Guardians

A/N: HELLO!! This idea came to me when I was writing my other story, Souls of the Elements. Since it didn't get many reviews I decided to make a Naruto version WHOO HOO! And I made it Naru/Hina as well as Neji/Ten, Sasu/Saku, and Shika/Tema. I hope you all enjoy this and I will update if I get some reviews. NO FLAMES.

I don't own it I leave it to my manz Kishimoto

Chapter 1: Naruto Uzumaki, Konoha's Finest

A cool breeze swept throughout Konoha, chilling those unprepared for the wave of air that could cut right through thinner layers of clothing. Autumn had come, and with its arrival the leaves had made particularly hasty departure from their usually perches among the branches. Konoha truly was hidden in the leaves at that point, due to the many trees that reside in the Land of Fire.

The village was lively and there was always something afoot. Konohamaru and his teammates' pranks never quite got old or predictable and they always were fooling some unsuspected chunin or storekeeper who was unlucky enough to be caught in their line of fire.

Academy students were out running around in the leaves, enjoying themselves on their days off. When in their classes they would study hard, though. They all had their role models, who they were constantly trying to surpass or impress, whether they are teammates, their senseis, or even the Hokage herself.

Naruto Uzumaki sat in the Academy schoolyard upon his favorite swing taking in the sights of fall. He sighed and adjusted the black trimmed headband on his head, seeing the sun reflected off in the form of light in the shadow of the tree.

So much had happened since he had returned to Konoha two years ago: Jiraya had passed away during a fight with Pain, Sasuke's victory over Itachi, revealing the truth about his family's murder, and the war with Akatsuki that had followed. Had it not been for Sasuke and his group Falcon defecting, Konoha would have lost many more brave ninja and possibly the entire battle.

Sasuke's actions against Akatsuki had given the Fifth Hokage the peace of mind to allow him to return to the village. Karin and decided to continue around on her own to Orochimaru's bases, freeing his captives and helping to repair their lives and villages. Rumor has it that she settled down somewhere in the Village of the Cloud.

Suigetsu had continued in his journey to get the blades of the Seven Swordsmen. Having killed Kisame and taken his blade, he set off to test his skill and sate his bloodlust.

Jugo remained in Konoha. After one of his episodes, the Hokage, Tsunade, decided it best to research his condition. After about three months of little sleep, lack of nourishment, and a few more destructive episodes, a cure was devised that allowed Jugo to release his state at will. Jugo used this to withdraw Sasuke's curse mark and prevent any others from being tortured in such a way.

Sasuke went home after nearly five years of absence. The old Uchiha home was becoming a home for rats and vermin of other kind. With the help of the rest of Squad Seven, the home was restored to its previous beauty. Sasuke could not stand the giant empty house and left it as a memorial and testament to the proud Uchiha name, choosing instead to purchase an apartment right next to the one Naruto currently occupies.

At this point, Naruto couldn't help but remember when Sasuke came over because his roof leaked and he, having led the "privileged" life as a child, was unsure of what exactly to do. Naruto had just cracked up and suggested plugging the hole with chakra. Sasuke had refused to talk to Naruto for another two days out of anger (which Naruto thought came from Sasuke not realizing the simple solution).

Sakura barely kept herself off of Sasuke anymore. She had little to worry about, seeing as Ino had left on a journey to other villages to find more "exotic" guys, as she so delicately put it. Naruto thought hard for a moment. Sasuke never really told Sakura off for doing it anymore, did he? Nah, it's probably my imagination, thought Naruto.

Getting up and stretching, Naruto gazed at the sky that shown through the leaves. It was a clear day and he was bored out of his mind. Lately, there had been nothing to do.

For the past week, Naruto had covered for Shikamaru at the Academy while he was out on a mission. Naruto couldn't help but think that this mission had to do with Temari from Sunakagure. The two of them always seemed at ends with each other, but it's said that in battle they cooperate like professionals. Naruto snickered in his fox-like way. They probably like each other and don't know it. (A/N: Like he's one to talk)

Naruto had expected a smart remark to this thought from the Nine-Tailed Fox. Frowning for a second when no answer came, he remembered how in the battle with Akatsuki, the Fox had left all his power to Naruto, only to have himself fade into nothingness.

Naruto walked through the village, waving to various acquaintances. He made a right and ducked under the familiar curtains into Ichiraku's Ramen Stand (A/N: lol I just realized Ichiraku's Ramen Stand. The IRS!!).

"Hey Naruto!" said the now slightly graying chef.

"Ah ohayo, oji-san!" Naruto grinned. "Can I get a miso and pork ramen?"

The owner was moderately surprised by the small order. "Why so little? You usually eat so much more!"

Naruto just shook his head. "I have an appointment with Tsunade Baa-san soon and I don't want to be late."

As Naruto sat and ate his bowl, savoring it more due to not having as much to eat, He thought back on his other friends. Choji gave up on being a ninja in order to become an excellent chef. He was last studying in the wild trying to find and prepare new spices and delicacies.

Kiba continues as a ninja an excelled in skill as Akamaru excelled in size. He was recently made a jonin and is incredibly proud of his genin team, which includes his younger cousin.

Shino and the Abarame clan opened a clinic specializing in many different treatments from rare insect bites, to bee stinger acupuncture, to creating and selling insect based medicinal supplies.

Lee had gone up to the mountains with Gai one month ago for a year long training session. Gai thought this up and had arranged it a year ago when Lee mentioned how strong Naruto had gotten after his training session with Jiraya. Truthfully, Konoha had been much quieter without the Spandex Twins.

Neji had continued his training seriously for the past two years and still served diligently at the Hyuuga clan home, but recently he's been taking more and more time off. Naruto had noticed him and Tenten getting closer and closer. He literally bumped into Neji of them and didn't see Tenten next to him she was hidden so well amongst the folds of his robes. Neji had looked at Naruto flustered and practically begged him not to tell his uncle. The two of them were currently off on a mission.

Hinata had…Naruto stopped. Hinata. Now if you had brought up this topic just after Naruto had returned to the village, he would tell you what a feverish, quiet, and dark girl she was. Now, however, he would list her kindness, her laughter which sounded like a million harmonic bells, her beautiful lavender eyes, and her pure strength and power. There was no doubt about it, Naruto loved her. Sakura had one day asked him what he thought of her, and was surprised to hear the previously listed items. She just smiled at him and nodded as he begged her not to tell Hinata a thing.

He wasn't afraid to ask her out, oh no, that was nowhere near the problem. He was afraid of what would happen if he asked her out. So far he figured he would get beat up by Neji, get beat up by her father, get beat up by her sister, and if Hinata said no (which he hoped wouldn't happen), she would beat him up (He didn't think he could).

He finished savoring his ramen and put his money on the counter. Dashing out of the small stand he jumped up to the rooftops. He leapt quickly for he had taken too long on his ramen and he knew what awaited him would only be worse the later he got.

He dashed into the Hokage's building, up the stairs, and stopped in front of the door, calming himself before he opened it. He then turned the knob and went inside.

"NARUTOOOOOOOOO!"

Naruto flinched. Tsuande was pissed. "Hai, Baa-san?"

"Shut it! You're late! Now that you're here we can continue," she said motioning to Sakura, who sat next to Sasuke, in two chairs. The two of them looked at him, used to his chronic lateness.

Naruto moved to sit down but stopped as he smelt something familiar. It wasn't a perfume, nor a deodorant or anything like that. He turned and saw Hinata getting another chair from the ones along the wall. Both of their eyes widened when they met the others, only to look away embarrassed and blushing.

As soon as they were seated, Tsunade began, "It appears we have three missing ninjas. Shikamaru, Neji and Tenten were sent to investigate some ruins that were discovered not far away. How they remained hidden so long is beyond me and everyone else. They have been gone for a week and I expected them back in a day or two. I would like the four of you to back up that three man cell and to bring them back safely."

The four of them all nodded or stated a firm "Hai." Hinata was filled to the brim with mixed emotions. I hope Neji onii-san is safe. Tenten is with him though so they should be fine. Plus, I get to be with Naruto-kun! I can't believe our eyes met earlier too! She was so excited about this mission and eager for it to start, that she arrived at the gate a good 15 minutes before everyone else.

When the others arrived together, they all offered sincere apologies for being held up by Naruto and his trouble packing. They quickly set off and with that, began a very arduous journey from which they would return stronger that ever before.