A/N: Okay time to start the catch up part. We're going to be time jumping a little bit for the next chapter or two just so I can catch up to the point I want to be at. Sorry if it confuses anyone.

Mrs. Haruno smiled as her two kids ran ahead of her. Actually, to be more accurate Sakura once again had Naruto by the wrist and was dragging him ahead. Sakura was even more anxious than usual on her way to meet her only other friend in the entire village.

"She has blonde hair just like yours little brother. She's like super smart about flowers and junk too."

Naruto kept quiet and allowed himself to be drug towards their destination. He was a little hesitant about meeting new people especially when Sakura mentioned that her friends dad was a powerful Shinobi. He never knew why but it was the Shinobi who seemed to always hate him the most. Except for the 3rd and Kakashi that is. His mind stopped when he saw a flash of blonde hair. He looked up to see a man and a little girl standing there talking. The girl caught sight of Sakura and seemed to grow a welcoming smirk.

Sakura gasped for air trying to catch her breathe as they got to the pair. Mrs. Haruno was still a few feet behind.

"Now Sakura, what have I told you about running ahead of your mother?" scorned the man.

Sakura blushed and bowed, "I'm sorry Mr. Yamanaka."

Inoichi chuckled slightly and patted her head, "That's okay Sakura. Just be more careful okay?" He then bent down to Naruto's level, "And who is you new friend?"

Naruto turned his face away from the stranger.

Inoichi's eyes narrowed, A handful of other people with blonde hair like my family. And being that age, it means it's one person.

Sakura stood proudly, "That's my new little brother Naruto Uzumaki."

Ino scoffed, "No he's not." She pointed her finger at Naruto, "He looks nothing like you and your momma."

Inoichi looked at his daughter, "Now Ino, what have I told you about judging people from your first impression?"

Ino's arm fell to her side as she frowned, "Not to."

"Okay then, why don't you take Sakura and Naruto to go play."

Ino smiled and took both of their arms and ran off. Mrs. Haruno walked up and stood beside Inoichi staring at the two, "They seem to be getting along well?"

Inoichi nodded, "They'll prove to be good friend." He then looked over at Mrs. Haruno, "You know it isn't going to be an easy life for him."

"I know, but I think if I just love and support him he will be just fine. Are you sure you're okay with Ino playing with him?"

Inoichi chuckled, "My little girl can handle her own."

Ino looked at the pair in front of her with her hand on her hips, Great another one with a shell I have to break through. She walked closer to Naruto and looked him up and down before leaning in and staring at his whisker marks, "What's with those marks on your face?"

Naruto took a step back not being used to someone being so close to him. He put his hand on his whisker marks and frowned, "I was born with them. My new mommy says it makes means I'm special."

Ino narrowed her eyes as she processed his answer, "You okay with them?"

Naruto nodded shyly.

She smirked and started to lead the group off, "At least you're not as bad as Forehead when I found her."

"Hey!"

---Switch---

Inoichi and Mrs. Haruno watched as the three talked. Inoichi chuckled, "She's already established herself as the leader."

Mrs. Haruno nodded, "Well, Sakura was never one to lead. And Naruto is still to shy to say much of anything."

---Switch---

Ino stood explaining the game to her two friends, "Okay Forehead, you'll be the mean evil queen."

"Why?"

"Because I say so."

"Okay."

Ino then pointed at Naruto, "And you Whiskers are the brave ninja that comes and saves the princess."

Naruto stared at her, "What's a ninja?"

Ino pointed at her dad in the distance, "They're a person like my dad. They're brave and strong and, they protect people. Get it?"

Naruto nodded.

"Good so-"

"Who's the princess?"

Ino growled as she glare at Naruto, "You're not making this easy for me you know that?"

Naruto looked at the ground, "Sorry."

"So, you're the ninja that helps saves the beautiful princess from the evil queen."

"You still haven't said who the princess is," mumbled Naruto.

Ino glared at him, "I am."

"How am I suppose to save you?"

Ino smiled, "Well you're going to turn you back and count to 10. Sakura and I am going to hide, and you have to find me."

Sakura stared at her, "What do I do?"

"You're job Forehead is to hide me." She then looked at Naruto, "Any other questions Whiskers?"

Naruto looked embarrassed, "Um…..no."

Ino smiled, "Okay then. Close your eyes and count to ten."

As soon as Naruto closed his eyes Sakura grabbed Ino's arm and ran off.

"Um……1……………….."

"2," whispered a voice. Naruto looked to his side to see Inoichi standing there smiling.

"2….."

"3."

"3….."

And this continued till 10. Naruto turned around and looked around.

Inoichi raised an eyebrow when Naruto's nose twitched and the young boy then ran off in the exact direction Sakura took Ino. Sakura looked from the hiding spot and saw Naruto. She then took Ino's arm again and started running. Naruto's ears twitched as he picked up the sound and soon ran after it. Inoichi smirked at this, He doesn't even know he's doing it.

Five minutes later Sakura peaked out from their spot and saw Naruto standing there in his line of vision with a proud smile on his face, "Do I win now?"

Ino pooped up and hugged him as she screamed dramatically, "My Hero." She then playfully kissed him on the cheek and ran off.

Naruto blushed as the two girls ran back to their parents. He quickly hid his embarrassment and whipped off his cheek and followed the two girls. When he got there Ino was telling the story of how Naruto bravely found and saved her. Naruto was slightly uncomfortable due to never being praised before."

"And even after Forehead hid us again, he still found us really fast," finished Ino.

"And Ino kissed him," teased Sakura.

Ino stuck out her tongue, "Cause that's what the princess is suppose to do when they get saved."

Inoichi chuckled as he patted Naruto's head, "Good job kid. You would make a fine Ninja with those tracking skills."

Naruto eyes shown as he thought about what was just said, "When I grow up, I want to be the bestest Ninja ever."