HSA: The Inseparable 3 [Part D]

May 14th

Weather: Hot and then cold

Naruto-kun... how was your day? Have you been eating your veggies? Today as probably been the longest day I've had since you left; a lot has happened.

It turns out B-kun is actually the Kyuubi, after all. Using a special technique, he was able to extract all the goddess from his heart, separating it from the bad, and putting it into a single entity — that's the Kyuubi with me right now. And his name is Kurama.

I think he's here to protect me, but he's too embarrassed to admit. But, overall, I did get to meet him, like you promised and he saved me three times today. He tends to be grumpy sometimes but, all in all, he's very sweet.

Remember that I wrote about going to the Land of Iron today? Well, after fighting off a horde of Zetsu from Akatsuki and finally getting there, Kurama-kun and I ended up in a bizarre mansion fraught with trap doors, riddles, and strange contraptions. It was a trial by the jeweler we met, to find out if we were worthy of the extraordinary ring he had to offer.

In the end, we dominated all the floors and rewarded with the ring. We were told it holds amazing power. I'm sure Naruto-kun will like it. Now we both have a ring.

She smiled.

On our way back home, Zetsu ambushed us again. With the destructive finishing move Kurama-kun had unleashed on his army the last time, I was certain we wouldn't have seen him again. But, sure enough, he survived and was still determined to capture us both.

Nevertheless, every one of them was effortlessly wiped out by another finishing move and we continued on to the village.

Lee grabbed a hold of Sakura's leg in a daring move and began rubbing the side of his face up and down the silky skin. "Sa-Sakura-san, your leg is so smooth! Gai-sensei," he wept. "The Spring Time of Youth is truly a fantastic thing! Gai-sensei!"

Sakura felt an unpleasant shiver shot up from that contaminated leg up her spine. Then a beastly growl bubbled up in her throat as she glowered at him. "Shrivel up and die already! Die! Die! Die!" She continued stomping him, the girls sharing in the glorious kill.

Kurama listened to the symphony of crushing bones, still fairly amused. "Your friends never seem to have a dull moment, do they?"

The princess giggled.

I think Kurama-kun is starting to get more comfortable around others. He tries to hide and deny it, but I can tell he enjoys everyone's company. He's even asked me to make pastries with his face decorated on them, like what I make for Naruto-kun. That made me happy.

— "I'd ask for sake, too... but I'm leaving that special occasion to share with someone else."

Hinata beamed.

I think he means you, Naruto-kun. Together, with everyone, let's make Kurama-kun our friend. Let's make him feel at home. We both know how painful it is to be alone. No matter how different an entity is, loneliness is something that always brings hurt.

And with that being said... I really miss you, Naruto-kun. I want to see you soon. When you come back, we should all go on a picnic together — Kurama-kun, Hanabi, Konohamaru-kun, Sakura-san... all of us.

Lee laid lifeless on the ground, battered and defeated.

Suddenly, Ino swiveled her head around, livid, animalistic. "Where's Chōji?"

Shannaro! Sakura drove her fist into her hand, her eyes bright and demonic. "I don't know why but I want to send him to hell, too!"

Hanabi grinned sinisterly. "Yeah, the fat guy always gets pulverized for no reason."

Chōji bolted, and the girls sensed him like a wild predator, chasing after the oversized shinobi to administer his undeserved doom.

The following morning, in one amongst the many training grounds located inside the village, Hinata was performing her warmup exercises — striking a thick tree stump with a powerful series of forward thrusts. Then she paused for a moment, exhausted, and a light blush painted her cheeks as memories of Naruto during their childhood crossed her mind.

This was where he had also trained, as a child. It was nostalgic.

Her reverie suddenly dissolved, however, when Tenten made her way onto the scene, carefully fastening a circular targeting board onto a tree stump. "Morning. You're here quite early."

"Good morning," Hinata returned courteously.

"War is coming; we need to hone our skills."

"Hai!"

Tenten took a few steps back and retrieved two scrolls. The unfurled papers twirled around her gracefully, allowing the master of precision to summon a chain of shuriken and kunai, throwing them to hit her target. "Most of all, I still can't wrap my head around Naruto being at the center of this war."

"I wonder what Naruto-kun is doing now."

"He's probably eating ramen in some far-off town. He seemed to be very carefree, when I saw him. By the way," she scratched at the blush that crept into her cheek. "Where's Kurama? He's usually with you, isn't he?"

"Oh. Umm, Kurama-kun is exploring the town today."

Tenten was a bit stunned. "Is it really okay for him to be alone considering... y'know!" She used her middle and index finger to imitate his fox ears.

Hinata giggled at the unimpressive performance. "He covered his ears and tucked his tail inside his clothes, so he should be fine on his own."

Suddenly, Satoshi made a scene, standing out by the fence. "Hinata-sama, it's almost time...," he informed politely.

"What's up?" Tenten was curious.

The princess turned to face her. "We're having a clan meeting today," she prompted softly, then bowed and took her leave. Naruto-kun, where are you now?

Meanwhile the princess made her way to the meeting room, in a far off region within the eastern sea — after his fill of interesting detours and encounters — Naruto was just arriving at his long anticipated destination. He had finally reached the secluded paradise to meet his destiny.

At first glance, the so-called island wasn't the kind of "paradise" he had imagined. But, soon enough, he would have learnt never to judge a book by its cover.

Hiashi sat on a cushion at the forefront of the room with all those summoned for the meeting sitting before him in two parallel rows of three. "The Hyūga clan has an important role to play here in Konoha," he began. "Also, in the coming Fourth Ninja War, we will be assigned missions as Konoha's sensory-type shinobi.

We will have many different assignments but, if the situation calls for it, someone must be able to keep the clan together. However, I was assigned to the reserve forces and Hanabi is still too young for actual combat. Neji," he looked to the young Jōnin. "You will lead the clan on the front lines."

He was shocked, and whispers broke out amongst the clan.

— The branch family?

— Even though there's the head family's Hinata-sama...

Hiashi's voice rose above the chatter. "I believe all clan members are aware of Neji's skills," he looked to his nephew again. "I'm counting on you, Neji."

Strolling along the congested streets of the marketplace, Kurama concentrated on the many curious smells floating around on the wind, oblivious to the many feminine eyes that watched and adored him, coaxed by his sex appeal.

Close by, he spied a lovely woman clad in ivory and peach with sandy brown hair and golden eyes. She stood frustrated by her grocery bags, obviously buying far more than she figured she could carry. Feeling inclined to help he approached her.

"Do you need some help?" Kurama's voice was silky smooth and courteous.

An arrow suddenly pierces her heart — hot, delightful, and intoxicating. He's adorable! The woman's breath hitched in her throat as he allowed a smile, already fallen victim to his irresistible charm and masculine beauty. She blushed fiercely. "Umm. S-Sure! Thank you!"

He smiled, unconsciously caressing her even more, stirring a heat that has been lying dormant for far too long. And that heat kept creeping toward the surface as they walked together on route for the northern district of the village.

"Here, I'll get the door for you!" She said exuberantly once they neared her house, scooting ahead to open the door for the chivalrous stranger.

"Where should I—"

"Anywhere inside would be fine."

Before he could rest the bags down inside the vestibule, the woman closed the door behind her and then threw herself against him. Kurama fell back onto the floor with a thud, foodstuff scattering around them from the grocery bags, cluttering the dining room floor.

Regardless, the woman made her way on top of him, eyes glazed with her arousal. "Why are you so beautiful?" She panted, excited by the mere fact that she was on top of him.

Before a nonchalant Kurama could respond, she leaned in and stole a kiss, securing his lips with her own in a deep, dark, pleading connection. And when she reclined and pulled her blouse over her head in a single, fluent motion, revealing creamy breasts and brown-tipped nipples, he was nonchalant no more.

In his human form, some physiology process took a hold of him without fail — triggered by his brief taste of sensuality, by the whisper of her libido — and blood filled his impressive lever beneath her. She gasped as she felt it, every nerve-ending sparking to life, her centre clicking with impatience and anticipation as it pressed deliciously against her.

"I've been so lonely ever since my husband passed away a few years ago." She explained in between hyperventilating. "You're the only man to ever excite me since, then. Please," she reached for his hands and rested them over her breasts. "Let me remember what it feels like to be with a man."

Kurama felt every muscle inside him went taut with an unfamiliar crave — raw in its intensity. And every fiber of his being urged him to explore, please, and destroy her with that desire. He needed to know if all of her was as sweet as the taste of her lips.

Now he knew what Naruto and Hinata felt when the consuming fires of lust arrested them; now he knew how irresistible its call was. And something told him there was much more to feel yet. With that heady expectation, the curious deity dominated the woman in an overwhelming rush of heat and sensuality, bringing her to a higher peak of ecstasy than her late husband ever could.

His hands squeezed, caressed and worshipped her soft breasts, even as a sensitive nipple ached deliciously beneath the wet assault of his tongue, his erection pushing deep, stretching what was left abandoned and neglected. The deity made the woman beg and plea, scream and cry — ripened and overflowed with pleasure and delight beyond her wildest dreams. She had never felt so alive.

And the Kyuubi shared her exhilaration. His body swelled with a heat that was more sweet and potent than the lethal pyrokinetic energy that dwelled inside him, sweeter than barbecue, than anything he'd ever experienced. Like her, he had never felt so alive.

"Kurama-kun!" The woman called as he sauntered off outside her door. "Please come and see me again!" Her hair was unkempt, eyes glazed with her obsession and contentment. And her cheeks brightened when he raised his hand in a silent goodbye.

Kurama's nose brought him to a restaurant further north of the district, where the smell of barbeque was especially exceptional, urging him to sample a taste.

Inside the congested dining area, he saw a young woman dressed in black and grey and tall stockings, which complemented her raven-black, shoulder-cropped hair and silver eyes. She was bustling about with polished trays upon which the costumers' orders were carried.

Apparently, she was the only one working — in the kitchen, behind the cash register, and at the same time, serving the requested meals. She was under a lot of pressure and, by the looks of it; her legs weren't going to hold up for much longer.

Suddenly, following a cute whimper of distress, the girl glimpsed him and an arrow suddenly pierces her heart — hot, delightful, and intoxicating. He's adorable!

Gliding over toward the exhausted female, Kurama sweetly proposed a proposition of equivalent exchange to her ear. And she shivered with delight at his buttery soft tone, her clumsy-level escalating wildly at his close proximity.

In return for helping her, she would have to feed him — simple. Having ate Hinata's special bento far too soon; he had gone and left himself open to starvation. But how could he help himself when his face was adorably drawn on his rice using fruits and vegetables.

To Kurama's delight, the woman agreed, already drunk and needy by his inexplicable allure. And, even more so, as she watched him slink about gracefully in his apron, distributing the customers' long overdue food. But his disposition was so enchanting that they didn't complain.

After closing the shop for a twenty-minute lunch break, the girl barged into the bathroom on an unsuspecting Kurama as he was washing his hands by the sink. Her eyes were glazed in that lascivious fashion he had grown to know well. "My sister isn't due back for another hour or so," she said suggestively, desperate, pleading. "Would you mind accepting another token of my gratitude for all your help?"

Before he could respond, her eyes changed and she threw herself at him, clasping his kimono and pulling him forward to sample the exquisite taste of his lips. Kurama felt that instinctive and uncontrollable surge of desire again, coursing through his veins with sweet familiarity. He could smell her arousal, and memories of his lever piercing and stretching soft, wet, hot flesh poured into his mind in a sudden flurry, adding fuel to his need.

Pushing her up against the wall with sudden assertion, a low growl bubbling up in his throat, he burst open her blouse in his sheer impatience. Buttons flew in all directions, and the plush curves of her breasts pilled out into his skillful hands. She bit her lip with a whimper and hugged his head as the crimson god took a swollen nipple inside his mouth, laving his warm tongue over that sensitive skin with slow, lazy strokes.

Panting breaths. Restless hands. Electricity — hot and consistent. She lost herself in the heady rush as he found what he sought beneath short skirt and striped panties. She shook, weakened, and whispered his name breathlessly as the powerful deity pleasured her against the wall, her legs bounded around his waist as he took and gave in a magnificent equation of passion.

Finally, she screamed as an all-consuming orgasm washed through her with delicious intensity, her tightness constricting around the thick width of him as she convulsed out of control. But the deity wasn't through yet; he was far from having his fill, and she smiled openly as he continued lifting her higher, towing her to the summit of pleasure.

Later — after the sated shopkeeper packed his lunch to go — Kurama coolly took his leave, her body still tingling all over with the afterglow of what he had given to her. "Bye, Kurama-kun!" She sounded like an exuberant child with a crush. "Be sure to come again! My gratitude will forever be open to you!" Only you...

"Help! Somebody! Anybody!"

Kurama's ears twitched. A young damsel in distress — he could tell from her scream and flustered aura, and yet he didn't move a muscle. He might have been the embodiment of the Kyuubi's good side, but that didn't mean he was a proactive superhero to every soul in a pickle.

North of the village, amongst the lush forestry, the complacent Bijuu was savoring the wide-open space and cool breeze on a slope by the pond. Both his ears and tail were unconcealed, as he lay upon his haori jacket beneath some shade, relaxing while his lunch settled.

Waving pink hair, alarmed ruby eyes, panting breaths — the girl was being pursued by a group of hostile-looking thugs. Their faces illustrated their lewd intentions as they gained on her, lingering dangerously close behind. But the girl wasn't about to let herself be caught without attempting to flee back to the safety of the village.

Dedicated, empowered by her adrenaline rush, she scurried along the byroad, moving faster than what her garb would normally allow. Wrapped in a peach yukata adored with floral designs and a perfectly tied bow, her glasses rendered askew in desperate bolt, she ignored the perverted taunts of the juveniles and focused all her energy on running.

Just before she was out of breath and resorted to throwing her picnic basket at the vile beasts, she spied a handsome man lying in the grass on a slope. Desperately seeking salvation, she clambered down the hillside and threw herself onto his chest. "Please, you have to help me!" She pleaded breathlessly. "I'm being chased by a group of awful men. Please!"

Kurama kept his eyes closed and, despite the caution that the present situation warranted, the girl couldn't help but admire his captivating visage. Already, his inexplicable attractiveness was delving passed her anxiety, fear, and adrenaline rush, stirring arousal and sexual need.

With flushed cheeks, the girl tore her eyes away from the intoxicating male and gasped as the barbarians came to a halt a few feet away, her eyebrows wrinkled with dismay as they grinned heinously at her, certain their fun would finally be able to commence.

"Hey, buddy," the leader said assertively. "If you hurry and get lost right now, I'll pretend that me and my pals here didn't see you tryin' to steal our prey."

They all smirked and snickered sinisterly. One guy pulled out a kunai and swept his tongue across the blade Orochimaru-style while another pulled out a pair of nunchakus. Despite their boss's decision to show mercy, they were eager to unleash their pent up blood lust.

Kurama sighed. "This is why I had told Naruto to kill you four."

One of the guys turned pale. "D-Did he just say Naruto?"

They all felt an unpleasant shiver of recollection run through them. Then suddenly — without compromising his smooth decorum — Kurama raised his hand and forged his scythe from his pyrokinetic flames, rotating the weapon on his fingers with daunting precision and skill.

"Holy facking ass crackers!" A delinquent exclaimed. "He just created a massive scythe out of thin air! What level of shape manipulation allows you to do that?"

"Nowaki!" Another delinquent gave out. "I think you've bitten off a little more than you can chew again!"

"How about you fools quickly take your leave and I'll pretend you didn't disturb my rest."

They swiftly did what they were told, whimpering like helpless puppies with their tails between their legs. Unlike Naruto, they knew this stranger seriously meant them grave harm; they could feel the truth of it down to their very bones.

After a few minutes, when Kurama knew they were far enough away, he dematerialized the menacing weapon and, finally, the girl was able to breathe again.

"Th-That was amazing!"She gushed once she had reclined onto her heels and straightened her glasses. "Thank you for saving me... etto—"

"Kurama," he introduced warmly, finally opening his eyes and turning the full intensity of it on her, his saffron gaze burning into hers.

The girl gasped as an arrow suddenly pierces her heart — hot, delightful, and intoxicating. He's adorable! She blushed scarlet."M-My name is Hatsume..."

He closed his eyes again. "Why were you being chased?"

Glum, she bowed her head. "I'm from the Hidden Mist Village and my father is the head of carpentry; he's responsible for overseeing the reconstruction of the village. Maybe those thugs were out to kidnap me for random."

Kurama was quiet again, as if he had drifted off into a peaceful slumber. And the girl took the opportunity to survey his otherworldly beauty: the sleek luster of his hair, the thick fringes of his lashes, the lean square of his jaw and perfectly chiseled lips.

Suddenly, time stilled.

Somewhere inside her, Hatsume's Otaku Meter jumped from "impressed", "awestruck", "enchanted", "Shut-Up-And-Take-My-Money", to "Overwhelmed". Another hopeless furry, she beamed with stars in her eyes when she saw his ears and bushy tail. She didn't care how mysterious his presence was or if he was even real; all that mattered was savoring every moment until she was drunk from his existence.

Kurama smelt of fresh berries she noted, inching closer to him, despite her nervousness. And with each breath, her heart pounded a more violent tattoo. It was as if he had come right out of a popular manga — her very own Miketsukami Soshi from Inu x Boku SS or Sesshoumaru. Yes, being an anime fanatic did eventually pay off. It was possible to meet a guy just as hot as an anime character, but comparing this irresistible god to fiction didn't do him any justice.

Slowly, tentatively, flushed up to her ears, Hatsume carefully removed her glasses and lowered her head toward his torso. She wanted to know if his pulse was as erratic as her own, but it was relatively steady. Of course, Sessh's pulse would be steady, too; it reflected their awesomeness. As she continued listening, her own heart hammered more wildly in her chest, and her breaths came quicker.

Some powerful force brought her attention to his lips. Her nipples hardened and her centre went hot and damp as she homed in to seize them. But suddenly, his eyes snapped open and heat flared inside her in response. She heaved an amorous moan as he slipped a hand into her yukata to cup and crush one ripened breast — invited by the scent of her arousal.

The Otaku's eyes were hooded and ravenous, and she opened her garment with an open smile to reveal her voluptuous body to him. "Kurama-kun," she whispered sheepishly. "I want to be your submissive. Please have your way with this masochistic fanatic."

The deity silently conceded to her wish as the sight of her chest ignited his own desire. Positioning her to sit on top of him, he leaned upright and caught a pink-tipped nipple between his teeth, holding her at the border between pleasure and pain.

In their remote haven by the pond, sheltered from the sun by the shade of a tree, Kurama explored Hatsume's deepest most darkest desires, making into reality her most far-fetched fantasies, ushering her into a level of synchronization with her passion for anime that she had ever experienced before.

Drunk with rapture, her eyes half-lidded and glazed, Hatsume combed her fingers through his hair, over his adorable ears, as he cupped her buttocks and pulled her down, slamming his steel even farther into her wetness, laying claim to her virtue and giving rapture in return.

The combination of sexual pleasure and her realistic connection with this mythical fox deity — a sexy stereotype featured in majority of her manga collection — was beyond overwhelming. The possession, the domination, the power, the grace, the surrealism — she couldn't get enough. Ecstasy washed through her in all different levels and forms, and she couldn't help but orgasm around his impressive length and width with each delicious thrust.

Hatsume flung her head back with a moan. Beads of sweat flicked from her hair. This perpetual rush and involvement, this heady downpour of gratification and fulfillment: this was the pinnacle of Otaku Paradise! This was sex!

Another orgasm clutched her. She screamed, that amorous whimper echoing throughout the dense forest, across the pond. Now, she could die a happy woman — experiencing a spark that no other Otaku has.

Double Bitch-slap

Sitting on a bench at the back of her home, surrounded by fuchsia-colored flowers, Kurenai and Hinata shared in a pleasant conversation. The princess told her sensei about the drama that transpired in the Iron Country and that; ultimately, she had attained the perfect ring for Naruto.

The woman was thrilled, but especially for the fact that the girl had returned home safely. If anything had happened to her, she would have been the one solely to blame — and she wouldn't have been able to forgive herself.

"I hear that because I, as the Captain, cannot go on missions, Team 8 is practically disbanded and its members are assigned separate missions." She sounded glum. "I feel like I've let you down. Can you forgive me?"

"Yes." Hinata's voice was soft and polite, as if she didn't want to awake the unborn baby.

Kurenai rubbed her tummy affectionately. "Thank you. It's easy when talking to another woman; it doesn't go so well when I talk to Kiba or Shino."

"Really?" The princess heaved a light smile.

"Yeah."

"Oh, Hinata," our genius of a Chūnin rounded the corner of the house.

"Shikamaru-kun."

"Hey, Sensei." He was casual, hands tucked inside his pockets.

The woman smiled. "You look busy."

"I'm just back from a mission. But I'm not half as busy as Tsunade-sama or my old man."

Hinata gazed at him curiously. "Were you outside the village?"

"I went with Tenten to resupply Naruto's ship"

She gasped, springing to her feet with evident glee at her fiancé's name. "To Naruto-kun?"

Shikamaru grinned. "Yeah, he's doing well."

She averted her eyes to the ground with a curved index finger at her lip, digging up memories. "So this morning, when I saw Tenten-san... she was actually just returning to the village."

"Sakura, Ino, and Chōji also met them by chance, while on a mission. Oh, yeah... Tsunade-sama was looking for you."

She blushed lightly. "About a mission?"

"No idea," he muttered as she geared to leave.

"Kurenai-sensei," she bowed courteously. "I'll come by again."

She left.

"She's still the same, when it comes to Naruto," the woman mused.

"So, have you decided on a name?"

"Eh?"

"For the child..."

She blushed cutely. "I'm considering some."

Tsunade wasn't by her office. From there, Hinata was directed to the Cypher Division, and then from there to the emergency food stores, where she met Ino who was recording all the list of newly imported foods currently being added to stock.

"Tsunade-sama already left," she said with a smile.

"What is it, Hinata," Kiba called from upstairs, transporting a crate with the assistance of Shino. "Did you come to help?"

The princess nodded her head. "No, sorry."

He was obviously disappointed. "I wish they'd send more people; this food just keeps coming in."

"It's because we don't know how long the war will last," Ino informed.

"Gezz..."

Ignoring the lazy bum, the girl turned around to face Hinata once more, her eyes a bit glum. "Umm, Hinata..." she whispered quietly. "I have something to tell you."

Outside, adjacent to the storehouse, Hinata curiously ask what she wanted to say. If possible, she wanted to see Tsunade as soon as possible. She could only hope that Tenten was wrong about Naruto already arriving at his intended destination, else her desire to see him would have gone up into flames.

She sighed inwardly.

"Hinata... I'm sorry," Ino began.

"Eh? But why?"

She averted her eyes for a moment, hesitant. "A few weeks ago... I kinda forced myself onto Naruto; I tried to kiss him."

Before the princess could completely wrap her mind around what the girl said, her hand rose automatically, mechanically, slapping the insolent teen square across the face with a loud echo.

Ino gasped. Reflexively, she pressed her palm to the area of impact, her eyes wide with shock. Hinata's brows pulled down above peeved eyes. She didn't need to speak; all the girl's charges were illustrated in the Hyūga's eyes.

"I deserved that," Ino admitted calmly. "It's strange, but I feel a little better now. You don't have to forgive me, but I really am sorry."

Hinata sighed and her scowl cleared, the defensive mechanism evoked by her love having cooled. "I'm sorry for hitting you, Ino-san." There was a small trace of assertion to her voice. "And I do forgive you."

The girl gave a wanly smile. "Love really does make people stronger. That even applies to you, Hinata. You have an amazing boyfriend; it's only natural that you'd want to protect him, even from other girls."

The princess blushed hotly, cupping her cheeks.

Ino chuckled. "It's weird seeing you of all people act all girlfriend-like — but I guess we're in that stage of our lives now where growth spurts are regular.

About Tsunade-sama... she said she would check up on the armory next. You should go and check if she's still there."

"Ha-Hai!" Hinata was jovial again. "Thanks, Ino-san!"

"You're welcome."

"Tsunade-sama already left," Tenten informed, hugging a bunch of spears against her chest.

Hinata blushed. "Tenten-san... did you... meet Naruto-kun on your mission?"

"Yeah, we went to deliver some supplies to them. Plus, on our way back, Shikamaru and I were confronted and challenged by one of his clones."

The princess didn't focus much on the latter experience. "Will there be other such missions?" She beamed, like a child.

"I'm not the one who plans those things," Tenten clarified. "Tsunade-sama said she'd inspect the medical teams next."

"Okay. I'll check there." The princess pattered off.

Tenten watched her, blinking rapidly as an idea formed in her mind. Then she grinned intently as it registered. This evening was going to be interesting...

Hinata slapped Sakura square across the face, the violent echo bouncing off the trees amidst the grove that the girl had taken her. "How could you have told Naruto-kun such a thing?" She snapped, teary-eyed. "How could you have told him you loved him, as a means to an end? Naruto-kun... Naruto-kun really loves you!"

Sakura gasped, tears swelling in her own eyes.

Despite what Sai had told her, despite the burden that promise weighed on Naruto's shoulders, she only ended up making matters worse by confessing her love to him in the way that she had. And by ignoring his relationship with Hinata... didn't that make her a monster?

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid, she cursed herself, adding her blunder with Sasuke to the equation and torturing herself even more. Sakura was certain she deserved such agony for the unforgivable things she had done — but was it enough to repent for the extent to which she had hurt and disrespected both Naruto and Hinata?

"Sakura-san..." the princess suddenly took her hand in her own. "I forgive you. Your actions may have not been ideal, but your intentions were pure."

"Hinata..."

"Don't beat yourself up over what has already passed. Let's both look to the future; let's work toward protecting both Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun in this upcoming war." She heaved a confident and reassuring smile. "Naruto-kun will definitely save Sasuke-kun. He said he would, and that's all the reason we need to know it will definitely become a reality."

Sakura felt the girl's confidence and determination as if it were her own, and she smiled widely through her tears. "Hn! Let's both do our best!"

"Hn! Let's!"

Arriving back at the tent where she had left Lee and Chōji, along with other staff members of the medical team, Sakura finally addressed Hinata's question before she had dragged the princess away in search of privacy. "About Tsunade-sama... we were told she couldn't come."

Hinata gasped, disappointed.

"We were told to just send a report later. There's a lot of people helping here."

Lee raised his hand accompanied by an introductory grin. "I have some knowledge of medicines."

"I'm in charge of food pills," Chōji added.

"Oh, there you are!" Tenten called from a distance, trotting toward them. "Oi!" She waved, obviously over-excited about something form of drama.

"Tenten-san!" Sakura pivoted around, curious. "What's the matter?"

She came to a halt. "How about we all go out and have some fun today? We'll go to the yakiniku place!"

"Yakiniku?" Chōji poked his head out of the tent, drooling ravenously in excitement. "I'm in! I'm in!"

"Good idea!" Lee was outside, too.

Tenten stared at them wearily, as if boys did have cooties. "You guys are not invited."

They were shocked, their hopes shattered into oblivion. "Why?"

Tenten tilted her chin proudly. "Well, I'm talking about a girls' night out." She coiled her arms around either girl's shoulder and pulled them closer. "Right? Let's have a meeting of the Girls' Club!"

Having pinpointed the Hokage's location, after far too many wild goose chases, Hinata waited outside the building well into the evening until the woman had finished her meeting.

Finally, she along with Shizune came ambling outside, answering to the Daimyo's summoning. "Um... Tsunade-sama!" The princess's stance was clumsy.

"Hinata?"

"Do you have a mission for me?" The princess asked politely, walking behind her along the road.

"No, I received a report from Hiashi. It said he's leaving the leadership of the Hyūga on the front lines to Neji."

Hinata bowed her head, a bit somber. "Hai."

"However, don't think he's looking down on you," the elder princess enlightened. "Just continue doing what you have to. Right now, that's enough."

"Tsunade-sama, we need to hurry," Shizune urged.

"Right."

Hinata paused, unable to digest the woman's reassurance. But father thinks I'm too weak.

Hinata's Destined Departure & Naruto's Destined Battle!

Later, the girls convened at the restaurant as planned. And Hinata had all but given up on the possibility of meeting Naruto, before his long voyage was over.

"Oh, Yakiniku Q has reopened!" Ino beamed, both she and Tenten flanking a nonchalant Kurama as they shared a menu, smothering him.

"I made a reservation." Tenten beamed, too. "Salty beef tongue for me! Yay!"

"See the new item: 'Lady's Set'?" Ino pointed out. "It's really a good deal! Kurama-kun, what will you order?"

Sakura blushed openly. "Good deals are really tempting, aren't they?"

Shikamaru's nerdy secret admirer poked her wacky glasses. "To be frank, I love offal!"

Hinata was silent, gazing down unseeingly into her menu. Kurama was a bit worried about her.

"Has everyone decided what they want to drink?" Tenten asked gleefully.

The girls nodded.

"Okay." She scooted over a little to the left, so that she could stare directly at the counter. "Excuse me; we'd like to order, please!"

Meanwhile, across from their table, partitioned by a rectangular wooden screening...

"So, thank you for coming here today," Chōji began, towering over his seated comrades. "If they can have a Girls' Club, we'll make ourselves a Boys' Club. Let's eat and drink to our heart's content." He held out his glass of orange juice, proposing a toast.

As soon as the girls' orders were made and delivered, Tenten raised her glass of orange juice in an echo of Chōji's gesture. "Kampai!"

"Kampai!" They all tipped their glass together with excited grins.

"So, what's the occasion?" Ino asked as they resumed their seat.

Tenten grinned. "To commemorate our acquaintance with Kurama!"

"Oh, that's a good occasion," Ino grinned in agreement.

The composed deity allowed a cool, neat smile and placed cutlets of barbecue on the grill to be cooked. The girls adored him.

"Also," Tenten continued. "Day after day, we're all busy with the preparations for the war. We need to relax every now and then, and the bathhouse alone just won't cut it."

Sakura agreed. "Yeah, we should mix it up from time to time."

"That's right," Ino added. "We don't have regular missions anymore. It's just preparations, all day, every day."

"To be frank, I'm glad you guys invited me." Wacky Glasses looked to and from Kurama furtively, trying to hide her blush. "But can I ask what brings you all together?"

"Hm," Tenten thought about that for a while, looking to Ino and Sakura. "How did we form this group?"

"I guess because we all took the Chūnin exam together," Sakura noted how Hinata responded to that fact.

"Oh, yes, yes — that's it!" Ino agreed exuberantly.

"Well, we're about the same age and we've been on missions together often." Tenten carefully monitored and flipped over her salted beef on the grill.

"You sure got in my way back, then," Ino accused coldly, pushing her forehead challengingly against her rival's own.

"Same to you!" Sakura returned just as coldly, and then they both eased into a fit of laughter.

"To be honest, I still don't quite get this Allied Shinobi Forces thing," Kiba said casually, demolishing a slice of meat in his mouth.

"It's like having beef ribs, sirloin, hearts, rumen, and liver all served in a combination platter," Chōji explained, stuffing those respective foods in his mouth simultaneously. He swallowed. "With such variety, it sounds like a good deal!"

"Don't treat this like Yakiniku," Kiba asserted, still livid about Kurama being the only guy privileged to join the girls. "Suna aside, it's not like Konoha is on good terms with other villages."

Shino's eyes narrowed behind his shades. "I heard there was something between Kumo and another village."

Shikamaru eased into a more relaxed state. "Well, that's to be expected. It's not just Konoha; there's something between all the villages."

Neji leaned forward, equipped with his impressive composure, as always. "Surely every village bears a grudge against other villages."

Lee pivoted to the side to face Shikamaru, a pair of chopsticks and a plate containing special sauce in either hand. "Yet the Five Kage decided to form the Allied Shinobi Forces. That's how strong Akatsuki is."

Kiba had his elbow on the table with his chin propped up in his palm. "Well, we'll just have to give it all we've got on the battlefield. Even if the guy beside you is a stranger."

Shino surveyed a piece of beef between his chopsticks, to ascertain whether or not it was properly done. "You were never shy of strangers before, Kiba."

"Shut up!" He retorted, facing away. "It's a hassle to remember their smells."

Chōji was still stuffing himself, like a machine. "Being here with you guys reminds me of that mission..."

Sakura smiled. "In the end, that Chūnin Exam got canceled before it was over."

"Right, when Konoha was destroyed," Wacky Glasses added.

The memory skimmed through Ino's mind. "A lot has happened, but we're all still here. Our generation is doing pretty well, isn't it?"

Tenten felt the spark of the girl's excitement. "That's right — I think the only one missing is Sasuke, right?"

Suddenly, Sakura was kneeling down at the back of the room, facing the corner and permeating a wicked wave of gloom.

"Oops, I shouldn't have mentioned that," Tenten said regrettably, breaking out into an awkward sweat.

Ino shared the girl's awkwardness. "Oi, come on, don't be like that."

Shikamaru was a bit tenser now. "That time, when we tried to get Sasuke back..."

"You failed that time," Shino uttered curtly. "Why? Because you didn't bring me along."

Kiba eyes were a bit tepid. "You're still holding a grudge about that?"

"That was really a harsh fight," Chōji admitted. "But with everyone's strength, we somehow got through it."

"Yeah," Neji nodded. "That made for a good learning experience."

Tenten looked from Sakura to Hinata worrisomely. "Oh my, now we have two depressed girls."

"I'm not depressed!" They both defended in unison.

Hinata allowed her shoulders to sag, dismissing the tension. "I'm glad I went to the Chūnin Exam."

Tenten smiled. "You lost to Neji, but you still gave it your best shot."

She nodded shyly. "...It was because he cheered for me. I was able to give my best back then, because Naruto-kun cheered for me."

"Naruto, huh?" Ino gazed upward with a sigh. "He was unpredictable, even then. Who would've thought he'd become the hero who saved the village?"

"Hai!" Hinata nodded happily.

"Humph!" Kurama cocked his head to the side with a fleeting smile, relieved to see her smile again.

"This time, it's our turn to protect Naruto."

Hinata blushed, Sakura's words evoking a memory.

— "Don't beat yourself up over what has already passed. Let's both look to the future; let's work toward protecting both Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun in this upcoming war." Hinata heaved a confident and reassuring smile. "Naruto-kun will definitely save Sasuke-kun. He said he would, and that's all the reason we need to know it will definitely become a reality."

Ino grinned. "I wouldn't be surprised if we're the ones ended up being protected by him again."

"You're right," Sakura agreed. "He was so much more powerful when he challenged me, and he wasn't even using Sage Mode or anything.

Oh, look," she gestured at the food on the grills. "It's done!"

"Let's eat!" Hinata said, reaching for a perfectly cooked slice.

"Oh, you got your appetite back, at least," Tenten exclaimed.

"Hai! I need my strength." She sampled a cutlet of beef in special sauce.

"Here's your pork cheek," a sweet, middle-aged woman approached their table with a plate, presumably the owner. She was very polite.

"Yay!" Ino pushed to her feet, wiggling in excitement. "Pork cheek, pork cheek!"

Sakura frowned derisively. "You'll turn into a pig."

"What are you talking about? This is mostly collagen, y'know! Kurama-kun — do you want to try some?"

Kiba's eyebrows twitched with his irritation and he surrendered to the irrationality that his anger evoked. Pushing to his feet, he shoved the wooden screening aside. "Oi, how can he be over there and not any of us?"

"He's a special exception," Ino scowled.

"You must be kidding me!"

"Even without Akamaru being the subject of an argument here, you still manage to make a scene. You really need some modesty, Dog Boy."

Kiba cringed at that critical hit — super effective. His HP was already in the red zone. "Hinata! Wouldn't it be great, if we all sat together?"

The princess pursed her lips, avoiding eye contact. And Kiba felt a prick of recollection. That's right... he had tried to kiss her before, and she never did give him the impression that he was forgiven. He supposed that was understandable; his crime was serious, after all.

Kurama shrugged his shoulders, his eyes closed with a nonchalance that stung the guys and wooed the girls. Then his ears twitched — a mocking canine gesture that the shinobi understood.

Kiba growled, bearing his fangs. "Why you! I challenge you, Kurama! I'll wipe that cool expression right off your face!"

The deity's eyes were tepid, almost derisive. "I'll spare you the effort of trying by saying your strength doesn't even hold a candle to mine."

Ino and Tenten giggled mockingly.

"You bastard!" Kiba snapped, rearing up like an untamed horse only to be subdued by Lee and Chōji. Boy, he was a hard one to handle.

Shikamaru sighed, embarrassment tackling him. "How troublesome."

Neji frowned. "Is it even possible for contracted animals to transform into a human form?"

"I know they can maybe learn to transform into other animals, but not a human form."

"Mmm. It has nine tails, but its chakra nature and wavelength is different from what I saw in Naruto in the Chūnin Exam."

"Maybe there's some trick to it," Chōji added, once they had gotten Kiba under control.

Kiba clicked his tongue, still a bit livid. "I find it hard to believe that the Kyuubi would go through so much trouble, just to stick to Hinata."

"I agree," Lee concurred. "Isn't the Kyuubi supposed to be full of evil and malice? What hidden agenda could it possibly have to be sitting over there eating barbecue right now?"

Shikamaru scratched his head in frustration. "Whatever the case, the Fourth Ninja War and preparing for it are priority right now."

Neji nodded. "We might just be jumping to conclusions about Kurama."

"But he's so arrogant and infuriating," Kiba muttered.

Chōji grinned, pushing meat into his mouth. "Neji was like that at one point, and he warmed up to us eventually, didn't he?"

They all reflected on that for a moment, and then the tension lifted. Neji and Shino continued to eat and Shikamaru eased backwards on his cushion, propped up by his arms.

"I thought someone was missing. I guess it's Naruto." Kiba was as relaxed as Shikamaru now.

"We'd all be here, if Naruto-kun was with us," Lee grinned.

Kiba gazed into the ceiling. "I wonder what he's doing now."

"I guess he's not eating yakiniku," Chōji gloated.

Shikamaru grinned. "Well, he is at sea."

Meanwhile — oblivious to the young rookies — a raging storm was drawing near outside, feminine in its chaos. "After drinks, it's time for meat," Tsunade said boisterously, lifting each foot higher than necessary as she ambled toward the restaurant. "Meat! Meat! Meat!"

"You're going too fast, Tsunade-sama!" Shizune whined, clinging to her arm.

"Next I want some meat!" The Hokage wrenched her arm away to chide the girl with proper gesticulation. "I'm telling you, I have to get something to eat here!"

Tenten stopped grinning when she felt a powerful aura behind her, and Kurama had already reverted to his smaller form and hid inside Hinata's clothes.

"What's with the ladies-only gathering today," Tsunade grinned mischievously, amused.

"Tsunade-sama!" Everyone froze, shocked. Now they knew why Kurama probably retreated.

Tenten smiled awkwardly. "Etto... well, it's a Girls' Club."

"Girls' Club?" The woman repeated noisily, obviously a bit tipsy. "I'm in! I'm joining in!"

She plopped down beside Hinata on a cushion, wrapping her arm around the nervous princess.

Tenten cringed, jostled by the woman's prominence. "Well, Tsunade-sama... I don't think you're quite a girl..."

The Slung Queen cupped and massaged one of her impressive curves. "Is it my breasts? Are they too big?"

Shizune ignored her, already helping herself by gathering a pile of meat in a spare saucer.

Tsunade raised a hand. "For starters, some alcohol!"

"That's not a starter," Shizune corrected passively, stuffing her face now.

"So, what's going on," Tsunade whispered to Hinata, grinning. "Were you talking about the men you like?"

The princess blushed.

"We were talking about when we took the Chūnin Exam," Sakura enlightened.

"We're reminiscing, mostly," Ino added.

Tenten smiled openly. "Because times are troubled, I thought we could gather and have some fun for a change."

"I see," the woman said, drinking a glass of water Shizune handed to her. Then, she reached for a plate of meat and lettuce that Wacky Glasses shared for her. "Hinata, what we talked about earlier..."

"I'm okay now," she said politely, looking to everyone talking and laughing happily. "Thanks to my friends, I now know what I have to do."

"About that..." Tsunade said, retrieving the front page of a newspaper from her pocket and resting it on the table. Everyone stopped what they were doing and started paying attention.

Hinata gasped, her cheeks already changing to bright pink. "That's..."

"The newspaper article that Konohamaru and his friends wrote about Hinata and Naruto," Tenten contributed, her eyes just as wide as the princess's.

Tsunade was nonchalant and a bit more sober now. "I thought Naruto had feelings for Sakura — but I guess he got fed up of not being recognized."

Sakura's eyes saddened a bit.

"Hinata, I've decided on your mission."

The guys were clinging to their wooden screen, listening intently to what was going on.

Chōji was still eating.

"Did Tenten invite Tsunade-sama to her girls' gathering?" Lee wondered aloud.

"That's too bold of her," Kiba muttered.

"I guess the stress got to the Fifth," Shikamaru uttered.

"More importantly," Neji frowned. "It looks like she just found out about Naruto and Hinata from the newspaper."

"Oh man, that sounds bad," Kiba murmured.

"It was only a matter of time," Shikamaru said. "Especially since it was in the paper. In any case, it's not like they were trying to keep it a secret or anything."

Tsunade held the girl's gaze seriously. "You are to join Naruto at the location where he was sent for his so-called S-class mission."

"R-Really?" The princess tried to suppress her exuberance.

The woman nodded. "It's not unlikely that Akatsuki has already gotten Intel about your relationship with Naruto. And, given their history, I wouldn't be surprised if they schemed to capture and hold you hostage to lure him out into a trap.

Aside from that, the two of you being together may prove to be the best means of keeping Naruto preoccupied. Should he learn about the war, your involved would only contribute toward his eagerness to join and protect you and everybody else."

"But Tsunade-sama," Shizune argued. "Assuming that Akatsuki already knows about Hinata and Naruto-kun, isn't it unwise to allow her to leave the village?"

Sakura nodded. "I agree with Sempai."

"Pain single-handedly came into the village for Naruto, didn't he? And Madara single-handed confronted the Five Kage at the Summit — that's the kind of power Akatsuki possesses.

Another attack would cripple Konoha's military might for the upcoming war. We'll just have to take our chances and assume that Akatsuki is also preoccupied preparing for the war to take an interest in Hinata."

"We should at least assemble a capable group of shinobi to escort her," Shizune suggested.

Tsunade shook her head. "That's exactly the kind of precautionary measure the enemy assume we would take; she would stand out too much. Hinata will go alone. And we will confide in her scouting abilities in making sure that she isn't followed. I'm sure your little fox friend here can also lend a hand with its sensitive nose."

Kurama was passive.

Ino grinned. "Hinata, you're going to get to see Naruto sooner than later, after all."

She blushed when Tenten and Sakura grinned at her.

"Hinata, you'll be leaving in the morning. A map will be assigned to you with the island's coordinates and you'll be briefed again on your mission before you leave.

Stay by his side," she whispered sentimentally, reminiscing about Jiraiya. "Protect him, and help to summon his latent powers — this is also a part of your role as his partner."

"Ha-Hai!" She beamed.

"Okay, you guys," Tsunade was loud and casual again. "Let's do some gambling! Let's play Princess!" She revealed some pink strips of paper.

"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune chided.

"Who's the princess?" The woman ignored her.

"Man, that was good," Chōji sighed in contentment. "It's been a while since I've had my fill of yakiniku!"

"After party!" Tsunade shouted, cutting him off. "Let's go somewhere else!"

"What should we do?" Ino panicked in an undertone.

"I'm going home," Shikamaru whispered back. "I have to get up early."

"Me, too," Tenten concurred, careful to keep her voice low.

"I'll get back to work... yes." Wacky Glasses was disappointed she wouldn't get to see Kurama in his human form one last time. She sighed inwardly.

"I have some stuff I want to finish today, too," Shikamaru added.

Outside, everyone banded together, facing Shizune and their slightly drunk leader with a polite smile. "Excuse us, Tsunade-sama." Sakura performed a curtsy. "We'll be leaving now."

They all went their separate ways, in groups of twos and threes. Tenten hauled Lee away in a casual chokehold. Then there was only silence, expect for the chirping of grasshoppers hidden in the nearby brush.

"They sure are reliable people," Tsunade breathed a sigh of delight.

"Hai."

"Yosh!" She flung her hand into the air, like a party animal. "Let's drink 'til morning!"

"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune scowled.

"... Was what I wanted to say," she corrected. "But let's get back to work."

"Hai!"

They both sauntered off.

On route to the Hyūga's estate, Hinata calmly walked behind her cousin, thoughts of her new mission swirling around in her mind. "Neji-niisan."

He pivoted his head around.

"I want to become stronger." Her voice was low and resolute.

"You are strong enough as you are," he returned, facing the fenced path once more.

Her eyes narrowed. "This war is to protect Naruto-kun; that's why I need as much power as I can get! I want to be strong!" She beamed, looking up at the stars that surely sparkled where he was, as well. "It's thanks to Naruto-kun that I managed to move forward."

"It's the same for me, Hinata-sama," Neji began, reflecting on her words. "He set me free."

The princess nodded, recalling his and Naruto's fierce battle in the final round of the Chūnin Exam. It was unfortunate that she wasn't well enough to watch it through to the end.

"As a member of the head family, you should lead the clan on the battlefield, Hinata-sama," Neji asserted suddenly, passionately. "Your power has grown exponentially over these past few weeks. You've gotten tremendously stronger. I'm sure if you display your growth to Hiashi-sama—"

"It's not a matter of head family and branch family," she explained coolly, emulating Kurama and Naruto's impressive nonchalance. "Neji-niisan, you are better suited for the job. We cannot win this fight unless we pool our strength."

Neji kept silent, allowing the princess's words to permeate throughout him. She was right. As Naruto said, they shouldn't allow pride and silly traditions to cloud their judgment. The Allied Shinobi Force surely didn't care about their lineage or their long line of customs, nor did Akatsuki. And, needless to say, that wouldn't make a difference on the battlefield.

"Welcome back," Satoshi said, standing by the porch.

"I'm home," Hinata returned.

Neji bowed and left.

"Don't worry about me," the princess reassured as she was passing the man to climb the stairs. "Thank you, Satoshi."

He bowed as she dismissed herself, sensing the radiant aura that she radiated. And, with that, he was reassured.

Clapping his hands together and closing his eyes, Naruto slipped into meditation. His other self — the embodiment of his dark side — gasped as an illustration inked in black materialized over the impostor's head: No. 1 Hokage Candidate!

"This is my autograph," our hero explained with a smug grin.

"Damn you!" His bitter counterpart sneered.

The Waterfall of Truth — this trial was the first step to controlling the Kyuubi, and this was Naruto's second time attempting to best the challenge. By assuming this test could be conquered by overpowering his darkness through sheer physical strength, he lost. But, this time, it would be different. This time, in his mind resounded Jiraiya's words.

Indeed. Being a great shinobi didn't gravitate around having incredible power alone. Wits and decisiveness also played an important part in the equation and, sometimes, various eccentric and unorthodox choices were necessary, as well. But mostly, a deep, visceral feeling told him this matter needed to be resolved in a more delicate and profound manner.

Naruto smiled warmly, reminiscing about a memory to which his dark counterpart didn't relate fondly.

"Oh, yeah," a shinobi said exuberantly by the refugee area, accompanied by another comrade. "Can you give me an autograph? Sign it to my son; he's a big fan."

"Autograph?" Naruto was a bit flustered.

"Konoha's hero — the boy that makes miracles happen: Uzumaki Naruto." The other man clapped his hands together in a gleeful plea. "Can I have an autograph, too, please?"

Naruto was still a bit out of it.

"What is it? Did I ask too much?"

The young sage grinned embarrassingly, tousling the back of his hair. "That's not it... I'm just not used to this sort of thing. I don't even know what to write."

"This is the autograph I couldn't sign at the campsite, back then." Our knight's eyes were unblinking and ardent.

"So what if you've come up with that thing?" His evil self snapped, his voice higher than the gushing waterfall behind him. "It means nothing! You're just being taken in by the newfound praises of the villagers! They've always deceived us! They made up random rules to shun us! Remember!"

And Naruto did remember. He remembered weeping in the deafening silence, standing in the dark, lonely shadows cast by the backs of everyone who towered over him, ignored him, despised him, wanted him gone. His world was a dreary shade of black and white, then.

"It was so painful. Almost unbearable," his counterpart murmured sorrowfully, clasping his chest, his blood red eyes glazed with both grief and hatred. "I'm the only one who understands you. Don't trust the people of the village!"

"Hah..." Naruto bowed his head, oceanic eyes slitted. "The people of the village are important... but, before I can trust them, there's someone else I have to trust."

The evil shadow felt a prick of surprise as his opposite raised his head with brisk enthusiasm. "I'll try to trust myself." He smiled. "To trust myself, as the one the villagers put their faith in."

There was sudden silence, and both sides of the same coin shared a cosmic moment. Then the darker side fell to his knees, weeping. His hate, his malice, his thirst for vengeance, had kept the pain and loneliness fresh in his heart. It was constantly tormenting him, keeping the fires of his rage alive. "Why? They... made us suffer so much."

"Octopops made me realize I shouldn't doubt myself; I should have my pride."

"And me?" His darker self raised his head slowly, tears streaming down his face. "Are you saying I'm just holding you back? Then what was I, all this time?"

"Thanks to you, I managed to become strong. Thanks to you, I managed to get this far."

"Then what... what should I do now?" He clumsily pushed to his feet and pelted toward the source of his agitation and his weakness.

"That's simple," Naruto uttered coolly, taking the flustered soul into a warm embrace as he crashed into him. Then, there was a moment of silence. "Just become me... because you're me, too."

Gasp!

"Thank you for all you've done for me. It's okay now."

Naruto's words resonated deep, reaching into the farthest depths of his counterpart's being — the most remote nooks and crannies, extinguishing the flames of rage and grief, driving out the corrosive darkness. Something clicked as the loneliness dwindled inside of him, and the blood red pupils of his eyes changed to an oceanic blue to match our hero's own. Finally, he began dematerializing, the fragments drifting into the air to merge with the facets of Naruto's spirit.

Surfacing from the dimension induced by the Waterfall of Truth, the village's hero pushed to his feet on the round clump of earth in the middle of the water. Yamato and company were amazed at the cool composure radiating from his back. And Killer-Bee grinned back as his fellow Jinchuuriki grinned at him.

Motoi, Killer-Bee's close friend, smiled cheerfully. "Looks like..."

"Things went well this time," Yamato concluded.

"It's too early to rejoice, dumbass phonies," Bee chided coolly, then walked out into the water toward a curious Naruto. "Now let's see if you can manage to control the Kyuubi's power." He started rapping with rhythmic movements and gesticulations. "From now on, I shall be your master — you better prepare yourself, or you'll only die faster!"

"Right on!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Follow me, Naruto!" He leaped toward the foot of the waterfall.

"Excuse me," Yamato called, a hand raised as if he were an inquisitive student at the back of a classroom. "Can I come along, too?"

"Okay."

"What about you, Motoi-san?" Yamato pivoted his head to the side to look at the man with spiky, shoulder-cropped hair and dark beady eyes.

"I'll stay here and make my regular report to Kumogakure."

"Thank you for your help," Yamato bowed and sauntered ahead.

"This is where the real challenge begins," the man whispered to himself.

Killer-Bee walked under the powerful torrent and entered through a concealed pathway, which obviously lead somewhere sacred beyond the rock face.

"So there's a cave on the other side," Naruto murmured before proceeding cautiously ahead. "Wow!" He exclaimed in awe once he was on the other side, dripping wet from his brief excursion.

Before him was an extensive underground labyrinth with its ceiling and outer walls illustrating the octopus-looking, eight-tailed Bijuu, firing off what seemed to be powerful beam from its mouth. And far head — towering from the ground — were many tall buildings and structures of elaborate shapes and designs.

"You'll fight the Kyuubi here," Killer-Bee pointed ahead, blasé in contrast to Naruto's open amazement.

"Fight the Kyuubi?"

He nodded. "That's right, you dumbass phony."

Naruto's astonishment soon morphed into determination, and he gazed ahead unswervingly, solemnly, preparing himself in mind, body and spirit with regards to what he had to do.

Yamato gingerly made his way inside, sharing Naruto's initial reaction as he looked around, marveling at the small openings in the surrounding walls that were outlets for gushing water. "This is magnificent!"

"Follow me," Killer-Bee started proceeding ahead.

The two foreign shinobi followed him, ambling along a path bordered by rows of headless statues sitting in meditation.

"It looks like an ancient ruin," Yamato commented, his eyes flitting around. "They look archeologically important. Could use some restoration, though."

"No," Bee returned. "Those stones statues were deliberately made without heads; there's a reason for that."

"You said I'll fight the Kyuubi here," Naruto said. "But how? How am I even going to meet it?"

"I hope you're not going to do anything too harsh," Yamato added.

"Don't think you can control the beast unless you do something rash, you dumbass phony," Bee retorted as they went through an open gate. "This is a sacred place where those who have been chosen as a Jinchuuriki have undergone purification rituals. There's a system that allows interactions with the Bijuu in this area. It's inside this building. Roger."

They came across one amongst the many architecturally impressive structures that towered high into the air.

"This is..." Naruto looked up, trying to see the peak.

"Only a chosen few can enter here. Selection," Bee explained coolly. "You put your head inside this statue's mouth. Good guy. If you have no darkness in your heart, the doors will open. Wide open."

They looked to the statue of a lion's head jutting out of the wall. Its eyes were wide, mouth set in full dilation. And by no means did the creature's intricate design and details look inviting, especially the stain of blood on its fangs.

"Um," Yamato scratched his temple awkwardly. "Can you explain this as simple as possible? It's kind of hard to grasp..."

"If you have no darkness in your heart," Naruto repeated calmly, cupping his chin. I see. So that's what the waterfall was about...

"But..." Bee cast them a sidelong glance. "If you have even a tiny bit of darkness in your heart, the doors won't open. Get it?" His face was suddenly enveloped in an ominous shadow as he turned to face them. "Instead, the statue bites your head off. Accept it! The statues on our way here were actually Jinchuuriki. Truth!"

Naruto cupped his neck, breaking into a cold sweat as his counterpart's words resounded in his mind.

— "In other words, I'm the true you. I am the real you."

He swallowed hard pass the hot lump that had suddenly wedged itself in his throat.

Yamato seemed to have a lump in his, too. "The risk is too great," he complained softly. "Naruto, do it with a shadow clone."

"This is a sacred place, you dumbass phony," Killer-Bee defended vehemently. "Countless generations of Kumogakure ninjas have watched over and protected it; deceit will not work!"

"But—"

Naruto's face hardened in silent conviction, teeth gritted. "Yamato-taichou, I came here to learn to control the Kyuubi's power; this is important to me, too. I can't run from it." He slowly approached the shady port for his head and anxiously tucked it inside. I trust myself!

His backside shifted from left to right as he squirmed his shoulders inside, and the awkward movement only made Yamato even more apprehensive about the possibly of his sempai's most favorite student getting beheaded. His eyes were wide, cold sweat dripping down his face.

Suddenly, Naruto cried out — a desperate and blood-curdling cry. Yamato rushed over to pull him out immediately, only to receive what was left of our valiant knight. "No... No... this can't be happening..." his eyes trembled in horror. "Naruto, you can't..."

"Just kidding!" The notorious prankster clasped his jacket and pushed out his head, relishing the man's expression of abject shock. This was sweet, sweet revenge for all those scary stories and the flashlight-technique the man used to pull on him. "There was just a switch inside."

Relaxed, Killer-Bee relished the Jōnin's shock, too.

Naruto chuckled. "I just couldn't help it."

"I did it, too," Bee added in a smooth rap. "Custom! The statues are just broke. Joke!"

Yamato turned into a dreadful beast. "Wasn't this a scared place? You dumbass phonies!"

In response to the switch being flipped, a thick stonewall slide opened behind them, illuminating the passage outside with a brilliant glow.

"What's this?" Naruto murmured in his surprise.

Killer-Bee ambled in front of the entrance. "Go inside, sit, close your eyes and concentrate. It's like the waterfall; it's a way to meet your Bijuu."

"But I've been able to meet the Kyuubi inside my mind, when I concentrate during training, for a long time."

"Every Jinchuuriki knows how to do that." He pointed into the mysterious room. "This here is a slightly different concept, okay?"

Naruto and Yamato followed him inside, looking around curiously. But there was nothing much to see; the room had absolutely nothing inside. The color-scheme was a splash of purple, ivory, and peach — pallid colors that obscured the room's dimensions, giving the illusion that the space was infinitely large.

"Listen carefully to what I have to say," Bee began in a serious tone, coming to a complete stop and facing the young Jinchuuriki. "Explanation! Naruto, what sealing technique was used to seal the Kyuubi inside you? Hope!"

"It's a Four Symbol Seal," Yamato enlightened.

"A Four Symbol Seal? That's impressive," he grinned. "It's even stronger than my Iron Armor Seal. Do you have the key?"

"Yeah."

"So, you really are going to open the seal," Yamato uttered, breaking into a sweat again. "What if Naruto doesn't manage to control it and the Kyuubi revives completely?"

"I'll seal it inside this room," Bee returned calmly. "That's also one of the functions of this place." He began rapping and rocking his body. "The Kyuubi will be sealed herein, until a new Jinchuuriki is brought within, and I'll start booin'!"

"But—"

"It won't come to that," Naruto interjected coolly. "I won't fail."

Killer-Bee smiled, impressed by his determination and bravery. "Okay. Then I'm closing the door. Now I'll teach you how to handle the Kyuubi."

Once the door was sealed, Yamato watched in silence as Naruto and Bee sat cross-legged opposed from one another. Then they bumped their fists and held the gesture, synchronizing their wavelength through the connection until their consciousness overlapped.

Suddenly, there was the sound of droplets and ripples in water. As the sound heightened, Naruto found himself in an all too familiar realm.

Naruto! Bee's voice echoed from some undetectable facet of his mind. Respect! The rules are simple. When you meet the Kyuubi in your mind, first open the seal.

Naruto opened his eyes with a cool visage, and there before him was the cage imprisoning the malevolent deity he sought to control. The creature had its head propped up on crossed arms, relaxing. "Yow, still doing the evil glare, are we?"

The beast's eyes dilated, lined with unyielding veins, and then narrowed maliciously. "Naruto, you bastard..."

Nonchalant, our golden knight began floating into the air, toward the paper seal pasted on the steel bars of the cage. "What?"

The Kyuubi's eyes followed him, blood red with its swelling rage. "Where did the real you go? I can't sense him."

"He's right here in front of you."

You've conquered your hatred, Bee explained. But don't let your guard down. Extreme force! The Kyuubi is a mass of hatred. Extreme argument!

Without hesitation, Naruto tore off the seal in one fluid motion, and then lifted his shirt to reveal the diagram on his stomach, holding the hem of the jacket between his teeth.

"What are you up to?" The Bijuu sneered.

"My mouth is full now," Naruto retorted coolly, pushing up the sleeve on his right arm to reveal the description of the seal's key on his skin. Chakra tipped his fingers. "Just watch and see."

The warrior frowned, determination a quivering glow in his eyes. Here I go, he placed his hand over the markings on his belly and rotated his palm anti-clockwise. In comparison to the seal on his stomach, the steel plates locking the cage's door began undoing itself.

The instant the final plate flipped back, the Kyuubi used its paw to bash the gates open with a nasty temperament. Then it gave a strident and powerful roar, blasting Naruto back with a mere shockwave.

When the Kyuubi is out, grab its chakra with yours and pull it all out. You can only touch chakra with chakra; that's common sense! Take the Kyuubi's chakra from it. That's victory!

Charka began emanating from Naruto's body. From head to torso was formed a transparent ghost of his image which suspended from his back.

On the outside, Bee's fist tightened against Naruto's and the Kyuubi's eyes suddenly veered to the side as tentacles broke through the wall to coil around its neck and torso, holding it in a powerful bind. The creature squirmed frantically in its rage, eager to break free and utterly destroy the source of its agonizing imprisonment.

When you touch the Kyuubi and your chakras connect, it'll pull, as well. Pull! In short, it's a game of tug of war, okay?

Chakra from the Hachibi's tentacle began pulling out the Kyuubi's own chakra but, before Naruto could possibly make a move, the beast retaliated by using one of its nine tails to slice through the tentacles, absorbing their chakra as its reward.

Tsk! Bee clicked his tongue in irritation. I'll help you in the fight, too. But it's inside your mind, so I won't have much strength. Too bad.

"It's really strong." Naruto grinned, reveling in the rush.

A word of warning: when you try to take the chakra, there's a risk that yours will be pulled by the Kyuubi, instead.

Naruto smiled. "I figured as much."

In that case, I guess I don't need to tell you what'll happen if all your chakra is pulled out of you.

"I see," the Kyuubi's eyes were bright with enlightenment. "You intend to control my power, and you have the Hachibi as an ally. You call yourself the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki. Pitiful!"

The demon fox towered upright on its hind legs, its nine tails converging over its head to form an invisible ring. Negative and positive chakra of blue and ruby emanated from its tail in small bubbles, merging to form a dark ball of condensed energy.

The very foundations of the dimension trembled under the weight of the ball's power, and a wave of wind whipped passed Naruto, forcing him to assume a better stance lest be swept away.

The risk is really huge but, if you can take the Kyuubi's chakra from it, it's yours for the rest of your life. Take away from its will all the Kyuubi's chakra that you can! That's reward!

Don't let the Kyuubi's hatred get to you. Defend yourself with the strength of your own will!

Condensing the ball of destructive energy to a fifth of its original size, the Kyuubi opened its jaws and took the ball into its mouth before clenching its teeth together. Its cheeks inflated and a blanket of steam drifted out from its slowly gaping mouth.

The instant Naruto turned to make a run for it, the beast fired off its cataclysmic trademark attack. The ground and walls of the wet, dreary corridor instantaneously turned into rubble as the beamed headed for our valiant knight. But there was nowhere to hide, no means to defend.

"Don't underestimate me!" From out of the rubble, the Hachibi's hand sprouted from a severed tentacle to absorb the beam, and then more layers of the tentacle constructed a head to reinforce the hand and nullify the blast.

The Kyuubi scowled in annoyance.

Thanks, Octopops! Naruto pivoted around and formed his trademark seal.

"I contained the explosion," Bee informed. "My powerful support ends here, Naruto."

Hah. I'm still seated, so it's just as I thought...

On the outside realm, Naruto had already begun gathering Senju Energy, the orange highlight around his eyes illustrating his transition into Sage Mode. And his head dipped a little in his battle-readiness.

Suddenly — its nine tails swirling around menacingly — the Kyuubi looked up only to find a gigantic ball of spiraling energy coming down toward it, which was roughly half its size.

Sage Art: Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan! "Go!" Naruto bellowed, using gravity to maximize the speed and impact of his attack.

In retaliation the Kyuubi used but three of its tails to defend itself. The Rasengan whistled in a high-pitched sound as it labored to break through the Bijuu's guard. But, with a nasty sneer, the beast whipped its tails around, effortlessly putting a swift end to the destructive orb and driving the sage back.

"So, that's not enough to take you down, huh?" Naruto's nonchalant smile was provocative as he dodged a series of lethal assaults by the creature's flexible tails, using each one as footholds to evade the other.

"Do you really believe that you can defeat me?" The Kyuubi uttered in its annoyance, scorn dripping from each word like acid.

"Would I open the seal if I didn't?" Naruto grinned, leaping into the air.

In the same beat, an inconspicuous clone uppercut the beast beneath the chin, sending it hovering a few feet into the air to meet the sole of Naruto's boot that came crashing down in a steely downward kick.

The Kyuubi plummeted to the ground with a pained grunt, sending stone and water flying outward in a great explosion. "Naruto, you bastard! How dare you!"

"Y'know... all those times when you shared your chakra with me, for Hinata's sake, I thought that maybe you had changed a little; that we could be friends."

The Bijuu clenched its teeth, images of the princess skimming through its mind, like a flipbook. Images that threatened to cool the fires of its wrath and rendered it vulnerable to Naruto's endeavor — his selfish ambition to conquer and enslave him; to sentence him to deeper, darker, and lonelier depths of hell.

No! The Kyuubi felt a spasm of fear. In retaliation, the creature allowed its rage to swell out of control, burning the vibrant images of the endearing goddess to ensure its freedom. "Friends?" The beast snickered in a derisive, malicious manner. "Don't make me laugh! All you humans are just the same — weak, greedy, selfish, manipulative. Pitiful! Once I'm done absorbing you, I'll find that woman and tear her apart slowly, limb from limb."

A few meters away, Naruto was silent, eyes veiled in shadow. Anger and adrenaline converged to brew a mixture of fire beneath his skin — one that crackled and seared hotter than the Kyuubi's very rage. Leaning forward, he eased into a sudden career, almost instantaneously appearing before the ferocious fiend.

Right. Left. Right. Left — Naruto assaulted the beast's face with a fierce and merciless succession of thunderous punches. Then he ducked as a Kage Bunshin swung and catapulted another from a few meters away. Transforming into giant, double-headed hammer, the clone bashed into the Kyuubi's torso, sending it hurtling down the corridor and slamming into the wall at the back of its cage.

Before the creature could take in a breath — after having the wind knocked out of it — Naruto was already there in the darkness, standing before the flustered demon with eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. Those piercing eyes flashed as he assaulted the Kyuubi's torso with an impetuous barrage of punches, driving the defenseless fox farther into the wall. Naruto's hands seemed to duplicate as he increased his speed and power, blood coursing like lava through his veins, fueling his strength. Then, with an impressive double-kick, the Bijuu was deeply wedged in the wall with Naruto easing into a somersault and landing on his feet.

"Killer-Bee-san," Yamato called. "What's going on in there?"

The man was a bit flustered. "...Naruto's killing Kyuubi."

"He's what?!"

Yo, Naruto, Bee's voice echoed in his mind. You're supposed to take the Kyuubi's chakra, not destroy them both!

Naruto ignored him and held his hand forward, as if it was a pistol — middle and index finger unfurled, while his thumb extended upright. Sage Art: Rasen-bullet — Gatling Gun!

He reinforced that arm by cupping his wrist with his left hand as miniature orbs forged of spiraling energy and wind-natured chakra fired from his fingertip — twenty rounds per second. "I'll tear you apart before you can get anywhere close to Hinata!"

The Kyuubi roared as the orbs wreaked havoc on its exposed torso, expanding and exploding upon impact with enough force to rival the destructive giant sphere Naruto had used before. But the Bijuu had no intention to surrender to its predestined fate.

Wrenching itself out from the indentation its body had made in the wall, the beast used its tails to shield against the blows so that it could fire off a volley of deadly laser beams from its mouth.

Naruto avoided each one with graceful sidesteps and aerial dynamics, ignoring the magnitude of the blasts behind him to notice as hundreds of human-sized, chakra-forged tailed beasts began dripping, like wax, from the Kyuubi's cascading tails.

"Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Naruto decided to fight numbers with numbers.

The skirmish took the horde of over-powered clones outside the darkness of the cage, where they all engaged in an epic fight for dominance. Laser beams and all forms of Rasengan lit up and decorated the dreary realm, like fireworks. But, using their Frog Fu, the army of gallant sages were quickly able to overpower and absorb the crazed demons until there was but one clone left.

The frantic fiend stomped the ground where it had Naruto thrown down — creating a massive crater — but our hero had already quickly retaliated by pushing himself up off the ground into a spin, driving the heel of his foot down onto the creature's nape. The beast fell to its knees with a pained squeal, then its eyes widened as a giant Rasengan crashed down mercilessly onto its face.

Naruto absorbed its chakra, just in time to notice the Kyuubi racing toward him at breakneck speed. Suddenly, the beast came to an abrupt stop as it slammed into an invisible screen. Then, that screen detonated, sending the Demon Fox toppling onto its back.

Naruto heaved a smooth smile. "Sage Art: Cyclone Shield..."

Before the Kyuubi could retaliate in its ancient rage, the golden warrior was already in the air, forging a Rasenshuriken with the assistance of two clones and pinning the persistent beast to the ground with its overwhelming attack power and lasting effects.

Strategically taking advantage of the creature's immobility in its crippled state, Naruto quickly clung to one amongst its nine tails and began stepping backwards, pulling out the chakra. As their spiritual energy intertwined, the vigilant sage sensed a distant extension of the Bijuu's entity — and it was on the move, somewhere in the outside realm. Curiously, he allowed his mind to follow that saffron string to its source, only to detect Hinata's presence by the creature's location.

"Hi-Hinata!" He exclaimed, blood freezing in his veins and his vision swimming from the steady pound filling his head. "What does this mean? Has the Kyuubi found some way to Hinata, after all?"

Capitalizing on the Jinchuuriki's evident distraction, the sinister Bijuu exerted its manipulative hatred and malice. The thick, dark power traveled along its extracted chakra and made its way to a traumatized Uzumaki Naruto, entirely enveloping his chakra-based silhouette.

Hateful... Painful... I want to kill! A familiar voice echoed in his mind, resurfacing from the deepest depths of his troubled spirit.

The deplorable voice came with others in a sudden influx — voices of contempt and scorn from the distant past that rose in Naruto's mind like grotesque, shifting skulls of the ugliest blue and ruby.

— If only he didn't exist...

— Only him...

— That, huh? Go die!

— No one will ever acknowledge someone like you!

— Disappear...

— Disappear...

— Disappear, the voices chanted in a prolonged echo, reverberating in every corner and crevice of his mind, preventing a positive thought or retaliation.

"What... is this?" Flustered, agitated, wide-eyed, Naruto pressed a hand to his head as the voices ensued their ruthless and relentless assault. He was so distracted that he didn't realize the Kyuubi was busy pulling out his chakra, subjecting him further to his hateful counterpart.

This is bad, Killer-Bee flinched, sensing his apprentice's desperate and seemingly hopeless struggle. Don't lose, Naruto! You dumbass phony!

Driven to his knees, our floundering warrior clenched his teeth as his power gradually drained from his body, slipping through his fingers, like liquid.

The Demon Fox glanced up and took great satisfaction in the sudden, slack-jawed shock and despair written across his face. "You can't control my power," the fiend gloated. "You're just a small fraction of my hatred."

Shut the hell up! Naruto's inner-self roared as the dreary voices sought to break and destroy him. As he fell farther from grace — similar to his darker half — one of his eyes turned from blue to blood red. And, on the outside realm, his body was suddenly enveloped in the Kyuubi's cloak, illustrating the imminent and hostile takeover.

"The Kyuubi's hatred is a lot stronger than I thought," Bee exclaimed, having pushed to his feet to a safe enough distance. "This might get really bad — a test on a scale he's never had!"

Yamato unfurled his hand, reinforced by the other. "I'll hold him down!"

— You little monster! Stay away from our kids...

— Why hasn't he been thrown into a cell?

— What is Hokage-sama thinking allowing him to roam free like this?

— You demonic brat!

— Disappear and cease to exist!

"Disappear and cease to exist!" Naruto repeated in a sneer, closing his eyes tightly, trembling in his broiling rage, seconds away from a devastating eruption that would have rendered him forever lost and consumed.

"No, you can come and stay here," a soft, exuberant, feminine voice passed through him, surrounded him, vanquishing the darkness and the voices of disdain.

Naruto could feel that he had been transported elsewhere. Every sensitive fiber and cell of his being remembered the particles that made up this unique dimension in which he was carried. This warmth... this perpetual calm... this sense of belonging and security — it was what he felt when his father had saved him.

But, when Naruto opened his eyes, the Fourth Hokage was not there. In his stead, stood a beautiful young woman with gorgeous long hair, soft blue eyes, and a welcoming smile that mysteriously tugged at his emotions.

"Naruto..." his name rose from her lips in a melody that was so right, so divine, that it was both breathtaking and heartbreaking.

The orange knight pushed to his feet, fingers curled into tight fists. "What the... why is someone here? Also, why do you know my name?"

"Oh, I see," the woman smiled, a hand pressed politely to her chest. "Then, try to guess who I am, Naruto."

He frowned, looking her over carefully — the incredibly long, sleek reddish hair, innocently playful eyes, a lovely rounded face and an almost childish V of a smile. Why did she seem so oddly familiar? It had to be a trick.

She chuckled.

Naruto broke into a sweat. "Don't tell me..."

She beamed. "Did you figure it out yet?"

"You... you're the Kyuubi's true form, aren't you?" He asserted, pointing a trembling finger in his certainty.

"Eh?" The woman held her tummy and burst into a fit of heavy laugher.

"What a savage way of laughing!" Naruto charged. "So you tired to trick me by turning into a woman, huh? Kyuubi, you—"

"You're wrong, y'know!" She pounded him atop the head, Sakura-style.

"Ouch!" Naruto cried out, clinging to his battered cranium. But then — as if the impact had enhanced his observation — he gazed at her curiously. "'Y'know?'" He repeated slowly, curiously.

The woman tousled the back of her head embarrassingly and heaved a remorseful grin. "Sorry for punching you so suddenly. I'm impatient and fast-mouthed by nature, so I've got a weird way of talking. I've tried to stop doing it but it happens when I get agitated.

How have you been? I hope you didn't develop any weird way of talking, like I did"

Naruto was awestruck. "Then..."

"Minato... he didn't say anything, did he? Oh, geez..."

Rendered emotional to a staggering degree and in a way he only experienced upon meeting his father, Naruto's fingers trembled, and he did his best to bite back a whimper as tears burned into his eyes.

"That's right, I'm your—"

He lunged forward and took her in his arms, his body continuing to shake even as he held her tight, relishing in what had eluded him even in his dreams. "I've always... I've always wanted to meet you, mom, y'know." Tears rippled down his face, and his red eye reverted to a pristine oceanic blue.

Kushina smiled warmly — a sweet and maternal smile. "'Y'know', huh? You really are my son." Her voice was soft, and she held him, too, just as passionate as he did her.

And, for a moment, there was but silence — only the love and magic that permeated from their embrace. It was truly a magnificent and incomparable feeling, but bittersweet in all its refined glory. There was a sixteen-year-old void that they wanted to fill with this same physical affection and warmth, but it was as impossible as the fact that their time, even now, was limited to her chakra capacity. It would not last, but they planned to savor every passing moment.