(Notes: I will first apologies for the length of time this took to write. Between everything I had planned and never finding and ending I liked I went over my mark so please forgive. I will leave anything else until after you have read so please continue on)

The Work is Over, Time to Party!

Konohamaru landed right into a tree. He slid down it and got up rubbing his backside which had taken the brunt of the force. He knew that Naruto would have been stronger than him but he hadn't been expecting this much. As he wiped the water off his costume he heard a noise behind him. As he looked up he saw something in the tree. He went back to wiping his top, not wanting whoever it was to know that he had seen them. Konohamaru waited, reaching for a kunai. He then made the necessary had signals and then ran turned and threw the kunai at the figure. It jumped out the way and Konohamaru ran up the tree towards the figure. The figure threw 2 kunai at Konohamaru hitting him right in the chest causing him to disappear in a puff of smoke and instead a log to fall to the ground.

Naruto landed beside the log smiling. He was sure the way he was angled meant that Konohamaru couldn't make him out because of the sun however he hadn't counted on Konohamaru spotting him in the tree. He was being too lax with him and now he wasn't to sure where he was. As if reading his mind 3 Konohamaru's jumped out and stood in front of Naruto, all with smug grins.

"I got you good!" on of them said while the other 2 laughed. "And now you're going to pay," another said as he stopped laughing and at that they ran at him. The middle Konohamaru threw a punch at Naruto while the other 2 drew out kunai ready to slash him. Naruto jumped right over the middle 1 leaving the other 2 to slash him and in a puff of smoke there were only 2.

It was Naruto who laughed now while saying "You surprised me once with your shadow clones, you can't do it again," then he took a defensive stance and said "so you can choose to run and plan or you can come at me again,"

"I never run!" both the Konohamaru's shouted and charged at him both throwing punches in at him. It was like watching a mirror as ones right and the others left went side by side straight for Naruto's stomach. Naruto grabbed both fists in his palms causing the 2 Konohamaru's to stop. Then the ground erupted as 2 Naruto's came bursting out the ground and hit the Konohamaru's with an uppercut each. To the surprise of all 3 Naruto's there was a puff of smoke and their enemies were gone. Naruto had thought at lest 1 of them was the real thing but if they weren't then where was he? At that thought Naruto heard a noise come from above him and both his clones on either side of him disappeared and then Konohamaru landed in front of him. "I have you now," he said and ran at him with another kunai in his hand.

Naruto took Konohamaru's hand with the kunai in it and twisted it up his back. "Think about it Konohamaru," Naruto said as he effortlessly held him in place with one arm "I have came at you from the air and the ground but according to Taijustu there is always 3 ways. Where haven't I attacked you from?"

Konohamaru, still struggling, said "there is only the direct approach, head on!"

"Exactly," he said with a smile and then a Naruto came out of no where and punched Konohamaru, sending him across the ground and leaving him limp. "Genjustsu's can make you see what ever I want you to but can also make you not see what I don't want you to," Naruto said as his clone disappeared and he walked over to Konohamaru. He held his hand to his neck "just knocked out," he told himself reassuringly "sorry buddy, but this is what ninja life is like. Now onto the others," Naruto told himself and jumped into the air leaving Konohamaru unconscious.

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Moegi started to search around wondering where the others were. It was scary for her to be on her own, especially against such a tuff opponent as Naruto, but she tried to stay calm. She drew out a kunai ready to attack the first time she saw anyone. As she walked forward she heard rustling coming from a bush behind her. "Come out!" she demanded at the bush. It stopped moving but no one came out. She stared at it and started to walk towards it saying again "Come out!" in a direct tone. She was merely inches away from it when it started to move rapidly from side to side. Moegi screamed and threw her kunai at it. She heard it break the skin of her victim then a scream. The scream was familiar to Moegi though she hadn't heard it in some time. "Konohamaru?" she asked hoping to be corrected.

"M…Moegi?" came a weak voice from a figure who was now crawling out the bush. The sight lost Moegi all her colour. Konohamaru was laying in a pool pf his own blood. He looked battle damaged, with bruises and cuts up and down his arms and back. One of his ankles looked broken and was sitting at an awkward angle. The worst part was one single kunai stood deep in his chest and from that wound there was a river of blood was coming out. Moegi couldn't move. She was stunned with horror. "Hel……..Help me! Please M…Moegi, help me!" cried Konohamaru who stretched out a hand at the red headed girl who stood in horror.

Moegi screamed again and over come with fear, sorrow, disbelief and so many others she collapsed in a heap. The Konohamaru who was lying on the floor disappeared in a puff of smoke and was replaced by Naruto. "Sorry Moegi," he said kneeling over her. He checked her pulse while speaking to her, hoping she could still hear him "you need to realise that these things will happen in battle and you have to deal with them or you're opponent will use it against you. Your fine," he said reassuringly as he stood up looking around. He could tell that the last of this group had, had more time to prepare and is more ready to deal with Naruto's style. This was going to be interesting for Naruto.

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Naruto landed from a tree right in the middle of the place where he knew Udon was. He thought it was only fair to give one of them a fighting chance so he decided to only defend himself in this fight. He looked around for any sign of Udon hiding in the trees but saw nothing. Naruto knew that Udon had landed here but it had been some time and he had been told that Udon seemed to be the most tactical of the rest. This is why Naruto wanted to take him on last. Konohamaru would have came looking for Naruto anyway and tried a head on attack were as Moegi would not have known what to do without the others there to guide her. This meant the only one who needed a lot of time to be ready would be Udon. If this had been a mission Udon would have been first on his list after they split up but were was the fun in that?

Naruto heard a small noise. He could recognise it straight away to be a rock hitting a tree. He two had used that to get opponents to go to another location, normally for a trap. Naruto decided to play dumb and go for it. As he walked he also saw a small wire across the two trees he was about to pass through. Naruto almost laugh at the simplicity of it. He guessed that tripping the wire to send the trees toppling onto him. Textbook stuff quite literarily. Naruto continued walking while making quick hand signals so they would not be seen. He decided such a trap and so much preparation deserved a good show.

Udon watched as Naruto walked into the trap and as planned the trees collapsed flattening Naruto. Udon smirked at how easy it was to fool him and was shocked if his comrades hadn't been able to do the same. Udon jumped on to the pile of rouble that was once two trees and a ninja. He drew his kunai out realising the one flaw in this scene. It seemed that although Naruto was crushed neither his body nor any bit of blood was there. All there was in the pile was broken and cracked wood. "A Kawarimi no Jutsu,"(literally Body Replacement Technique) Udon said under his breath now looking around for where Naruto could be.

There was a thud on the ground right in front of Udon. He looked down to see that a kunai had landed right there and he looked up to see Naruto falling straight at him. Udon jumped back as Naruto landed but Naruto wasted little time of picking up the kunai in the ground and heading straight for Udon. He threw the kunai again and missed Udon by inches. Udon threw one back but Naruto took it on one hand and with a spin of his own body, used the extra momentum to throw the kunai back even harder. Udon dodged and rolled out of the way of Naruto who also landed on the ground. Naruto took a fighting stance as did Udon but to the younger ninja's surprise Naruto smiled and went into a more relaxed stance. He merely smiled and pointed up. As Udon followed the finger up he saw a cage fall from the sky. Those Kunai weren't missing by accident but instead were setting off that cage to fall. Udon dived out of the way but did not land on solid ground. Instead he fell into a deep hole.

Naruto could hear the boy scream in agony after he hit the ground. Naruto looked down the hole and saw Udon holding his ankle. "Are you ok?" Naruto called down but all he got as a reply was more screaming. "It might just be a sprain but either way we will call it quits for now," Naruto said and was sure he heard a thank you, somewhere in the pain.

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The three young Genin sat at the three stumps they had met at before, all exhausted and looking worse for wear. Konohamaru was punching the left stump and cursing under his breath. Moegi sat at the right stump looking pale and sneaking glances at Konohamaru, though he was clearly too angry to notice. Udon also sat though at the middle stump. He had only sprained his ankle but it was still in some pain and was bandaged up. Udon couldn't help but realise that his bandage represented a lot more than just a sprained ankle.

Naruto was watching them. He didn't want their exercise to end the way it did but he had suspected them not to pass as he had hoped. He walked up to them and they all stop whatever they were doing and looked up at him. "Well you blew it," he said simply "I still have the bells and you have nothing but self-pity and pain,"

"Yeah well how are we supposed to beat you?" Konohamaru spat at him "you are a lot older than us and have had a lot more training,"

"And yet," Naruto said calmly "You out number me 3 to 1," on this Konohamaru stopped shouting. "The worst part," Naruto said "is that, officially I should send you back to the academy,"

At this the entire team began to shout the unfairness of this rule. Naruto raised his hand and said "How is it unfair? This exercise is to display team work as well as skill. All you have done is go out on your own,"

"You Konohamaru," Naruto said pointing at him "as appose to trying to get help when I came after you or trying to regroup, you instead tried to take me on 1 on 1," at this Konohamaru looked away.

"And Moegi," he said turning to the girl of the group "waited for someone else to find her and never dreamed of doing it herself," Moegi blushed again and had tears rise in her eyes.

"And let us not forget the great tactician!" Naruto said signalling to Udon "who was so busy making his plan work he forgot that with his friends it would have worked better," at this Udon just stared at his ankle not moving.

"You are skilled ninjas," Naruto said "but if you act so selfishly then I don't see the reason for this team to stay as it is!"

Naruto's words cut deep into all of them. They could not picture being separated let alone put into another group. They stayed in silence, all wondering what their fate would be and if they would be separated. Naruto watched as each one of the Genin drifted into their own thoughts. He knew he was being harsh but when it came to training that was his way. Kakashi had never let any of them slack and Jiraiya would make him go even harder than Kakashi would. Kakashi had failed people for failing this test and Jiraiya had forced punishments for failed training so maybe it was best. The more Naruto thought on it though the more it didn't seem right. He wondered if Kakashi had thought the same when he gave Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura a second try. Either way Naruto knew this team was right for each other but had he made his point. "Konohamaru," Naruto said to get his attention then asked "your comrades have fallen behind and there are many ninjas ahead of you. You are supposed to make it to your destination point before sun down but if you wait for your comrades you will be late and jeopardise the mission. However if you don't wait you and your comrades will die, what do you do?"

Naruto knew the easy answer to this but wondered if Konohamaru would get the right one. After a moment of thinking he said "I would send my Shadow clone to scout ahead while setting up base for Udon and Moegi. Then I would tell them what it saw and ask Udon for a plan because he is good at that. I would then follow that plan and hope for the best making sure Moegi had sent her owl on ahead to inform who ever we are meeting not to wait and that we would catch up,"

Naruto smiled at this answer then turned to Moegi. "Ok Moegi," he said causing her to look up at him "you are protecting a high class leader from another village. You have been given information that 9 ninjas are waiting in hiding to get you on the only path there is to get to the destination, what do you do?"

Again Naruto watched as she thought hoping for her to give the answer he was looking for. "Well," the young Genin said after a pause "Udon always says there is only 1 safe route but many that are unsafe so Konohamaru would take the unsafe route disguised as the leader with Udon in hoping to lure the men away into a trap while I disguised myself and the leader to slip into the village and then go back with help to defeat the ninjas,"

Naruto smiled again and finally turned to Udon. It seemed Udon didn't like the answers given as he was staring at his team mates as if they had done very wrong however his face changed as Naruto spoke to him. "A Jonin has kidnapped one of your team mates," Naruto said "and tells you to surrender the package you have been carrying or your partner will die, what do you do?"

"Procedure dictates," Udon began saying as if reciting a text book but was silenced by Naruto raise his hand. "No," Naruto said shaking his head "I don't want to know what a text book or scroll tells you what to do, I want to know what you would do?"

At this Udon realised what was being asked and said "It would depend, if Konohamaru had been captured I would use Moegi's Owl to send an air message secretly to him so he would know how to react to our plan. If it were Moegi who got kidnapped I would devise a plan with Konohamaru to replace himself with her then form a plan to defeat them,"

Naruto was beaming at them as he said "Well done!" he could tell he had confused them so he continued "this is why you make such a great team because you know each other. You know how each one of you would react to situations; you know each others strengths and weaknesses. You know each others techniques and this is why I will not send you back to the academy!"

At this the three Genin beamed at Naruto and cheered for themselves. Naruto smiled back believing they had learned a great deal and he couldn't help thinking Kakashi and Jiraiya would be proud of him, even if they were hiding in the trees not wanting to be seen.

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Sakura couldn't believe she had left it so late to get ready but she also needed to tell Naruto to get ready as well. He may not know she had a party planned for him but she was at least going to make him look nice for it. She had already been to his place and the ramin bar to find him and was now running out of options. As she ran down the street looking for him she ran head first into a tall man who had just came out of a restaurant stall. "I'm so sorry," she said and shed dusted herself off and hopping it hadn't caused a scene. Sakura took the hand that was being offered to her and she looked up to see a smile that was so warm it almost made her blush. Those blue eyes that searched her soul, mixed with the smile that made her heart want to stop and go double speed at the same time. Everything in his face seemed to be so much better since his hair had been cut.

"Are you ok?" Naruto asked as he helped her up. She was wearing a very dazed look and she realised how goofy it must have looked. "I hope I didn't hurt you?" he asked again now with a concerned look on his face.

"No, no I'm fine," Sakura said quickly regaining her mind. "You cut you're hair," she said, then realised how out of the blue it must have sounded added "It looks great," then wanted to slap herself for such a dull complement.

Naruto laughed and said "Yeah the long look was never for me but training for so long in the wilderness you kinda have no time for hair cuts," and they both laughed. Sakura had to admit she preferred his shorter. It was heavier set than his old style, and was still naturally spiky but more all round rather than just on the top. It seemed to set his face perfectly which made her blush even thinking of it. "So where are you heading?" Naruto asked a little confused over the silence.

Sakura shook herself out of her dream and said "Oh yeah I was looking for you. I want you to go home, shower and put on your best cloths then wait for me at your place. I should be round in say about an hour so that gives us both enough time to get ready,"

At this Naruto looked puzzled and asked "ready for what?" but Sakura merely shook her head and repeated to be ready for an hour. Sakura left with a smile on her face while Naruto wondered what could be so special.

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Naruto got dressed in a black top and black trousers with lighting blue strips up the outside of them. He also wore a long leather jacket which had blue flames on it. Naruto remembered first seeing it when Jiraiya gave it to him. He was sure Jiraiya was trying to make him into the new 3rd Hokage until he saw that the flames made a picture of a fox's head. It was almost eerie at first but the more he wore it the more he and others liked it. So he chose it as his dress jacket for special occasions. He also wore wooden sandals, much like Jiraiya, even though he hated them. He had been told many times that he looked handsome wearing this combination, by men and women alike but he was still unsure to wear it to a date with Sakura, for he was sure this must be what it was. He was wondering whether to change when he heard a knock on the door. Sakura had told him to be ready in an hour and he was sure he was scraping for time. He answered the door and there was Sakura looking beautiful. She was wearing a long pink dress and pink shoes. She also had a white gold necklace and her ninja band was pink to match her dress. She looked breath taking.

Naruto stood there in awe of her causing her to blush a little and say "So would it be a stupid question if I asked do I look nice?"

Naruto shook his head to regain himself and said "No, I mean yes, I mean no it's not a stupid question and yes you do look nice," Sakura laughed and Naruto blushed. It was strange to feel so embarrassed round a girl who he had fought side by side with for some time but Naruto knew that she had changed. It took him to this point to see her no longer as the girl he had a crush on but now a very beautiful, talented woman who he admired and cared for. "So where are we going?" Naruto asked trying to get back his cool.

"You'll see," she said with a wink then took him by the hand leading him to only God knows where. Naruto followed her though the deserted streets wondering where everybody was. It was strange not to see any shops or restaurants open and made him wonder where they could be going for a date if there was no place to go. "You know," Sakura said causing Naruto's mind to stop wondering "I can't help but think this would have went so much smoother if you had arrived today as appose too yesterday."

Naruto a little confused by this said "Why? It looks like everything is closed up but yesterday they were all open. Surely that would make yesterday a better day?" and Naruto couldn't help seeing it to be even more fact as he said it. Sakura however said nothing but just continued to smile as she led him down the empty street.

Naruto could here music from where they were going to and it was getting louder the closer they got. Naruto shot Sakura a questioning look but she merely smiled more at him and gave him a wink as they continued. Now Naruto could make out a stage from the distance and what seemed to be many people all laughing and enjoying themselves. Naruto knew now what it was. It was a party.

He went to speak but Sakura cut him off and said "It will all make sense when we get there," and left him feeling more confused than before. As they drew closer Naruto was shocked to see so many from the village there. He was sure it was everyone who was still in the village in the town square but still wondered why. He had been away for 5 years, maybe it was a new tradition that happened this date every year and that's why Sakura had wanted him to come today rather than yesterday. He didn't voice any of his queries to Sakura as he was sure she wouldn't tell him anything until they got there. They were mere feet away from the party when Sakura said "We were glad you gave us a date of when you were coming back so we could get this all right in time but you came back early so we couldn't change it but here you are," and with that she held out her arms to the part. Naruto who was more confused now than ever followed her arm up to a banner that hung behind the stage that read 'WELCOME HOME NARUTO!' and finally Naruto got it.

He was so overwhelmed with it he had no idea what to say but thankfully he got so engulfed he didn't have to say anything. So many faces that Naruto knew well, spoke to on occasion or only knew by sight came over to him to congratulate his return. He was dragged away from Sakura who was beaming at him as he got swept away by so many of the villagers. Naruto was shocked that so many knew his name or that they even cared he was back. He finally felt excepted.

It wasn't till Naruto herd the music stop and saw that Tsunade was standing on the stage that Naruto realised he was being brought there. He had no idea why but not wanting to try and fight the crowed he went along with them. As he got to the steps leading to the stage Naruto saw the face of a man he hadn't seen since they parted ways at Tsunade's office, Jiraiya. He was smiling wearing clothing similar to his usual attire only was black and gold, making him seem grander. Jiraiya didn't speak but beamed at him and led him up the steps to 3 empty seats next to another seat which was occupied by an elderly man who smiled at Naruto as Naruto sat next tom him. Jiraiya took the seat the other side of Naruto and Tsunade, seeing that they were seated, raised her hands for silence. As the noise died down around them Naruto couldn't help feel a little hot under the collar as all eyes were on the stage and, he couldn't help feeling, on him. "Welcome," Tsunade said loudly so everyone could hear "we are here for a celebration of the return of 2 great ninjas. One you will all know from stories as the frog hermit or as one of my fellow Sannin. He is a great ninja, though not quite as good as me, has proven his worth time and time again so I ask you to give thanks to the return of Jiraiya!"

On that Tsunade turned her hand in signal to Jiraiya who stood up and waved enthusiastically. It was strange for Naruto to watch a man who appeared and disappeared in and out of Konoha in silence to get such a huge welcome and except it so much. Naruto couldn't help thinking Jiraiya liked being seen as much as not being seen. The applause died down and Tsunade spoke again. "We are also thankful," she said loudly again "to welcome another ninja who has proven his worth to our village time and time again. Some may remember his part played in the attack on Konoha by the Sound and Sand ninjas. His bravery and skill defeated one of their greatest ninjas and helped us re-establish our connections with the village of the Sand. Others may have heard the many stories of his actions while he was out with Jiraiya. Many of his adventures have returned to his old village and I am sure you would all love to hear some so here with an event that will be cemented in history, our historian Yurai!"

At this the old man got up to speak as Tsunade cam to sit back down. Naruto turned to Jiraiya and said "What are they talking about, what stories?"

Jiraiya chuckled and said "What you think all our battles went unnoticed? How do you think legends are made? Naruto you have been held as a great ninja of the age and what you have done has been recorded and retold everywhere. Why do you think so many people are remembering your old missions and celebrate you coming back?"

Naruto sat stunned as the man told the story of the great defence of Ojiru. Naruto couldn't believe it. Jiraiya had always said that Naruto's name was well known and Naruto of course would say this to intimidate other ninjas but he never once believed it to be true. Hearing some of the story being told he almost got caught up in it himself. Though he had been there he never realized that he took out the majority of the apposing army or that they had been out numbered by at least 300. It amazed him that though he had done these events that they really did sound like legend. Maybe it was just because he was hearing it being told as a story or that so many people were listening intently at each detail but Naruto couldn't help but smile, thinking of himself as a newly made legend.

The crowd cheered as the man sat down after telling the story and Tsunade rose again to address the people. "That was a truly magnificent story," she said beaming at everyone "but before we get this party in full swing I would like to ask Naruto to come up here to say a few words," and on this she turned to face the young ninja and signalled for him to come up.

Naruto had not been expecting this and imagined he looked quite the fool with a shocked face. Tsunade signalled again for him to come up and as he rose out of his seat Jiraiya pushed him towards the front of the stage. Naruto wondered what to say. Should he tell a story himself? Maybe they were expecting some wise words or for him to talk specifically to certain people in the village? As he got up beside Tsunade something hit him that made him smile. Without any direction on what to say Naruto raised both his hands and said "Let the party begin!"

The crowd cheered and the music began to play again. Tsunade leaned down and whispered in his ear "I couldn't have said it better myself," and with a wink she walked off the stage followed by the Yurai and Jiraiya.

Naruto walked off stage as well only to be met by Sakura who was smiling at him. "You could have warned me you know," Naruto said as she guided him through the crowd towards a large table. She merely laughed as if she had been expecting him to say that and in turn this caused Naruto to laugh as well. As they reached the table Sakura poured them some drinks and handed one to Naruto. "So what now?" Naruto asked, feeling very out of place at a party in his honour.

Sakura laughed again and said "You enjoy yourself silly. Dance, have fun, have a few drinks. You sound like you have never been to a party before,"

Naruto laughed at this but it wasn't entirely false. Naruto spent most of his time travelling, training and fighting that he had very little time for parties. Though he had been at celebrations it had normally been because a village had been saved or someone had been returned after being captured. Nothing quite like this. Thankfully Naruto didn't have to think about what to do as just then Rock Lee, Neji and TenTen all came walking up to him. Neji was dressed in cream robes that were simple yet also classy and also had a sleeveless brown jacket the stopped dead on his waste. TenTen was wearing a green dress that stopped just after her knees and she was wearing wooden sandals similar to Naruto's though smaller. Rock lee however was still wearing his green spandex suit though now had a ninja jacket over it that was a darker shade of green. He looked more like Guy now than ever, it was scary. Rock Lee was the first to speak, saying very loudly "Naruto! It has been too long!" and he grasped Naruto's hand in a firm hand shake.

"Hey Lee," Naruto said trying to hold back is laughter at how little Lee had changed. Naruto then turned to Neji and TenTen and said "hey there Neji, TenTen, how are you all?"

Neji nodded in acceptance of Naruto and TenTen smiled and opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Rock Lee. "It has been so incredible since you have left," Lee said talking so loudly that more people had turned to listen whereas others had decided to walk away. "All of us have been promoted to Chunin," Lee said beaming at Naruto "and Neji is now Jonin as is Shino but soon I shall be too. Me and Shikamaru will be taking the test, it is so exciting!"

Naruto patted Lee on the shoulder and said "I'm sure you will do well," then he turned to Neji again and said "well done but I thought once you became Jonin the ANBU would snap you up. After all you are the one who almost beat me," Naruto added with a wink.

Neji smiled and said "offers have come in but I have decided to stay with my original group for now,"

"That is because he knows our group is better than any ANBU team" came an even louder voice than that of Lee's. It could only belong to one person and sure enough Naruto turned to be face to face with the mighty Guy. "Naruto!" he said slapping him on the back "It has been too long!"

Naruto almost buckled at the slap but he regained himself and said "Hey Guy, how are you?"

"I am still filled with the flame of youth Naruto, as is my team!" he said slapping Naruto again hard on the back "And it sounds like you are to. That was quite a story up there but we would all love to hear your account of it,"

At these words everyone seemed to inch a bit nearer in eager anticipation. Naruto didn't know what to say to this but thankfully came the calm collective voice that belonged to Shino. "He can tell us when he is ready," Shino said while walking over to them followed by Kiba. Shino was wearing large, baggy trousers that were black and a white top, similar to his trousers. Kiba was wearing a black shirt and leather trousers that went with his long leather coat. They both nodded at Naruto to show they had registered him then Shino turned to Sakura and said "The Hokage is looking for you, something about a medical report,"

"Oh no I forgot all about that," Sakura said putting her hands up to her mouth "save me a dance," she said to Naruto and then ran to find her sensei.

"So I'm guessing your group is still running strong?" Naruto asked Shino and Kiba.

"Only when we are together," Kiba said patting Shino on the back "Neji may have turned down the ANBU but Shino here has started training with them on a part time schedule,"

Naruto looked at Shino who nodded and said "I am training to be a tracker through the ANBU but I am also still working with the original team,"

Naruto smiled and said "That is super," then looking around he asked "where is Hinata? I thought she would be with you?"

Kiba went to answer but Shino held up and hand to silence him. Kiba scowled and Shino said "I believe she is over with her father meeting some of the other heads of clans,"

"Oh," said Naruto a little surprised Hinata was now taking interest in leading her house and even more so that her father let her.

"Naruto this party is at least not a drag," came a cool collective drawl that made Naruto turn and see the smirking face of Shikamaru. He was dressed in his ninja uniform and Choji was wearing his, just like when Naruto had seen them the day before. "Sorry we are late," Shikamaru added to everyone else "our mission took that bit longer than we had intended so we only just got back,"

"That explains your uniform," TenTen said with a small nod towards Lee who didn't seem to notice. "Where is Ino?"

"Good question," Choji said as he scanned the area for her. "She was just with us yeah?" Choji asked Shikamaru with a questioning look on his face.

"Oh please," Shikamaru said rolling his eyes "like she would turn up to a party all sweaty and dirty after a mission. She has went to freshen up,"

"Oh so we wont see her for hours then," Choji said causing the others to laugh.

"So tell us Naruto," Lee said once they had stopped laughing "what was it like training with Jiraiya? Tell us all about your time away from the village!"

Naruto almost choked on his drink on this demand. "There really isn't much to tell," Naruto said rubbing the back of his head. Everyone looked stunned at these words coming out of Naruto's mouth. Naruto couldn't blame them. Before he had left, Naruto would tell every detail of every mission he had ever done, always making himself sound a lot better than he was. Naruto had gotten out of that habit about 2 years ago and it felt weird to have people ask him to re-tell his stories.

"Oh come now Naruto," Kakashi said as he and Iruka walked towards the large group now gathered round Naruto. "You have done so many amazing things from what I have heard," Kakashi said as he stopped beside Naruto "the defence of Ojiru is only one on the long list of the Naruto Chronicles,"

"The what?" Naruto said with a complete look of shock on his face.

"Haven't you heard?" Kakashi asked surprised "Jiraiya has been writing your quests and is planning on releasing a book,"

Naruto cursed his master under his breath. He didn't want this promotion, not after what he has seen. "But we want to hear Naruto tell it," TenTen said adding "Isn't that right Lee?"

Unfortunately Lee was hanging his head in shame asking his sensei "Why don't I have chronicles Guy-sensei?"

TenTen rolled her eyes and Neji said "It would be good to hear you tell it Naruto," Neji saying it made Naruto really think. Maybe it was worth telling stories to old friends. Well only a few anyway.

Naruto began to tell some of the stories he himself still liked to hear. Naruto had not noticed but by the end of it nearly everyone at the party was gathered round and listing to Naruto. As he finished the crowed clapped and Kakashi patted Naruto on the back but whispered in his ear "We need a word,"

Naruto followed Kakashi away from the crowed and when Kakashi knew they weren't being overheard turned to Naruto and said "You've been through a lot," Naruto didn't reply just waited for Kakashi to continue. "by the sounds of it you have become quite an elite ninja," Kakashi said almost inspecting Naruto as he said it "but Jiraiya tells me you still want me to train you,"

It wasn't a question as such but Naruto decided it was the best point to answer Kakashi. "I feel there is more you could show me," Naruto said showing no emotion, waiting to read Kakashi's first.

"There isn't Naruto," Kakashi said quite sternly. Before Naruto could open his mouth Kakashi had held up his hand and said "I am flattered you would think I could teach you more but it would waste both our time and would weaken your training. You need to do this on your own now,"

"I just want to know what you taught Sasuke!" Naruto demanded at Kakashi.

"But your not Sasuke," Kakashi said. Naruto felt like he had just been struck in the gut. Someone in the distance called Kakashi's name and he turned and walked away leaving Naruto standing staring after him.

Naruto turned away from where is former sensei was and walked towards a group of ninjas all wearing flowing robes similar to Neji's. He wasn't really thinking when he bumped into a tall long haired man. "Oh sorry," Naruto said when he found himself face to face with Hinata's father.

"Naruto," he said with a curt nod and Naruto returned the nod back. "My daughter told me you were back earlier today," he said as he started to guide Naruto who walked with the man he barely knew. He had been told he was as strict man but very talented and devoted ninja. "I believe you know Hinata quite well," he asked Naruto more as a statement in the tone of a question.

"Yes we have been on a few missions together," Naruto said nodding not too sure where the conversation or their journey was leading. It wasn't until Naruto looked up that he saw a sight that took his breath away. Hinata stood in a tight fitting pale blue robe-like dress. Her makeup was not too much and her huge opal like eyes shone like a light was coming from behind them.

Hinata noticed and blushed seeing Naruto with her father. Naruto smiled weakly at her and she rushed over to them. "Father some of the elders wish a word with you,"

"Of course," Mr Hyuga said then added to Naruto "could you stay with my daughter until I return?"

Naruto smiled and said "I was planning to anyway sir," to which Mr Hyuga smiled and Hinata blushed. As her father left she had just realised that she was now alone with Naruto and her face stated to go red. She had hoped that this would not happen and was trying to control it until Naruto said "Hey want to dance?"

Hinata almost fainted again. To dance with Naruto would be a dream come true but almost the most terrifying thing she would ever do. Naruto decided that he would have to push it to make sure she danced with him so he took her by the hand and said "Please?" Hinata's heart almost melted as she nodded. Naruto led the way to the dance floor and began to dance with Hinata,, who was merely moving to do something. The song wasn't very fast but it had a nice rhythm to it that Naruto was trying to make Hinata move to. "Come on," Naruto said taking her hand again "lighten up,"

Hinata let Naruto's hand do a lot of the work but sure enough she took his advice and began to dance. She was normally quite a good dancer and now she was a little less nervous she started to show it. Naruto cheered her on saying "now you got it!" as she began to dance closer to him. She didn't think about it on the dance floor she just moved. Just as she got into it even more everyone was clapping and she realised the song was over. She joined in with the applause then heard a slower song being played. She went to sit down, not expecting Naruto would want to dance the way everyone else seemed to be dancing now. However Naruto was now holding his hand out again for Hinata. She held her breath as she went to take his hand but instead caught another.

Sakura was holding out her hand and looked at Hinata blushing "Sorry," she said but still had her hand somewhat up towards Naruto. "Do you mind if I cut in?" Sakura said meekly with a smile.

Hinata was heart broken, but she never would dare say anything else than "Oh no be my gust," as she shook her head with a smile. Hinata walked away feeling more embarrassed than ever.

Sakura took Naruto's hand and went in close as she put her other hand on his shoulder and he put his on her waist. They slowly danced, getting closer and closer until it was an embrace they were in. "I'm so glad your back," Sakura said as tears began to fall down her cheek but a smile was still on her face when she said "everything will be alright now,"

Naruto nodded and said "yeah, it will," and they leaned in and kissed. Neither knew why, maybe for comfort, maybe because it had been so long apart for either of them. Either way their lips rested on each others gently then broke apart and Sakura leaned her head gently on Naruto's shoulder as they swayed to the music.

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In the darkness two red and black eyes watched as the two danced. His former team mates looked stronger and for their sake, the former leaf village ninja hoped they were.

(Notes: well there you go. A good few months went into that chapter and I still have more to come. I hope it wont take so long but I will have just as much on so please be patient. I would love to thank all my previous reviewers and hope they will review again and as a side note I did previously mention I was undecided about couples and as you can tell that is still the case so don't worry yet but please get worked up, after all its why I do it. Thank you all again)