Summary:
After 8 years of absence, Uzumaki Naruto returns to Konoha to fulfill her promise to a certain Uchiha and her dreams of becoming the greatest ninja that the world has ever known. Sasuke X female Naruto pairing. Slight AU. Rated T to be safe.

Author's Note:
I can't seem to get enough of female Naruto stories nowadays so I decided to make this one^^ After a couple of days brainstorming and a few vampiric antics here and there, first chapter is up. Hehehe. Hope everyone would like this one as I enjoy writing and thinking the scenes altogether(^,^)

In this story, Naruto has her mother's family who cares and protects her. Her aunt, her grandfather, the whole Uzumaki clan. Future interactions are still in planning stages. And some OCs everywhere. Like I said, this is an alternate universe. Possible out of characters stuff so please bear with me. Sorry for any mistakes and grammar errors because I don't have any Beta Reader.

Disclaimer:
If I happen to own Naruto, I would be very rich… and very happy. Unfortunately, I didn't. But since this is Fanfiction, I will try to own this one^^ But please DO NOT SUE me… I make no profit whatsoever. Besides, this is a hobby and a form of enjoyment for everyone especially myself=) So yeah, copyright belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

An Uzumaki's Pursuit of Happyness
By: Zelga Lim Li

Chapter 1

The forest looks dark and creepy. Creatures of different sizes roam dangerously, devouring the weak. Oblivious to everything around the scenery, a young girl wearing an orange kimono ran carelessly into the deepest part of the woods with a knapsack on her back, who was laughing incredulously at her newest accomplishment.

"They say orange is noticeable. What do those people think of my favorite color now?" Twelve year old Uzumaki Naruto grins widely. Her sun kissed blonde hair blown wildly by the wind as she stopped running in the middle of a meadow.

"This place is perfect." The girl thought to herself. She drops her bag and pulled out the tools she needed for her training.

"I still have few more days to master my kunai and shuriken throwing." Naruto spoke out loud as if talking to herself. "I don't want 'him' to laugh at my skills for being such a lousy ninja. It's bad enough that I am having a hard time doing genjutsu. At least, my taijutsu skills are purrfect." The girl smiled. Holding her weapons at bay, Naruto throws them at precise intervals with certain flicks of her wrists at different targets she prepared earlier that day, though a couple of shurikens missed its mark.

Naruto hissed in frustration. "Damn it… Why can't I get it right…" Stomping her foot, the Uzumaki glared murderously at her aim.

From afar, Naruto heard a distinct sound that is impossible to be heard by ordinary ears. "Well, I ain't ordinary, so suck it up people." Naruto smirked conceitedly.

"Don't be too cocky, brat." The great nine tailed fox, also known as the Kyūbi no Yōko, commented drily to the orange clad girl. "Thanks to me, you're hearing has been enhanced, as well as your other senses."

"Tch. Well then, thank you very much, captain obvious, for pointing that out." Naruto muttered back to her demon companion inside her mind. She'd been trying to talk, or rather speak mentally to her 'friend' to avoid necessary embarrassments every time her hand maidens hear her talking to herself. But when she is alone, or with Kiara, she can voice out her arguments to her tenant.

Twelve years ago, the Kyuubi was sealed inside of her by the Fourth Hokage, her father. A heroic attempt, based on her own opinion; but plain stupidity according to her aunt. The Yondaime believes that she will be able to control the demon's power in due time. Guessing from her and Kyuubi's perspective, it will take a couple of more years since her control really sucks.

Naruto sighed.

"An intruder has approached the island." Kurama told her. "Someone from your past. An old acquaintance."

"Oh? Really?" Naruto exclaimed happily.

"Your aunt is fidgety. She wanted to kill this person. Better hurry or you wouldn't be able to save him in time." The Kyuubi sneered as he put his paws under his head.

"Him? Who are you talking about? But hey! Don't tell me you are sleeping again?" Naruto asks the fox as she started to run back to the direction of the main house. "You always sleep, you big lazy fox."

"What do you want me to do, dance?"

"I already changed the sewer scenery to a more comfortable forest. Make yourself productive. Try to exercise… Or…"

"You are starting to annoy me again, brat." Kurama growled. "Go away." The fox kicked Naruto out of her own mindscape.

"Argh… You… This is my brain, you big hairy mutt… You cannot just kick me out of my own mind." Naruto shouted making the nearby squirrels to jump away from the branches beside her. "Oops. Sorry little fellows…" The blonde apologizes to the little animals while scratching her head. "Anyways, have to hurry… If what Kurama telling me is the truth, obasan must be stopped before she pulverizes my guest."

A flurry of leaves was left behind as Naruto ran at full speed. Like a flash of yellow.

Hatake Kakashi knew that his life as a shinobi is in constant danger. But he is having a feeling that arriving here in Ikuzuma would make his previous missions like a side dish to the main course.

"I must be hungry…" The silver haired Jōnin thought amusingly to himself. Looking around, Kakashi felt that someone is observing him. The killing intent was so pronounced that even an ordinary civilian would feel the intensity. "Hmmm…" Effortlessly, he walks casually thru the busy ports of Ikuzuma, staring at random things and people.

For this trip, he wore civilian clothes. Black pants and a blue long sleeve turtle neck shirt. He still wears his mask concealing half of his face, a dark blue bandana like eye patch covering Obito's eye and a pair of standard shinobi sandals which was very comfortable for every long journey.

"I wonder… Will she like the present I brought her?" The Hatake thought cheerfully as he entered a pub to get some refreshments before he continues his journey. The main house is still a few miles away from the village. Perhaps, he will travel faster in the forest trees as per his observation from the boat earlier that day.

After the waitress placed his order, someone sat in front of him. From the corner of his eye, Kakashi saw the subtle changes especially in the atmosphere of the pub. "These Uzumakis really owned this place. Too many red heads roaming around." The copy nin noted sighing while eyeing his meal longingly. "I was hoping you and your brethren would come at a later time. At least after I finish my fill or once I resume my journey…" The silver haired Jōnin said to the newcomer.

"We don't want you to stay any further, Hatake Kakashi of Konoha. YOU are not welcome here." A young man not older than Kakashi said in a very stern voice. His eyes glaring murderously at the masked shinobi.

Kakashi clasped his hands and put it under his chin, observing the boy. Yes, this Uzumaki is just a boy. Around 16 to 17 years old, tall, well built for his age and had fiery red hair. Just like Kushina-sama.

"And if I don't leave?" He said calmly, teasing the young man, aggravating the already tensed air surrounding them.

The red head's eyes narrowed.

"Besides, you may not welcome me here. But the island herself told me otherwise…" Kakashi smiled.

The boy stood abruptly, slamming his hand on the table spilling Kakashi's drink. The Hatake frowned. "Hey! I haven't even taken a sip from my mug. Don't waste my food and I am quite hungry, like a bear. Believe me; I am so despicable at times when someone is trying to intervene me with my meal, second only to those who disturb me from reading my favorite book."

"Shut up!" The red head growled, his body tensing to a fight, one hand closing in at a sword behind his back.

Kakashi's face was impassive. The Jōnin didn't even make a move to defend himself from any possible attacks.

"That's enough." A voice disrupted the two, breaking the silence of that place. Everyone, including the restaurants staff and the other customers began to breathe comfortably.

"It's been a while, Kiara-chan." Kakashi's lone eye curve into a smile as he greeted the newcomer.

"Lady Kiara. You didn't have to come here." The boy hurriedly approached the woman, bowing slightly. "I was about to…"

"It's alright, Iori." Kiara talked to the boy in hushed tones. However, Kakashi heard the woman say something about a missing pup. Then the boy with his other friends left the pub, probably to wait outside.

"I see…" The Hatake hummed as he hurriedly finished his meal. "She hasn't changed at all." Grinning mischievously, the silver haired Jōnin stand and cautiously approached the woman. Her bodyguards tensed immediately. Chuckling, Kakashi waved his hand in greeting.

"You look absolutely stunning, Kiara-chan. Jiraiya-sama would be so pleased to know you've grown as perfect as he hoped you to be…"

Kiara rolled her eyes in irritation and went outside, followed by the Jōnin. Behind them, Kiara's pet dogs hovered protectively beside their mistress.

"You haven't changed at all, Kakashi." Kiara commented as she pulls up an orange book.

Kakashi's sweat dropped as he panicked inwardly. On instinct, he reached back for his pouch strapped behind his back.

"And you still read this book." Kiara snapped the book shut, throwing the book at the Hatake. In a flash that would put the Fourth Hokage's famed jutsu to shame, Kakashi catches the book and gingerly patted its covers in comfort.

"That was mean." Kakashi muttered in a hurt voice, eyeing wearily at the woman. He never even saw her moved.

Kiara smiled dangerously. "Then don't make me… mad." The woman replied, her eyes glinted in pure humor. "Anyway… You had come earlier than I have expected."

"Knowing her, I could almost guess the excitement she might felt considering certain facts that we both knew could never be avoided…" Kakashi replied in a detached voice, staring ahead.

"True. But I still remember that day." Kiara said seriously. Kakashi turned to eye the woman who unknowingly clenches her fists. "And it makes me want to break my promise of returning her to that disgusting village…"

The Hatake sighed. "I cannot blame you." He answered back. Staring at the view before him, Kakashi feels that this place brought peace and a very calm feeling to his battered and wounded soul. "Who knows, she might already forget that place…"

"I wish…" Kiara complained annoyingly. The group proceeded to the big house up in the hills overlooking the ocean. "Unfortunately, she had worked so hard to be a respectable and strong kunoichi, just like my sister. And she continues to pester me for the last eight years asking when would someone pick her up to accompany her back to that dreadful village. So I guess, that was a fancy of mine that will never come true."

"Maaa. You say that me coming here is a bad thing…"

Kiara ignored him as she enters the gates of the Uzumaki main house.

"Welcome back, Lady Kiara." Another group of Uzumakis greet them on the front porch. Kakashi noticed some of them are eyeing him curiously. At least not all of them hated him unlike the welcoming committee that comes to greet him. The woman nodded and asks for the whereabouts of her grandfather.

"Master Kai is waiting at the main hall with the other elders."

Kiara turns to face the Hatake and asks him to follow her inside. The boy from the pub gave him one last warning look before leaving.

"Your family seems to be very protective." Kakashi noted. Kiara shrugged her shoulders.

"The guardians knew everything. They are tasked to protect the family and this island from our enemies." The red haired answered pensively. Glancing at the Hatake, Kiara noticed that the man didn't change for one bit. He still has that carefree attitude that she know from before. Despite his detached demeanor, he is one of the few people she knew that could never be fooled of anything.

"I am assuming you like what you see, my lady?" Kakashi breaks the silence as he smiled at Kiara, teasing her.

"Hmp." Kiara blushed slightly and shrugged. Opening the doors to face his ultimate doom, Kakashi took a deep breath as he was finally welcomed by the elders of the Uzumaki clan.

Naruto was nearing the outskirts of the forest when she saw a very familiar figure. The girl skidded to a stop.

"Haku!"

The boy mentioned looked from the field below, a basket in hand.

"Oh, hi there, Naru-hime." Haku greeted her in a cheerful voice.

Naruto jumps and landed beside the boy. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that." The blonde complained with a pout.

The boy smiled and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Would you like to help me pick up some herbs for my master?" Haku asks. The jinchūriki nods her head while beaming, slightly forgotten the argument they had seconds ago. The black haired teen chuckled as he redirected the hyperactive girl to the area where he usually goes to pick some medicinal plants.

"Didn't we pick up enough herbs yesterday?" Naruto asks while squinting at the grass she picked. The girl turns to look at Haku who shook his head. Dropping the piece of grass, the blonde looked for another one.

"I am trying to make another batch of herbal medicines to be sold at the market. The ones we picked yesterday were used for my master's wounds. And it worked just fine." Haku told her.

"I see…" Naruto mumbled to herself.

"Why are you running again?" Haku asks the girl who looks flabbergasted.

"I did?" Naruto wondered then something hits her like a spinning tidal wave. "Oh crap… I was about to go home and see who my visitor is… I totally forgot…" The blonde exclaimed as she palmed her face, grinning impishly at her friend.

Haku laughs at Naruto's antics. "You have been distracted, that's all…" The dark haired Yuki shrugged his shoulders and patted the girl's hand. "Well, you are always like that in some ways or another."

"Haku…" Naruto complained while scowling.

The boy grinned. "Better hurry, Naru-hime. Seems like you're in a rush. I'll take things from here." Eyeing the blonde's basket, he added a comment in a jovial tone. "Besides, you have picked up the wrong shrubs… again…"

The girl pouted as she scratched her head. "Sorry about that…" Naruto apologizes as she stands and waves her hand in a hurried manner. "No worries, Haku… I owe you one…" She shouted as she jogs away. Turning back, she smiled. "Let's meet later at the meadow. I'll bring you some stuff."

Haku watched his friend ran. He was about to warn the girl of the branch that was in her way but the blonde already collided with it, cursing the stupid piece of wood. He sighed and laughs to himself.

"Oh Naru-chan. You really are one very interesting girl…"

Arriving at the balcony of her room, Naruto jumps in and opens her window. Gently sliding the frame, she dived and landed on all fours. The girl then noticed two sets of feet standing in front of her. Looking up, Naruto shrank at the sight of her obasan and her hand maiden, Lady Imari.

"Uhm…" Naruto paled and rubs her cheek nervously. "Hi Aunt Kiara… Is there… something wrong?" She asks cautiously.

Kiara was impassive and stares at her seriously. It was very intimidating. Naruto fidgeted and tried to avoid her gaze. Imari's expression was far more pronounced. Her brows are furrowed at the sight of her kimono which was covered in mud, some weeds and couple of torn edges from her earlier training.

Kiara didn't respond as she turns to look at Imari and nodded, and then she left. Naruto breathe in slight relief but the handmaiden tugged her arm and in a disapproving manner shook her head. "What have you been doing, child. Everyone was worried about you…" The older woman scolded the blonde as she ushered her to the bathroom to clean up.

"But…"

"No buts, Naru-chan. Go clean yourself. Master Kai has been waiting for you for ages."

"But Kyuu-kun said that someone came to the island to see me…" Naruto whined as she took off her kimono. Sliding in the shower, the blonde freezes up as cold water splashes her slender form. Imari lathers the shampoo and gently rubbed the blonde mane of the young Uzumaki.

"Yes. Someone came to see you." Naruto's eyes sparkles in excitement. "But I will not tell you who it is unless you clean up and behave." The girl slumped and continues to scrub her body. Imari gently smiled and patted her in the head. "I already prepared the dress you will be wearing. I'll ask Nura to braid your hair."

"Okay." Naruto muttered incoherently.

After a while, the blonde jinchūriki looks at her reflection, grimacing at the garment Imari had forced her to wear. A very formal kimono with a 39 inch sleeves. Thankfully, the patterns are orange in different shades and designs that complimented her hair. Her obi was tied elegantly. Removing it requires two sets of hands. Frowning to herself, Naruto gritted her teeth in frustration. "Stupid traditions…" Whispering to herself, the blonde followed Imari to the main hall.

Imari knocked lightly and entered upon receiving permission. The handmaiden bows respectfully and announced her arrival.

Naruto held her head high as she entered the room. A bunch of stuffy old red heads were arrayed in a loose circle, her grandfather and aunt sitting in some sort of a throne thingy (without the ridiculous chair she often heard in fairy tale stories). Blue eyes darting around the room, she took in a tall silver haired man that stand in the center. He is wearing an eye patch that covers his left eye with another mask obscuring the lower half of his face. Seriously, what's with the masks?

Smelling more than she could, Naruto remembers his scent. Eyes lighting in recognition, she stared right at him making the man more uncomfortable in his place.

"YOU?"

Author's other note:
Naruto and Kurama's relationship would be explained in later chapters, as well as her association with the Uchiha clan.

Ikuzuma – An island named after the clan itself. A variation of the Uzumaki mixed together.

Haku has been introduced here as part of Naruto's life in the island. I am still debating with my brain whether to kill him in the Wave arc. What do you guys think? Should I kill him and Zabuza or let them live?

Ah yes… The usual stuff if you may, my dear readers. Please read and review. Constructive criticisms would be highly appreciated and duly noted. No reviews, no updates whatsover.

No flamers please.

Love and peace to you all.

Ja ne~