-chan?"

"Very wise words," the elder agrees with a proud smile. "I think I've

learned all I needed, Naruto-kun. I'd appreciate it if you spoke with me

or your sensei after any future conversations you might have with the

Kyūbi."

"Sure," Naruto answers before the clone dispels in a thick puff of white

smoke.

Chapter 213:

Hiruzen's very strong and disapproving eyes finally land on a very rigid

Kakashi. The elder's stern and powerful voice asserts, "since you were

a boy, you've never failed an assignment within reason. You may have

erred, as we all have, but never failed in a thing you've set your mind

and considerable talents to. You are a man, grown, Kakashi-kun, and

now you are failing. At this very moment, you are failing your students,

you're failing yourself, and you're failing me, which means you are

failing your village."

Shamed to the point he can't take a breath as his chest is so tight, an

ashamed Kakashi weakly responds, "Hai… Hokage-sama."

"This is a first for us both, as I never expected to have a conversation

such as this with you," Hiruzen sadly observes. "However, these

missteps do not have to mean our defeat. You must do things

differently, Kakashi-kun, beginning with a closer association to the

living. I understand why your mind and heart remain in the past, but,

the many sins we must atone for lay in the future, not in the heavy

shackles of our shameful past. We need you, Kakashi-kun. For yourself

as much as your village, do not fail me again."

"…Hai, Hokage-sama."

KURENAI

Exiting the Hokage's office and keeping the clone in front of her,

Kurenai finds Asuma waiting for her down the empty hall.

"I haven't had a chance to say, congratulations," Asuma begins to say

upon reaching him. "Your entire team… that's quite an accomplishment

for a fresh Jōnin-sensei, but I can hardly be surprised."

"Oh, yeah," Naruto thoughtfully recalls beaming at her. He usually

doesn't think much of Shino and often prefers not to think about Kiba,

but he knows how passionate Kurenai is about teaching, and so still

can't believe it slipped his mind. This would obviously be an amazing

achievement for her and he praises her as much. "That's awesome,

Kurenai-sensei! Congratulations!"

"Don't forget you're my student as well," Kurenai gratefully tells him.

Turning to Asuma, she congratulates the tall man as well, adding,

"Shikamaru-kun has impressive deductive reasoning and critical

thinking ability."

The gruff Jōnin chuckles before mentioning, "can't really take credit for

that one."

"Still, he's learning from you," Kurenai tells him. "You're clearly a good

influence on him."

An errant thought of Asuma as a positive father figure to their child

wiggled its way to the forefront of Kurenai's mind, and rather than bring

shame, doubt, and impropriety along with it for her current relationship

with Naruto, she's amazed by how far she's come without even

realizing it. Here she stands with her manly ex in front of her, her blond

passion beside her, and there's a clear separation of what once was

and what currently is.

Even in his presence, her relationship with Naruto no longer feels

wrong, just different. Standing between these men, she can discern

that it's not supposed to feel better or worse, but her current state of

affairs is simply a more honest understanding of who she is and what

these men represent to her.

Kurenai could, very well, be that fantasy mother she imagines with a

dutiful and loving husband, taking care of their beautiful child in a

charming home. That desire for her future is still there, but, the

husband she has her child with isn't as clear as it used to be. And that's

okay. At the opposite spectrum, not only does Kurenai love teaching

the future of the village, she also enjoys the day-to-day fulfillment of

working her students to the bone, picturing how their hard work will one

day be to the benefit of the village. And that is also okay.

What her mind seems to effortlessly map out is, opening herself to

Asuma again feels like it wouldn't be long before she's discharged from

active duty, her students would be reassigned, she'd be left home most

days to tend to the house and her growing belly, eventually joining the

Allied Mother's Force, and completely giving up her influence over the

true Hokage of the future.

Though she wouldn't be opposed to such a future, Kurenai can also

continue on her current path as a strong kunoichi sensei who adores

her team, cherishes the profession of guiding the youths of tomorrow,

and absolutely loves mind-blowing sex with the most surprising,

resilient, and amazing boy she's ever met. Aside from the thrill of

standing between two of the most prominent avenues her young life is

more than capable of traveling, she also feels solace by her

acceptance of it all, and ultimately, is in no hurry to change a thing.

Kurenai is so staggered by this monumental self-revelation, she nearly

misses Asuma ask, "how about we celebrate? I don't have to meet my

team until later. How about a celebratory drink?"

Surprised by the proximity of her former boyfriend asking her out as

her bored lover watches patiently, Kurenai says in a slightly elevated

tone, "uh, actually, I need to speak with Naruto, so, now isn't ideal for

me."

"I can wait," Asuma shrugs casually.

"It'll take some time," Kurenai explains, feeling her armpits prickle in

rising body heat. "I wouldn't want to keep you."

"I've got nothing better to do," Asuma voices assuredly. "It's one drink.

It'll help distract me from a celebratory smoke."

"I only mean to say, if you did have something else, I wouldn't want to

keep you," Kurenai clumsily tries to kindly rebuff his invitation, an

action she never thought she'd ever do to Asuma.

"Yeesh, it's one drink, Kurenai-chan," a clueless Naruto phrases with a

bored look upon his face, as if he's completely unaware of her personal

romantic history with Asuma. 'Which of course, he doesn't know,' she

thinks with inward agitation as Naruto adds, "the man's practically

begging."

Slightly embarrassed, Asuma huffs, "I wouldn't say begging," as

Kurenai weakly answers, "okay," with a roll of her eyes. Any more

dismissals and it would've been awkward. Additionally, it isn't as if they

don't need to have a frank conversation in the not-so-distant future. Life

couldn't have given her a clearer sign to pick an avenue.

"Meet you at the usual spot," Asuma states, nodding at Naruto before

he leaves.

Turning to his gorgeous sensei, Naruto casually asks, "so, what'd you

want to talk about?"

Shaking her head by the unplanned turn of events, Kurenai mundanely

tells Naruto, "come with me."

With a happy nod from the blond, they walk the much more crowded

streets of Konoha. The open shops are buzzing with chatty activity,

discount signs hang in every available cord or post, featured services

for the month were being yelled out around the street, or services are

being hung or merchandise carts where traversing the streets due to

the welcome influx of travelers, families, out-of-country traders, and

journeymen from distant countries.

Chapter 214:

When they enter the nearest tea shop, it's far too lively to have a

private conversation. The intelligent kunoichi didn't need more than a

second to simply make her way up the side of the wall to the roof with

the blond following right behind. Judging Naruto's old apartment to be

the closest privacy she could hope for, they sprint for nearly fifteen

minutes, but before they could rest, the pair had to rid the abandoned

building of a bunch of gangsters and thugs trying to set up their base.

Once in the living room of Naruto's old room, Kurenai comments, "I

heard about Karin-chan. I can't tell you how happy I am you found

some family in this world. It's truly an amazing gift." The blank white

room lost all its furnishing and with no place to sit, Kurenai leans

against the wall near the balcony door.

"Thanks," Naruto says, opening the sliding door to look out into the

beautiful day of their village. "She's gone through a lot already, so I

definitely want her to find a home here and know I'll be there for her

from now on."

"I'm certain she will," Kurenai assures him with a small yet confident

smile.

"Uh, I've been wondering," he starts, and Kurenai easily notes the

blushing rising in his cheeks. Humored, she isn't surprised when he

continues, "if I'm your student too, doesn't that mean we ought to

celebrate too?" The double meaning in his voice is unmistakable to

Kurenai and her body responds with blushing excitement. Turning to

her, he asks with a bratty smirk, "not just 'one drink' though?" Though

she tried, she couldn't restrain her broad smile as he adds, "maybe

nine or ten rounds of 'drinks?' I mean, I'm parched here, sensei. Feels

like I'll die if I don't drink something soon."

Kurenai's panties met with a flood of lubricating discharge she'd be

more than happy if he licked up. Her heart began pounding and her

face felt flush from the rush of hot blood flaming her neck and cheeks.

Even beating up the thugs didn't get her this flushed as her thighs

tightened at the clear intention in his clear baby-blue eyes of ravishing

her body all night long.

It's been over two weeks since their last lesson, and in that time, her

dildo has done a less and less adequate job of satisfying her active

libido and the orange vibrator she purchased only helps with the worst

pangs of her tireless lust or vivid fantasies. Her fierce hunger has

grown to a fever pitch in that time. Her disciplined mind finds it better

left ignored, fore if she thinks about how much she misses their deeply

satisfying and intimate connection, she'd do something drastic like

break into the room he was sleeping in before the preliminaries.

'That was before I witnessed his destructive strength and near-death,'

she thought.

Even though she can see he's fine, her ribs still feel hollow simply by

the memory of Uchiha-kun's vicious attack. Looking at him now, she

wants to touch him, to feel him, but in the vulnerable open air, she

hates that she has to control herself as she answers, "I've missed

you… more than either of us imagined." Inhaling his unique scent of

sunshine and forest, she notes, "so much has happened, I don't know

what I want to do more; talk about it all or celebrate in a dark room for

several hours."

"I don't see why both can't be an option. It's called pillow-talk for a

reason, Nai-chan," he says with a wicked grin.

Rolling her red eyes with a luscious smile, Kurenai informs him, "I'll be

having a proper celebration with my team tonight. Afterward, Hinata will

return to her family for the weekend. I know you'd like to spend time

with Karin-chan, but-"

"I do," Naruto's clone claims. He asserts, "the boss definitely wants to

get to know Karin-chan better—we're starting our clan, after all—but,

going any longer without seeing you feels like I'm going to be sick. This

growing feeling reminds me a lot of when you're on an away-mission

for too long." She observes the need in his expressive blue eyes

equals her own when he achingly confesses, "it's like you're my village,

and every day, I want to go back more and more, like I'm starving to

come home-"

Despite the open view of the balcony doors, she abruptly places a

finger to his lips. An aroused Kurenai feels so wet, if he said one more

heartfelt word, she'd take the clone home and make do with him till he

popped. Her heart is pumping hot life-sustaining blood throughout her

body but no organ was more engorged with liquid life than her soaping

sex.

She's moist enough to drench her panties and release her aroma in the

air, though retains enough control to desire the real thing, and tells the

clone, "I need you, Naruto, like a flower tolerates the nightly loss of the

sun. I'm never more alive than when I'm with you, feeling all of your

passion gushing inside of me. Expect the very moment you and I are

finally free to be alone, I'm going to lap you up, suck you off, and

squeeze every ounce of your white, hot, cum into me until I'm

overflowing and leaking rivers. So, how much longer are you going to

make your Nai-chan wait?"

Acting with pure horny instinct, a shocked clone whips out a clone

kunai and committed harakiri right then and there. Watching the puff of

round white smoke quickly fade, Kurenai smiles to the village she loves

so much with giddy anticipation in her heart and wet excitement in her

core.

Chapter 215:

SAKURA

Sitting in front of her custom and proficient desk with extended surface

space for large print or book placement, elevated shelves for her color-

coordinated pens, markers, brushes, and inks, and cabinets on either

side of her, Sakura is chewing on a pen as she forms her training

regiment. Creating goals, charts, and schedules have always come

easy to her, however, at the moment, she's having difficulty with one

part.

There have been two absolutely dominating forces occupying all of her

available conscious thought: her weakness and her womanhood.

Sakura was deflowered, thoroughly. She'd had sex with a boy—many

times—enjoying it far more than she'll ever admit because it still baffles

her that Uzumaki Naruto was not only her first sexual partner but

phenomenally good at it. Sakura was a woman now and Uzumaki

Naruto made her so. She's a woman now but with the wrong man and

in the wrong circumstance.

Likewise, she's thriving in her studies but how has that helped her?

She couldn't answer. Much like her days in the academy, she's nearly

prodigious when it comes to soaking in all the challenging information

of Iryō-ninjutsu and performing to an impressive degree. Since

graduation, Sakura has done plenty to be proud of, and yet, it all meant

nothing in the face of true combat ability.

'Hinata-chan beat me,' she can't help but glumly repeat over and over.

Orochimaru of the Sanin exceeds the Hyūga heiress's skills by miles,

'but I still lost to someone who is painfully shy and reserved?'

Only one member from Team 7 is proceeding to the third test, and even

if Hinata-chan's entire team is advancing, Sakura couldn't blame her

shortcomings on Kakashi-sensei. If not for the scoreboard glitching,

she's certain Naruto and Sasuke would've made it to the finals. Though

Kakashi is not the best sensei and can benefit from being more

efficient, when it comes to their actual instruction, his style always

brings the best out of them.

'And Hinata-chan still beat you,' her mind reminds her as her frustrated

heart compels her to yell aloud, "Hinata-chan!" Staring dejectedly at the

open scroll before her, she begins, again, to reevaluate her time and

energy.

OPTIMAL PLAN FOR HIGH-LEVEL PERFORMANCE

Daily Schedule

05:00-05:30 AM Wake up, Stretch.

05:30-08:00 AM Training-Physical conditioning, Ninjutsu, Taijutsu.

08:00-08:30 AM Meal-Breakfast, shower.

08:30-09:00 AM Family Time or Meditation, Travel to destination.

09:00-14:00 PM Team Meetings or Study Iryō-ninjutsu w/Butai-Medic

Corps.

14:00-14:30 PM Meal-Lunch, Meditate.

14:30-17:00 PM Team Meetings or Study Iryō-ninjutsu w/Butai-Medic

Corps.

17:00-17:30 PM Meal-Dinner, Meditate.

17:30-18:30 PM Recreational-Stress relief.

18:30-22:00 PM Train-Ninjutsu, Taijutsu.

22:00-22:30 PM Stretching, Shower.

22:30-05:00 AM Sleep.

Hour Breakdown

Under the designation Study, I've allotted myself a total of 7.5 hours.

Under the designation Training, I've allotted myself a total of 7.5 hours.

Under the designation Meal, I've allotted myself a total of 1.5 hours.

Under the designation Recreational, I've allotted myself a total of 1

hour.

Miscellaneous time spent is 1 hour.

TOTAL HOURS: 18.5 hours/24hr.

Study Breakdown

Text Manual Reading, Read Recent Studies, or Attend Lecture.

Create Notes and Flashcards.

Practice Problem Solving and Critical Thinking.

Write comprehensive reports.

Training Breakdown

Strength: to progressively overload a ranged motion, allowing the body

to adapt and get stronger in relation to the movement being performed.

Power: Speed and explosivity in relation to the movement being

performed.

Hypertrophy: Efficiency in muscle growth. Focus weight and work to

individualized muscle groups.

Metabolic: Causing burning fatigue to individualized muscle groups.

Pushing to, and through, the burn.

Total Body: Performing a series of conjoined exercises that

incorporates a variation of push, pull, leap, and press. Four sets of

eight exercises, alternating days between lower body, upper body, and

core to allow for optimal recuperation time.

Ninjutsu: Hand-seal speed, Chakra Control, Yang Release, Chakra

scalpel, and Double and Single Palm Chakra Transfer.

Taijutsu: Academy Style Katas.

Meal Breakdown

Breakfast: Rice, Fish, Miso, Omelet, and Herbal Tea.

Snack: Dates, Walnuts, or Fruit.

Lunch: Omurice, Chicken & Egg Bowl, Riceballs, or Katsudon.

Snack: Celery, Carrots, or Fruit.

Dinner: Salmon and Stir Fry Vegetables, Mapo Tofu, or Soba Noodle

Salad.

Dessert: Syrup-coated Anko Dumplings.

Recreational Breakdown

… … … …

Tapping underneath the Recreational Breakdown again, Sakura

becomes more and more frustrated. Not too long ago, every available

minute that wasn't her study time or her team meetings would've been

dedicated to maximizing her chances of securing her place as Sasuke-

kun's girlfriend and future as his dutiful wife. She thought about her

raven-haired avenger all the time, loved him—the man of her dreams—

with all her heart and she had never wanted anything more, but, like

the changing of the seasons, times have grown colder, darker.

In the mind of her heart, her love for Sasuke is now like an important

question going unanswered, a peace ended by war, a spectrum of

color reduced to drab gray-scale; her life has become emotional

anguish without the beauty of her pure love all because she believes

him when he said he'd kill her, her parents, their village, all for revenge.

No matter how her mind tried to reconcile that setback, Sakura couldn't

manage to deny how wrong that is.

Now, she has no idea how to spend that time. She likes trivia games

but with all the training and studying she'll be doing daily, that alone

won't be enough. A worthwhile recreational break is a pivotal hour of

the day or it's likely her nervous system will release a flood of stress

hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, keeping her body in a

continuous emergency state. Sakura knows the human body isn't

meant to stay stressed for too long or it will negatively impact her

productivity.

Without spending every available minute perfecting herself for Sasuke,

it's left her with a gaping hole in need of filling, an odd choice of

thought that returns her mind's eye to the vivid memory of her night

with Naruto. Like a switch, her body temperature rises as she recalls

how he spread and rubbed her sloppy snatch as he drilled her from

behind. Her strong legs tighten when her very muscles recall the

thrilling spasms of her quaking quim. Her heart-rate skyrockets as her

hand begins to descend to her humid crotch when she hears a, "yo,"

from the window behind her.

Sitting painfully straight before Sakura snaps around, she sees out of

her window, "Kakashi-sensei." Slowly rolling the scroll up to give

herself plenty of time to calm down, she eventually makes her way to

her window and opens it. Per usual, he doesn't enter, which she's more

than fine with at the moment.

Chapter 216:

She asks, "what are you doing here? Is everything alright?"

"More or less," he casually tells her.

Without details, she habitually asks, "how's Sasuke?"

"He'll likely wake up tomorrow," Kakashi answers.

"That's good," Sakura nods with a fake smile over an out-of-sorts face.

"…Not too long ago, his condition would've been the only thing you

asked me about." Thinking of her weakness, Sakura can't help but feel

saddened to hear that from her sensei. Even Kakashi could sense her

melancholy and expresses, "it's alright to lose when the only thing at

stake is your pride. As a medical ninja, you'll see that there are often

far worse outcomes."

"I just…" Though Sakura knows what she wants to say, she doesn't

truly want to voice it aloud, 'how could Hinata-chan beat me?'

"You didn't expect it," Kakashi easily guesses, as if he's aware of that

look. Ashamed, Sakura only nods. Humming a moment, Kakashi

calmly states, "elite or not, it can happen to any of us." Having heard of

her sensei's numerous accolades, a doubtful Sakura is about to argue

when Kakashi reminds her, "Momochi Zabuza is as elite a ninja as they

come, and he lost to a genin fresh out of the Academy because he

didn't expect what Naruto-kun did."

"I don't think any of us expected that," Sakura jokes, recalling his fight

Sasuke.

Nodding, Kakashi asks, "and whose fault is that? Zabuza for his lack of

awareness, or Naruto for fighting despite the odds? Always be wary of

a shinobi with conviction, Sakura-chan. Like Zabuza, you fought

Hinata-chan as if it was any other match-up, but like Naruto, Hinata-

chan gave me the impression it meant more to her. That's all."

Easily recalling Naruto's determination to protect his team against the

Demon of Hidden Mist, Sakura wondered why it mattered more to

Hinata-chan. Deciding then and there to train later, she asks a question

she wasn't sure was appropriate earlier in the day. "Are we going to

celebrate Naruto making it into the third test?" Sakura simply can't

imagine Sasuke attending that gathering.

"Of course," Kakashi answers. "We're a team. We celebrate our

accomplishments and our defeats together." Sakura isn't confident

that's going to go as well as her sensei seems to imagine when she

hears him add, "speaking of our team, as a precautionary measure, I

want Team 7 to stay together."

Drawing her brows close in curiosity, Sakura asks, "precaution against

what?"

"Not a what," Kakashi corrects but doesn't elaborate.

"…Orochimaru," Sakura easily guesses. As the only threat in her

team's lives, the legendary missing-nin is the only answer that makes

sense. Recalling Sasuke's fiendish transformation, she remarks, "I saw

where those dark marks on Sasuke originated from. It's the same

location Orochimaru bit him."

"I'll let you know when I decide where we'll be staying," Kakashi

continues, subtly informing her that's all he'll say about that at the

moment.

Curious about a certain point, Sakura asks, "is Haku coming as well? I

can't imagine Naruto agreed to leave without him; and I guess, even

Karin-chan."

"Naruto-kun is staying at Iruka's," Kakashi asserts.

"I don't understand," Sakura slowly states.

Her sensei casually answers, "he'll be fine on his own," instantly

reaffirming her disparaging thoughts.

"…But I won't," she glumly voices.

"It's just a precaution, Sakura-chan," he tries to placate.

To Sakura, the thought of staying with Sasuke didn't seem as

appealing as it would've been two or three months ago. He nearly killed

Naruto and even if they're trained in the art of assassination, to

casually do so against his a teammate… the raven-haired avenger has

grown to become a source of confusing turmoil. 'But Sasuke always

said as much,' her efficient mind always reminds her, making her

wonder, yet again, how long she's been blind to this side of Sasuke.

She then asks Kakashi, "can't I stay here?"

"It's not advisable," he says with a head tilt. "Until we're certain there is

no threat, strength in numbers would be for the best which is why I'd

feel more comfortable if you remain with active shinobi. If she

consents, you're welcome to stay with Kurenai-sensei."

'Hinata-chan stays there,' Sakura thinks. Not liking either option,

Sakura asks, "can I ask someone else?"

HINATA

"I see," her father states eying both his daughter and nephew.

"Regardless of who the victor is between you, you will both represent

the Hyūga clan with strength and distinction." Turning to Neji, he

commands, "leave us."

When they are alone, her father frankly tells her, "six months ago, I

could never have predicted you would secure a place in the finals of

the Chūnin exams. Even now, I can't be certain if you earned it through

your own efforts or the competition this year has grown lax. In either

case, I will be in attendance and with my own eyes, bear witness what

your true worth to this clan is. It would be in your interest to do all you

can to please me, fore your future will be decided upon the outcome of

your match."

Hinata barely heard anything her father said, only half paying attention.

Everything that happened in that room of the prelims was still freshly

replaying in her mind; from Naruto's reaction to Kabuto-san, to Naruto's

fight with Sasuke, the grievous injury she always tries not to recall, Ino-

chan's screaming of Naruto's name, Naruto's red chakra, her

unexpected anger throughout her fight with Sakura, her entire team

reaching the final test, and the favor Naruto asked of her.

"I said, dismissed," Hiashi nearly growls.

Returning her full attention to the dire present, Hinata blushes with

embarrassment as she stands and bows, but before she leaves, she

recalls with vivid clarity the favor Naruto had asked her.

After being dismissed by Hokage-sama, to be called by Naruto made

her heart hammer into her ribcage as he runs over to her.

She nearly passed out as he leaned in to whisper, "do you know how to

release chakra out of all your tenketsu's? I need some help with that

sort of chakra control training."

A beet-red blushing Hinata had never wanted to learn a thing so much

in her life and it crushed her heart to have to tell him, "I-I'm so-sorry,

Na-Naruto-kun," and shakes her head when she couldn't finish her

sentence, hoping he understood she was letting him down and praying

he didn't hate her for it.

To her immense joy, he simply smiled and shrugged, saying, "that's

okay. I'll figure something-"

"But I'll learn it for- for- for-" A red-faced Hinata swallows her

overbearing stress to edge out her nervousness so she can finish, "for

you."

His sensei had called him then, but he happily extended his fist for a

bump. Hinata struggled to meet his skin, but did so through

tremendous grit and effort, and thanked Kami Kurenai-sensei showed

up and kept her from fainting with a comforting palm on her shoulder.

Naruto said goodbye to them both before rushing to meet his sensei

and Hinata knew she wanted to be better for him.

Chapter 217:

Naruto had asked for her help and she's never felt so much motivation

to improve. So it's with great ease that Hinata returns to her seated

position and bows to her stoic and curious father as she ardently

speaks, "Otou-sama, as you've always noticed, I lack training. I humbly

request to be instructed in the ways of the Eight Trigram Palms Kaiten."

"No. You're not strong enough," her father simply states, and Hinata

easily hears, 'not strong enough to defeat your younger sister, not

strong enough to defeat your cousin from the branch family, not strong

enough to be the heir of this clan.'

With thoughts of what this means for Naruto, for how proud she wants

to make him and her sensei, Hinata maintains with love-guided

determination, "if I am not strong enough, then I must become strong

enough. I must, Otou-sama, and there is room for nothing else."

She only heard her father hum deeply which all but told her she'll be

able to help Naruto.

TEMARI

Laying in bed, repeatedly counting the wood beam and flat paneled

ceiling, Temari concentrates on nothing but her breathing and her

counting. It's a coping mechanism that was taught to her for dealing

with stressful thoughts or being in agitating situations. She's nearly

certain there are a total of seven hundred and thirty-four hairline

fractures on the ceiling when a knock on the door completely disrupted

her tranquil train of thought.

Suddenly she remembers where she is, why she's there, and what

she'll likely be ordered to do. When they wouldn't stop knocking, she

yells to the ceiling, "what?" She doesn't turn to him as she hears him

enter without permission, to which she declares, "Kankurō, I don't want

to talk."

"Baki should be back soon," her brother quickly relays.

Eyes still on the ceiling, she can almost hear the hope in his voice, as if

the world were black and white and good triumphed over evil. But he

doesn't know or doesn't want to see how gray the world is because

solutions to problems are rarely neat, moral, or fair.

'That's not how a country stays in power,' her mind hears her father

repeat. 'By any means necessary.' Temari recalls her father's lessons

before and after her mother died. 'Power is shaped by concepts and

ideas for the express purpose of solving problems, whether selfish or

selfless, and it is man that give meaning to ideas and concepts,' he

would coldly tell them, post her mother's death.

Having thought of all relevant variables, Temari knows her orders

before Baki even left to message a request of authorization from her

father, and glumly asks her younger brother, "what's it matter? I already

know the answer."

"You don't know that," Kankurō retorts, but he can't question her

intelligence. "Tou-sama will tell Gaara no. He could get Gaara to

change his mind and kill that brat another way."

"No. Otou-sama wouldn't even if he wanted to," Temari assures her

little brother, having already thought of that possibility. "You don't

remember how much destruction is involved trying to change Gaara's

mind because it hasn't happened for a long time. He may be older now

but if Gaara wants something, Otou-sama and the council have

learned to just give it to him. They're lucky he only ever asked to be left

alone."

Hesitant grumbles from his throat tell her he wants to argue, to fight, to

resist, like in those stories he liked to read when he was younger, but,

as always, her sweet little brother is caught up playing the protector. It's

why his optimism can feel like thorns wrapped around her heart when

Kankurō states, "I know you understand why they had to keep us apart

a lot, but that doesn't mean Tou-sama doesn't regret it. He wants us all

to be a family and he'll stop it because he knows this is going too far."

Still ignoring her brother for the drab white paneled and wood ceiling,

Temari asks, "will he?" Clenching her fist at the thought of their

shameful past, she retorts, "our father ordered our uncle to kill our

brother. He's ordered shinobi and kunoichi alike to try and kill him, and

Gaara always survives without a scratch. Rock Lee is the only time I've

ever seen Gaara wounded, and if they didn't concede the match, I'm

sure he would've died. Otou-sama doesn't care about my virtue so long

as the plan remains secure."

"The plan can remain viable without you needing to do this," Kankurō

insists.

"That's where you're wrong," she flatly maintains. "Or at least, it's not

how they'll see it. In their eyes, Gaara's completely focused on one

goal that benefits them. Not only will their greatest weapon be easier to

deal with, but his killing intent is now solely focused on the very sudden

and most dangerous wildcard."

"I'll admit that brat surprised the hell out of me," Kankurō hates to say.

"But 'most dangerous wildcard' is a bit of a stretch."

"You need to start paying better attention," Temari huffs with irritation.

"Recall the way the leaf Jōnin reacted—I'm certain Baki noticed their

battle-readiness and reported as much. Recall the chakra ears and

tails on Uzumaki. Recall his words. He's been trying to make friends

with Gaara since the beginning because, as he put it, they have a lot in

common. It's a fair bet Uzumaki Naruto is the Jinchūriki of the Two-

Tails, and I think that detail wasn't something they planned for. From a

strategic standpoint, that makes Uzumaki Naruto incredibly

dangerous."

"I thought the Two-Tails was in Kumo," Kankurō wonders aloud.

"Jinchūriki are a village's top-secret, so reports on them is either

speculation, subterfuge, or a sentence or two, at best," Temari informs

her brother. "Chiyo-baasama is certain the Eight-Tails is still in Kumo,

but hardly anyone knows the identity or whereabouts of the Two-Tails,

though they're fairly sure it's a blond. Aside from Gaara, possibly

Uzumaki, Killer Bee, and the Mizukage, Katarachi Yagura, nearly

nothing concrete is known about the other Jinchūriki or their tailed

beasts."

"That they'll tell us," Kankurō points out, knowing full well they don't

have the security clearance necessary for top-secret information.

Chapter 218:

Temari will admit it's only due to their status of the Kage's children they

know as much as they do and responds, "we may not be completely in

the loop, as of yet, but this is precisely why I told you to talk to Chiyo-

baasama and Ebizō-jiisama about more than just puppeteering.

They're a wealth of strategic information and profiling that can help you

avoid diplomatic disadvantageous."

Annoyed by the conversation and her apparent interest in the ceiling,

he looks up as he asks, "what are you doing?"

"Getting used to the view on my back," she glumly answers. Guessing

how much that would bother her brother to hear, she immediately

regrets it, but before Kankurō can get even more worked up, Baki

silently steps into the room.

Kankurō quickly asks what only seems so obvious to her, "what did

tou-sama say?"

Turning to Temari still laying in bed, on her back, and counting the dots

on the ceiling, their sensei answers, "Temari, for the security of Suna's

future goals-"

"Of my father's ambitions, you mean," she quickly interjects.

Baki at least has the decency to exhale as if exhausted by it all.

"Considering what Uzumaki Naruto is, for the success of the mission,

it's been decided that Gaara must absolutely kill him. He may be the

only one from our forces who can, which means, your involvement is

vital for the good of the village. Additionally, it would be a demoralizing

blow if it was done during their match, so, you have a month to… gain

his trust and manipulate his emotions."

"No!" Kankurō yells. "You can't ask that! Tou-sama wouldn't allow-"

"This comes directly from Kazekage-sama," Baki states.

"But if Gaara's the only one that can beat him, then it's too dangerous

to send her alone," Kankurō argues.

"Remember yourself, Kankurō-san," Baki calls. "You're shinobi of the

Sand; our entire way of life is fraught with danger. We survive the

harshest environment because we let our pain neither define us nor

defeat us. It is our pain which strengthens us and this will make Temari

strong."

"Then you do it," Kankurō yells at his commanding officer with all the

authority of the Kage's son. "What you're ordering her to do isn't even

necessary, let alone right! How could tou-sama…"

Baki tries to reason with the Kage's son. "If Uzumaki suffers emotional

instability right before his fight, it offers us the highest chance of

completing our mission-"

"Leave me," she tells them.

Swallowing, Baki slowly speaks, "…the Kazekage bid me ensure you're

instructed on the best methods of completing this sort of-"

"Baki, if you don't get the fuck out of my room this instant, the next veil

you'll be wearing will be in your coffin covering your entire face."

She held back until they left before allowing the tears to stream down

the sides of her face. Her face doesn't contort in emotional anguish nor

does she make a sound. If it wasn't for the warm tears streaming down

her stone face, it would be difficult to guess Temari was, in fact, sad.

Tame though her crying is, in her mind, she simply needed to let her

tears out now—needed her heart to feel despair—so it wouldn't happen

at all during her mission.

NARUTO

After being dismissed and leaving a clone for Kakashi-sensei, Naruto

rushes from the tower straight to Iruka's and is fortunate enough to

speak with Naru-nii along the way. Despite how difficult it is for Naruto

to navigate the busy streets of Konoha, Naruto had explained

everything that happened earlier.

'Holy hell,' Naru-nii gasp. 'I can't believe you beat him- and he

speared you through the chest too!'

It isn't until he enters the shinobi residential area that walking with

elbow room became easier and Naruto thinks back, 'I know! I totally

didn't think that would happen. I was so pissed, he was lucky I didn't go

three-tails on his ass.'

'No doubt,' Naru-nii hums. 'Oh, hey, I know we don't have a lot of

time left, but would you mind repeating the Fūin contract tou-chan

told you?'

'Of course not,' Naruto happily tells him. 'After everything you've taught

me, I feel like I owe you for the rest of my life!'

'Sheuut up,' Naru-nii calls back good-naturedly. 'You're already

helping the future so you don't owe me a thing.'

'You're wrong,' Naruto sounds back through their divine link. 'We both

know how long it would've taken me to learn what I know now. Without

you, it would've been years until I learned what Kage Bunshin can do. I

would've hated being ignored for so long when I can learn things so

much faster than other ninjas. You're wrong, because of the people in

my life, the strength I'm gaining, the future I'm helping is all because of

you. I owe you everything, Naru-nii.'

'Shesheshe, now you're just embarrassing me,' Naru-nii sheepishly

sings. 'Thanks but, we're a team. Your success is our success. So,

let's keep the train rolling and tell me how the Hiraishin Fūin

scheme structured. I might be able to improve it…'

They didn't have a lot of time left and explaining it without the visuals

took longer than anticipated, so by the end of their prayer, the Narutos

realize it'll take a few sessions to completely relay the length of the

contract.

Palming the Fūin security on the door's frame of Iruka's home with a

chakra covered hand, Naruto rushes in to find Karin writing at the

dining table covered with a large number of scrolls and books. Wearing

a purple skirt with a green shirt, her vibrant red hair is tied back and out

of her concentrated eyes. In his casual light pink yukata with the

sleeves rolled up and tied to the shoulders, Haku is in the kitchen

mixing what smells like another one of his herbal remedies when they

both turn to his entrance.

Chapter 219:

"Karin-chan," Naruto yells before rushing over and taking her in a great

big hug.

"Ugh, again," she says though she still hugs him back. Missing his

friend a great deal, Naruto hugs Haku immediately after.

"Oh man!" Naruto hollers as he steps away from them. "Who's down

for Ichiraku's? There's so much I want to tell you guys."

Instead, Haku asks, "would dining-in be okay with everyone? There are

a few things I'd like to discuss and I feel it would be better if we spoke

in private."

"I don't mind staying in," Karin states sliding her glasses back up the

bridge of her bonny nose. "Your cooking is fantastic."

"Isn't it," Naruto happily agrees with Karin. Naruto can't help rejoicing in

the wonderful feeling of having family related to him by blood. He loves

so many people; Ji-chan, Iruka-sensei, Nai-chan, his team, his village,

but there's a subtle difference loving someone who is blood-related. To

know he has that kind of family connection now—no matter the horrors

that befall them—is a joy he never thought he'd ever have the joy of

experiencing. Having met his father, Naruto tears up in front of them,

and before they can ask a question, he pulls them both in an

impassioned hug.

"Naruto," Karin calls, though looks at Haku questioningly. Haku simply

shrugs and hugs him right back.

"Sorry," Naruto calls stepping away roughly rubbing his eyes with the

palms of his hands. "Yeah, we can do anything. As long as we're

together, I don't care."

The three settle comfortably in Iruka's and talk while Haku begins their

early dinner. They decide Naruto and Haku will now bunk together

while Karin takes Haku's room. They plan to meet Iruka during visiting

hours the following day so Naruto can personally tell him the great

news. They talk about each candidate and their matches, swap some

light stories about festivals and favorite foods, and generally enjoy the

pleasant simplicity of their companionship. All three have had a difficult

upbringing and to simply talk about mundane interests and hobbies

makes a world of difference to each of them.

With their giant bowls of ramen before them, Naruto laughed hard

when Karin admitted she only insisted that she and Haku shower

together because nobody told her that Haku was a boy.

"I mean, look at him! How was I supposed to know," Karin long-

windedly calls out. "I'm really sorry Haku-kun."

Shaking his endearing head to dismiss any need for an apology, Haku

states, "I've already said an apology is unnecessary. It happens quite

often and you've more than made up it."

"How so," Naruto asks between long slurps.

"Karin-chan is quite good with administrative work and research," Haku

explains. "She's gathered all of Iruka's books on the subject of Clans

and is already exploring the details around establishing your clan here

in Konoha."

"Really," Naruto beams at Karin before correcting Haku, "and it's our

clan."

"Naruto-kun, I am not an Uzumaki," Haku states.

"So," Naruto answers with a shrug. "You're still apart of our clan."

"Agreed," Karin tells the beautiful boy, then continues to explain, "I've

only just started, so there's still more to research, but I read a section

on members of clans. To be a lawful member—that is to say legitimate

in the eyes of the clan and the village—the person must be blood-

related, married to a member, adopted by a member, or concubine of a

prominent member, like the Head or heir. Though concubinage seems

to be one of the lowest ranks of a member."

"What are the other ranks of a low member," Haku asks, wondering if

this'll work out. Knowing Naruto, he's not going to care about some law

and simply declare Haku a member.

"A slave," Karin answers and despite the noodles in his mouth, Naruto

is clearly disgusted to hear it. "Not to be confused with an indentured

servant, who merely works for the clan," Karin continues. "Slavery isn't

really around anymore, which leads me to believe I read an out-dated

book, but when it was more common, a slave was considered the

property of the clan, thus, technically members but in the worst

possible way."

"This should go without say, but when we make our rules, absolutely

no slavery of any kind is allowed," Naruto tells them. Thinking of

Hinata, he also adds, "even if one of our members marries a slave or

low-rank member of another clan."

"Are you thinking about Hinata-chan," Haku asks, happy to see

Naruto's cheeks blush.

"Ooooooohhhh," Karin sounds, scooting closer to the table as Naruto

denies it. "Who's Hinata-chan? Is she your girlfriend?"

"No," an embarrassed Naruto calls back to Karin. "I don't have a

girlfriend. Unfortunately, your cousin isn't exactly popular with the girls."

Haku actually snorts, and Karin practically bounces in her chair, asking

Haku, "I want to know everything!"

As Haku starts, "well, Hinata-chan is just the sweetest girl and she

looks like a princess, Ino-chan is stunning, a bit abrasive, but her

heart's in the right place, then there's Sakura-chan… so far, I don't

approve…"

Something sparks in Naruto's brain when Karin said she wanted to

know everything. Sitting at a dining table, eating an awesome meal

with loved ones, he suddenly realizes he has secrets that he doesn't

want to keep from them but must. However, it's also true Karin and

Haku aren't normal people so it should be okay to tell them, but

Kurenai's voice tells him, 'those closest to us are in the best position to

betray us, even if they don't want to.'

Shaking his head, Naruto calls, "um, guys," interrupting gossip chatter.

"I… don't want to lie to either of you. You both mean so much to me—I

know I only just met you, Karin-chan, but you do too and we'll only get

closer. Anyway, I have secrets, three of them, actually, and I don't want

to keep them from you, but for now, it feels better that I do."

"Why not tell us," Karin asks.

Thinking of his role as a Jinchūriki as well as Naru-nii's existence,

Naruto explains, "it's very dangerous and or very heavy information."

As Kurenai strictly forbade him from telling anyone about them, Naruto

won't disclose that as much as Naru-nii or being Kurama's Jinchūriki,

but he'd rather explain how much he dislikes keeping said secrets than

continuing to lie by omission. "That's really all I can say for now, but, I

promise, the second I'm able to be completely honest, I'll tell you both

everything."

"Please don't feel any undue stress over telling me, Naruto-kun," Haku

serenely declares. "I already know everything about your character I

need to. Anything else is pleasantly superfluous."

"Um, well, I don't know if I want to know dangerous secrets just yet,"

Karin confesses. Being new to an entire way of living, she'd rather take

it a day at a time. "Let's get to know each other a little more first, then

we can go from there."

"Of course," Naruto happily agrees.

Curious if speaking in front of Karin about a specific topic is acceptable

or not, Haku asks Naruto, "would what happened in the country of

Wave be one of those secrets?"

"Nope," Naruto answers before asking, "why?"

Smiling, Haku cheerfully answers, "because I've been meaning to tell

you that Zabuza-sama has finally returned and is in Konoha right now."

"What!" Naruto gasps, setting down his chopsticks as he yells, "really?"

Content and nodding, Haku adds, "and he'd like to speak with you."

Karin asks, "who's Zabuza and why the honorific?" Naruto and Haku

then explain the broad strokes of what happened on his Land of Wave

mission, to which Karin stands up, slamming her palms on the table as

she yells, "you beat a former Kirigakure Anbu, now hired assassin! Are

you insane!"

With an overly exhausted exhale, a resigned Naruto answered in a

tuckered out voice, "maybe I should just start answering yes to that

question. It's like it's the only logical reason for fighting Zabuza-jiji, as if

Haku wasn't worth it."

"Well, it's… just…" Karin comes up short on how to explain it.

"Uncommon," Haku answer with a serene smile.

"Yeah," Karin agrees.