Here it is, chapter 2! I'm not much to toot my own horn, so, just enjoy it. Feel free to comment on my writing, good or bad. It'll only help make this story better in the long run.

HOKAGE'S OFFICE 1600 HRS

The dog masked ANBU opened the door to the office, "Hokage-sama, I've brought the stranger to see you as requested. As you also requested here is the basic run down of the event : He appeared out of some kind of vortex, saved one of our ANBU, and single-handedly repelled the nuke-nin attack with a very impressive mixture of taijutsu and kenjutsu. During the battle, any of the nins that got too close to the students and bystanders, those enemies took priority immeadiately. He seemed to wanted to minimize collateral damage. He then proceeded to unleash the most powerful Fuuton jutsu I've ever seen, then rescued 7 students and 4 instructors from the fire." He finished up.

Sarutobi mused for moment. ' He seems powerful...' "Send him in, please." He replied. The blond stranger walked into the room, right in front of Sarutobi. The old Hokage looked like he saw a ghost. "M-M-Minato?! No!! It can't be!! You died in the sealing of the Kyuubi!! I saw it happen!" He said in disbelief.

The blond looked at his strangely, his head cocked to the side in curiosity, " Who's that? Sorry, don't know any Minato's." He answered honestly." The name's Ichigo." He gestures to his broadsword. "Her name is Sakuhime. This is how I got mine..." He says, pulling off his long coat leaving his armor vest and tank top, revealing a brand-like tattoo on his upper left bicep of the number '15'.

Sarutobi calmed himself down. 'He seems so young. He reminds me of an old friend. "Well, care to tell me a little about yourself, Ichigo-san?" Sarutobi said with an amused smirk.

Ichigo gave him a playful and fox-like smile. ' Dispite the air of lonliness, pain, and professionalism, he still has this playful, fun-loving and goofy side to him. This is certainly a pleasant surprize. He reminds me so much of Minato AND Naruto... Wait... I've got an idea!!! Saru, you're still brilliant!!! Those features of his almost make him the spitting image of Minato, so he can be inserted as Ichigo UZUMAKI, a lost relative of Naruto's. I need to know more of his past and personality first.'

"Now back to the question at hand, Ichigo-kun."

Ichigo grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. ' Just like Minato and Naruto..' Sarutobi grinned."Oh,okay. Well anything beyond 8 years ago, I can't remember anything. All I remember is waking up in some laboratory and being busted out by an old man named Hanzou. First thing you've got to understand is that where I'm from, the technology is very, very advanced because when I found out the truth as to WHAT I was, I was shocked. I was a prototype in a human weapons project, to create the ultimate warrior. The perfect fighting and killing machine. They manipulated my genetic structure and fortified my body, making me faster, stronger, more resistant to injury, and rapid healing. I don't even know my age, but I'm sure I'm at least 20." Ichigo finished.

This was a lot for the old Hokage to take in. 'Human weapons? Advanced technology? Genetic manipulation? Sounds like something Orochimaru would love to get his hands on. All the more reason to offer him a place here. He seems generally friendly and stable, as well as extreamly skilled and powerful, at least Jounin level. Maybe Sannin level, but that's stretching it. He already knows of chakra as he used that Fuuton jutsu. His fighting style also sounded very familiar.' " Well, Ichigo-kun. I'm sure that you won't mind telling me who trained you. Only a handful of people in this village could even match the power and speed you displayed today, if you were even going all out that is." Sarutobi remarked, determined to unravel this blond mystery.

"The old man that freed me, Hanzou, is the one who trained me as well. He taught me most of what I know now. He told me that he wasn't from my world, That over 20 years ago, during something call the Second Great Shinobi War, he was a leader of 'Amegakure', whatever that is. He told me that through some sort of fluke, a botched seal sent him to my world. He traveled around, picking up fighting styles as he went, until he was recruited into the program that created me. He was to train us in the combat arts, but when he found that I could mold chakra, he took me as his apprentice and ran. He taught me all the ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu and kenjutsu he knew, along with some minor fuuinjutsu, like storage scrolls and paper bombs and the like. He also taught me the basics like water walking and tree climbing. We couldn't find my affinity, but I've always been able to use any element, so he figured it would be a waste. I was also taught me the Kage bunshin, to help speed up my training." He paused to catch his breath.

"He sorta became like a grandfather to me. 3 years ago, he died. We were ambushed by the people who made me. We thought we destroyed their research, but they made others like me. We won the battle, but he was killed. I wandered for many years, ducking and evading recapture. A life on the run isn't really all that great. It got pretty lonely. I did some work as a freelance mercenary and assassin, so I've got lots of combat experience." Ichigo finished.

Sarutobi went wide-eyed. "Hanzou?!?! I thought the Sannin killed him?!" He exclaimed.

"Nope. He was alive and kicking. He did tell me about the Sannin, though, especially Tsunade. He told me that her beauty and power were beyond comapre. Sounded like the old man had a crush, but I wouldn't mind meeting them though." Ichigo remarked.

"Well you're in luck. They originally came from here, Konoha. I should know. I was the one who trained them." Sarutobi said with a wide grin.

Ichigo's eyes flew wide." What?!? WHOA, COOL!!" Where are they?! I gotta meet 'em!" He said, excited as a little kid. Sarutobi's face grew somber."Sadly, they all left the village around 11 years ago. Jiraiya and Tsunade accepted sage status and left. Orochimaru turned traitor and escaped, still at large today." He said with a heavy sigh. " Oh, by the way, you called your blade Sakuhime and 'her'. Care to explain?"

"The blade itself is called the "Ensis Celeste". I'll introduce you to 'Hime." He said as he concentrated for a moment. Suddenly, a flurry of cherry blossom petals swirled, then died down to reveal a young woman with long pink hair, a white dress, and vibrant blue eyes. She also appeared to be semi-transparent.

Sarutobi fought back a nose bleed. 'She's very beautiful' He thought. Suddenly, she nearly tackled Ichigo with an embrace." Whoa, 'Hime! Introductions, first." He chided playfully while chuckleing, pointing to Sarutobi.

"Oh! Please, do pardon me! My name is Sakuhime! A pleasure to meet you, Hokage-sama!" She chirped cheerfully in a voice that was like a melody.

" Oh, hohoho!" Sarutobi laughed jovialy. " It's quite alright, my dear young lady! I am Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage of this village, Konoha. This is a ninja village, deep within Hi no Kuni." Sarutobi continued his explaination of where they are and the geographical lay out of the Elemental Countries." Also, based on abilities you showed in combat and the selfless bravery you displayed during the rescue, on my authority as Hokage, I here by appoint you the rank of Jounin. Your chakra capacity is at least mid-to-high Kage level. That is something extreamly impressive. If your control is good enough to use Genjutsu, then it's at least mid to high Chunnin level."

Sakuhime looked excited. "OOH!! Ichigo-kun, you're an official ninja now?! WOW!!" She giggled loudly with her hands on her face, stars in her eyes. Sarutobi chuckled. ' She really likes him... That bubbly, happy personality is probably the main reason he still has a playful side.' Sarutobi got back to business. He gave him his Konoha hitae-ate and jounin vest, which from the prompting from Sakuhime, his put on immeadiately. She saw what he looked like with the new items on and blushed, well, as much as a semi-transparent girl can blush anyway. "Your name has always suited you, Ichigo-kun," She said shyly," You've always been a brave protector and guardian in my eyes, the kind I always dreamed of having. You've always been forced to be the hero, but you carried the responsibility very well." She blushed, looking at the young man with a dreamy gaze. Her facade soon turned downcast. "But many people in our world thought that his different colored eyes were evil. They were mostly afraid of him. There was one girl who saw past it all, but she was killed. She, like me, liked his eyes. The kindness and strength in them is one of the reasons why I chose him." She finished softly.

Sarutobi walked back to his desk and pulled out a camera. He got Ichigo to smile for the picture and out came his shinobi I.D Card. He handed to him, "Ichigo Uzumaki?" He asked, puzzled. He chuckled and said he would explain later. Right now, he took him down to the Mission Disbursing Desk. "Why are we here?" Ichigo asked. " Some of the nuke-nins that you took down today had bounties on them. All were C-rank and up." Sarutobi replied. " Whoa, so they were kinda strong?" He asked again. " Yes. The bounty says it all. 4 of them were wanted for sexual crimes...against young girls and women." Sarutobi added darkly, radiating a slight killer intent at the thought of such a disgusting act.

Sakuhime felt the anger Ichigo radiated and started of assauge his rage. "I'm proud of you, Ichigo-kun. I know that you would never condone that sort of thing or forgive it. That is another reason why I chose you." She said in a soft, gentle tone that could make even the toughest man melt and she embraced him as much as she could. A slight tear fell from his face "Thank you, 'Hime." He whispered to her.

Sarutobi pulled out a rather large envelope that was stuffed to capacity. " Here is your cut of the bounties. We take a small percentage of all bounties to keep the village in the black." He stated as he handed the envelope to Ichigo. He looked inside and his eyes nearly bulged. " WHOA!! That's more than I've ever seen in my life!!!"

"That's a grand total of 1,800,000 ryou for all the bounties combined." Sarutobi calculated. Ichigo was giving a very familiar fox-like grin as his head swam from his good fortune. "Man, I like this place already!" He said. His thoughts, whoever, flowed back to the boy who assisted him in the rescue effort. He knew that the kid didn't look too good." Hokage-sama, would you mind showing me to the hospital?" He asked.

" Sure. I was going to take you there anyway. I still need to explain why I gave you that name." He explained everything about Naruto, in detail. "Man, I thought my life was rough. I'll do it. I always wanted a family and now I've got a kid brother. He's got some iron clad guts to do what he did and I'm very proud of him. The kid needs someone to watch his back and I'll be damned if I let this go on!" Ichigo stated rather forcefully. Sarutobi grinned. ' Just the answer I was hoping for from you. You don't want Naruto to suffer anymore lonliness than he has already. I know you will be a fine addition to the Uzumaki family. You two share so much in common that I'm sure you'll bond quickly. Even your traits match each other... Wait!!! Maybe this can be a Kekkei Genkai!! It makes perfect sense and it'd be pretty powerful in the right hands. The other clans might give Naruto the support he rightfully deserves and hopefully make life a little better. . Maybe the Uzumaki family can be the Uzumaki clan...Let's see how Ichigo feels on this.'

"Since I'll want to keep you close to him, I'll put you as an academy instructor. In two weeks, You shall report to one Iruka Umino, and he will show you to your class. When Naruto graduates, you shall be the Jounin sensei for his team. How is that?" Sarutobi asked. Ichigo scratched his chin and finally said," Okay. You got a deal, old man! I like this arrangement. I always wanted to teach, to steer them in the right direction. To make sure they have the tools they need to succeed." Ichigo said. This made Sarutobi smile and like Ichigo even more.

"Ano, Ichigo-kun. Your core abilities are in your DNA, right?" Sarutobi asked. " Yes. They are. What's up?" He replied, not getting where this conversation is going. " You basically know how clans work, right?" Sarutobi asked again. Ichigo nodded, Hanzou explained a little about that and he learned about them in a different country back in his old world. It suddenly dawned on him. "Whoa, hold up a sec. You want me to start a CLAN?!" He asked incredulously.

"Yes, but think about it. The council might leave you and the boy alone and maybe offer you a seat, seeing as you would be clan head." Sarutobi explained. " No." Ichigo said plainly. " I've heard of some pretty messed up clans. Hanzou told me about the Uchiha clan and the Kaguya clan. Those guys were beyond messed up. Look, all I really want is a no-frills family, one to call my own." He finished calmly. "He has a good heart. I was right to choose him for this.' Sarutobi thought.

"Still, you and Naruto have what we consider a Kekkei Genkai, some genetic traits that can be passed down to future generations. The council may pressure you to get married since you are of age to do so, in order to spread your bloodline. Just trying to give you a heads-up on what may happen." Sarutobi warned.

"When or if I do decide to get married, I want it to be for love, not politics. I want her to like me for ME, you know?" He said sheepishly, with a bright red blush that was all to obvious to the old man.

The old Hokage stared for a moment, then let out a gut-busting laugh. " OH, HOHOHOHO!!! Of course, my dear boy! Finding the right girl, then wining and dining her is where all the fun is!! We men wouldn't have it any other way!!" He said heartly as he clapped Ichigo on his back, much like a father would a son. " Eh, heh heh...thanks." He replied awkwardly, as they continued their trek down the streets to the hospital.

KONOHA HOSPITAL 1700 HRS

The trio ( yes, Sakuhime counts ) made it to the hospital at a rather leisurely pace. Sakuhime noticed the appraising looks and batted eyelashes of many of the younger women sent HER master's way. He sensed her distress through their shared mental link.

"Hey 'Hime, what's the matter?"

"I just don't like how all these girls are flirting with you." She huffed mentally.

"Why 'Hime. Are you jealous?" Ichigo asked her teaseingly. He felt her indignation.

"I don't want just any girl to get close to you! I need to approve of her, first." She said in a matter-of fact tone.

"Thanks, 'Hime. Thanks for looking out for me. I'm just wondering what would have been if Hitomi were still alive. I still miss her..." He sighed mentally, giving off a feeling of longing and sadness.

"I know you do. But I also know that she wouldn't want you to stay unhappy for the rest of your life. She would want you to love again." She said softly and kindly.

"Thanks...I needed that...But I don't think I'll ever find someone like her ever again." He told her honestly.

"Don't think like that...I know you will some day. Just have faith. Even if you don't, you'll always have me." She reassured him.

"Thank you, 'Hime. Uhp. Looks like we're here."

The trio made their way inside the large double doors of the hospital. They walked up to the nurse's duty desk to talk to the duty nurse, a middle-aged woman with A LOT of make-up. She stood up and bowed quickly when she saw who was standing in front of her. "Oh! Hokage-sama! What brings you here?" She said cordially.

" Hello. I am here to one Naruto Uzumaki. Can you please tell me which room he is in?" The old man asked her.

Her cordial facade faded when she heard the name. It was replaced with a scowl. This change of atmoshpere wasn't lost on Ichigo and Sakuhime. "He's is room 432B." She said curtly and rather rudely.

'Did you catch that, 'Hime?

'Yeah, I did. What's her problem, anyway?

'Dunno. But I'll bet that it's the reason why I'm his new big brother. I need to find out more so I can protect him and teach him to fend for himself from what I know.'

They finally made it to Naruto's room to find a woman with short brown hair and curious rectangle markings under her soft brown eyes, standing outside of it. She noticed Sarutobi and bowed respectfully, "Hokage-sama, good evening. Naruto will be fine, now. He had some broken bones, ribs, some gashes and cuts, and some burns. Most have begun to..." She stopped suddenly as she noticed Ichigo.

She froze instantly. " S-s-sen-sensei? N-no... It can't be..." She stammered out as she backed into the door of Naruto's room in disbelief. He looked at her worriedly." Hey, are you okay?" Ichigo asked with concern, holding out a hand to help her up. She looked at him, as if to see if he were really there and she wasn't hallucinating. She cautiously took his hand and he helped her back up. She looked into his eyes closely. " You're not sensei... but you look so much like him." She apologized for her strange reaction and explained to him who her sensei was. ' She's kinda cute...Kinda reminds me of Hitomi...' Thought Ichigo as he blushed a bit with a bashful look on his face while scratching the back of his head.

Sakuhime giggled over their link. "What did I tell you?" She told him teasingly.

"Yeah, you did...I'll be damned..."

Rin giggled at this. ' He's kinda cute... that exact expression is just like Naruto's, sensei's and Obito's...' She thought.

Sarutobi cleared his throat and brought the two young nin back to reality, making them both blush brightly. The old man saw this as clear as day. ' Hohoho... That was fast...And with Minato's student, of all girls. Let's hope he can help her get over Obito's death.' Sarutobi reasoned mentally. Sarutobi explained Ichigo's 'story', but Rin was always wary where Naruto's well being was concerned. But she went along with it, choosing to trust the old man. They all watched from a crack in the door at the scene in front of them.

Hinata, Sakura, and Ino all came to visit Naruto in the hospital. They were all pleasantly surprized that Naruto was such a good listener, especially since he's a boy, and an extreamly easy person to talk to. He doesn't judge and belittle anyone. They thought that something wasn't right when he cried when they came in the room. He said it was because only the Hokage or Rin ever came to visit him. They asked him about his daily life, and they were shocked when they couldn't find ANY trace of lying. Ino is practically a human lie detector, and she said that he was telling the truth. They knew he was an orphan, but they never imagined his life was so horrible. The truth of Naruto's life just made him an even greater hero in their eyes.

All three girls nodded in an unspoken agreement. They each, in turn, gave him a flower and a affectionate kiss on his whiskered cheek. Each girl gave him a flower that represented them :

From Sakura, a pink Azalea.

From Hinata, a snow white Carnation.

From Ino, a single full bloom red Rose.

Ino walked back up to Naruto's side and spoke up, " Naruto-kun, while you were unconscious, I said that the three maidens that you rescued needed to reward their hero." She said sweetly.

Hinata spoke up this time, " Thank you, Naruto-kun. From all three of us." She said softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Now, it was Sakura's turn." We all agreed on something on the way here, Naruto-kun. We all now make a pledge on the kisses and flowers we each gave you. We will never abandon you. We won't let you face the pain alone and stand by your side. We will work hard to be strong and brave, like you were for us. Most importantly, we will NEVER betray or hurt you, and we won't do anyone else do it, EVER AGAIN." Sakura vowed solemnly with the other two girls putting a hand on her shoulder nodding in agreement.

Rin, Sarutobi, Ichigo, and Sakuhime all watched and listened in to the whole thing. Rin giggled, "Not one, but three girlfriends! A whole new life is starting for my little kit." Rin said softly. She slowly turned to Ichigo, looking up into his eyes pleadingly. "Please, take care of him. I love my little kit so much. If you hurt him, I swear on everything holy that I'll..." She said angerly, but Ichigo managed to calm her down. "Don't worry, Rin. He's just like me. He grew up alone, never knowing what a family is, or love. I'll look after him as if he were my own blood and protect him with my life. Now, I think this would be a good time to go in." He said with a warm and gentle smile that put her fears at ease. He politely opened the door for her, " After you, Rin." He said warmly. Rin blushed a bit, ' Manners, smart, nice, and kinda cute... he might be worth it...' She thought as she graceously accepted his gentlemanly invitation. They all filed in to the room, the Hokage in the middle and Ichigo and Rin at his sides as his jounin escorts.

"Ah, Naruto-kun! Glad to see you're awake already. How do you feel?" He said as the girls noticed his presense. All three girls bowed respectfully and chorused, " Konnichiwa, Hokage-sama." "Hey Hokage-jii, Rin-neechan." He said in a worn out voice. He noticed Ichigo and said," Hey! You're the guy who helped me and Sakura-chan out in the fire by taking out the wierd nin!! Thanks for that! I really owe you one." He said excitedly. Ichigo chuckled." Don't mention it, kiddo. You did pretty good yourself back there. That was a real team effort." He grinned warmly, in a way that mirrored Naruto's smiles to the girls earlier.

Ino recognized him next. " Hey, You're the one who fought off all those enemy ninja solo!" She said amazed." But why... do you look like Naruto? Even your smile is the same as his." She questioned. Sarutobi took the liberty to explain that Ichigo is a lost relative of Naruto's, his big brother that was thought to have been killed during the Kyuubi attack. He stepped up to the girls to introduce himself.

"I'm this gaki's big bro, Ichigo Uzumaki! Nice to meet you, ladies." He said with a bright, wide smile, and a mischievious wink. All three girls minds were running rampant.

' I-if he's Naruto-kun's brother, then he'll look like him... I knew he'd be handsome!!' Hinata thought with a wicked blush.

' Whoa... Naruto's gonna look like him?! He's hot, crazy strong, and pretty nice, too. Two cuties for Uzumaki's! He'll probably train Naruto to fight like him too! Naruto's gonna outshine that Uchiha chimp in no time!' Thought Ino feverishly, smirking inwardly.

Inner Sakura raved over this ' SHANNARO!!!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!! NARUTO-KUN'S GONNA BE AWESOME SOMEDAY!! JUST LIKE HIS BROTHER!'

' Yeah, I know!! This is sooo cool! I'm actually glad that rat Sasuke showed his true colors now rather than later. I would have wasted more of my life pining for that loser!' Sakura said inwardly, agreeing whole-heartedly with her inner self.

A flurry of cherry blossom petals swirls gently next to Naruto's bed, falling away to reveal a young woman with bright pink hair, vibrant blue eyes, and a white sun dress, giggling lightly. Sakura stared at her, wondering if she was a Haruno ancestor. The semi-ghostly girl walked up to Naruto and affectionately ruffled his hair, the pleasant scent of cherries following her. "You really are cute, Naru-kun." She said softly." But then again, you are Ichigo-kun's little brother. Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. Please do pardon me. My name is Sakuhime! I'm Ichigo-kun's partner!" She chirped cheerfully, giving him ghostly peck on his forehead which made him blush furiously.

Sakuhime suddenly froze, her expression one of shock. She turned to the Hokage, her eyes leveling on his." Hokage-sama, would you mind telling me why Naruto-kun has TWO auras at once? That shouldn't be possible." She stated, expecting some kind of explaination.

Ichigo joined in. " Yeah, I was also wondering what he's done to deserve the stink eye from the ENTIRE village. As his new guardian, this is critical information. In a mission, a single piece of withheld info can get your entire team wiped out." He said, slightly chiding him.

Sarutobi sighed, had Rin lock the door, and flashed through some handseals, touching all four walls. Ichigo realized the jutsu used. " A silence barrier... this must be dead serious to warrent doing that." He said to Sarutobi. "What I am about to tell you is never to leave this room or be repeated to anyone. The consequences for divulging this information without my approval is death. Is that understood?" Sarutobi stated, leveling a stern gaze at all present. All those in attendance nodded in confirmation. "This all began when the Kyuubi no Kitsune attacked 11 years ago..." Sarutobi started to explain, in full detail. When he finished the tale, all except himself and Rin, who already knew the truth, were shocked beyond words.

Naruto's face was completely unreadable. "Naruto, are you all..." Sarutobi began to ask, but the boy's hand silenced him.

"Why? Why now when I finally found some shred of happiness for once in my god-forsaken life?! Why did he do that to me?!? Why wasn't I told sooner, seeing as how that stupid thing is sealed in ME?! At least I would've known WHY I was hated!!! Why tell me now, in front of my new friends, when just got them to stop hating me?! WHY?!" He cried out in anguish, pain, and sadness. " So every year on my birthday, this was the village's reason for beating me within an inch of my life?! Just because they think I'm some stupid fox?!?!" He added.

Rin and Ichigo looked on sympatheically. Sakuhime desperately wanted to hold him and comfort him, but she was out of energy and couldn't stay out any longer. She had already grown attached to her chibi-blonde. Rin was about to go cradle Naruto, but was stopped by Ichigo. She was about to give him a piece of her mind when he directed her gaze to Naruto again. She looked over to him and saw that the three girls were already hugging him. "He needed that a lot more." Was his simple reply.

MEANWHILE, WITH NARUTO AND THE GIRLS...

Naruto looked up in total shock. The girls weren't backing away in fear or calling him a demon or monster. The were hugging him.

' He's had that thing inside of him all this time and he never knew?! How did he survive all of this and not try to kill himself?! You're even stronger than I could ever be, Naruto." Ino sighed mentally, filled with a new admiration for her fellow blond.

'All we ever did was make his life even more horrifying than it already was. No wonder the adults were telling their kids to hate him. But Naruto is no demon... no demon could laugh, cry, forgive, or even love like he can. I wish that hadn't been so stupid...' Sakura thought.

'Poor Naruto-kun...I never knew... I wish that I could make it better for him somehow...To show him that I truly care about him...' Hinata pondered.

Ino spoke up, " Naruto-kun, we made a vow on those flowers and kisses. We will stay by your side. A demon never would have risked its life to save us. In our eyes, you are a true hero, and you always will be." She finished, kissing him again on his whiskers.

' He really does have Naruto's best interests at heart if he noticed that... I think I'll give this guy a chance. Kakashi never really talks to me beyond a quick debrief, and none of the other guys come near me due to Naruto, but I care too much for my little kit to ever abandon him. Gai is out of the question, as well. He's a nice guy, but he's WAY too scary. Ichigo seems like a decent guy and he's kinda cute, too.' She thought. She looked up at him, " Hey, Ichigo, I get off shift in a half an hour. You wanna get some dinner and, you know, talk about Naruto?" She asked.

' Did she just ask me out?! Wait, cool it, calm down! Act natural...' " Sure. I'll pick you up in the lobby." He said. 'Finally!! My first date in years!! This has to be perfect!' Rin squealed inwardly.

Ichigo went over to him. " Hey, otouto. Don't worry about that stupid fox or the villagers. I'm just like you, more than you'll ever know. By the way, good job today. I'm proud of you. That took some real guts. Also..." He paused, pulled out 40,000 ryo from his pay docket. "This is for you. You did a real good number on that missing-nin and this is his bounty. You earned it, little buddy." He said slapping the money down on his bedside table. "Get well soon, otouto. If there is anything you need, let me know." He said warmly, ruffling his hair. Sarutobi spoke up next.

" Naruto, I'm very, very proud of what you've done today. You proved beyond a shadow of a doubt what it means to be a true shinobi of this village and what true courage really is. I hope that the village will soften it's opinion of you and start to give you the respect you've earned for so long."

Rin spoke up." Well, visiting hours are over, now. So let's let Naruto get some rest." She said. They all said their farewells and filed out of the room. Naruto fell back into his pillow, still processing what happened that day. " This has been one hell of a day." He remarked to himself. " But now, I have a big brother who will look out for me. Friends who believe in me, even though they know about the fox. I swear that the dope I used to be died today and I am now reborn. Pranks'll have to take a back seat for a while, and I'll try to think about what I say and do from now on. Hell, I'll even hit the books. Maybe things will be better now..." Was all he managed to get out before a peaceful sleep overtook him. Finally, he had much better things to dream of.

The Hokage had to return to his office. He still had to deal with Sasuke's deplorable behaivor at the scene of the attack. He was filled with rage at how arrogant the boy had become due to the council's pampering. He had the nerve to attack Naruto while unconscious and attempted to kill his classmates! High treason! But seeing as the council was in the Uchiha's pocket, he'll probably get off with little to no punishment. He sighed and poofed away.

Just as Ichigo was about to leave, Sakura stopped him. "Ichigo-san. Can... you lean down for a second?" She asked. He complied and was rewarded with a quick smooch on his cheek. "Thank you for what you did for us today. Naruto-kun told me you killed a missing nin that was about to kill us and saved us." She said, blushing and smiling sweetly. Hinata and Ino followed suit and gave their own quick pecks. "That was for protecting us all from the missing nin attack. There's no doubt that if you hadn't been there, we wouldn't be here now." Hinata said softly, hugging Ichigo. He hugged her back gently. "Don't mention it. If there's anything you girls need, don't hesitate to ask me. It's getting late, you girls should probably get home. I bet your folks are worried sick about you." He said, giving them a soft, glowing smile. With that, they all collectively blushed, bowed and left.

Ichigo just chuckled at the girls and muttered under his breath, "Lucky little turd...THREE girlfriends. Oh well, teasing material for a while at least. To his credit, They're all pretty cute." He said as he waited for Rin in the lobby of the hospital. Some of the duty nurses giggled and tittered at Ichigo's pouting.

"Now, now, Ichigo-kun...No need to be jealous..." Sakuhime giggled over their mental link.

"Jealous? Hell no! I'm actually kinda proud of the kid! We ARE brothers, after all. So it just runs in the family." Ichigo reasoned.

"Well, you're both pretty handsome devils, if I do say so myself...There's qualities in both of you that I absolutely adore!" Sakuhime said brightly.

Ichigo was snapped out of the mental conversation by Rin as she walked up to him. " Ichigo, you ready to go?" She asked. He flustered a bit, but recovered. "Yep, I'm ready. Can you...um...lead the way? I kinda don't know my around yet, but it's my treat, though." He grinned sheepishly. ' He's actually kinda sweet...in a boyish sorta way. Like a big kid when it comes to this kind of stuff.' The duo walked out of the hospital into the brisk, cool breeze on this spring night.

A/N : I borrowed a few basic concepts from EdStargazer's The Will born in Fire and from Mr. Lee's flower series for the flowers and How to mend a broken heart for the arraged marriage idea. Thanks guys, and I really love your works! As for Sakuhime and how they came together, as well as WHAT she really is, I'll include that as a bonus chapter later on as an Origin special.

Ensis Celeste - Holy Blade lit. Latin