Author Foreword

Hello, and welcome to my quaint attempt at fanfiction. Before we begin, I'd like to deliver a brief explanation of New Horizons so as to manage expectations since I've received some grief/backlash for a few things many of you may already understand, though it seems newcomers are unaware.

Way back in 2015 (that sounds crazy) I launched my passion for writing. The beast was unleashed and hungry for content, but blind to any sense of direction. I went with Naruto. The universe is quite malleable and full of interesting characters, plots, directions, etcetera. Thus NH was born.

In the beginning it was just a fun exercise; writing practice under a set context with set conditions and so on. But during the brainstorms and drafts I discovered a fun idea for an alternate universe as well as an idea of how I could show the Naruto story in a new light. Chapter 1, as well as several others, has been rewritten at least a dozen times in total post-production edits, 2 or 3 if we're talking major overhauls (let alone the rest of the first 8 chapters, and every one after those). I have not yet perfected this story, but I will. It's my baby - my firstborn.

I have done my best to rectify the unclear nature of this story's launch, and I have tried my damnedest to smooth out the rocky start. How successful I am is up to you, but I ask that you give it a shot. The current plot begins its manifestation in Chapter 6 - "Under the Glass" and has been largely realized, though it is merely a setup for another reciprocal plotline.

I sincerely thank you for your time and attention.

Happy reading.

1

-Good Morning-

Konoha - Uzumaki Clan District

Deep in the forests of the Land of Fire hides a village of pride and honor. Konoha, a whisper on the lips of the seasoned traveler, thrives among the shinobi world as a herald of strength and prosperity. Gifted with a waning peacetime, the people of the Leaf enjoy safety and trade with the other nations on a level previously unheard of. Hashirama would be proud.

Or so the elders say, those who most celebrate the founding generations. While the sages puff their smoke and reminisce over sake, others, those most involved in the shadows, murmur on less savory topics. Imbalances in power, stressed alliances, or souring foreign attitudes held little favor in the eyes of the masses - nearly taboo for one to discuss publicly.

But work was satisfyingly abundant and threats were relatively low, so the Village Hidden in the Leaves enjoyed the bounty of its labor; as did a young blonde shinobi with whisker marks on his cheeks.

A modest yet evidently illustrious set of buildings marked the sect of Konoha claimed by the Uzumaki clan, namely Uzumaki Kushina and her Kage husband, Namikaze Minato. The main house was deepest beyond the swirl crested gate, partially hidden behind some old maples and a lilac tree. It was here the couple raised their son before they constructed the second building as he came of age. Closer to the perimeter sat the heir's adult home, a similarly styled wooden edifice of soft whites and rustic reds.

The sun, just barely making its way above the horizon, crept its light toward a window of the lesser assembly. Morning birds chirped and sang beyond the dimly lit bedroom before a sudden alarm barked in repeating trills. Blaring offensive bursts, a hand lazily collapsed onto the simple machine as its owner groaned into consciousness.

"Mmmuh."

Cracking open two bleary blue eyes, the young man rolled toward his nightstand and sat up on the ruffled bed. Throwing his arms up with a gaping, stretching yawn, he drowsily scratched his head as he turned about, observing his shaded surroundings with a squint.

His room, while normally graced with a hint of unkemptness, was now especially disheveled with several used sake bottles and clothes strewn about. Some articles were definitely out of the ordinary, however, as the boy noticed with a stop.

"What in the…?" he asked himself in disorientation, unable to stifle a second yawning as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"Naruto-kun?" a sleepy voice asked as a body shifted gently beside him. An abrupt chill washed over him as the light of sobriety fully roused his senses.

"Woah!" he gasped in a stupor. The shock startled him into bright awareness as he whipped around to his right, finding a woman beside him who ought not to be there.

"S-Sakura-... chan?" the Uzumaki greeted sheepishly, acknowledging her. In his bed.

'What's going on? Why are you here?' he thought to himself nervously, now attempting with desperation to recall how she got there.

"Naruto, lay back down," Sakura giggled languidly, her tone heavy and highly influential despite the alien situation.

"Uh- well, I'm not really tired anymore, eheh…" Chuckling with embarrassment, he passed the pink-haired kunoichi some lacey underwear he discovered atop his nightstand while a sudden heat rose in his cheeks. She simply nuzzled back into her previous position with a shrug.

'What... What happened last night? Oh man, I can't remember a damn thing...' Naruto rested his head in both palms as he attempted to cipher through blurry memories. Rubbing his eyes again after sparing another glance toward the girl in his bed, he concluded that his predicament was real after all. 'Calm down. You've got this. Just take a shower and clear your head. You'll figure things out.'

"Hey, uh, I'm gonna go take a shower, so," the blonde announced awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head as his discomfort went unnoticed.

She simply tightened her hold of the comforter she strangled, sighing, "Mhm…"

Naruto began to stand but swiftly sat back down in shock. 'I'm naked?'

Peaking over his shoulder, the stunned bachelor cast a wide-eyed look at his shocking guest. Haruno Sakura, the emerald-eyed woman Naruto was infatuated with early in his ninja career. She was here, lying in his bed and just as nude as her host, save the blankets she pulled tightly around her.

The powerful kunoichi was curled toward him as her small breaths huffed. Her smooth features were relaxed in a calm state of rest that prodded at Naruto's inner workings. The shoulder-length pink hair she boasted was a mess, tussled about in a satisfying display. Snapping from the dreamy glimpse, the young man turned away.

'Damn it, I can't believe this...' the ninja thought to himself as he finally got up, hastily making his way to the bathroom. 'I have to remember what happened last night.'

Rubbing his head in wonder, the Uzumaki pushed his shower curtain aside and stepped in. He tried to relax as he turned on the water, facing away from the showerhead with his eyes closed. The warm, soothing spray poured over Naruto's body as he concentrated deeply on his memories.

The Previous Night

"Ohhh yeah, it's Narutoo!" a gruff male voice bellowed out with zest as he stood in a haughty stance among one of the many vibrant, bustling vendor districts Konoha offered.

"Oh, hey Kiba!" Naruto responded heartily at his canine loving friend, lifting an arm to wave as they met. "Excited for tonight?"

"Hell yeah! Ready to unleash my rugged charm, ahahah," Kiba nudged jokingly as he joined his whiskered comrade. "What about you? Got your eyes on anyone in particular?"

"Heheh maybe, we'll see. I'm not really focused on that, I just wanna have fun!" he assured as they weaved between oncoming foot traffic.

The Uzumaki daydreamt excitedly as he glanced to his left and noticed a very familiar face. "Sasuke! Oi, big number two!" he shouted challengingly at his best friend who stood across the busy courtyard alit with innumerable rice paper lanterns.

The brilliant Uchiha turned from a conversation with his eldest sibling to regard his academy rival and companion. "Heh, shove it punk," the young genius retorted, a wry smile spreading over his cool visage, "our scores were identical!"

Appearing between his buddies in a shunshin (body flicker jutsu), Sasuke wrapped an arm around each of them. "You men ready for this party? Apparently, everyone from our academy class will be there, even if they're still chunin. Graduates, non-graduates; it'll be packed with everybody and their plus one's. Well… maybe except for Mr. Stoic himself, hahah," the Uchiha joked slyly, referring to a lone Aburame Shino off to the side. "Hey Shino! Do you think you'll actually show up tonight?"

Shocking no one, the bug user didn't rise to the jab. "I don't believe so. Why not you may ask? Because I do not consider a night of debauchery to be a good source of fun," Shino answered seriously from behind his round, black sunglasses.

The Uchiha chuckled lightheartedly, "Have you ever even had a 'night of debauchery' before?"

"Yeah, c'mon Shinoo! What do you even do now-a-days bro? All the years as genin together and I still don't think I know what you ever do for fun. Is there anything you like?" Kiba jabbed, suddenly rethinking his last question. "Other than bugs, obviously."

"Why yes, I take joy in many things. Practices such as reading, training and successfully executing missions. Why do I not partake in alcoholic shinanigans you ask? Because I must always be ready; ever vigilant. What would become of me if the village were assaulted while I was intoxicated? I must never let my Will of Fire be impaired by poor judgement or choices," the subtle ninja finished, almost displaying a hint of passion in his tone toward the end of his tangent - though his body language barely shifted.

"Is he insulting us?" Sasuke questioned under his breath.

"I don't know..." Naruto whispered, shifting his complexion to one of awkward comradery. "Well whatever makes you happy Shino. Err, you get happy, right?" the blonde questioned sheepishly, getting what felt to be a drip of killing intent from his old classmate.

"Eheh, Nevermind... Well, see you 'round- take it easy!" the Uzumaki finished, quickly nudging his friends along.

The young men strolled on, lazily searching for more friends as they made casual comments on Shino's strangeness until a classically dressed woman intercepted them.

"Well look at you three," a confident female voice allured, approaching slowly before halting in posed elegance.

'Holy...' Kiba thought to himself as he took in an eyeful of the platinum blonde kunoichi.

'Heh, look at this fool,' Sasuke thought, catching Naruto's congruent glance before slightly bumping Kiba under his left arm to wake him from his stupor.

"Hey there Ino," the blonde jonin greeted in composed wonder, diligently scrutinizing the details of her appearance. "You look really... nice."

"Well thank you Naruto, I'm glad someone noticed my efforts," the entrancing woman replied, her voice like satin as she giggled.

The Yamanaka was wearing a form-fit black dress with purple accents along the edges. The sleeveless attire had an open back, with a brave slit for movement daringly high on the right thigh, as well as a horizontal oval opening on her bosom to divert more attention to her chest. Facing her, the dress ended at just below her right knee and rose up to her thigh on the left. She was adorned with small purple flower earrings, further complimenting the accents on her gown. Her long, shining hair was done up in a wide, magnificent braid that still reached between her shoulder blades.

"You men look quite nice yourselves," the dolled up Ino complimented with a smooth wandering of her eyes.

The three dapper men were dressed in suits of varying designs.

Kiba sported a matt-white coat and trousers with a matching fedora and shiny black shoes. He also wore a brilliantly blue silk tie over the matt-black shirt underneath.

Sasuke was adorn in a fitting black and white tuxedo with a scarlet bow-tie. Paying homage to his clan were six black tomoe on his white shirt going down his chest and abdomen.

Naruto was dressed in a suit similar to Kiba, but with a black jacket and trousers. Underneath he was dressed in a purple silk shirt, with a stark-white tie made from the same material.

"A real trio of gentlemen. But I think the girls and I might have you outmatched," the psychic charmed with a wink, making the three bachelors shudder without her notice.

Slowly turning to depart for said acquaintances, she spoke over her shoulder, "Sakura and Hinata are still getting ready I think, but I've seen their outfits. You're going to be picking your jaws up off the floor," she finished with a boastful smile, lingering on them for a moment as she sauntered away. She fully enjoyed the ploy with her male classmates.

The bewitched men watched Ino curiously as she slipped away into the crowd.

"Wow, well... Think I have a chance?" Kiba asked cautiously, a stupid grin stretching across his face as he looked between his companions.

"Sure Kiba, I think you'll have a chance. Once you find a way to beat me to her, that is," Sasuke jested, looking Kiba in the eyes with a flare of his sharingan.

"Bring it on Uchiha!" the Inuzuka challenged with a wide show of sharp canines.

"Let's go you morons, doesn't the party start soon?" Naruto asked lamely, dragging his lust-struck friends forward again to stop by his house. "We're taking a detour, I forgot my wallet and invitation. Wouldn't want to have to use henge (transformation jutsu) to get in!" the whiskered bachelor chuckled innocently.

"Well it's 9:38PM right now," Sasuke informed them, activating his sharingan to check a clock past a crowd of people through a quickly closing door inside one of the restaurants. "It technically starts at 10PM, but I'm all about being fashionably late," the raven-haired boy finished, smirking in a confident manner as he shifted an onyx gaze between his comrades.

"Sasuke, just because we like to fuck around and call you Sasukeul doesn't mean you're the shinobi god of coolness," Kiba taunted, eliciting a growling semi-headlock from his Uchiha counterpart.

"HAH, oh shit Kiba! Hahah, I totally forgot about Sasukeul!" Naruto bellowed hilariously as he doubled over, clutching at his belly. References from the academy nickname they gave their colleague shot through his mind in a blaze of nostalgic delight. "Ahah, ohh man. Nope, I don't think I can ever forget that one again."

"I hate you guys..." their subject of humiliation muttered, producing a sweatdrop on his temple.

"We love you too!" his comrades returned in unison, laughing at their classmate's expense.

"Next time you decide to give someone a nickname, why don't you-"

Uzumaki Clan District

"Naruto...?"

'Oh c'mon, I was getting somewhere!' the showering jinchuuriki thought as he heard Sakura's wandering voice. Following the static sound of his meditative rinse, the pink-haired warrior found her way into the steamy air of his bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she gracelessly stepped into the shower with him.

"S-Sakura- get out!" Naruto stammered bashfully, completely out of wits with no plan on what to do about the situation. He frantically pulled the curtain over him, "What are you doing?!"

"Well I couldn't really get back to sleep. So I decided to take a shower. Save water, ya know?" Miss Haruno teased tiredly, trailing off with her voice in an evocative manner. "But since we're here…"

Naruto bit down on his tongue. 'Yeah, there's no way this is real.'

"Oh my," Sakura let off with a giggle, eyeing the Uzumaki below his waist as the man struggled to cover himself.

"Shit- hey!" the blonde cursed unconsciously, grappling with the rubbery material. "Sakura, get out- what are you planning?"

"Aw, I just wanna have some fun..." she mumbled with a dreary-eyed grin. Her voice softened as she pressed herself against him.

"Ah! No, S-Sakura, we definitely blacked out yesterday or something; I don't even know how you got here!" the panicking young blonde admitted fervently, way out of his comfort zone. He had reactively shut his eyes in surprise, adding yet another hinderance to his handle on the predicament.

"Oh don't be shy," she tested, speaking with the utmost seduction. Filled with unbound confidence, the kunoichi allowed her hands to wander down his ridged abdomen. "Hey, maybe you can jog my memory?"

The Uzumaki's eyes opened in shock, quivering as the lump in his throat kept him from speaking.

"What is it?" she replied in a feint of innocence, pulling her hands back to rest over his shoulders as she raised a leg up his curtained waist. "Nervous?"

"Alright!" the jinchuuriki nearly shouted as he grasped her hands and backed against the wall.

Sakura was relentless, however, and she seized the opportunity with a kiss and a delicate hand on his whiskered cheek.

A connection was made, and a sudden torrent of information hit Naruto at once, bombarding him with scenes of the previous day.

"Woah!" he gasped, suddenly ending the embrace. Startling the fair skinned woman before him, he continued confidently through the distraction, "I think I remember!"

Barely able to function, Sakura opened her heavy eyes to look on Naruto with confusion as he moved her away. "You remember what...? Last night?"

"Yes- yes! I do- or at least who most likely caused this," he stammered excitedly, feeling a mixture of emotions involving relief and sprouting anger. He all but pushed her out of the shower and onto the mat outside.

"Well, so what?" the medic-nin asked politely, turning on her object of fascination. "Why stop?"

"Shush," Naruto silenced, making a point not to look at her as he threw a towel on himself then wrapped her in another. He murmured thoughtfully as he nudged her out of the steamy air, "Let me think..."

'Okay, I remember... there was the dancing, everyone was dressed up, we all got drunk- what else...' Naruto wondered as the girl he held by the shoulders gently resisted his guiding hands. 'Ignore her. Just think, think. Neji and the girls left early for their mission, Unzari landed a slow dance, Lee was drunk enough to hit on the second bartender-"

A light bulb went off in his mind. 'Oh ho, that little shit. Oh he's not as slick as he's going to wish he was!'

"Okay, okay. I think I've got it, we might have been drugged, and I'm willing to bet it's a prank. Look, I just don't want to have you under false pretenses, even though this all feels like it was straight out of a dream," he explained, thoroughly vexed. 'Shit. Straight out of a dream… That actually makes sense. Damn it. Genjutsu? Ugh.'

"Naruto-kun," his old crush yearned, turning to look her companion directly in his blue eyes. "Who cares? I know you like me. And I'm right here, right now..."

"But I wanted you to want me on your own. This is all messed up, I wanted you to like me naturally, not from some kid's joke," Naruto elaborated in a pained manner, sighing as he turned her down.

Some moments passed as they got dressed separately. Once the blonde returned to his bedroom, the kunoichi spoke up while he searched for a shirt.

"You know, I don't think we did anything at all last night, if it makes you feel any better," Sakura admitted after some thought, absentmindedly pressing a palm against her lower belly.

"What do you mean?" the whiskered boy asked blankly, nearly oblivious to her tender shift in mood.

"Well, Naruto, I understand you're... passionate," Sakura grinned with a raised eyebrow, leaning to one hip as her eyes focused on something within her mind. "If we did anything, I would know."

"Er," Naruto gulped, embarrassed at his lack of understanding. "Let's just finish getting dressed so I can murder the person responsible for all my embarrassment."

She sighed acceptingly, "Fine. You know who it is?" Sakura finished buttoning her top before adding, "And... Don't be embarrassed."

"If you say so... but kind of. I have an idea. Actually wait, you're fluent in genjutsu," Naruto alluded, continuing hopefully. "What do you think?"

"It's hard to tell," Sakura admitted, confusion flushing her features. "I'd need to meditate on last night and make some assumptions."

"Is there a way to figure out what memories are real or not? I can't tell the difference," he asked as he sat in a chair by his desk, slipping on his footwear.

"Well, unless I were to break it while under the illusion I wouldn't know for certain. I need more information, so let's find your suspect. I'm sure they could clear this up. Afterwards..." Sakura hinted, hanging on her last word with a naughty expression. "Maybe you and I-"

"Let's just get this all straightened out," Naruto blurted, exiting the bedroom with a grumpy aura of stifled bewilderment. He spoke in the distance before she began to follow, "Once we've had a few days to clear our heads we can discuss this."

"Hmph… Fine! Why do you have to be all responsible and stuff?" the muscular woman asked, joining the man ahead as they made their way downstairs. "I get you're the Hokage's son and all, but you could still manage to loosen up a bit. Who's your suspect, anyway?"

"There's only one damn brat who'd have the audacity to try and prank a party filled to the brim with brand new jonin, ya know," the elite shinobi answered with a furrow of his brow.

"Oh no…" Sakura mumbled as she took a mental guess, cringing at the thought of being manipulated by the infamous chunin.

Naruto nodded in agreement. "That little bastard's gonna pay."

End

Good things come to those who wait.

...Sometimes...

Good day, and thank you for reading.

-Kyzer-