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Chapter 330:

Observing her curiously, Naruto cautiously asked, "Ino, are you

alright?"

"Honestly," Ino heaved, swallowing before shaking her head. "…I'm

not. But I don't want to ruin anything by asking…" They're alone now

and she wants him.

Moving closer to her did not make her feel better as he asked, "are

you… excited?" Squeezing her eyes shut was the only way she can

resist her urges, but her body nodded. He moved just inches from her

as he explained, "I really do feel like we've come a long way…" That

was consent enough for her and she's ready to take off her honey-

soaked clothes until he said, "but, there's something I have to tell you

and I don't think you're going to like it."

Gaining a bit of apprehensive clarity, Ino realized what he meant. What

she thought about their chances was accurate after all. 'Of course, he'd

be too good for a manipulator like me,' her mind screamed as she tried

to put on a brave face. "I- no, I understand," she struggled to say. "I

wouldn't date me after what I did either-"

"Ino, stop it," Naruto vehemently proclaimed. "That's not it at all! I have

such strong feelings for you… and I can't call it like it is because the

way I think about love changed. What's important to me is our trust in

each other, our friendship, and our honesty and it's because you mean

so much to me that I have to be honest… I have to tell you… I… I'm p-

polyamorous, which, I know how selfish that sounds-"

"Wait," Ino called, shaking her head as if to try and make sense of it.

Half of her arousal forgotten, Ino's mind begs for more information. 'He

can't mean what I think he means,' her mind tried to reason as she

asked, "you're… you want to be in multiple relationships?"

"No," Naruto quickly replied. "I want to be in one. It just happens to

have more than two people in it."

Thrown for an unstable loop, a dizzy Ino gasped as she asked in sheer

disbelief, "more than two… how's that even work?"

"Honestly, I have no idea," Naruto emphatically stated with wide eyes.

She wanted to demand, 'how could you not know about such an

outrageous thing,' when he pointed out with his chin toward her

occupied bed, "it's like whatever happened in that room." He shrugged

as he said, "it just is. Believe me, I'd be happy with a normal two-

person relationship, but, if, for example, you and I were a couple and

you wanted more with Sakura-"

"We can have more of that without the three of being in one

relationship," Ino tried to protest.

"And how honest would that be," Naruto returned. He scrunched his

brow to ask, "if we were a couple, how fair would that be to Sakura's

love life? How fair would it be to hold her back like that or hell, put that

on- …on anyone she dates."

"You mean Sasuke," she guessed out loud.

"She still has feelings for him," Naruto told her. "And it feels wrong to

hide things that make us happy. If you want something, you say it out

loud, and if you can't, then… maybe it's not good."

"Sasuke's no good," Ino returned.

"Ino…"

"No," she hotly called. "He tried to kill you! He's too… Until he has a

major breakthrough in his life, he's a danger in my eyes and Sakura

would be infinitely better without him."

"I'm working on it," Naruto said with a small grin. "For now, if you and I

were in a relationship, I'd be more than happy to share our love—our

everyday life together—with Sakura and receive her love as well. But

it's not something to be ashamed of where were keep it a secret." He

takes a step back and scratches the back of her neck as he confesses,

"because that's what this means to me… more love from people we

love."

Aside from being angry and horny, Ino didn't know how she felt about

his shocking revelation. Though she doesn't know much about the

lifestyle, with her family, she's heard of the social study. Polyamorous

relationships come across as something unpractical, unrealistic, taboo,

and selfish. She can easily think about the number of men who have

cheated on a girl simply because the opportunity arose. It's not

something to condone… 'but can this be considered any of that? It's

not like Naruto is the average guy?'

She looks at his nervous and apprehensive face, red with perspiration

from sex with Sakura and she listened to what he said. 'He doesn't

know how he's polyamorous,' she thought. He only knows he's happy

to be her boyfriend as well as have sex with Sakura… 'as any man

would,' she thought. 'But it's not like I'm against him having sex with her

either.' Ino felt deep in her heart she was fine with Naruto and Sakura

having sex, even if she were Naruto's girlfriend. 'Wouldn't that mean

I'm also polyamorous,' Ino's mind questioned. She knows she's not

trying to cheat on Naruto by also being with Sakura. In Ino's mind, her

relationship with both of them feels acceptable because, to put it

simply, it's Naruto and Sakura. Naruto seems to be taking the brave

step of just admitting it aloud. 'Braver than me,' she thought.

"I'll just leave you-"

Before Naruto could leave or finish his sentence, Ino grabbed his

sleeve and asked, "if I were fine with that… what would your honest

feelings toward me be?"

"I can say I love you, Ino," Naruto effortlessly admitted, and Ino's knees

weakened. His eyes were so compassionate, if she wasn't leaning

against the door, she's certain she would've buckled. 'He loves me,' her

mind sings as her chest swell. Ino would cry if she didn't think it would

make her look overly emotional. Naruto then explained, "but because I

love you, I can't ask you to be something you're not."

And she understood then. Naruto's intention can't be measured by

other men. She knows who he is, she loves who he is, and even

though she also loves Sakura, she explained to him, "I need some

time, but, however I land on all of that… I'll think about it after."

Curious, he asked, "after-"

Ino kissed him deeply, and like a sponge soaking in water, her

womanhood absorbed him; his scent, his feel, his heat, his strength,

his love. Her legs tightened as she pulled him to press her flat against

the door. Ino felt cushy soft and gushing with ecstasy. Its been so long,

like falling off the wagon, she was rapidly falling for her drug of choice.

Chapter 331:

When they finally pull away after seven breathless minutes of making

out, he asked, "are you sure? I don't want to-"

"Just shut up and fuck me," she demanded in a trance before grabbing

his face and taking his lips again.

When his strong unyielding hand ripped open the flimsy material of her

shorts and panties, Naruto was out of his pants with his shapely knob

pressed against her soaking entrance a second later. She had that

second to feel everything; pressed against the door, the dead silence

of the world around them, soaking around his thick crown, overly

sensitive with vivid memories of always succumbing to the pleasure of

his thick member.

His cock slams her wet depth with one thrust, shooting her head up as

she moaned, "MMMMNNNNnnn… Kami, it's been too long!" Her entire

hormonal body is like a twitching vice around his throbbing rod and she

can feel him twitch up to her mouth.

Pressing his head to the side of hers as he groans, "oouuuuuuhhhh,

this is the sweet pussy I've missed." Naruto then kissed her—kissed

her like he loves her—and Ino's mind white-washes as bliss drowns

her. "I've missed you Ino. So much…"

Ino felt like a run-on of many miniature orgasms as he continued

fucking her into the door, but somehow, her gushing body also builds to

a massive orgasm. Naruto gripped her fleshy ass as he slammed into

her hot wet depth repeatedly, taking her higher and higher to that

massive drop. His teeth nibbled at her neck before kissing her and

sucking on her tongue, slamming balls deep into her until he finally

unloaded an enormous quantity of thick semen in her womb. Ino saw

white before her massive orgasm shattered her soft and sweaty body,

drowning her in trembling ecstasy for never-ending minutes.

With Sakura likely to wake up any moment, they couldn't go for more

than one session, but it was the sweetest reunion for them.

THE CHŪNIN EXAM

Ino still isn't comfortable with everything being a polyamorist means; to

her friends, her family, and village, but she can't deny she loves both

Naruto and Sakura. She also can't deny she would love to share a

home—a bed—between them. She admires how much guts it took him

to admit as much to her, despite how that would make him look and

what he could lose because of it. Ultimately, Ino is of the opinion that

she needs more research and more conversations with him before she

makes any decisions. Sakura tightened her grip on Ino's hand,

interrupting Ino's train of thought. The stressed blond absorbs Sakura's

warm comfort, bringing a smile to her face and a desire to see her as

happy as she can be.

Returning her smile, Sakura recalls her time with the other blond staple

in her life.

SAKURA

The very next day after Naruto agreed to help with her stress and

fatigue relief, he was nervous and concerned when they met again.

Alone in her silent room, they both were, with reason. Sex with a friend

and teammate while Sakura has confusing feelings about their other

teammate had great potential to go very badly and neither one of them

wanted that. When Naruto simply offered a full-body deep-tissue

massage, she accepted, thinking they can ease into anything else if it

felt right. However, Sakura had forgotten how effective his hands were

and her body readily remembered the feeling he brought out in her the

night they had sex and was dripping of arousal after thirty-minutes.

It still amazed Sakura that of all the men in the village she could have a

consensual sexual relationship with, Uzumaki Naruto is the one deep

dicking her to her repeated and prolonged satisfaction. Her mind

questioned it often and it took some mental gymnastics to be

teammates out of the bedroom, but sex bunnies as soon as the door

was closed. But she couldn't deny how much she gripped him tightly

when he pumped into her, that she wanted more, or that she loved the

feeling of his thick load pooling heavy and hot in her womb.

Not only was it exciting how hard he could give it to her, how talented

he seemed to be at stoking the sexual fire within her, but to know Ino

loves Naruto, and he might feel the same, added a surreal thrill to it all.

Sakura was fucking the man Ino loves, her sister's love, and she

couldn't help demanding more. The pinkette wanted to do everything

with him because she wanted it nearly as much as she wasn't

supposed to. It was like there was another part of her that loved to be

this wanton.

She was also his first love and Sakura felt some of those lingering

feelings are still there. Sometimes he enjoyed squeezing and kneading

her rump and massaging her B-cup breasts far more than needed. He

enjoyed going down on her, servicing her pink slit with his rough

tongue and lapping up the overflow of her sweet essence. Sakura was

one of those girls that creates an inordinate amount of lubrication. Add

to that her tight, hot, cushy cock-socket and Naruto is always able to

stuff her with more brimming meat than she can take. No matter how

tight her wet folds clung to his veiny meat-pole, she was so slick he

could pound away as hard and as fast as she wanted without concern

of tearing or pulling.

From their first time together, Sakura had an inclination that she loved

it rough and their time together only validated that hypothesis. She was

very vocal when they grease glands, often yelling, "harder!" or, "break

me!" "Come on, Naruto, pound the shit out of me!"

As Sakura didn't know his sexual history, she couldn't know she was

more enthusiastic in bed than any of the girls he's been with. Ino and

Mabui were overly sensitive to him and crumbled without much effort.

Samui was very submissive, and as Mabui explained to him, her

sexual needs didn't extend past her dom's will. Kurenai was a mixture

of all of them; she had her moments when she'd like it soft or

submissive but other times when they were so aroused, she wanted it

hard and dominating.

Chapter 332:

Naruto not only learned that Sakura wanted her whole body to rock as

he pounded her into the mattress but she has a unique preference for

arousal. In the beginning, it was difficult for Naruto to understand why

she wanted it so rough, so dominating. Guided by his training with

Kurenai, he naturally asked Sakura for open communication. "Is this a

fetish or a fantasy? Can you tell me more about what you want me to

do?"

Sakura was as much surprised by his candid thoughtfulness as she

was embarrassed. She didn't even want to share, but yet again, to her

surprise, he can be more mature than he lets on, reassuring her

repeatedly that she had his respect, his discretion, and his empathy.

For thirty minutes he explained that there was nothing wrong with her

or her sexual preferences because he knows who she is and the hour

was nearly up before a blushing Sakura agreed to open up to him.

Extremely shyly, Sakura hesitated to admit, "it's not like I want to be

treated badly or humiliated… but… I don't know! I just get so turned-on

b-by… fighting you t-to dominate me or being treated like your property,

or- or… being c-called a… w-whore- WHICH I'M NOT!"

Without Sakura's knowledge, Naruto had little information about the

workings of this sexual preference, other than learning sex-talk with

Kurenai. Unable to talk with Kurenai, he asked Mabui during their

Fūinjutsu study time why a strong-minded girl like Samui might be

submissive or ask to be demeaned.

Setting down her fine-tipped brush, the gorgeous psychologist took

several moments to gather her thoughts before answering, "being

submissive to a man can be a major turn-on, not to say they have to be

docile or submissive outside the bedroom. Think about it like this:

outside of the bedroom, a strong-willed woman has to be self-

disciplined, responsible, and or perfect to succeed in a male-dominated

world. She has goals and works hard every single minute of the day to

be taken seriously. Inside the bedroom, that same strong-willed woman

can feel sexually powerful when they opt to lose their image, their

responsibilities, their 'power.' They feel a certain thrill to lose

everything that makes them who they are to be something so debased.

So it has less to do with degrading them and more to do with shedding

the stressful veneer of their day-to-day."

"So, to people who don't know that…" Naruto takes a moment to think

about what it appears to be, eventually adding, "submissive sex looks

like an excuse for a woman like Samui to be treated like crap because

she sees herself like crap, like she's insecure or something?"

"Exactly, and that couldn't be further from the truth," Mabui explained to

him. "Samui is quite strong, but at its roots, the desire to be forcibly

'taken' or, 'dominated' is actually about having the highest form of a

trigger over a man. Being held down or thrown in bed can make a girl

feel like her partner can't control his desire for her; that is to say, she's

so sexy and desirable that he can't help but ravage her."

Without Sakura having to explain more about what she liked or why

she liked it, by the very next session Naruto just seemed to get it. He

somehow seemed to know she wanted to feel like she had that much

control over a man that his lust would overtake him and he'd dominate

her.

After they came to a clear understanding that it's all consensual in

addition to a safe word, he ravaged her and it didn't take much for her

to respond. He'd whisper in her ear how she drives him insane as he

pounded her into the wall; he'd call her his whore near the peak of her

climax and it was so wrong, so contradictory, that it would set her off

with mind-numbing orgasms; he'd cum on her face and hair or—to their

mutual surprise—slap her in the face with his throbbing manhood. It

was surreal abject detraction for them both, but for ten recreational

hours spanning across two weeks, Sakura found it easier and easier to

be dominated her blond-haired teammate to a disheveled and

shuddering mess.

By the end, she felt heavenly snuggled up against him, with her

clumped pink hair matted to her sweaty skin, lightly bouncing her

perfect breasts with heavy breathing, arching her spine with thick cum

leaking out of the apex of her flushed legs as she micro-spasms from

the aftermath of a destructive orgasm. Despite this new 'identity' about

her self, at the end of every hour together, Naruto would softly and

gently kiss her goodnight, as if to signal the end of their masochistic

sex and that made her feel more under control. It was like he was

balancing her unorthodox preference with her orthodox way of being,

and she appreciated him for it.

THE CHŪNIN EXAM

"For the third match," Genma calls. "From Konohagakure: Hyūga Neji,"

and there's an explosive boom of cheers and excitement from the

stands in nearly equal measure from women as much as men. Though

Neji had hoped to learn more about Naruto—as he expects the final

fight to be between them—the loud blond still hadn't joined them in the

hallway. Wearing his customary beige-colored shirt, dark brown shorts,

and wrapped bandages around his right arm, chest, and right leg, the

Hyūga prodigy leaves the wide entry hallway.

From beside Haku, Tenten watches her fair-skinned, long-haired

teammate take the field and can feel her attitude toward him was odd

now as opposed to two weeks ago. Thinking about the past two weeks,

she understands, more or less, what Haku has been pushing her

toward and it's not something the Academy is particularly good training

for.

TENTEN

Naruto's clone met Tenten at her apartment like they've been doing for

nearly two weeks. Massaging Tenten twice a day started as innocently

as can be and never required more than a clone to manage but it

escalated sharply in the thirteen days since they started.

In their first session on Tenten's bed, she wore leggings and a sports

bra and despite the awkwardness of a boy in her room touching her, it

went well. She enjoyed it when he massaged her arms and was

especially sensitive when he massaged her hands. She felt better after

the innocent massage—neither hating or regretting it—and they

laughed when they realized how simple of a thing the physical activity

can be.

Chapter 333:

Four days and eight sessions later and Tenten is in her underwear, and

with more oiled skin contact, came more sensuality. She tried not to

moan, but when she truly couldn't stop it from escaping her throat,

Naruto made sure she didn't feel mocked or embarrassed. "It's okay

Tenten. You can be as vocal as you like. I'm not going to judge or

anything."

And he didn't, no matter how much she moaned, though, it soon

started feeling erotic. Hot, oiled, strong hands caressing, stroking, and

kneading her body's sensitive muscles; Tenten was moaning or

mewling more consistently without even realizing it. Naruto seemed to

know what made her feel good, focusing on her hands, neck, scalp,

trapezius, B-cup breasts, hip muscles and inner taper, lower back, her

annular butt, back and inner thighs, calves, and feet. Like Kurenai

taught him, he kept the flow of energy moving within her, and she

couldn't help lending airy moans to her constant tingling of teasing

pleasure.

Another four days, sixteen total sessions later, Tenten was naked under

a small towel. Though she was pink in the face, Naruto didn't bring up

her options again. Having mentioned them so many times, she knows

she can stop whenever she likes. She simply prefers not to.

'And why would I,' she thought. 'It feels good and it's not like we're

having sex.'

Though, Tenten frets about how often she's been touching herself

lately. In the privacy of her shower, she'd often fiddle with her love bud

and a finger until she came. In their physical intimacy, Tenten isn't sure

how much of it was Naruto, how much of it was this whole situation of

being his tool, or how much of it was just her growing curiosity as a

young woman that made her want to explore more.

Tenten couldn't know about his experience and how nearly all of the

massages Kurenai taught Naruto often led to sex, so he's heard

women who enjoy his ministrations ask, "can you… focus… more

there?"

His strong hot hands rubbed her oiled thighs just under her bubble butt,

focusing on the direction and squeezing of her reactive muscle fibers.

Naruto's familiarity with Tenten's energy flow came down to the heat of

her skin and the relaxation of her muscles. It's how he knew she was

growing aroused by his thorough rubdown. She wanted more and his

clone obliged.

Another four days, twenty-four total sessions since they started, there

was no longer a towel and Naruto focused heavily on her nimble hands

and fingers, pert breasts, round ass, and pink slit. She couldn't believe

it when she asked him to focus more on her pooling slit. His fingers

and his attention to her reactions surprised her as much as the

pleasure he seemed to flare out of her hot and soaking sex.

Feeling his thick fingers pumping inside of her, coated with her buttery

juices as he curled around her sex-roaring spots, Naruto got her to the

very edge before he'd rub her hooded clitoris and knocked her over the

edge. Her body ripped and roared in euphoric waves crashing her

every nerve-endings to gushing happiness. And when he made her

cum once, it was absurdly easy to make her fogged mind climax again.

In their final session before his planned tapering, he even sucked on

her nipples as he brought her to toe-curling, body-shocking orgasm.

The foreign feeling of having her nipples sucked and lightly bitten by a

boy she wasn't in love with was so taboo she couldn't help her growing

sensitivity and came multiple times.

They've never had sex—it was never about the sex—it was about

maturity. Walking with her team, or coming across other kunoichi her

age in the halls of Hokage Tower, she felt different; older. The first boy

to ever touch her—the first boy she'll likely have sex with—was

someone she doesn't love and the world wasn't coming to an end. It

was grounding when no one even seemed to notice a difference in her,

as if that rose-colored view she had of the world lost its magic and all

that's left is something harder, darker, real.

In light of such a separation, it meant she wasn't as she was and made

her want to take things a little more seriously… though she almost

regretted it. Once Haku realized that Guy's training method was more

than adequate to condition her body, he effectively changed to teaching

Tenten beneficial techniques in addition to spontaneously attacking her

throughout her day with an ice clone. Haku even set traps and used

silent killing techniques to catch Tenten unawares. When Tenten wasn't

with her team or busy with a customer, she was on high alert, and thus

far, she's "died" thirty-seven times in two weeks.

THE CHŪNIN EXAM

Tenten holds in her breath as she imagines Hinata fighting Neji. Tenten

will admit she hasn't gained much in the way of strength in two weeks

but she's gained more perspective, enough to know her teammate may

not have the control to hold back against a main house member.

Though she'd never really visualized Hinata as anything more than a

main house member, Tenten felt differently about the Hyūga heiress

now and it didn't take much either.

After helping Neji all morning with his defense, he leaves for the

stadium rather than help her collect the dozens of weapons she

deployed from her scrolls. Though she understood he needed to be in

the arena, it wasn't for another hour and a half. He could've stayed and

helped a little; locate some of the harder to spot weapons or pick up a

few in the clearing. Instead, with a single-minded focus, he leaves. A

few weeks ago, the bun-haired beauty would be upset with him for not

helping. Now, she's more upset with herself for not securing his help

beforehand.

It was while Tenten gathered her weapons that she heard, "do you

need some help?"

The soft question from the Hyūga heiress startled her, and turning on

her heel, Tenten is approached by Hinata, Kiba, and Shino. Though

Kiba claimed there wasn't enough time to pick up all the weapons and

Shino claimed it would look poorly on their sensei and clans if they

were late, Hinata shook her head and told them, "it won't take much

time if we all help."

With unexpected appreciation, Tenten replied, "you don't have to."

However, Hinata explained, "you're Neji-niisan's teammate." Moving to

pick up a few daggers and shurikens, she added, "of course I want to

help."

Chapter 334:

It was odd that someone would be so touching after everything Tenten

has been through. Aside from Naruto, no one knows how close to

death she came or the quasi-beneficial servitude she now lives.

Watching Hinata and her teammates help collect her gear, Tenten can't

help but feel those events gave her a better appreciation.

From beside her, watching Neji settle next to the other genin, Haku

gravely voices, "stay ready, Tenten," bringing her back to the present.

Tenten eyed him a moment before asking, "what do you mean?"

"Exactly that," Haku answers. Recalling last night's conversation with

Naruto, he adds, "remain ready for anything."

HAKU

The night before the Chūnin Exam, in Ten Out of Ten by the check-out

desk, Haku is balancing the day's numbers before subtracting the day's

profit when Naruto's clone walks from the back of the store. He was

pink in the cheeks and Haku recalled hearing moaning.

Smiling, he asked, "how's Tenten?"

"She doesn't hate us yet," Naruto groans as if it's only an inevitability.

"So I want to say okay?"

"If she develops any hatred toward someone," Haku began to reply.

"It'll be me, Naruto-sama… with reason, might I add."

"Well, I don't want her to hate either of us," Naruto returned, tilting over

to look at the numbers.

"She knows she can stop anytime," Haku voiced, continuing his

calculations. "She needed something to get her going and now that she

has that mental progress, this really has become her show."

Turning to Haku, Naruto said, "before I go, I wanted to ask you about

Kabuto."

Without hesitation, Haku swiftly puts down his pen and asked, "what

would you like to know?"

"I haven't seen him around, and I doubt I would," Naruto commented.

"Do you know anything about him or maybe something he wants? I

don't want to pry but this could be important."

Quirking a brow, Haku asked, "how so?"

"…I was told Kabuto's a spy for Orochimaru," Naruto replied, stunning

Haku even if he doesn't look it. He added, "and his boss likes to kidnap

all sorts of talented shinobi, so I thought he might try to take you too."

"I see," Haku voiced, taking the moment to recall his last interaction

with the silver-haired glasses boy. "Kabuto-san snuck into my room

three nights ago and warned me to be on high alert during the finals."

Haku wasn't sure how much of this would be beneficial to Naruto, but

he nearly hesitated to add, "he also said… he'd be there for me."

"He's not the only one," Naruto retorted, making Haku smile. He still

has a hard time grasping how he can be loved by others; it always fills

him with peaceful joy. "In that case," Naruto continued, warning him as

seriously as he's ever seen the blond. "I really want you to be on guard

during the exams. We can't be sure what to expect."

Haku inquired, "what would you like me to do?"

With his usual smile, he answered, "stay safe, protect the innocent."

"As you wish," Haku stated.

THE CHŪNIN EXAM

After Neji takes his place beside Shikamaru, Genma's casual voice

booms directly to the exhilarated fans through the many speakers in

the coliseum. "His opponent, from Konohagakure: Hyūga Hinata."

Despite the cheers from the present villagers, Hiashi's eyes hardened

at the observation of his first-born walking to the center of the arena.

Regardless of his feelings for his daughters, he must place the clan's

well-being above them. It's why he disinherited Hinata, it's why he

pushes Hanabi to be the best, it's why he made his stipulation with

Kurenai-sensei and gave her this deadline for any changes. It's why he

ultimately decided to assist Hinata in her tutelage. Not necessarily

because he believed in her, but because it would serve the Hyūga clan

in the eyes of the village if his daughter performed admirably even in

certain defeat. Turning his attention on his youngest, the dutiful Hanabi,

by his side, he's certain he made the right decision, regardless of his

feelings.

Watching from her post by the railing, Kurenai also remembers the

arrangement she made with the Hyūga clan Head. Though she's

nervous for all of her students, Hinata in particular, she's proud of her

team's progress. She's invited her team to her home many times to

assist their strategies, so Kurenai knows Hinata has worked hard to

learn her clan's proprietary techniques.

In addition to the confidence training, Kurenai had never seen Hinata

so poised. There's still some reservation, but it feels more like quiet

peace rather than timidness. Training with Naruto has turned this

nearly detrimentally shy girl into a more composed and open kunoichi.

Hinata had drive now and that was due to his influence on her… which

almost makes her body recall his effect on her. Even now, she can't

help but wonder if she made the right decision in opening up to him…

in ending it with him.

KURENAI

After Naruto palmed the Fūin security with a chakra-covered hand,

Kurenai called for him from the kitchen. He gazed fondly up the stairs

leading to her bedroom before walking through her warm living room to

her warmly lit kitchen, all the while missing the steady comfort she

became for him. Moisture prickled his eyes when he saw her turn

around, as if the world slowed down to the sight of her. Naruto smiled

often, but he never felt dumbfounded to look upon someone he deeply

cared about and connected with.

Kurenai's return smile was not as wide or happy and she could tell that

caused Naruto great concern. His smile faltered under her tepid

consternation. They hadn't spoken much in the past three weeks and if

it wasn't for all the preparation going into the security for this exam,

she'd likely be feeling more loneliness and heartache after the first

week of no contact.

"Hey," Naruto softly started.

"Hi," Kurenai responded, trying to move quickly through this. Like

ripping off a band-aid, she continued, "sorry, but, I don't have a lot of

time." He finally noticed her tactical gear is spread out on the kitchen

island and there are several chairs spread out in the room. The kettle is

also on the stove with teacups near each chair. "The security team is

meeting here to rehearse and further prepare for tomorrow," she

explained.

Nodding as he takes a seat across from her in front of the kitchen

island, he assured her, "I didn't think I'd hear from you at all so it's cool.

I'm glad you did though."

Chapter 335:

"Sorry," she apologized again. "I know I've been distant for the past…

wow, three weeks. Time flies when you're busy."

Her dry laugh lacked any humor but Naruto nods anyway as he

responded, "yeah, I get it. I've been preparing too; damn near had a

factory of clones making Fūinjutsu tags. So, what's up?"

She hesitated to start and had to shake her head which sashays her

shiny black hair before explaining, "I know it's been a while and I

probably should've done this sooner…" Feeling an emotional boulder

lodged in her throat, Kurenai pauses to cough.

She clears her throat a few times before a concerned Naruto asked,

"Nai-chan?"

Feeling an intimate pull at the nickname, her eyes already moisten as

she sadly advised, "I think it's for the best if you stop calling me that."

Her nose felt hot as she dourly admitted, "there's a reason why I

needed a break from us, and I'll be honest with you… I grew confused

about us and what we could mean for one another. And trust me, I

know I'm the one always talking about no feelings and remaining purely

platonic in our intimacy, but… it hasn't… I haven't…"

With her deep sigh, Naruto bravely guessed, "do you… have feelings

for me?"

Her widened eyes and drawn in brows answered everything for him,

and at Naruto's great big smile, Kurenai immediately urges him to,

"listen! Just listen, please." Nodding, he pressed his lips together to try

and hide his smile but it went away on its own when she confessed,

"before you and I met—before our arrangement—I was in love with a

man. Who he is isn't important, but, at that time, I very much felt I was

going to marry him, raise a child with him, die of old age with him."

With a strained face, Naruto's heart clenched so hard he couldn't

breathe as he tried to convey, "Oh… I didn't… Well, I'm… sure you'll-

you'll both be very happy toge-"

"Wait," she called, putting her palm up. "Just, let me finish." After his

nod and a deep breath, she continued. "The views by which he and I

lived our lives got in the way of that dream. Then you barged into my

life—very much to my great delight—and I've been in this holding

pattern ever since." She sighed, grumbling to herself, "Kami, this is

difficult."

"Nai-chan, no matter what you say, you mean so much to me, I'm

always going to be here for you." Thinking about everything in store for

the exam, Naruto assuredly promised, "I don't ever want to lose you."

"You won't," she returned with her voice as much as her eyes. "What I

feel for you every day is far more…" but her tentative words halt there.

She's certain the hesitation is clear on her face, and how troubled she

is by this. After a sigh, she continued saying, "after you and I made our

arrangement, I didn't have to think about him, or our ruined dreams, or

my faults—plus, you were an exceptional student I enjoyed teaching—

and that was enough… until I started feeling more… lo- love for you…"

Naruto's eyes widen in clear surprise and shock. Flushed, a brave and

embarrassed Kurenai forced herself to continue. "But as much as I put

our breakup on him, part of the reason that man and I didn't work out

was because I wasn't ready; not truly. The truth is, a small part of me

always felt hesitant committing completely to him, and you, when the

moment came… but I never knew why until recently."

His flabbergasted expression would've made her laugh if she weren't

about to break his heart. With wide eyes and a look of disbelief, Naruto

could only think to ask, "what happened?"

Mournfully, Kurenai answered, "a dear friend of mine lost the person

she loves."

"Oh, I'm sorry," he instantly replied.

She nodded her thanks before continuing, "it shocked me to my core

and not because I was surprised, but because I always knew that's

what awaits us. When I was young, my father died." Kurenai's throat

constricted again and she took her time to add, "he was the world to

me and I loved him more than anything, even my own mother. Of

course, I knew people died, but before his death, I never truly believed

my father would be one of them. My mind accepted, like the sun, that

he was simply too strong or important to die."

Kurenai scoffs humorously as she plays in the memories of her youth,

recounting lightheartedly, but also sadly, "he wanted me to make him

proud—told me all the time—and I felt the strongest drive to do that for

him like nothing else mattered. I remember wanting him to watch me

become a strong and proud kunoichi… dreamed of him walking me

down the aisle on my wedding day, and one day, holding his first

grandchild in his arms… he would've been so so happy." As quickly as

her brightness came, she just as easily became dour as she flatly

stated, "but he died. He left me. And I couldn't make him proud, or have

him walk me down the aisle, or give him his first grandchild… no

dreams, no nothing. My sun died."

The tears in her eyes were all but pouring down her face when he

stood to hug her, voicing, "…Nai-chan-"

She puts her palm up to stop him. "I'm saying all of this because I want

you to understand why I can't be with you, or anyone for that matter.

Whether it's you or any man, until I come to terms with this, my heart

will always feel this fear." Wiping her beautiful crimson eyes clear of

tears, she added, "I'll still help you whenever I'm able, but I can't give

you more than that. It simply wouldn't be fair to either of us."

Dozens of silent seconds pass in the still room, the kettle nearly to

boiling when Naruto finally managed, "I don't know what to say. That's

a lot I didn't know about you."

"Don't rush. Like anything else, take it in a bit at a time," she casually

instructed.

Chapter 336:

Smiling, Naruto jests, "ever the sensei," bringing out a lovely grin she

eventually smothering it by pressing her lips to a dejected line. "I'll take

my time with this," he told her, however his smile returned when he

admitted, "but to be honest, I'm just pretty stoked I can be someone

that important to you."

With a dry huff, she told him, "Naruto, stop. You're the most amazing

man I've ever… fallen for." Kurenai can't believe she's admitting all this

only to break up with him. It feels polarizing and backward, yet, a part

of her feels relief knowing she won't be decimated in the future, as she

was when her father died. However, another part of her hates herself

for hurting someone she's in love with. Her heart aches, her head and

neck are prickling hot, and it's hard to breathe.

With a smile that shouldn't be on his face, Naruto walked around the

kitchen island as he asked, "fallen for? Like, you've fallen in love with

me?"

"Naruto," Kurenai groans in amusement as she matched stepping

away with his every patient approach. Having gone without him for so

long, it's like going through withdrawals for Kurenai and she swears he

can feel the strong gravity of her desire for him. Whether fortunate or

not, she sensed Asuma land in the backyard while some of the team

landed in the front of her home. Asuma looked through the window and

knocked. Kurenai raised a palm to indicate she'll be with him in a

second.

"Times up," she told Naruto as Asuma moved away to smoke one last

cigarette. She walked to the kitchen door to let Naruto out as she

griped, "and by the way, your Godfather is running us ragged with all

his unnecessary security protocols."

Naruto assured her, "it's not unnecessary," to which she turned to him

curiously as he added, "stay ready."

Growing suspicious, she asked, "Naruto? What do you know?"

But for their plan tomorrow, he simply answered with a smile, "I know I

won't let you down." Fortunately, Asuma's attention is turned as he

smokes and Naruto had no hang-ups about confessing to this

astonishing beauty, "and I know I won't let anything bad happen to you

because I love you too, Nai-chan." Though her immediate concern is

smoking with his back to them, her stomach flutters and her heart

beats fast. Completely vulnerable to one another, they gaze tenderly

and honestly at the feelings they share.

He then said with a great big smile, "sorry I never said it before, but

you did sort of say I wasn't allowed to."

Unable to say much more with Asuma in the backyard nearby just

outside her kitchen, Kurenai sniffed as she wished him, "good luck

tomorrow."

He simply winked before exiting her home.

THE CHŪNIN EXAM

From Kurenai's place by the railing of arena seating section A, she can

see Asuma leave his post out of the corner of her eye and approach

her. They were partnered for this section so he's soon next to her to

ask, "Kurenai-"

However, she won't have this discussion now and interrupts him with,

"now's not the time, Asuma. Please return to your post and remain

vigilant." She didn't know how he put it together but she's certain

Naurto's blissful smile couldn't have helped.

"We will talk about this," he firmly promises before returning to his post.

His face was stern and hyper-focused on her. With his hunched neck

and squared shoulders, she knows he's in clear distress, but she can't

satisfy his curiosity now. Kurenai then focuses all her attention on her

student, who's practically a daughter to her, walks to the center of the

field with confidence.

Standing beside her cousin Neji, Hinata was focused. After all, she

conquered her most difficult challenge yet just that morning. She

couldn't do so in practice with Kurenai-sensei, but she somehow

managed with the real Naruto.

HINATA

Hinata was supposed to meet her team at Training Ground 3 before

walking to the arena together, however, she came early. Her mind felt

like it was going to explode with anxiety and her fears only stem from

one place; disappointing those who believe in her. From her father to

her sister, to Neji and her teammates… to Kurenai-sensei and Naruto-

kun; she didn't want to disappoint them the most. She trained so hard

not to, but Neji is a genius who works hard every day. Against that type

of opponent, wouldn't she ultimately embarrass herself?

It's when she spotted him. The embodiment of her love and admiration,

her warm and constant sun, was sitting cross-legged on the top of the

middle stump. He was as still and strong as the nature around him, yet

deep in thought. He hadn't even noticed her approach and that

concerned her. Unlike Neji, Gaara has a blood-lust; she's seen first-

hand how his sand destroys a human body. 'And Naruto has to face

that,' Hinata thought. 'Would he be okay?'

Her worry for his well-being urged her to softly voice, "Naruto-kun?"

Snapping out of it before looking down toward the sweet voice below,

Naruto smiled as he greets, "hey, Hinata." Hopping down from the tall

stump, Naruto is quick to encourage her with, "good luck today. I know

you'll do great!"

"I… don't know," Hinata honestly admitted to the person she admires

the most.

Like the abundance of confidence he exhumes, he assured her, "well, I

do." Fist over his chest, he added, "trust me, I think you're really

strong."

Even still, reality is forcing her to admit, "…but I may lose," and it

pained her to see Naruto hum and nod dejectedly. She almost feels like

she broke him, however, Hinata couldn't know how much was relying

on him, how many lives he currently held in his hands. To many, it's

about a tournament to become Chūnin. To him, it's a battle to keep

everyone from dying. Because only Jiraiya and the toads know about

the wager he's going to make with the Kazekage.

Glumly, he admitted, "you know, I feel like that too sometimes. Like,

what happens if I lose…" 'someone… everyone,' Naruto mentally

finished. 'Because I know about the invasion, their deaths will be my

fault. I'd be a failure.' Feeling just as he did on the stump, Naruto hated

looking so uncool in front of anyone, especially Hinata, but he can't

help it.

"B-but you don't give up," Hinata bravely pointed out. 'No,' her mind

called. 'I have to fix this.' "I think we can change, even a little, when the

right person shows us the way. So- so… w-when I look at you, I feel

like- like I can be a little stronger… than before… and t-that makes me

like myself more."

Chapter 337:

His expressionless face made her hold her breath until he finally smiled

a little then asked, "do you think so? I mean, I don't know so much and

I'm not that smart and I mess up a lot… do you really think I can do it

even if I'm not ready?"

"Mnn," Hinata sternly hummed. It's practically her nature affinity to

recall all of Naruto's many virtues and strengths, helping her to

proclaim, "because even when you mess up, you're never ashamed of

it… and moments like that… impacts my heart the most. It's your

strength to rise that always inspires me because that's what I think true

strength is."

It's the clearest Hinata's ever spoken to him, with such conviction and

she couldn't be happier with herself. She's progressed so much, from

the days she could only blush and pass out, to being able to speak her

mind so clearly without suffocating nervousness. It meant everything to

see his bright smile again as he happily relayed, "thanks Hinata."

Stretching off the rust of depression, Naruto jovially explained, "I was

feeling pretty heavy-hearted, but now I feel like myself again. You're a

life-saver."

He turned to walk away when Hinata felt it… the moment she'd been

training for.

Despite her stuttering, "N-N-Na- Naruto!" As if her limbs were made of

lead, she struggles to outstretch her arms. She shut her eyes as her

crunched and blushing face couldn't say anything but he didn't need

her to. He knew exactly what she worked hard for. Quicker than she

can react, Naruto takes Hinata in his arms and gives her a firm but

gentle hug. Even better than his words, hugging him gave her a sense

of tranquility that comforted her troubled mind. She felt warm and soft

against him, but more than anything, she admires herself more than

ever, making her believe her dreams can come true.

After they separated—having held her breath the entire time—Naruto

told her, "I can't wait to see you kick Neji's ass."

She's a mixture of extreme excitement and embarrassment and can do

nothing more than nod, but her lilac pupil-less eyes were as strong as

she was starting to feel.

THE CHŪNIN EXAM

Though Hinata expected Naruto in the large cement access hallway

with the rest of them, she has faith he'll be here because she knows he

doesn't ever run from a fight.

Genma announces, "for your fourth contest, from Konohagakure:

Inuzuka Kiba."

With Akamaru in his jacket, Kiba waves happily to the crowds and

along with cheers, there's also a lot of dogs howling.

"His opponent," Genma continues. "From Konohagakure: Uchiha

Sasuke."

After eying the red-haired Suna-nin, Sasuke vaguely wonders where

Naruto is. Wearing his black one-piece outfit with belts wrapped around

his left arm, Sasuke turns toward the arena and the battles that await.

Recalling last night, he wonders about his decision. Gaining his

vengeance on Itachi is all that matters, but his choices in the present

must be the one that gets him to his brother the fastest.

SASUKE

In the training yard of his clan's mansion, an exhausted and sweating

Sasuke smashed a fifth Chidori against a half-destroyed eight-feet tall

boulder. He landed on balanced feet but dropped to his knee as his

vision began to blur. Pushing himself past Kakashi's warnings, he

wondered, 'how much more do I need?' To ruin Naruto, to annihilate his

brother, all he wanted was more power.

Nothing else mattered and irregardless of the number of times Kakashi

has told him to abandon his quest for revenge—to put his life on a that

won't end the Uchiha clan for good—Sasuke knows in his heart of

hearts, he's nothing and no one until Itachi is dead. It didn't matter how

much Kakashi or anyone understood his pain. He won't stop until his

clan has been avenged and Itachi felt abominable pain before dying by

his hand.

Pondering pushing past his exhaustion, he's not surprised to hear a

scratchy voice ask, "what is your purpose, Sasuke-kun?"

He could picture the cruel smile before he even turned to spot the

legendary Snake-nin behind him. Leaning against a column, he's

hidden in the shadow of the outdoor walkway and smiling as Sasuke

asked, "how did you get-"

"There isn't a place in Konoha that could deny me entry," he mused

with his wide grin. "Don't worry. Your caretakers are sleeping. I wouldn't

want Hiruzen to remove you from tomorrow's festivities, after all."

Stepping off the elevated walkway to the training ground, Orochimaru

proclaimed, "I've come for your answer. What is your purpose?"

Sasuke didn't need weeks or days to answer, "power."

"I can give you more power than this comfortable home environment

ever can," Orochimaru assured him and Sasuke couldn't doubt it.

"Enough to kill your blond teammate and take your revenge on Itachi,"

his slithery voice added, walking around Sasuke. "All you need do is

ask yourself; are you like them or not? I imagine the answer to that

question is as clear to you as it is to me."

Thinking about Kakashi and Sakura, Sasuke confirmed, "I'm not like

them and I'll never be, because I'm only alive to kill Itachi." Annoyed at

the crushing thought of Naruto, he confessed, "we have different paths

and I know the steps I must take. After I destroy Naruto tomorrow, I'll

cut ties with this sham of a life and you will teach me everything you

know. You will give me the power you promised."

"Splendid," Orochimaru sings. "I'm certain you've made the right

decision, and after the exams, you'll be certain as well."

THE CHŪNIN EXAM

Sasuke didn't know what that meant but he knew if he couldn't even

beat the Dobe in a match, then he'll never be a match for Itachi.

Walking the open battleground, Sasuke ignores the wild clamoring from

the mindless villagers and stands beside Kiba.

"For our final match-up of the first round," Genma communicates. "I

introduce to you from Sunagakure: Sabaku no Gaara."

The Kazekage stands from his seat and walks closer to the railing to

inspect the red-headed Jinchūriki many meters below, all the while

recalling the unique wager he made less than an hour ago.

Chapter 338:

ONE HOUR EARLIER

Jiraiya and the Kazekage—followed by two Suna bodyguards and the

Konoha security-escort team Jiraiya assembled—cleared the Leaf's

large gate. Naruto is standing several yards away from them off to the

side of the wide walkway, and for the briefest moment, he wondered if

the Kage and the entire group, including his cousin, are fakes. The

legendary Snake-nin is certainly capable of that kind of deception,

however, he doubts very highly Orochimaru could avoid Karin's

sensing ability on top of an informed Jiraiya.

Naruto smiled at the winded Karin—wearing a lavender jacket with the

Uzumaki swirl over her heart, black shorts and thigh high stockings.

She's catching her breath beside her personal protection detail,

Kurenai and Asuma, and Naruto recalled how nervous he felt when

Jiraiya recommended to Ji-chan that Karin join the escort team. It was

worrying enough knowing Kurenai was going but Karin couldn't fight as

well as the Jōnins. If Jiraiya hadn't promised her complete safety,

Naruto wouldn't have agreed. His relief for her safety has him make a

clone to escort her to the arena.

The entire time Naruto was waiting, Jiraiya had been talking to the

Kazekage in private, requesting a private audience on Naruto's behalf.

The stern Sand leader in his white robe and hat turned to Naruto,

observing the young blond a moment before ordering his guards to

stay. His godfather then orders the security team to stay as well—

confusing Kurenai and Asuma—before Rasa and Jiraiya walked

several yards toward Naruto.

Naruto felt anxiousness facing the ruthless and strict Kage since he

only had Temari's short description to go on. Naru-nii never met him

and only knew that he died around the Chūnin exam, though he wasn't

sure when. It was Jiraiya who thought they should try to stop however

Orochimaru planned on killing him, thus preventing the snake-nin from

being close to Ji-chan in the first place. For the Narutos, helping Gaara

and his siblings keep their father was reason enough.

The Kazekage had a hard appearance; stern small eyes under

furrowed brows and short auburn hair. His jaw was clenched tight and

even his posture seem intimidating in the generally soothing attire of a

Kage. To the blond genin, the imposing man in the Kage's white robe

looked as if he's never had children, family, or even felt love before.

Desperate to break the tension, Naruto couldn't help but smile and

wave at Gaara and Temari's father.

Well away from the Jōnin escorts, Rasa asked Jiraiya while glaring at

Naruto, "this boy is who you wish for me to speak to."

Casually, Jiraiya rotated his shoulders as he plainly answered, "you

mean in return for saving your life today? Yeah, that's him." Seeing his

Godfather relaxed as he talked to the village leader, also helped Naruto

relax.

Tilting his head, Rasa sternly commanded of the legendary sennin,

"don't act as if you know the outcome-"

"With all due respect, Kazekage," Jiraiya nonchalantly interjected. "You

may not have sensed the ambush before they were on you but we did.

And if I'm a challenge for you by myself, Orochimaru and his kill-squad

most definitely are."

"Four masked youths," Rasa corrected with murderous eyes and

Naruto wondered if Rasa meant the Sound Four or not. Jiraiya had

assumed any ambush meant for a Kage would have to be a feint for a

second more discreet attack because it didn't make sense to him for

Orochimaru to kill a Kage so easily and then make it to Konoha to fight

Ji-chan in the same morning.

Additionally, no Kage is allowed to simply walk into another country's

hidden village whenever they like. Rasa would've had to give prior

notice when he'd arrive so Konoha can prepare for him. Jiraiya

assumed in transit would be the best opportunity to ambush the Kage,

because a brilliantly placed trap has the capacity to take down anyone

not expecting it. It's why Karin's sensing ability was so crucial. She'd be

able to sense them without being sensed herself and alert Jiraiya.

An adamant Rasa continued, "as much as you'd like me to accept

those four were somehow connected to Orochimaru, you lack any

evidence to do so. Next time capture one."

Unfazed, Jiraiya returned, "believe what you like, Kazekage. You're an

astute and practical man, so I understand if you don't want to admit to

wrongdoing, but, we don't need you to. We already know the truth."

Clearly annoyed by the renowned sage, Rasa nearly snarls as he

demanded to know, "and precisely how is this boy involved?"

"For starters, his name is Uzumaki Naruto and he's essentially

engaged to your daughter," Jiraiya answered with an abundance of

blushing amusement.

Naruto thought he looked angry before, Rasa was positively glaring as

he warned the blond, "you're playing a very dangerous game,

Uzumaki."

Despite Rasa's stern countenance, his Godfather's casual presence—

and his talk with Hinata—allowed Naruto to feel more like himself.

Comfortably, he quirks his brow in confusion before asking, "how?

You're the ones invading us today."

Pausing a beat, Rasa then retorted, "and if that were true, you're

allowing it."

"Only to prove to you we are more than allies; we're friends," Naruto

responded, gaining more and more conviction by the second, even

wondering why he was so nervous, to begin with.

"I fail to see how you-"

"Gaara," Naruto cuts him off.

Rasa's nostrils flare as he hotly contested, "don't you dare interrupt

me!"

"I get it," Naruto interrupted again. He knows it's not a smart move with

someone like this—and he's seen plenty of angry people in his time to

know the look—however, at the moment, he only needed to say his

piece. "You're the Kazekage and I respect that, really—I'm going to be

Hokage myself someday—which is why I know this is more important

than that. You're Gaara's father and he's the key to all of this, which is

why you're going to lose today." Rasa's silence enables Naruto to

continue proclaiming, "for all his life you guys treated him like he's

broken or a weapon, or both. You're family yet Temari and Kankurō are

scared of him, and you tried to kill him-"

Chapter 339:

"What right do you have to meddle in our affairs?"

"I'm his friend!" Though he feels it in his heart, it's not quite reality,

forcing him to add, "even if he doesn't know it yet."

"We could've told Hokage-sama about your plans with Sound," Jiraiya

inserted. "We could've let Orochimaru and his men kill you and your

bodyguards but we didn't."

"How do I know this isn't a trick of the Sandaime," Rasa voiced in a

slightly calmer voice. "This could very well be a manipulative trap."

"I'm the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails Demon Fox," Naruto honestly

admitted to the Sand leader, making him blink widely in surprise. "So I

know Gaara is the Jinchūriki of the One-Tail and we're even more alike

than that. It's illegal to discuss what's in me with anyone but I wouldn't

have told you if I was trying to trick you."

"You have my word on everything I hold dear," Jiraiya begins with a

slight but respectful bow that Naruto then imitated. "Naruto and I are

the only ones who know about your plans with Orochimaru."

Rasa is silently pensive, observing their respectful bows before

abruptly contending, "despite your unproven accusation, I'm obliged to

ask why?"

"Like I said, because we're friends," Naruto returned turning his

attention to the Kage once again. "Even if you can't, I can see it just

beyond today. We're doing all this to prove it to you."

"How?"

"By beating Gaara and fighting back," Naruto answered. "It's the best

way for Konoha and Suna to understand each other; through our fists,"

he added, raising his unyielding fist.

"…I see." Turning to Jiraiya, Rasa inquired, "this is the wager you

wanted me to hear." After Jiraiya nods, Rasa returned his attention to

Naruto and pointed out, "shouldn't it be easier for you as the Jinchūriki

of the Nine-Tails to defeat Gaara-"

"I won't be using the Kyūbi's power against Gaara," Naruto assured the

stern Kage. "My own strength's more than enough."

Cynically, Rasa probes, "and if Gaara transforms? Will your strength be

enough to handle the monstrous might of the One-Tail?"

"Yup," Naruto confidently affirmed. "Even if he transforms, I won't use

the Kyūbi's chakra against him. I'll stop Gaara no matter what he does

to me, just like Konoha will stop this invasion no matter what you and

Sound do to us."

Still staring angrily, Rasa paused before asking, "…And after?"

"That's a diplomatic bridge we'll cross when our villages are, hopefully,

more enlightened," Jiraiya proposed.

"So give us everything you got," Naruto demanded of the strong and

stern leader. "We can take it."

Gazing at the arena and the Hokage Monument in the far distance,

Rasa turned to Naruto and explained, "no matter what happens today, I

will alert your Hokage of your prior knowledge and most reckless

gamble."

"Pfffft, I'm not doing anything I'm ashamed of," the blond nimbly

announced. "You can be in the room when I tell him myself."

"If there were such an invasion, how will your naive foolishness explain

to your Hokage all the Konoha deaths you've allowed in order to prove

this 'friendship' to me?" Rasa squares his shoulders as he

antagonistically verbalized, "with every death tallied today, your

culpability increases as well. It would make you a disgrace to your

Hitai-ate, your village, and your leader."

"Hey, now," Jiraiya called, standing next to Naruto, reminding the Kage

of his presence. "Let's not forget whose invasion this belongs to in the

first place, Kazekage-dono. This is unorthodox, sure. It takes a lot of

guts to think way outside the box here, but it's for your benefit; it's for

all our benefit."

"It's fine," Naruto told Jiraiya. "He's right. I'm from Konoha and these

are my people I'm risking. Walking around the village, everywhere I

looked people were doing something for themselves, for someone they

love, or for the good of the village; living life like they expect to see into

tomorrow. I spent a lot of time thinking about how I might be taking

their tomorrows away, all to prove something to you and Suna. It wasn't

an easy thing to carry and I agonized over it."

Without the girls for two days, Naruto had ample time to think about all

of his decisions and plans when he wasn't talking with Naru-nii. Their

plans certainly felt necessary, but weren't without risks, and worst yet,

he couldn't take those risks on all by himself. He could do his best to

mitigate the threat to others but if he wasn't perfect, then someone

would die, and if someone died, that would be on him. He wasn't sure

he could accept being the cause of that but he wasn't alone. Hinata

believes in him, Naru-nii believes in him, and Jiraiya believes in him

enough to help.

'This is for everyone,' Naruto thought, and with fearless blue eyes, he

hotly declared with deafening conviction, "I have a brother in all this

and he always reminds me of the most important thing. This is for the

future—our future… and though the price could be high, I won't let

anyone die! Not today! Not by Suna-nin! No one! And you can bet your

ass that's the promise of a lifetime!"

They stare at each other for a long time, time enough to make the

group of shinobi off to the side concerned, but armed with his

convictions and friends, Naruto has zero doubt and that's all he's ever

needed.

"…We shall see," Rasa replied before signaling his bodyguards over.

As the security team and Suna guards fall in a protective formation

around the Kazekage before walking to the arena, a grinning Jiraiya

gave Naruto a big thumbs up before tossing him his first of many gifts.

Naruto caught the folded white garment as Kurenai stepped away from

her detail and walked over to her blond ex. Rather than unfold his very

first gift from his Godfather, Naruto's mind immediately recalled last

night and the raven-haired beauty's amazing confession to him.

'Nai-chan,' he thought, watching her walk over to him and making his

heart pump extremely fast. Fresh and vibrant memories from last night

poured into the forefront of his mind and he smiled broadly.