Sorry this was so late but I finally got the chapter flowing like I wanted it to. Hope you enjoy it.


Assessment

Hinata left the bathroom to find Naruto already asleep on the bed. She smiled, she had expected this. Of course it meant they wouldn't make love but she didn't mind. Her Naruto, the love of her life was home again and she couldn't be happier.

She checked the door making sure it was locked then giggled silently as she saw that Talon was sleeping as well with his head under one wing. He'd been by their side all day and apparently was just as tired as Naruto. "Thanks Talon for bringing him home safely." Hinata used one fingertip to stroke the hawk's back. He lifted his head and looked at her silently before sighing and lowering his head once more. "Such good boy. Sleep well."

Hinata threw away the milk carton that Naruto had drained when they'd finally got home. After a quick trip to the bathroom he'd begun stripping and getting ready for bed. She'd left him to take a shower and let him relax in his home. Apparently he'd tried to stay awake but exhaustion had taken hold. Since early that morning he'd been going nonstop. Checking the clock, Hinata saw that it was one in the morning and yawned automatically. Normally none of them stayed up late, as ninjas sleep was very important but this had been a special occasion. "You came home."

She now stood next to the bed and stared at him as he was bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp. Naruto had one foot still on the floor and one arm over his face. He probably thought he'd just rest his eyes for a moment then simply fell asleep. "God Naruto, you're so beautiful!" Hinata whispered. The muscles in his arm bulged even sleep. Her eyes traced over every length and definition his body had gained. She could clearly see his abdominal muscles and he was even slimmer about the hips if that were possible. Hinata wondered if her hands could circle one of his rock hard thighs. "You worked very hard to come home looking like this." She laughed softly. Getting to know this new body of her lover's was going to be so much fun but later. Tonight she was content to sleep in his arms and listen to his heart.

Hinata turned off the lamp then cupped Naruto's knee and lifted it onto the bed. She resisted stroking him though it was tempting.

"Huh?" Naruto woke slightly confused.

"It's just me Naruto." Hinata said softly cupping his cheek.

"Hinata? You're here? You're supposed to be in Konoha." It is her! Why isn't she at home? Who the hell cares? "Sleep with me. I've missed you so much!" Naruto pulled her naked body to his and sighed. "It really is you." Naruto didn't know where he was nor did he care. Hinata was there. Gently he turned onto his side so they were face to face. Naruto stroked her face then kissed it all over. She was so soft and smelled so good. "You're here, with me." Naruto took a deep breath and smiled. He ran one hand down the silk of her back, cupped her bottom. The other slid through her hair and cupped her head. He sighed like he was finally whole again. He wanted to make love to her but he could feel sleep pulling on him again. "My Hinata…"

She could feel tears in her eyes. Naruto thinks he's still out on his training mission. He's being so gentle, even in sleep. "Yes Naruto, it's me. I'm with you." Hinata returned his kisses then slipped her leg between his and circled his small waist to stroke his lovely back. "Go to sleep now. I love you Naruto. I love you with all my heart." Hinata kissed his collarbone and hummed softly. In moments he was asleep again.

It hurt to know how desperately he'd missed her as she had him. The strength in his hands didn't relax as he held her because he couldn't bear to let her go. At least that's what she believed and it pleased her to think so for finally being this close to him, Hinata never wanted to let him go again. "And I won't. If you leave again, I go with you. Never again Naruto." She kissed him again and stroked his back, inhaled his male scent. Hinata rubbed her face against him sighing. There was no place on earth better than where she was right now.


Sasuke laughed as he approached Naruto's apartment. Takeshi was sitting on the steps with Talon on his shoulder. "I guess they're not up yet…or otherwise occupied!" He joined Takeshi on the steps looking up at the closed door.

"According to this guy, they're still sleeping." Takeshi gestured with his head to the hawk. "We did keep him up pretty late and monopolized his time. I think we owe them this time alone." He was embarrassed remembering how they'd all kept the couple from being alone.

Sasuke rubbed his neck. "Yeah we did didn't we? Come on, let's get out of here and head off the others." At Takeshi's look of shock he explained. "If we're here, won't everybody else show up looking for him too? It's just been one day so it's hard to believe he's home again."

"I guess that makes sense." Takeshi pushed himself to his feet then watched as Talon took flight. "Going hunting." He said watching the hawk disappear.

The two walked side by side and it wasn't long before they met Neji, Lee and Tenten on their way to Naruto's place. In moments all nine Chunin were on their way to one of the training fields. No they weren't going train since they'd been given the day off but it was a place to hang out and give Hinata and Naruto some alone time.

"I can't believe they actually feed him." Tenten was still shaking her head over that one. Only family had gone with Naruto back to the Hokage's residence. Neji had told them later what had happened.

Sakura shrugged. "He's been gone so long; they wanted to do whatever to make him happy. Remember, Naruto's never been spoiled – at all. It's not something they would normally do but yesterday, it seemed the most natural thing to do." Although she hadn't given in to the temptation to feed him Hinata, Lady Tsunade and even Hanabi had each fed Naruto a bowl of ramen. Naruto had eaten it up – the attention and the ramen!

"Yeah, I get the feeling it was pretty rough on him – being gone like that. It may have been silly but Naruto needed it." Sasuke said as he sat beneath a huge tree.

"Not only Naruto but Hinata and Lady Tsunade too. He's so very important to them that they would have done anything for him yesterday if it meant staying close to his side or seeing him smile. I imagine Iruka wanted to do more for Naruto as well but there wasn't much for him to do. We were all pulling Naruto our way, anxious to be with him, well I know I was." Takeshi said sitting cross-legged next to Sasuke.

"No, you're right. As much as Naruto was a loud-mouthed jerk when we were younger, I've come to know him better since the first Chunin exams." Shikamaru lay on his back staring up through the leaves at the puffy white clouds. "I wanted to talk to him, hear about his training and the things he saw. I wanted to play a game of Go with him since he said he'd actually learned the game. He's not the kid he was then, yeah he's still got that big laugh and happy smile but he'd grown up a lot too. I figure he's going to wish he was still on the road with all of us hovering around him all the time." He squinted as he tried to decide if he saw fish or some fruit hidden in the clouds.

Lee looked at the three of them all quiet and contemplative over Naruto. "I JUST WANT TO FIGHT HIM! DON'T TELL ME NONE OF YOU ARE CURIOUS AS TO JUST HOW MUCH STRONGER HE'S GOTTEN!" He stood up in his excitement, his voice echoing out over the field.

Sakura just reached up and grabbed his clenched fist and pulled. Quietly and adoringly Lee sat again and smiled at her. "Not so loud Lee." She admonished him.

Lee nodded vigorously then talked in a loud whisper, holding his hand extremely still since Sakura was still holding it. "You all saw him! Naruto's got all those muscles! If he trained that hard physically, then he had to train just as hard with his taijutsu and ninjutsu! I've just got to fight him!" He looked from Sakura for her approval at his tone to the other guys to see if they agreed with him.

They were all smiling at Lee. They couldn't help it. Sakura had total control over him! As they chuckled they exchanged glances and nodded at each other. "I can't wait to fight him either." Takeshi said. "He was already stronger than us and though phoenix and I have improved, I think my blond brother has passed us by again." He shook his head thinking of all the training he'd done but just one look at Naruto's muscles had made him feel weak.

"Hmph! That little idiot is more than likely stronger than all of us put together." Sasuke laughed. He was jealous but not so much as that he couldn't be proud of Naruto too. Still like Lee, he couldn't wait to pit his skills against Naruto's and he was anxious to learn if Naruto had been able to learn something in particular. If he had…Sasuke smiled thinking of him and Naruto, in this one way they could be true brothers.

"All that aside," Tenten began because she did not want a conversation on who was the best fighter. "What about the wedding?"

Neji shrugged. "It will happen when they are ready for it to happen. Yesterday, Naruto was tired, extremely tired even for him. Lady Tsunade noticed it too; she couldn't help it since she's a healer as well as his mother. I believe Uncle may have spoken to Hinata about it. I don't doubt that Hinata will wait until Naruto is well rested before marrying." His nearly white eyes looked over Tenten as he said that. He was clearly imagining another wedding.

"That and Naruto truly missed Konoha. He had tears in his eyes as we walked around the village before he covered his eyes with his shades." Shino told them, happy that Naruto was wearing his gift to him. "Despite the way people treat him or treated him, Naruto missed being at home. We should give him time to settle in, see all his favorite places before hurrying him to get married. Just because Naruto has all this power doesn't mean he doesn't feel the things we do. Emotions and how you handle them are a truer measure of strength than a well-toned body or excellent ninjutsu skills." Shino stood leaning on another tree watching an insect crawl over his hand.

Kiba watched him and grinned. Shino was smart, he'd give him that but Kiba also knew Shino wanted to see what Naruto could do. "I'm with Lee. Akamaru and me can't wait to tangle with him. Did you see how his eyes bugged out when he saw Akamaru?" Kiba and the dog laughed. In seven short months, Kiba could now ride Akamaru instead of the other way around. Akamaru had knocked Naruto down much the way Naruto had taken down Kakashi.

"Well who wouldn't be curious about what he learned?" Tenten said as the conversation came back around to her. "I imagine Hinata's just as curious but I'm sure what she wants most is just to be his forever." She looked at the guys who acted like they didn't understand since it was girl stuff. "You're all hopeless!" Tenten eyed Neji who wouldn't meet her eyes but he was blushing. "Well, not all of you." She whispered and reached for his hand.

Neji endured his friends' laughter and feeling suddenly bold, he pulled Tenten close and kissed her. Having silenced Tenten and the silly comments from Kiba and Choji, he turned triumphant wide eyes back at them. Besides Naruto, he was the only other one to be in a serious relationship. "Don't knock until you know what it's like boys." His smile was as lordly as Hiashi's.

"Oh brother!" Sasuke groaned but he was smiling too.

"WHAT IS IT LIKE?!" Lee asked his curiosity palpable. Not even Sakura's touch could calm him. He held tightly to her hand and looked from Sakura to Neji and Tenten.

Sakura tried in vain to loosen his grip. "Don't even think about it Lee!"

Their laughter carried over the green grass. The wind even had the sound nearing the academy where Iruka worked. He was overly cheerful, completely into teaching the kids the skills they would need. Umino Iruka was a happy man. His adopted son was home and safe.

While his students were taking a test, Iruka wandered over to the window to look out on the beautiful day. He remembered that first sight of Naruto, up in the sky his arms out like he was flying and laughing with pure joy. I wish more of that for you son and hopefully you're getting another taste of joy today! Iruka chuckled. He and Tsunade had agreed to leave Naruto and Hinata alone today. They'd monopolized his time all yesterday afternoon then had joined him when they'd left to go explore the village and of course the other Chunins were nearby. When they'd finally kissed him goodnight, those eleven had shown no hint of breaking up so there was no telling when Hinata and Naruto had gone home.

The couple hadn't found one opportunity to be alone the whole day. Iruka watched a bird flying in the sky and wondered where Talon was. Surely the bird wasn't stuck inside with the loving couple. Again he chuckled. Those two had been talking in innuendos the whole day. After a while he'd stopped complaining knowing it was because they truly loved each other. Today was their day to spend time together as man and woman.

A few beads of sweat appeared on his brow as he contemplated the upcoming wedding. For some reason he got nervous thinking about standing up before all his friends and vowing to share his life with someone and it wasn't even his own wedding! Mayu came to mind then. She'd left a week or so after Naruto. They were greatly attracted to each other but she was wary of the life he and all ninjas led. And that's where they'd left it. Mayu would either come to terms being with a ninja and dealing with secrets or not. And then there's Naruto's secret. How would she handle a stepson almost as powerful as a God? Iruka sighed as he recalled Naruto's long ago nightmare. Naruto feared losing him to a woman and a family of his own but Iruka wouldn't do that to Naruto or himself. If Mayu decided to give this relationship a serious try, he'd have to tell her that Naruto, demon and all was part of the package. That is if Naruto ever forgives me…

A cloud hid the sun as thoughts of the Fourth entered his mind, Naruto's true father. He is yours but he's mine too. When the time comes…please help him to understand… Iruka pleaded silently then as the cloud drifted away from the sun, he pushed the dread away. Now was not that time and he was determined to enjoy every second he had with Naruto until then.

"Iruka-sensei! We're all finished! Will you quit daydreaming?!" Konohamaru complained standing just behind his teacher. "Why didn't you take the day off? You're obviously missing Naruto!" The boy asked with his hands on his hips, scarf trailing on the floor behind him. "We're going to go see him after school lets out, right?" Konohamaru asked of his two friends Udon and Moegi. Both nodded along with their leader.

"No you will not and that's an order! Naruto is resting at home today. None us are going to bother him. He just got home Konohamaru, let him be for one day." Iruka looked sternly down at the boy.

"Naruto won't mind. He must have been to some amazing places right?" Konohamaru's eyes got huge and he clenched his tiny fists in excitement.

"Naruto won't mind, to-mor-row. Today he just wants to spend time at home. I mean it Konohamaru, if I find out you bothered Naruto today," Iruka stopped thinking of a suitable punishment. "Well for starters, you won't be allowed to learn any new jutsus with the rest of the class. I'll make you wait until almost the end of the school year and you'll have to stay everyday to clean the classrooms – by yourself!" Iruka pointed his finger at Konohamaru whose mouth had dropped open in shock.

"Better leave Naruto alone Konohamaru. How are you going to become Hokage if you don't know any jutsus?" Udon asked pushing up his glasses.

Moegi just shook her head. "Naruto wants to spend time with Hinata silly! He can play with us later. She's always going to come first for him." She suddenly understood why Iruka wanted them to stay away from Naruto. "It so romantic, being in love!" She sighed, blushed and looked at Konohamaru shyly.

Konohamaru shuddered and looked back at Iruka. "…Yeah… He'll be free tomorrow right? Then I can wait until then." The little boy edged back towards his seat avoiding Moegi.

Iruka didn't try to stop his laughter. He herded them back to their seats; it was time to get back to work. Have fun you two.


Tsunade hummed as she stamped never-ending stacks of paper. Several times Shizune had stared at her in shock from the doorway. Once when she dared to enter the office with more work, Shizune had quickly touched her forehead and asked if she was alright. Tsunade had just laughed and she did so again. Although she wouldn't see Naruto today or at least she doubted that she would, her son was at last home again.

She continued to hum and smile as she thought of Naruto. Those two were probably still in bed. Last night, they'd hardly left each other's side. As they walked about the village, he'd gained a lot of attention. So much so that they had their own parade following them. Many ninjas had joined in the walk asking questions about his journey and training but Naruto refrained from getting into that too much, just wanting to enjoy being home. Like Iruka, she worried that people might try to bother him today in order to satisfy their curiosity but first thing that morning, Tsunade had taken care of that. Four former Anbu had been assigned to keep people away from Naruto and Hinata's apartment. Tsunade's smile widened, that was just the beginning of their punishment! "Just you idiots wait! You'll think Ibiki is a pussycat when I'm through with you! Ha!"

"What are you laughing at?" Jiraiya asked as he jumped into the room. He noticed that her joy from yesterday had carried over to today. He took a seat and stretched out his legs before him.

"Why if it isn't the toad-man?" Tsunade looked over his lounging frame. Because she'd been so happy to see Naruto yesterday, she hadn't really given her old friend much attention but as her eyes looked him up and down, Tsunade saw some changes. "You've lost some weight Jiraiya and you worn to the bone." She got up quickly and went to him. Her soft hand caressed his cheek. "Was it that bad?"

Jiraiya blinked. He'd agreed with Naruto when the boy didn't want to tell everyone the extreme measures they'd gone through to train him but just like Naruto's muscles, Jiraiya couldn't hide his weariness. "He's a tough kid with stamina to spare and I did my best to keep up with him. I'll be okay now that we're back in one place." He missed her hand the moment she took it away then watched as she went to a locked cabinet on the other side of the room.

Tsunade got out several ingredients, a bowl and grinder. Taking them back to her desk she mixed together the different medicines then poured it into a small container. "Here, drink this every morning and evening. Fix it like you do tea. It should help bring back your strength."

Jiraiya smiled and nodded his gratitude. It wasn't often she was this nice to him so he planned to enjoy it. He put the little jar in one of his pockets and looked up to see her sitting on the edge of the desk still staring at him. "What?"

"Tell me. Tell me what kind of training you did. How did Naruto get such a ripped body? How was he able to stop me?" Tsunade prided herself on her strength. Being able to totally destroy objects as well as enemies with just one punch of her fist was her signature move but Naruto had caught and held her fist easily!

He laughed. She's upset she can't use that against him anymore! "Actually Naruto figured that one out on his own. He wanted to be stronger so I told him to picture the strongest person he knew and how best to stop them. Naruto picked his mother." Jiraiya smiled as her cheeks flushed. "Somehow he was able to do whatever it is you do so it was no big deal to him to gently grab your deadly fist and kiss it."

"Wait – so Naruto can break walls just like me?" Tsunade couldn't help feeling proud of him.

"I'm not telling. I'll let Naruto show you himself." Jiraiya sat up in the chair groaning just a little. He was tired. "That's one of the reasons I stopped by this morning. You should give Naruto an assessment test. You know, to see just how much he's improved and to prove that he didn't keep you guys waiting for no good reason. Oh and make it soon. I just want to sack out for a while so let's get that test over and done with." Jiraiya wanted to be there to see everyone's reactions to Naruto's growth as a shinobi.

Tsunade crossed her arms. "You mean you want to go look at half naked women. Did his training keep you from your favorite pastime?" She asked dryly.

"What better way to rest than having some lovely ladies to look at?!" He grinned unrepentant. "And it did yes. There were only a few beauties who were treated to some time with the Legendary Sannin Jiraiya!" He would have struck a pose but didn't feel like moving. "Besides, I figure the kid will be getting married soon and I want to be feeling better for that."

"Yes, his wedding. Well the plans are done; Naruto just has to pick a day." Tsunade moved around her desk to sit down. "An assessment? I would like to see what he's learned. Maybe in a few days. I'll have him square off against Kakashi, that should tell me the level of his strength. What?" She asked when Jiraiya shook his head. "There are few ninjas as strong as Kakashi, Jiraiya. Even you should know that!" Her hands pressed against the desk.

"Of course Kakashi's strong but he's not enough. Maybe throw in a few more Jonin or let Naruto fight Neji, Sasuke, Lee, Kiba and Choji as well as Kakashi all at the same time. Then maybe you'll get an idea of how strong Naruto's become." Jiraiya told her in all seriousness.

She blinked at him. Tsunade searched his face looking for the lie but there was none. She sat back in her chair and sighed. "So strong so quickly? Naruto against six people? Are telling me he would win?" Then immediately she thought of the fox within him. "He'll be using…no?" Jiraiya was shaking his head and grinning.

"Nope, Naruto will use his own chakra, not that he didn't train with the fox's chakra too but for the assessment it will be all Naruto and Naruto alone. And I didn't say he would win but having that many people to fight will challenge him. Each of them has very different styles and don't forget, Naruto's got his shadow clones. He can create hundreds of them without breaking a sweat. I just think that fighting those guys will best demonstrate his ability. I'm sure it got boring for him to always be fighting me." Jiraiya chuckled. Naruto had in fact complained about that.

Tsunade wasn't sure she wanted to believe him but then Naruto's determination was like no other. He could possibly be strong enough to take on that many people and come out barely winded. "I'll talk to him about it tomorrow." She said quietly wanting to talk to him now and see him in action but this was his day with Hinata.

"Great, well I'm going back to bed I think! Didn't know how damn tired I was until we got home." The Sannin stretched and yawned. He walked around the desk intending to go out the way he came in. "Oh yeah, I had another reason for stopping by this morning – here." Jiraiya tossed a heavy packet onto Tsunade's desk. "The pictures you wanted. I took them when the kid wasn't aware of what I was up to. Enjoy!" He gave her one of his big smiles then with a wave was gone.

Tsunade stared after him for a minute then snatched up the heavy envelope. Carefully she opened it and drew out the first picture. It was taken shortly after he'd left them. Naruto sat staring off into space a melancholy expression on his face. Talon sat on his shoulder also staring out into the horizon. Her son looked so sad and tears formed in her eyes. The next was of Talon waking Naruto up by trying to feed him something dead. Tsunade laughed through her tears. She spent the next several hours just going through the pictures one by one and when she heard the academy bell releasing the students for the day, she headed there to share these treasures with Naruto's father.


This was the second time she'd woken up but Naruto still slept. She'd heard Talon chirruping early this morning and had reached up to open the window for him. It had been a while since she'd taken care of the hawk so she'd forgotten about leaving the window open so he could go in and out when he needed to. No sooner than she'd gotten the window open, the brown and gold hawk slipped out with small shriek of thanks. Her movement had jostled Naruto and he pulled her back to him, clutched her around the waist and buried his face in her hair.

So Hinata had snuggled into his embrace and gone back to sleep. Now it was late morning if not afternoon already and Naruto was still sleeping. She could feel his warm breath on her shoulder. One hand cupped a breast while the other rested against her belly occasionally stroking the tender skin. She loved it. For seven long and lonely months, she'd lain in this very bed with only a stuffed fox. It wasn't a big bed by any means but without Naruto it felt too big.

Carefully she removed the hand holding her breast and turned over. She wanted to see him. Automatically and without waking, Naruto moved with her. His arm became her pillow and he shifted his hips forward letting his top leg mix with hers. Naruto's free hand stroked her soft hip before resting heavily on her plump bottom.

Hinata smiled as she looked at him. He looked wild with his hair so long and the beard on his face. Looking closely at his face, she saw tiny lines about his eyes. "My poor baby, you really worked hard didn't you?" She leaned close and gently kissed each eye. Her soft hand moved to lay flat against his nonexistent stomach. "Hey you!" She whispered. "Thanks for taking care of him. Well you do it because you're a part of him but still… thanks." Hinata patted the strong flesh. "Even with you sharing your strength with him, Naruto exhausted himself didn't he? I can't even begin to imagine the rigors he put himself through for us." She closed her eyes and moved her head until her lips rested over his heart. "I'm sorry Naruto, fox. You both worked so hard just to protect us." A tear wet her lashes.

"I did, we did but we don't want apologies – just your love." His gravelly voice sounded above her head and Naruto chuckled when she jerked, startled. "Morning sweetheart." Using his chin he pushed her head so that he could kiss her. And Naruto kissed her. The arm that had been her pillow slid down her back pushing her pelvis forward. The leg between hers rose until it rested against her sex while his other hand gripped her knee and pulled her leg over his hip.

He moaned as plunged his tongue into the depths of her mouth. It was like he was a starving man presented with a feast. Lips and tongues were sucked, tickled and teased. Teeth nibbled at supple flesh.

Hinata couldn't breathe. Her nipples were pebbles and the V between her legs began to leak moisture onto his thigh. She grabbed his fuzzy face trying to slow him down. "Na...Nah…Naru-to…" She hated to pull her lips from him but she would faint if she didn't.

He grunted at the loss but moved on to her cheeks, chin, nose, eyes and forehead. "You're real, so very real." Naruto sighed into her ear. His hands pressed against her bottom. "I'm not going to be able to go slow sweetheart! Can you…reach the condoms?" Naruto asked as he sucked on her neck.

"Ah! Ohh…don't need… oh my…" Hinata bit his shoulder as his hand slipped between them and teased her wet nubbin. "PROTECTED! NARUTO!" Hinata was already coming; she hadn't been able to resist his touch. She laughed and cried kissing his neck and shoulder and trembled. "We're…safe. NOW NARUTO!"

Naruto pulled back to smile and stare into her eyes. He could feel her body readying itself for him. "You're sure? We're safe?" He kissed at her tears and his fingers never stopped moving.

Hinata nodded quickly and reached for him. He was hot and hard. Her breath caught in her throat. "I promise – we're safe. We'll have babies later." Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of making babies with Naruto but now was not the time.

He was so hard it hurt and her soft had was killing him. Naruto rolled Hinata over onto her back. He let her guide him to her entrance. "Ah, damn…" Naruto blinked at the feel of her. It was like their first time all over again. His skin was touching hers without anything between them. He rested his forehead on hers staring into her eyes and went home.

Talon landed on the window sill and stared down at them. At first it looked like they were playing but they weren't. He knew what they were up to. With a shuffle of wings, he turned to look out on the village and wait for his master and mistress to finish.


"I never, ever want to move again. I want to stay right here for the rest of my life." Naruto said with a replete sigh.

"Sounds like a plan to me but we may have to roll over every now and again." Hinata laughed and folded one leg over his back trapping him with her silken thighs. "Besides I need time to learn this new body of yours. I can't say I ever cared much one way or the other for muscles but I'm loving these!"

Naruto laughed deeply and pushed up to look down in her face. "Well this is just a nice side effect to all the training but I'm glad you like my muscles and I give you permission to love this body as much and as long as you want to!" Her beauty and her complete and utter acceptance of him was all he needed.

Hinata laughed with him and fell in love yet again. He looked so happy right now. Somehow she would do everything in her power to always make him this happy. "Your permission? You do remember that I can paralyze you whenever I want! I'll have my wicked way with you and you won't be able to do a thing to stop me." She tugged on his ears bringing his mouth to hers.

Naruto felt excitement run through him. "You promise?" He squirmed as her fingers tickled his sides.

Their play led to another round of love making and the only reason they didn't start another was Naruto's stomach and Talon was tired of waiting on them. They showered with much laughter then in a T-shirt for Hinata and shorts for Naruto they set about making the biggest meal they could with almost everything they had in the house.

"So you're okay with Talon staying with us?" Naruto fed the hawk a piece of bread. "I missed him like crazy every time I sent him home. Talon's good company." He rubbed the hawk's soft head.

"I wouldn't dream of separating you two. He's taken on your personality." Hinata laughed as the hawk now came to her to be fed. Then she looked up at Naruto. "You make it sound like you were alone out there Naruto. Didn't you have any fun with Master Jiraiya?" She reached over and wiped some sauce from his lip.

Naruto grabbed her hand kissed it. "Jiraiya…funny how I don't call him Pervy Sage all the time anymore. Yeah, he can be a lot of fun but when it comes to training, he's a real taskmaster. There's no babying from him or much help. Some stuff I was on my own." Naruto looked out the window seeing the past. "At night when I fell down and couldn't move anymore, he'd tell me stories about when he was growing up. Stuff about Mama and the Third Hokage. I liked that part and tried to stay awake for it but often went to sleep to his voice." Naruto squeezed her hand then started eating again.

"Don't tell me you slept outside the whole time you were gone! It was cold!" Hinata looked incredulous. She'd often wondered but figured they'd go into towns or villages when the weather got bad.

Naruto chewed and looked at her shocked face. He wondered how much he should tell her. It would worry her even though it was all said and done. "Sweetheart, you know ninjas can't train around ordinary people, especially me. They'd get hurt. We visited towns when we were out of food, needed new clothes or the pervert in Jiraiya overruled his common sense. Hinata, I survived and came home. Okay?" Her hair was so long now that it covered her breast and touched her waist. Unable to resist, Naruto reached out touch it.

She shook her head and leaned into him. "You don't have to suffer so much Naruto! It wasn't necessary to train in freezing temperatures and to fall down exhausted because you'd worked from sunrise to sunset! Dammit Naruto – I don't want you to suffer anymore!" Hinata stood abruptly and went over to the sink, her back to him.

Talon looked from one to the other chirruped at Naruto.

"It's okay boy." He reassured the hawk. "Here, drink some water." Naruto poured some into a bowl and pushed it towards the hawk. Slowly he rose to his feet and went to Hinata. Naruto circled her waist. "You're worrying the baby." He said into her hair.

Hinata laughed softly as she was supposed to. She shook her head. "I'm sorry Naruto. I didn't mean to explode like that. I just…it hurts to think of you cold and alone. It sounds too much like…" She couldn't finish.

"But it wasn't like that at all." He knew she was talking about his early years. "I wasn't completely alone and it was my choice. Jiraiya wanted to be closer to civilization but I wouldn't let him. I wanted the harsh cold weather and the silence and the barren landscapes. I didn't want comfort and smiling faces because I knew I'd want to come home. That emptiness, that hole that entered me when I left you…I used that pain to become stronger. My suffering was my choice. Maybe…maybe because I suffered before, its the only way I know to become stronger." Naruto stepped back as Hinata swirled around.

"No! That can't be true Naruto." Her hands gripped his arms as her eyes stared into his. "You don't have to suffer anymore especially not to train." Hinata could only see acceptance in Naruto's eyes. He accepted suffering like it was it was an article clothing to be slipped on and off. "Can you…can you try and not do that anymore? I don't like Naruto. It hurts…" Her hands fell to his waist and she stepped into him.

Naruto sighed and held her. He didn't want secrets between them but at the same time telling her this may have been a mistake. He was used to suffering in some way or another. Like he told her, that pain just urged him forward to the place where he didn't have to suffer anymore like where he was right now – home with her. "I'm sorry Hinata. I'll try…" Naruto knew that's all he could do but in his heart, he knew there would be more suffering to come. It was his life.

She felt awful. Just yesterday she'd been upset with Dad and Mama Tsunade for upsetting him and here she was doing it too. Naruto was just home, barely twenty-four hours and already she was putting demands on him and hurting him. Hinata kissed his chest and collarbone. "No Naruto, I'm sorry. I overreacted. I'm just so happy you're home." She stood on tiptoe hiding her face in his neck.

"It's okay. It was bound to come up; I'm just sorry it upset you. We'll find a way for this to work out. Guess this is our first problem as a couple. All things considered, this is a fairly simple problem." Naruto tried teasing her but it was true, he would try for her to not suffer.

Hinata smiled and hugged him tighter. "So if we just had a fight, then does this mean we get to kiss and make up?" She blinked away her tears and lifted her head.

"Are all Hyugas this smart?" They started to kiss again when there was a knock at the door. Naruto groaned and pecked at Hinata's lips. "I was hoping no one would bother us today. Maybe we can pretend we're not home?" He looked down at her hopeful.

"Silly, everybody knows you're home! Let's just see who it is then politely send them away. I'll tell them we're sick!" Hinata giggled and pushed him to the door and stood behind him since all she was wearing was one of Naruto's shirts.

Naruto sighed and opened the door but there was no one there. He looked around but nothing. He stepped out then stopped when his foot hit something. For a moment he stared at two men lounging against the building across the street but he didn't sense any ill intent from them and besides that, Hinata was way more interesting than them especially since she was pressed so close to him.

Hinata peered around him also looking. "What is it?" She slipped her head under his arm and together they bent down to pick up a heavy packet. "A delivery? From who?" Hinata wrapped and arm around him, holding on tight.

He inspected the package. "No name. Hey, get inside! Only I get to see you like this!" Naruto flipped up the tail of the shirt and laughed as Hinata scrambled back. He shut the door not seeing a grinning Jiraiya up on the next roof.

"Naruto!" She huffed with pink cheeks then snatched the packet away and opened it. Hinata suddenly went very silent as she looked at the contents. A hand covered her heart as she stared.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Naruto hurried to her side then gasped. "That sneaky pervert! He took pictures!" He tried to take the photos away but Hinata side stepped gracefully. "Come on sweetheart, I don't know what's in there but I know you don't need to see those!" Naruto hadn't wanted any pictures taken since he'd been out there to work and he hadn't wanted them to see just how hard he'd been working or the empty places they'd been.

Hinata moved over to the bed and sat down cross-legged studying the picture of him and Talon staring at nothing. "Tell me what you were thinking." Before her was his life while he'd been away. Naruto would have glossed over the facts to spare her but here were little touches of the reality that was his training. "Please?" Finally she looked up at him.

Naruto stood with his hands on his hips looking disgusted but that face of hers took all the fight out of him. Hinata's wonderful, lovely face so needy and wanting to only to understand. He sighed and went to her. Putting pillows behind their backs and leaning against the wall, he put his arm around her shoulder. "That was…oh you want to see too?" Talon flew over to rest on his head. "Nosy kid." Humor returned to him. Hopefully the old toad hadn't taken any pictures that would worry Hinata. "Yeah, this was about two days later…"

Hinata would look from the pictures to his face as he spoke. He'd matured even more. The boy he'd been was hard to find in the man beside her. Naruto had spoken little of his training but these moments captured on paper spoke of another side of him. She would have sworn that she knew all of him but there was still so much to learn. Quietly she listened and looked and admired this new Naruto.


"Here Shino. Sorry I forgot about everything yesterday but don't worry it always had air, water and food. See I was very careful." Naruto handed Shino a small cage with a bug the size of a man's thumb in it. It's the right kind right? Like in that book you gave me?" Naruto stood with his hands on his hips grinning with anticipation.

Shino's hands shook ever so slightly as he looked at the rare beetle Naruto had found. Just looking at it, he could tell it was healthy and well cared for and pregnant! "…Naruto I…Naruto you…Naruto, thank you." Shino lifted his head fully out of his collar and smiled at his friend. He held out one hand and clasped Naruto's warmly. "Thanks! Umm, I've got to take this home and show my father. Sorry, I'll see you guys later!" Still smiling, Shino ran off quickly but the cage in his hand was steady for he was carrying precious cargo.

Naruto laughed. "Anybody ever see him smile like that before?" They were at the Hyuga estate in the garden. His day with Hinata hadn't been interrupted and even though he would have enjoyed more time alone with her, he knew the others were waiting to spend some time with him too. So he'd grabbed his heavy pack filled with presents for everyone then headed to Lord Hiashi's and with his permission, invited everyone over. "Okay, that gift was alive so it had to go first. Let's see, next is Lee!"

"Me? Yes!" Lee jumped to his feet and moved closer. "Thanks Naruto! What is it? Oh, it's heavy!" Lee ripped off the lid. He looked confused as it appeared to be a box full of metal balls. Lee was about to question Naruto when his friend reached in picked up a handful of metal. Once out of the box, Lee could finally tell what it was. It was actually a shirt made of weighted metal beads.

"Well even though we didn't go to many towns or villages, the places we did stop at had some really great stuff. In one town there was this shop, this place was unique to say the least but when I saw this, I thought of you Lee. You wear it when you're training or in battle. Like your leg weights, it makes you stronger and faster as you train or you can wear it under your clothes like chain mail for protection. Well, that's how it was explained to me." Naruto covered his ear as Lee yelled into it. The guy jumped up and down in excitement, put on the heavy metal shirt then he too left the group so he could go show Guy-sensei his new gift. "Is everybody going to leave after I give them something?" Naruto wiggled a finger in his ear as he eyed the rest of his friends with mock exasperation.

They all laughed and promised not to run off and the gift giving went on. Tenten received a portable kit containing a sharpening stone, some oil and polishing cloths for her limitless collections of weapons. Tongue-in-cheek, Hinata told Neji to be on his best behavior since now his lady's weapons would be as sharp as the wind. Naruto laughed and kissed her while Neji tried to ignore them. Seems they hadn't forgotten Hanabi's warning from so long ago and were still teasing him.

"Neji, I wasn't sure what to get you. Pervy Sage thought I should give you one of his books but I thought Tenten might not like that!" Naruto said quickly as the girl frowned. "So, I got you some other books. Hinata once told me you had a thing about history, so I got a bunch of books on the histories of every place we went." He handed his soon to be brother-in-law a stack of books. As he handed them to a bright eyed Neji, he winked and gestured to the bottom book, it was Make Out Tactics. Naruto nodded sagely and smiled when Neji carefully slipped the book into his sleeve.

"Sakura you get, well here. I hope you like it." Naruto handed her a small package and stepped back to Hinata's side.

Sakura looked at his nervous face then quickly tore open the package. She stopped stunned then her eyes shining like emeralds looked up at her baby brother. "Naruto…it's beautiful." She stood and shook out the dress. It was the same shade as her hair and silk. It fell to her knees and it had only one shoulder strap leaving the other bare.

"Were you a girl in another life? What about shoes? You know about those too?" Sasuke asked sarcastically earning a punch from Hinata and Tenten. He rubbed his arms but laughed when Naruto blushed.

"Oh shut up! My Naruto just has wonderful taste. Sakura, I can't wait to see it on you!" Hinata smacked Sasuke one more time before going to the girl to admire the dress.

Sakura let Hinata hold it as she went to Naruto and hugged him tightly. "Thank you Naruto. You're so sweet!" She kissed his cheek then laughed as the hair tickled her lips. "So you're keeping it then?" Sakura cupped his face.

"Yeah, Hinata likes it so for a while yeah. Father trimmed it for me." Naruto grinned remembering the hard look Hiashi had giving him when he'd held the razor in his hand. Apparently he'd looked scared silly because Hiashi had had a laughing fit. "Okay on with the gifts." He kissed his sister then went back to his pack.

Choji got some exotic foods. Akamaru a huge bone, well it was huge when he was small dog, now it was just a snack. Naruto apologized but the dog gave him a wet doggy kiss as thanks. Kiba got books too on different breeds of dogs and the addresses of some of the breeders; maybe Konoha could get some new types of dogs and expand their four-legged forces.

"Shikamaru, I want to play you first okay? You think I'm kidding but did learn to play pretty well!" From the depths of his pack, Naruto produced two exquisitely carved wooden boxes. Inside were highly polished Go stones. He passed them to a shocked genius. "Wait there's more, it's not the one I wanted to get but I could afford this one. Here." Solemnly Naruto presented the second part of his gift.

Shikamaru was already staring at the stones and the beautiful boxes but his mouth dropped open at the matching wooden Go board. It was perfect, simply perfect. He blinked then smiled at Naruto shaking his head. "Can we play now?" Never had he thought to own such a beautiful Go set. "Why Naruto? You didn't have to." With the utmost care, Shikamaru took the heavy Go board then placed the stones in their boxes on top and stroked his fingers over them in appreciation.

"You're my friends and I wanted to. Shikamaru…you were the first to know. You accepted me – no questions, so consider this a thank you of sorts for that." Naruto shrugged then took the hand Shikamaru offered him.

"You're welcome and thanks Naruto. I'll treasure it." Shikamaru said looking him over. Gone was too happy overeager kid, now a man stood before him. He'd chosen to pull his hair back again with the shades resting in his hair. Here was a brand new Naruto.

Naruto let go of Shikamaru's hand then turned to his brothers. "I think getting stuff for you guys was hardest." Naruto noticed Sasuke looking down at the ground a pained expression on his face and Naruto immediately felt guilty. He hadn't meant to bring up painful memories for his brother. "Sasuke…"

"So that's why the pack was so damned heavy!" Takeshi said interrupting. He'd been informed of Sasuke's initial reaction to the fox within Naruto. At first he'd been angry and the two of them had had an argument and almost came to blows but Hinata had stepped in and made them sit and talk it out.

Takeshi knew that Sasuke wished that he'd been like Shikamaru and that he'd been there for Naruto without doubts, hate and accusations. Now wasn't the time for recriminations. That was the past, no need to dwell there anymore. "So what did I get? Sasuke can wait!" He grabbed Naruto in a headlock. Takeshi laughed as Naruto playfully wrestled with him. There was so much power in him yet he was holding back as they played. "I missed you Naruto." Funny how he'd gotten so used to rough-housing with him, he hadn't realized until now how much fun it was to be Naruto's big brother.

Naruto quit playing, unhooked Takeshi's arm and looked up at the man. "Yeah, me too. You grew on me pretty quick." He grinned. "So for you and your new place, I got you this." Out of the pack he withdrew a large roll of canvas. "Open it." Again he grew nervous as he waited for his new brother to unroll the canvas.

Takeshi did. "Naruto…little brother…she's beautiful. How do you like it my lady?" He laughed at the phoenix's response. Takeshi tore his eyes from the painting of a phoenix. "How?" By this time most everyone was crowding around behind Takeshi to look at the painting of a phoenix in flight.

"I met this kid. Man he had paintings everywhere! I was showing him pictures of you guys and mentioned my big-big brother loved the legend of the phoenix and seeing the colors you wear, he painted that. Ugh – what was that for?!" Naruto jerked away from his brother when Takeshi planted a wet kiss on his forehead.

"From the phoenix. She wanted me to kiss you on the lips so be happy that's as far as I went!" Takeshi laughed and took back his painting from Tenten. "She would like to meet this child one day to thank him for portraying her so beautifully."

"Sure we can go one day." Naruto said. "I want him to do one of us." He looked over at Hinata with a soft smile.

"I'd love that!" She blew him a kiss then went to Sasuke. "Your turn oh-sarcastic-one." Hinata pulled him to his feet and was glad to see him smiling. He was better now.

"The only thing I want is to know is if you succeeded." Sasuke stood before Naruto a question in his eyes.

"You would have to bring that up! Yes and no." He looked away from his brother's black stare.

"What the hell does that mean? Either you can or not!" Sasuke scowled.

"I can and can't!" They were nose to nose glaring at each other. "You'll just have to see for yourself!" Naruto pushed him back. "Now take your damn present!"

"When? Show me now!" He gripped Naruto's shirt.

"Am I going to have to hurt you?" Hinata asked with her hands on her hips. "Later Sasuke. You two can play later!" She was thrilled to see them bonding again. Sasuke was never able to brood for long with Naruto around.

Sasuke eyed the girl and sighed. She would hurt him. "Soon. Okay give me the damn gift!" He huffed and crossed his arms.

Naruto blinked and looked from Hinata to Sasuke then busted out laughing. "SHE TAMED YOU! YOU'RE AN OBEIDENT LITTLE BOY. MY HINATA'S GOT YOU DANCING LIKE A PUPPET ON A STRING!" He was laughing so hard he fell down.

"Oh shut up! Idiot! Like you're not whipped!" Sasuke wanted to kick him but knew he didn't dare not with Hinata there. Naruto's laughter was getting on his nerves. It had been a while since he'd heard so much laughter. Stupid little brother!

"Yeah but I'm in love with her, it's easy being whipped when it's for love!" Naruto wiped away tears. It's so much fun to tease you Sasuke!

"I'm not sure that's a compliment." Hinata said frowning down at Naruto. Sighing she held out a hand to help him up then smiled when he kissed it first. Sometimes he was a real charmer.

"Here big bro." Naruto dug into his almost empty pack. "It actually seems like the right thing now." He said quietly as he looked at Sasuke. Sasuke had changed his look yet again. Black pants with a white shirt open at the neck and a dark blue long coat with a high collar. Naruto nodded to himself.

Sasuke eyed him curiously then opened the small box. Inside was a pair of fingerless, hand protector gloves. He began to nod, he'd been thinking about getting some. "Nice little brother. Thanks." He pulled them out then stopped when he spotted something else in the box. "You don't give a guy jewelry you idiot." Sasuke said softly but there was no menace in his words. He turned, put down the box then put on his gloves. Sasuke then picked up the necklace and slipped it over his head before turning back to his friends.

A black cord led down to the silver pendant. There was an 'S' and an 'N' then below it 'brothers' all in kanji. Sasuke stepped forward and to everyone's surprise, hugged Naruto briefly. "Thanks Naruto."

"No problem." Naruto hugged him tight. He hadn't been sure Sasuke would like it but he wanted there to be a physical representation of their brotherhood. They broke apart and stood awkwardly for a moment then Naruto went to his pack again. "I got something for Father and Hanabi too. I hid Mama's and Dad's back at her house. They'll get theirs tonight. What about you sweetheart? I can give you yours now or wait until it's just us."

Hinata had wondered if he'd brought her anything. What she wanted most was in front of her standing tall and looking handsome. "Do we need to be alone for you to give it to me?" She realized it could be something really embarrassing especially knowing how much stuff he'd picked up from Master Jiraiya.

"Nah, I'm just hoping you'll want to thank me…in bed." Naruto grinned at her.

"Oh you! Give my present!" Hinata hit him in the stomach then realized she was only hurting herself against those rock hard muscles.

"My lady, your gift." Naruto bowed before her then handed her a large flat box.

"It another dress! It has to be. That's what it is, isn't Naruto?" Sakura linked her arm with his watching Hinata sit down to open her gift.

"Yeah. The last one got messed up and besides once I saw it…you'll be an angel wearing it. Not that you aren't one already." Naruto said softly looking at the love of his life.

Hinata stopped to look at him. In his eyes, she could tell he spoke from the heart. Excitement and love flowed from him to her. She forgot all about her gift.

"Open it! Come on Hinata, I'm dying here!" Sakura said bouncing next to Naruto. The romance between them was always something to watch but right now she wanted to see this new dress.

Blinking lavender eyes, Hinata did as she was told. She had no words. The dress seemed to glow in the bright sunshine. It was pearly white. "For me?" Hinata was crying as she stood.

"Beautiful." Takeshi sighed.

Sasuke said. "Damn."

"Whoa." Shikamaru whistled.

Akamaru woofed in appreciation. There were other murmurs of awe.

The dress was floor length. The silky creation would fasten behind her neck. A V led to her breasts with another V below them to emphasize those curves then it fell softly in a straight line. Her back would be completely exposed stopping at her waist. Hinata's pale skin, light eyes and dark hair wearing this dress – she would be a sensual angel.

"Only for you." Naruto whispered. His heart sped up. Man I love this woman!

Hinata carefully placed the dress back in the box then ran into Naruto's arms. She was held tight then spun around. "I love it! I love you!" She said into his ear.

"I know." He laughed joyously. "But say it some more!"

"I hope you guys are taking notes." Sakura said as she blew her nose. These two were her hope. One day she wanted love like this.

"I remember everything and believe me; I will use it all if I have to. But the clothes thing – that's Naruto's. I'd fail miserably." Shikamaru slouched against a tree watching the couple with a smile.

"I'm not that bad a judge of clothing but when I meet that special someone – I'm taking Naruto shopping with me. With him along, whatever we pick out will be special." Takeshi stated. "Just watching them makes me want to meet a woman just like Hinata. Too bad Hanabi's too young." He said with regret.

Sasuke laughed at that. "Well there are other Hyuga females around, you could luck out." He shook his head. "But will we ever get what they have – that I doubt." He wasn't the only man to sigh wistfully.

"You won't know until you try Sasuke." Sakura said softly. There was still a part of her that wanted to be that woman for him but lately she'd been spending a lot of time with Lee. Sometime soon, Sasuke needed to make a decision.

Finally coming up for air and seeing all his friends watching him, Naruto got an idea. "Hey! Wanna go skating? I've got my own personal rink – my treat!" Naruto asked full of life, Hinata plastered to his side. This was turning out to be a great day.


Tsunade had cried when she saw Hinata's dress. They had already picked out a wedding dress but now after seeing the lovely gift, it was decided that Hinata should wear the new dress. She bawled even more when she saw her gift.

"Mama stop crying. You like it right? I tried to get the size right but I umm wasn't sure about the bust." Naruto was beet red. "They said it could be umm fitted…a seamstress or something." He scratched his head and felt so awkward. "You don't have to wear it, I thought you'd like it. Mmph!" Naruto found his face trapped in that bust.

"I adore it! It's beautiful and I'll wear this to the wedding too." Tsunade wondered what was wrong when Naruto jerked away then laughed as he heaved in air.

"I wanna live Mama! How about I hug you instead?" Carefully he approached her and lay his head on top of her breasts and gently held her. "Better."

Iruka and Hinata had a hard time catching their breath from laughing. Soon Iruka got his present. He watched as Naruto approached with a small box. "No dress for me? Not even a suit or new clothes?" He teased his son.

"Ha, ha Dad. Now you sound like Sasuke. I can give this to Kakashi-sensei you know!" Naruto stepped back and held the box behind his back.

"Kakashi get my gift? No way!" Iruka tried to get the box away from Naruto but his son's moves were too good. Finally he put on the 'Dad look'. "Hand it over now Naruto."

Naruto blinked. "Want it that bad huh? Well here Dad, I was just waiting on you to really want it!" He teased not giving Iruka an inch but handed over the box.

"Mouthy kid." Iruka muttered and took his seat. He glanced up curiously as Naruto dropped down to the floor in front of him. Must be something good if he wants to see me open it. Iruka lifted the lid. "Oh, it's a watch."

"Actually it's more than a watch. See look." Naruto reached for it and held it up. "I thought it was pretty neat Dad. You can snap it into this band and wear it on your arm. Its leather and it will protect your arm like a hand protector. It's really sturdy, made of steel and waterproof. Or see Dad, you can wear it like a pocket watch and it has a chain too. You like it Dad?" Naruto looked up at his father. The whole time he'd been demonstrating the watch, he hadn't looked at his father's face.

Iruka took the watch from his son with a soft smile. He looked it over. It was simple in design, nothing fancy. It told the time and the date. Easy to read numbers. The body was silver. He turned it over and paused. My favorite sensei is also MY DAD. Love Naruto. "Ah son, I do like it. I like it a lot and I'll always wear it." He was glad Naruto wasn't wearing his shades in the house and he could see those wonderfully expressive blue eyes. Naruto was relieved and pleased that he had accepted the watch. He rubbed his son's head then hugged him when Naruto got up on his knees.

Now that he'd surprised his parents with gifts, Naruto was ready to eat. Dinner was enjoyed with much laughter as Naruto told them about his day meeting up with Konohamaru and his friends and teaching them to skate and his friends reactions to their gifts. Tsunade couldn't wait to see Takeshi's gift and if the painting was as good as he said, then maybe she would commission one of them as a family. After dinner both parents begged for Naruto to tell them about the pictures. He groused when he learned that the old man had given Tsunade a set of pictures too. He muttered disgusted about Jiraiya and his sneaky ways but once again he was unable to resist their pleading and explained about where he'd been and had been doing when the pictures were taken.

Like Hinata, they felt closer to Naruto afterwards. His time away now had meaning. Yes the letters were helpful but to look into his blue eyes and watch the expressions on his face as he told them some of what he'd endured. The bond between him and Jiraiya had grown and his absolute love for Talon was so like that of a father to a child. Uzumaki Naruto was much more than the teen he used to be and yet still was that same teen.

"Naruto, Jiraiya spoke to me today about how your skills have improved." Tsunade said as she next to him on the couch.

"So he did more than drop off pictures I told him not to take?" Naruto still couldn't believe he hadn't noticed Jiraiya snapping pictures. Almost from the day they'd left to the day they'd headed home, there were pictures! He shook his head knowing he'd either been too focused on training, too exhausted or too busy trying not to miss his family that of course he hadn't noticed a thing.

"Don't be mad son. We're glad he did. We wanted to know about what you'd been up to and now we do." Iruka studied Naruto and his new look. He didn't look like a child anymore, or a teen. It was going to take some getting used to.

Naruto had seen their faces as they went through the pictures. They looked at them so hard and with longing as if to put themselves in the pictures so that they were there in the past sharing those months with him. "Don't worry Dad, I'm okay. So what did he say?" He threw an arm over his mother's shoulder and pulled her close.

"He thought, rightly so, that we're curious about your training and how strong you are. Jiraiya wants you to have an assessment test. You're to fight and show us what you can do." Tsunade looked at the strong line of his jaw.

"Yeah we talked about it some on the way home. Sure, how about the day after tomorrow. I want another day to really sleep and rest – then I can kick…whose ass?" He looked in question at his mother. "You won't see much if it's just one person." Naruto was matter-of-fact about this.

Hinata smiled. She sat curled in a chair facing them. It was nice to see mother and son together. But she was also smiling at the confidence in him. Naruto wanted to show off, some things never changed.

"Oh really? Well he suggested several people actually, more than five for you to fight at the same time. Now what do you to have to say about that?" Tsunade asked wondering if Naruto would be intimidated.

"Just five? Okay." Naruto shrugged. "It's a good thing we spent that time in Suna. I was out of practice fighting more than one opponent although Jiraiya is a tricky bastard to fight! Did you really always beat him Mama?" Naruto asked genuinely curious. "The stuff he knows…I was only able to really get him twice the whole time and that was pure luck. Man, I wish could really take him down, you know? Knock the old man on his ass. What?" He looked from Iruka's wide-eyed stare to his mother's mouth in a shocked O. "What? Sweetheart, what'd I say?"

Hinata shook her head. "I don't know. Dad?" She reached over and shook him.

"You actually beat him? How? What do you mean when you say you beat him?" Iruka scooted to the edge of his seat.

"It was luck like I said. I'd finally got Mama's move down then went at him with a round house punch. Of course he thought it was a normal punch and was teasing me." Naruto grinned. "He was out of it for almost an hour! He wouldn't speak to me for two days!" He laughed. "Now that would have been a great picture!"

"And the second time?" Tsunade asked knowing she'd have to ask Jiraiya to be sure. Either Jiraiya was getting slow in his old age or Naruto was definitely getting stronger.

"Can't tell you that one. I used a new move on him. Maybe you'll see it at the test." Naruto yawned. "I can't believe how sleepy I am. I even took a nap today, didn't I Hinata?" They'd skated for a couple of hours then the group split up. He and Hinata had gone home and he hadn't last an hour before he dropped off.

"Yes. Before coming over here, he conked out for almost two hours. You wore yourself out while you were gone and now you can finally rest. It's only natural Naruto. Maybe we could put the test off until next week." Hinata uncurled her legs and sat up. "There's no rush is there?" She wanted to see what he learned but at the same time she wanted him rested.

Naruto looked at her. Hinata was worried about him, it made him feel special. "Mama, the test will be the day after tomorrow. Love you." He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "Let's go home sweetheart." Naruto got up and went to Iruka. "You're off tomorrow right? Let's go up to the hot springs, I need to recharge my batteries. I'll come by your place first thing in the morning." He held out a hand to his father wanting to see the watch on his arm.

Iruka looked at the hand then he took it. "It's been a while since I was up there. Sure." Using his grip on Naruto, Iruka pulled him close for a hug.

Hinata sighed and went to kiss Tsunade goodnight. He can be so stubborn! "He get's that bossy attitude from me." Tsunade told her with a smile and wondered at the girl's laughter.


Father and son had breakfast together then went up to the hot springs. Naruto got a massage then soaked until he thought he was going to dissolve. He told his father a bit more about his days away, more than he would ever tell his mother or Hinata. He shared some of just how hard it had been- Jiraiya's perverseness, the weather and missing them.

Iruka listened and shared Naruto's pain. When he was done he told his son every crazy, weird and funny thing that had happened while he'd been gone. Iruka had these stories because it had been his homework for the last six months. Somehow he'd known Naruto would need them and he'd memorized everything he could that would make his son laugh and laugh he did. Smiles were on everyone's faces as they listened to Naruto and Iruka's laughter.

They were back, father and son. The time lost, forgotten. It wasn't only Naruto who recharged his batteries but Iruka as well. In the hot springs he finally relaxed. From the moment Naruto had been gone, he'd unknowingly hardened his heart as well as his body. By the time they left, skin rosy with health, bodies' relaxed both were ready to face anything. The assessment test would be a piece of cake.