CHAPTER 4

--3 YEARS LATER--

In a hidden safe house long abandoned, there was a haze in the air, similar to a heat mirage in the desert. It wavered there for a few seconds, then two figures stepped through. One of them, a young man with red hair in a basic tail stood tall, shaking his head.

"Man, I hate that thing. Creepy as all hell!" he was average height, amber-eyed with slits, and whisker marks on his face. He was dressed in a hakama, black tobi socks, sandals and a gi top, black with red kanji spelling out inferno

"Yeah, that thing is about the worst way to go, but, you have to admit, Inferno, it is the quickest." This figure was taller than his companion, also dressed in a hakama, tobi socks, sandals, and gi top, but his kanji spelled out the word Tempest.

"Well, Tempest, you would know better than me. Well, lets go see what has changed in the Village of the Leaf, shall we?" he asked. Receiving a nod, he made two hand signs, and the pair faded from view.

Naruto, or Inferno as he had been known as while with the Calamity squad of the Dark Sky demon-world ninja, knew the way to go. He was glad Tempest knew his signature well enough to follow him even though they were hidden from sight. They had practiced this type of infiltration more times than he cared to remember, with more at stake than just their lives if they failed, and they had pulled it off. Granted, Quake had died from covering their retreat, but he had done it.

Shaking off the thoughts of the fallen leader, Naruto focused on the here and now, instead of the past. Moving past his friend, he quickly led the way to the great walls of Konohagakure, the Village hidden in the Leaves. Perched on the wall, he lowered his chakra until it was barely there before taking his bearings and leaping off onto the roof road he had used in his youth. After he had made it into the village successfully, he raised his chakra enough to be sensed by Tempest , then moved off toward the Hokage's tower.

--INSIDE THE TOWER--

Sarutobi was feeling his age. And the paperwork was worse than ever. Sighing in defeat, he moved around his desk until he reached his windows, opened them up to let in some fresh air, and lit his pipe. He used the pipe to smoke out of to calm his nerves, rather than drink himself oblivious. Neither solution was perfect, but he could deal with the pipe's effects.

He was looking over the village that was his to care for, and letting his mind rest easy for a while. Or at least he was until he felt a pulse of chakra, unfamiliar chakra, right behind him.

Whirling around, he saw two figures standing before him. Both were dressed similar to martial artists, but one had Inferno written on his gi and the other's read Tempest. He couldn't see their faces due to the masks they wore, and their headband declared them to be from a completely unknown village. Dropping into a defensive stance, he looked them in the eye, pipe forgotten.

"Who are you? How did you get in here?"

"We are the survivors of Calamity group, and we are here to see you." said the one of the right, the one that had Tempest on his chest.

"Tempest, you know he doesn't know about Calamity, so why bring it up now? If this weren't important, I'd smack you right here." said the other, the one that had Inferno written on his chest.

Needless to say, Sarutobi was confused as hell. Calamity? Who were they? And why does his voice sound so familiar…? It can't be…

"Identify yourselves, or be prepared to defend yourselves."

"(SIGH) Guess you don't recognize me, huh, grandfather?" said the second man. Sarutobi had a sneaky suspicion of who he was but he needed one last bit.

"Gahhh… Dammit old man, has your brain died from too much paperwork? It's me, Naruto!" exclaimed the man before pulling his mask down, revealing that it was, indeed Naruto. His eyes had changed, and his whisker marks more pronounced, but it was him. Instantly, the old man rushed forward and embraced the man before him.

He had missed the little blond terror. Life had been much too quite without him there. Unfortunately, two things happened to put an abrupt end to this happy re-union.

One, a councilmember had burst into the office unannounced, and saw the Hokage apparently being kidnapped. He then raised a holy ruckus, drawing the ANBU to the room.

That was the second thing, they came hostile, and let out an attack before a word could be said. This would have been undoubtedly fatal to Naruto had Tempest not intercepted and blocked it, stopping it with his bracer. When the man froze in shock, Tempest had analyzed the situation and had begun plotting his actions. Three simple steps later, the first, a smoke bomb so no one could see him making signs, second, the attack itself which was a simple paralyzing agent using the smoke as a carrier, not fatal at all, and third, an apology to the Hokage for stopping the baseless assault.

"Not at all. You have the right to defend yourself from un-needed aggression. ANBU, I am not being kidnapped. I was simply greeting a dear friend of mine. Once the attack has worn off, you may leave."

All of them responded with an affirmative and within five minutes, had vacated the room. Naruto grinned at the old man, the old familiar grin and said, "Well, lets catch up on the news huh?"

--Four Hours Later--

Sarutobi sat stunned at the tale the young man had told him. If Naruto hadn't sworn on his honor it was true, Sarutobi might have suspected a tall tale… Snapping himself back to reality, he shot Naruto a sly grin at his own news.

"Well, as you know, when we form genin teams, we build a three man cell with a fourth senior instructor to lead them."

"Yeah, so? I learned that back in the academy before I left. Why bring it up now, unless… No! She isn't?!"

The old man nodded. "She most assuredly is. Unfortunately, we don't have teammates ready for her yet… Hey! Where are you going?!" he yelled to the youth as he tore to the window.

"To see her, old man! Later!" he yelled before dropping out the window.

--AT THE HYUGA COMPOUND--

Hinata was depressed. It had been three years since she had last seen her love Naruto, and she missed him so much. She had grown during his absence. Hiashi had commented on it last, how she kept pushing herself harder and harder. She simply said that she had told Naruto she would be strong for when he returned, and by Kami she would be! Hiashi had wisely backed off at that point.

At the moment, she was having some tea while reading a scroll of history. It was interesting to see how things were run back in the day as compared to now. She was learning so much, but she was afraid. She wasn't stupid, after all, and she could count. In her class was an odd number of students. They were two short, and that meant that someone would go teamless until and unless someone dies in the line of duty. While she didn't want that to happen to anyone, she also didn't want to be left behind. She was thinking this over when a scent hit her like the proverbial mallet.

Reacting quickly, she spun towards the source of that unique scent and glomped it. A fox-like bark was heard before whatever she had latched onto revealed itself. When it did, she nearly squealed with glee. It was him! He was back!

Before he could do anything, she had grabbed his mask, yanked it down, and drawn him into a deep kiss. She didn't release him from it until a discreet throat-clearing behind her alerted her she was no longer alone with her love. Spinning quickly, she saw, to her horror, her Father and her sister.

Blushing deeply, she nodded a greeting to her father and her sister, who regarded her curiously. "Hinata, would you care to introduce your… friend?" asked her father with a wicked twinkle in his eyes. Hinata, in turn, narrowed hers suspiciously. She had told him of her crush on and feelings for Naruto, and now he was…

Oh, okay, he was out to embarrass her. Now she got it. Well, not this time, no way, no how. "Not really, Father. He's a good friend. Let's just leave it at that."

Hiashi's eyebrow twitched a bit at that. So he had been found out, had he? Well, then. "Okay, dear. Would your good friend like to have tea with us?" He gave some emphasis to that, wondering what his or her reaction would be. He knew well and good who it was, given the embrace he had unfortunately seen. Father's weren't meant to see such things from his daughters, after all.

The figure started to say something before Hinata clamped her hand over his mouth. "We will join you presently father. I have to make myself presentable for company."

Hiashi's eyebrows twitched again. He thought she was presentable enough, but then again, he wasn't Hinata. If she said she wasn't presentable, then he would do well to believe her, especially when she used that tone of voice. So much like her mother was Hiashi's thought before directing Hanabi out the door.

Hinata waited a little bit before removing her hand from Naruto's mouth. The first thing he did was ask her, in a semi-gasping voice, "Hinata, could you please move your elbow?"

Hinata looked at her elbow and blinked. It was resting squarely on his gut and digging in. She jumped back and began to apologize, but he just waved it off, smiling all the while. "No big deal, Hinata, but if one may inquire…?"

"What, that by-play between me and Father?" after receiving a nod she continued. "He was just trying to embarrass me, and I wasn't going to let him."

"Oh. Well, then. Shall I let you become 'presentable', as you put it?" he asked her with a teasing grin on his face.

"Give me a little bit. I won't be long, I promise." she said as she gave him a small smile.

Ten minutes later, freshened up and changed, she went to meet the other three at the small study her father maintained for informal meetings and tea between him and his two daughters, only to stop on hearing a conversation in progress.

"Well, you are back. This is good. My daughter has missed you quite a bit during your three year absence, Naruto."

So, he knows who I am… make a note of that for later. "I am sorry, Lord Hyuga. The absence was for the best, I think. Though I will admit to missing your daughter's friendship quite a bit myself."

Huh, so he doesn't know that she told me… heh, I could have some fun here thought Hiashi. Setting his face into an unreadable poker face, he looked Naruto square in the eye and asked "Is that all you missed? Her friendship?"

Hiashi's scent changed here… lighter, not bitter at all… I see. She must have told him, that crafty girl. Naruto knew damn well and good that it was impossible to hide or to sneak out of- or into- the Hyuga compound successfully often enough to carry on a covert courtship. So, she had nipped the problem in the bud. Clever girl.

"Lord Hyuga, why would you ask me that? Have I given you any cause to doubt my good intentions?"

Good, a neutral answer. The boy is clever. That last bit was smart. "Good intentions" has more than one meaning here, as he no doubt knows. How can I trap him?"All the same, she is my daughter, and I must look out for her welfare. I will not have her being led along like a fool," he said, his voice stern. He knew she was there and listening. The question was, did Naruto?

The answer, unbeknownst to Lord Hiashi Hyuga, was a definitive yes. Hinata's unique scent wafted to his sharp nose, carrying the sharp spice of definite amusement. So, she's enjoying watching me verbally spar, eh? Well, then, spar I shall. "Lord Hyuga, I have too much respect for her to toy with her in such a manner. Besides, I doubt anyone would be that foolish, given her, and your, reaction to such a thing."

True, I'd hunt them down and remove vital parts, without pain-blockers first. "All the same, why have you returned here, now, after all this time. I doubt you would be welcomed back any better than before."

"Ah, too true, but at the moment, only the Hokage, eight ANBU, one councilman, you and your daughters know I am here at all. Only your family and the Hokage know who I am, Lord Hyuga. I trust your discretion in this as in all else."

Ah ha, so he's onto me now, is he? Wow, I'm getting old. Better wrap this up before I get in too deep. Pretending to "suddenly" spot his daughter at the door, he gestured for her to come into the room. She was wearing a smirk before she sat down, and he scowled at her. "What, my dear, is that smirk for?"

"You got beaten. Again," she said, not loosing the victorious look. "Father, what ever happened to your touted diplomatic skills? It's not like you."

Hiashi's eyebrows twitched at that, and he scowled at her. True, it wasn't like him to lose like this twice in a row. But still. Something was definitely off here. "I must be tired today. Believe me, I haven't lost my touch yet. Although if the two of you were to work together, I'm sure you would give most anyone a run for their money," he said, giving them a justly earned compliment. Hinata smiled at Naruto, who smiled back and nodded. That settled, they settled in once more for an informal tea.

Sarutobi was grumpy. He knew exactly where Naruto had gone, and he was being called into a meeting with the Kami-damned council sticking it's nose in where it didn't belong. He was, after all, the Hokage of this village. The council was protesting then fact that they hadn't been told about the two strange ninja being in the village at all, and demanded to know how they had managed to get to the Hokage's own office undetected.

Well, as he so rightfully reminded them, they, the council, was a supportive body made to advise the Hokage, not dictate affairs to him. He had reminded them of that very fact, and the looks on their faces had been gratifying to see. Since he had not requested Tempest or Naruto be present, they were not subjected to any indignity concerning their identy. All Sarutobi told them was their code names, and that their loyalty to Konoha and it's laws was sure.

Sarutobi had exercised his right as the leader to call the meeting to a close, and since his word was law, they couldn't do anything but bow in acceptance and file out of the room. The old man was feeling his years more and more these days. But he was still possessed of the Will of Fire, and as such, he was needed until his worthy successor was found.

He was yanked from his musing by the flair of an unfamiliar chakra signature. Rushing out the doors, he called for his ANBU to follow as he investigated.

Naruto also felt the chakra flair, but unlike the third Hokage, was deeply familiar with it, as he'd been working with that person for over two years non-stop. It's Tempest! Damnation! No help for it, given that flair, it's gotta be important. Without a word, he rolled onto his back, pushing off with his hands as his legs unfolded themselves and landed, catching him before he could pull of a very undignified face-plant. Quickly moving to the wide window, he slid it to the side and jumped out, pulling his mask up as he did so. Behind him, he heard Hiashi's indistinct voice before a thump behind him alerted him to someone following in his footsteps.

Just after he had found Tempests' chakra, he heard another thump from the window, indicating that yet another person was following him. Well good. At least he wasn't going in alone. Leading the three of them, he was soon joined by the Third Hokage and seven ANBU agents. Nodding to the little old man, he maintained the lead, heading towards his partner. Getting there, he saw five people attacking Tempest. Now, normally Tempest would have done something to even those odds, and he had the abilities to do it.

The only problem with that was these were Leaf Ninja, and as good guests, it behooved them not to anger their hosts. Sighing a bit, Naruto stepped in the way of one, stopping his kick with one hand, moving through a twisty pattern ending with his target stuck like an over-tied piece of rope with Naruto kneeling on his back to ensure his continued good behavior. Tempest, meanwhile, had used a set of sashes to bind two of the enemy ninja into an unmanageable lump. The others were deterred by ANBU kunai to their throats.

The Hokage cleared his throat, making everyone focus his attention on him. "What exactly is the meaning of this… altercation Kakashi, Guy, and your team?"

The one Naruto held down, a silver-haired man with one eye covered, tried to squirm out of the hold Naruto had him in, which just made Naruto tighten it, making the mans shoulders creak in an ominous way. "Lord Hokage, I found this intruder and attempted to determine who he was and why he was here, but he didn't answer. So I tried to get his attention. It may have gotten a bit out of hand. Guy and his team saw what was happening, and came to lend assistance." Guy and his three students all nodded. The third looked at tempest, who simply shrugged and said, "I was meditating deeply, and did not hear or sense him until he tried to kick me. I did not wish to hurt them as we will hopefully be allies soon." At this the five leaf ninja got bug-eyed. After all, he had held off two jonin ninja and three Genin without taking too much damage. Guy had caught him in the face and Lee, who was currently the one tied to his teacher, had planted his foot in Tempests side, but still…

The Third Hokage smiled at the expressions. He looked at Naruto and said, "Do you suppose you could let Kakashi get up? That position looks most uncomfortable." Naruto appeared to think about it, then nodded. Moving off Kakashi, he helped the older man stand up. Kakashi shook his head. He had never had that happen before. Looking at the one who did it, he saw the amber eyes and the red hair. The mask the warrior wore obscured the lower face, but he had the nagging feeling that he knew this warrior.

"Who are you? I feel like I know you, but…"

Naruto knew Kakashi. He was one of the guardians who did his job when he was younger. Looking to the old Hokage and getting a nod, he pulled his mask down and revealed his face. "Surprise, Master Kakashi. It's me," he said with a grin, "You just got tied up by your old student."

Kakashi was stunned. He remembered his old student, and how he tried his best to learn.

--Flashback to five years ago--

Kakashi and Naruto were in a secluded training ground, Kakashi to teach and Naruto to learn. Today they were working on taijutsu. Kakashi was showing Naruto basic stances and attacks. Naruto saw the principles of it, and tried. After about twenty minutes, his muscles were sore and shaky.

Kakashi then initiated a sparring match. Naruto was quickly defeated. Just like the next three times. But he never gave up. He had to learn this stuff, and he was determined to do it.

By the end of the day, he saw the value of taijutsu, how you could interrupt a hostile jutsu before it was finished. This just made him more determined than ever to learn.

--Flashback ends--

Needless to say, Kakashi was quite stunned. Where had his old student learned that? How did he get so strong? While he was held pinned, he had the feeling if Naruto wanted to, his arms and at least one leg would have been dislocated easily. Guy and his team were likewise in shock. They had heard of Naruto, and some, like Neji, knew him personally before his disappearance. Naruto just grinned and shrugged.

"I know you guys all have questions, but now is not the time. We have some things to finalize and take care of, but we can meet later on if you're willing…" This statement was met with affirmatives. Naruto looked at Tempest and said, "You can let them go now."

Tempest nodded and moved to free Guy and Lee from their currently entangled position. After that was done, they apologized and disappeared. Naruto, meanwhile, had been engulfed in a fierce hug from two ANBU agents, one in the mask of a fox, and the other a cat. He returned their fierce embrace, having missed his adopted mother and sister. After that was done, he said, "Sorry, but I really do have stuff to take care of. We can talk later, like I said." After which, he took to the roofs again, being followed by Hinata and Hiashi, heading back to the Hyuga compound.

Fox just chuckled a bit. "Things to take care of, indeed." Everyone present heard this and chuckled, knowing exactly what she meant. The Hokage cleared his throat and said, "Everyone, you are dismissed. Good job on defusing this touchy situation. Fox, before you retire for the night, I wish to speak to you. Tempest, you are free to go, we have a room set aside for you. Neko, would you kindly show him to it? Thank you, everyone. Dismissed."

With that, everyone disappeared. Sarutobi shook his head.

Back at the Hyuga compound, Naruto apologized for the abrupt leave-taking he had done earlier. Hiashi had waved it off, knowing that loyalty to a teammate was all important in the shinobi world. As they settled back into their tea, they chatted about what had happened in the three years that they had been apart. So, over tea Naruto regaled them with some of the tales of his exploits among Calamity group and the Dark Skies ninja clan.

Hinata snuggled up to him, and he in turn wrapped his arm around her, much to Hiashi's amusement. He had no problems with the courtship itself, and he knew that even if he did, Hinata would most likely ignore his protests. Now all he had to worry about was the Hyuga Clan council, and their power-grubbing ways. Oh, well. If he knew Naruto at all, he would be able to convince them he was worthy of his eldest daughter. Hiashi settled in a bit more and enjoyed hearing Naruto's tales.

Yokona Hayate was shocked. The Third Hokage had asked her to become a Genin team sensei. Now, granted, she was fully capable of such a thing, but why her? Didn't they have enough sensei's already? From the slight grin on her Hokage's face, there was something she was missing. Now the trick of it was to figure out what it was she was missing, exactly.

"I can tell you're curious about my request. It's simple. I'm taking one of the Genin from the graduation class, one that would have to wait to be placed on a team because of insufficient graduates, and placing her with three experienced Ninja who can help her become the best she can be. Now, two of these Ninja have requested placement at the rank of genin. The third experienced ninja would be you, if you accepted this position."

"Who are they? If they accepted the beginners rank, then they must have been… newcomers… No… he's going to be on the team?" asked Yokona excitedly.

Getting a nod from the old Hokage, she grinned like a lunatic before composing herself. "In light of that, I would be honored to lead the team, Lord Hokage. When are they going to be informed?"

"Tomorrow, after the teams are announced. Meet me in my office so we can surprise her with her team, eh?"

Hoo, boy, is she going to be happy. She's crazy about him and being on his team… wow, thought Yokona. "What am I to teach them? From the demonstration earlier, it's going to be hard to challenge them."

The Hokage nodded. He had given some thought to that, after hearing of Naruto's trials. "We are going to give them enough low ranked missions to ensure their teamwork is solid, then we will see. Maybe wardens or deep scouts…. We will see."

Yokona nodded, seeing the logic of her Lord's decision. If they couldn't work together to accomplish a mission, then the teams would have to be adjusted. Asking for and receiving permission to depart, she headed home to plan for her new team.

The next day, Hinata went to the academy to receive her team notification, hoping that Naruto would be on her team. She sat nervously waiting, as all the teams were slowly called off. Soon there were just four people left. The academy teacher who had been calling the teams looked his list over, then said, "Team 12 consists of Hayate Lao, Abuki Shaolen, and Yamamoto Ryu. Your Jonin instructor is Adamine Shoto. That is all. You are dismissed." Hinata was crushed. Not only was she not on a team, but Naruto's name was never on the roster either. She got up dejectedly to leave, when she was stopped by a hand on her shoulder.

Looking back, it was the same instructor who had destroyed her hopes, however inadvertently. He looked at her apologetically, as if he knew what he had done, and told her "The Hokage wanted to see you, Hinata. It's about a special team placement, given how many students we had here."

Her hopes rose again, even though she told herself not to get them too high in case they were dashed again. Nodding her head to indicate she had heard the orders and would comply, she moved quickly, cutting through the crowd of graduate students and their families, moving fast to find out what the Hokage wanted.

In the Hokage office, Naruto, Tempest, and Yokono were waiting for the last member of their cell to appear. Naruto and Tempest already had their hitai-ate headbands, but had point-blank refused to give up their other headbands. Instead, the Hitai-ate was taking the place of their belts. As they had told Sarutobi, those headbands represented an important part of their lives, and as such, refused to give them over for another. Yokona nodded her head at that. To her, it would be like giving up her ANBU mask, the one she had worn for four years and served honorably under.

Besides, it wasn't as if Naruto couldn't hide his odd headband with an illusion. He had already demonstrated to the Hokage and Yokona that his grasp of the Kitsune illusions was solid and dependable. They were currently discussing what exactly their team would be used for. Naruto had suggested they have oversight type missions, acting as support on missions with questionable intelligence. Tempest himself was wiling to go along with whatever his squad was assigned. Yokona wanted to wait until she saw how their skills meshed together before she made any recommendations, and the Hokage was willing to wait until his former ANBU agent evaluated them.

As they sat, sipping tea and making small talk, the door opened and in walked Hinata. She looked a little apprehensive, but smiled at everyone regardless. Bowing to the Hokage, she said, "Hinata Hyuga, reporting Lord Hokage."

"Very good, young one. As you know, we had a shortage of passing students this year, so I have arranged for a special team to be created. Now, normally, these newcomers would have to take our genin exam to see if they have the necessary skills. In this case, however, I believe I can safely say they meet or exceed those requirements."

Hinata was curious about that. "Could you please explain, lord Hokage?"

"Certainly," the old man said affably, "You see, when they arrived, they snuck into Konoha itself, right under the nose of the guards we post to prevent such a thing. Then, after gaining entrance, they made it to this very office before revealing themselves. Almost immediately after doing so, they defeated a group of eight ANBU- ranked guards. And you yourself saw how they dealt with Kakashi, Guy and his Genin team."

Hinata nodded to herself. With those skills, it was understandable that they were considered more than qualified. No genin team could do that, hell, many Jonin teams couldn't do all of that. She was slightly intimidated at their level of proficiency, but she was also determined. She would learn what she could, and better herself, not just as a Ninja of Konohagakure Village, but as a person.

Naruto smelled her determination, and his heart soared. Hinata was going to take the challenge. He knew she would do well with them. Her drive was one of the things that attracted him to her in the first place.

:Was it just her drive, kit? Or was it something else?: came the mental voice of his personal demon.

'You know better than that, stupid fox! After living with me all my life, you have the balls to ask me that?' thought Naruto to the impudent creature.

:True enough, I have lived with you all your life. Trust me, when you chose that girl, you made the right choice. Anyway. You still have her gift? You didn't accidentally bond it to you did you?:

'Uniform, gift, and some scrolls she can pick and choose from. When we get done, Squad Thirteen is going to be the best one out there!'

The fox chuckled at Naruto's enthusiasm. It was infectious, even for an ancient demon lord, and he was looking forward to Hinata's reaction as much as his current host was. The demon wondered what her weapon would be. If he had any sense for these things- and he did- it would be powerful.

Yokona watched as Hinata nodded. She figured the girl would accept being placed in this group, given her drive. She had seen, and adopted, Naruto's style of dress. She had to admit that it was very comfortable and easy to move in. She also knew that Naruto had a spare set made up and set aside for Hinata, in case she agreed. Just as Yokona figured, she did.

The Hokage smiled gently, pleased that things had worked out so well. Passing Hinata a scroll, he told her, "That scroll holds the needed information about your squad. We are pleased that you have accepted, aren't we guys?"

Turning to see who he had addressed, Hinata was stunned. Sitting on the couch against the wall, hidden from her view and apparently under something that blocked scent as well, was Naruto, the quiet one called Tempest, and a woman who she had never met before. And the were all dressed the same. Naruto smiled at her, stood up and embraced her gently. "Well, dear one, it's nice to know that we both get our wish." Letting her go- too quickly, in Hinata's opinion- he smiled at her look of confusion. "What's the matter, dear one?"

"Both our wishes? What do you mean," she asked him point blank.

"Ah. Well, my wish was to be placed on a team with a beautiful, talented ninja who I could respect and work with. The Hokage told me that you wanted to be on my team, so, since we are now teammates, we both get our desire."

Hinata blinked in confusion for a second, then blushed furiously. Rounding on the hokage, who looked at her with an unabashed grin and twinkling eyes, she yelled out "HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME?"

"Dear child, I thought you would have guessed it before now. After all, I gave you all the clues needed. Did I not?" the aged, kind old man asked in a gentle voice.

Hinata had to admit that he had. She was just so surprised that her mind wasn't quite up to it's usual speed right now. Not that she would ever admit that to anyone, Hokage or not. So she did what anyone with semi-functional brain-power would do while being embraced by her love interest: She snuggled right up to him on the couch and refused to say another word.

Tempest laughed to himself as he saw this. Well, Inferno did tell me a lot about her. She will be a perfect wife and companion to him, if he can manage not to screw this up. He looked at his adopted brother, a brotherhood forged on the field of battle maybe, but strong for all of that. He would do his best to help him and her achieve the happiness that was due them after their long separation.

Naruto was not unaware of his brother's scrutiny. While he may not know word for word what Tempest was thinking, he had a general idea from scent and several small facial expressions. Having worked with the man for two years in life and death situations, Naruto found him ridiculously easy to read. Well, Tempest has taken an interest in our relationship, eh? Well, can't say I'm unhappy about that. For a chronic loner with no prospects in Dark Skies, he knows his stuff.

'I know that, fool fox. Why do you think I trust him so much?'

:Well, how about that time when-:

'Now is not the time! We can reminisce later, oh great demon. Right now we have business to deal with.'

:Alas, too true. Ah, well.:

As Naruto was having the mental side conversation with his demon, the old Hokage was explaining the details of their early assignments. Naruto understood the need to build teamwork, to ensure that they fought as an integrated whole, rather than as a collection of individuals. He was of the same school of thought as the late Quake, who felt that if the team couldn't fight together effectively, then the whole would be broken into pieces and killed. As a team, they could cover each others weak points.

Hinata managed to get her brain working again as she listened to the Hokage. She, like the rest, could see the need for teamwork. It was vital on dangerous missions. So, she sat silently, absorbing all the Hokage had to tell her and her new team.

After the Hokage was done with his briefing, the new team all stood up and bowed respectfully to the leader of Konohagakure. He nodded back, slowly puffing on his pipe, watching as they filed out of the room to begin their teamwork training.