KG: Hey people I'm back. I heard that their making another Naruto series after the fourth great shinobi war. It's called Akippuden or something like that. Don't know if it's true. Meh, I'll get started then.

"And that's training you two. Good work," Kyoko said to a slashed up Samui and a bruised Naruto. The two were huffing like mad as they saw Kyoko smiling at them with a cocky grin on her face. Both glared at her before Naruto stood to his feet. He walked over to Samui and held out his hand. The blonde looked at it before grabbing it as Naruto pulled her to her feet.

"Thanks," she said while Naruto smiled.

"No problem," he responded as he saw the state of her being. She really looked a little worse for wear and that was probably an understatement. The same could be said of Samui as she saw the cuts across Naruto's body.

"You look like you got sent through a shredder," Naruto told her while Samui looked down at her clothes. She slightly rolled her eyes at his statement while she pointed at him.

"You're not one to talk," she returned and Naruto looked at his clothes. He really didn't look any better and that made the blonde blush in embarrassment with a slight nod.

"I suppose you're right. Hey Kyoko-," Naruto paused when he saw that he and Samui were the only ones in the field. She must've left while they were talking. Samui saw they were alone also before Naruto narrowed his eyes.

"I hate it when she does that," Naruto said which caused Samui to shrug her shoulder in response.

"I'm sure she's got something to do. That's why she left," Samui said with a small sigh. Naruto noticed it and scratched his cheek.

"Are you alright?" he asked and Samui looked at the forested areas. They would be her home soon. They'd be where she was training, spending practices and planning missions. They were so different from the mountainous Kumo.

"I'm fine. Well Naruto-san I'll see you later. Stay cool," She said walking off and Naruto could feel the lack of enthusiasm in her voice. He narrowed his eyes before he left the field also.

Streets

Naruto walked the streets of Konoha as he was alone. His team had no missions due to his and Samui's training together. He'd have one tomorrow he knew that much for sure, but he also wondered how his friends would react when they found out that he was going to get married. That would be the shocker of a lifetime for them all. Now that he thought about, how would Samui react when she learned that he was a jinchuuriki? He'd rather not be rejected just for that. He could only hope that she wasn't like other people.

"Great, that's one thing in my head that I didn't need," Naruto thought to himself before he saw people running towards him. He squinted his eyes before he gulped. He saw all his friends charging at him and the blonde was about to run before he was immediately caught in a shadow possession by Shikamaru.

"Traitor," Naruto yelled while Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head with a small sigh. Kiba grabbed Naruto's collar while he moved in front of his face.

"Is it true man? Are you really engaged to someone from Kumo?" Kiba asked while Sasuke, Ino, Sakura, Chouji and oddly enough Shino wanted to know also.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head before he nodded making everyone gasp as Kiba dropped Naruto to the ground. They all seemed surprised and shocked or at the very least confused.

"Why would Kumo do a political marriage to Naruto? Normally you do it to the last of a clan to help with restoration," Sakura said while Ino smacked her over the head making the pink haired girl growl.

"Dammit Ino-baka what was that for?" she asked while Ino glared at her.

"Shut up forehead. If they want to do a political marriage to one of our sexiest shinobi then why should they?" Ino asked and Naruto raised an eyebrow while Sasuke sighed. Since the two were the ruling guys who had the most fangirls which was oddly enough even right down the middle. They were called by the girl 'The Two Sexiest Male Academy Students'. It was weird to try and get used to that, but it was the way things went.

"So you're tied to the ball and chain already huh?" Chouji asked while Naruto narrowed his eyes. He got to his feet and glared at the chubby shinobi making everyone gulp underneath his gaze.

"Don't talk about Samui-chan that way ever again," Naruto told him and Chouji immediately nodded with a sorry. Naruto softened as he walked off with his hands in his pockets.

"Sensitive much?" Sakura asked while Ino shrugged her shoulders.

"How would you feel if someone insult the person you were supposed to marry?" the blonde asked and everyone nodded in agreement with her about that. No one wanted their future spouse, no matter who it was, to be insulted.

"So Sasuke-kun tell everyone how you defeated that ice user during our C-rank mission," Sakura said and Sasuke closed his eyes.

"It was a C-rank mission to help a bridge builder. That Ice user's name was Haku and we fought an A-rank missing nin called Zabuza. Kakashi-sensei was able to match him while me AND Kiba were able to work together to take down Haku. Sakura stood guard over the bridge builder. I think his name was Tazuna. They were able to finish the bridge and so it was called 'The Great Wave Bridge'. Kind of a weird name, but at least we completed our mission," Sasuke said to everyone while Kiba grinned.

"If it wasn't for our teamwork that we got down during Kakashi-sensei's exercise then we'd be dead. I thought Uchiha were supposed to be arrogant, but Sasuke and Mikoto-san are the good ones," Kiba said while Sasuke closed his eyes.

"I might be strong, but I can't take on everyone by myself. It's important to be realistic," Sasuke said while Sakura blushed.

"Then Sasuke-kun, how about a date?" Sakura asked and Sasuke rolled his eyes before walking off.

"I just said it's important to be realistic," Sasuke said as he disappeared while Sakura pouted. Kiba chuckled at her before he walked off along with Shino, Chouji and Shikamaru. Ino and Sakura were left alone in the streets while the blonde turned to the pink kunoichi.

"Wanna go see what Hinata's doing?" Ino asked and Sakura shrugged her shoulders before walking off in the direction of the Hyuuga compound.

With Naruto

The blonde walked around the village for a bit as he rubbed the back of his head. He didn't mean to snap at Chouji the way he did, but he'd rather not have people making fun of others without knowing them. It just irked him for some reason. Maybe it's because of how his life was treated.

As the blonde walked the streets of Konoha, he soon heard a 'Kyaaa' as he paled. The blonde gulped as he turned around. He saw a multitude of fangirl with a banner and picture of Naruto in his shinobi attire along with what he thought was Mikata wrapped around his neck.

"Naruto-sama!" They all yelled while the blonde stepped back. Immediately the girls charged at the blonde cursed as he ran away. The civilians watched the chaos and while some didn't want to, they laughed at the blonde's misfortune.

"Kuso, who made fangirls anyway?" Naruto wondered as he hopped to the rooftops. He huffed before he saw some of them hop up also. He cursed when he slightly forgot that he was also dealing with graduating kunoichi from the academy. The blonde quickly jumped off the building and hit the streets again.

"Man their persistent. How do I get out of here?" Naruto wondered as he felt someone grab his arm as he was pulled into a alleyway. The blonde looked as the girls flew by and when they were gone he sighed in relief.

"Thanks I owe you," Naruto said as the person or rather people. He saw Omoi and Karui leaning against the walls.

"You can owe us by not marrying Samui," Karui said with a glare that Naruto noticed. He narrowed his eyes back at her glare while Omoi rolled his eyes as he slightly pushed Karui out of the way.

"Sorry about her Naruto-san. She's just moody from time to time. She hates political marriages in general not really the people involved," Omoi told him and Naruto nodded even if it was hesitant while Samui stomped her foot on the ground.

"Why do things like this even exist? It's all a load of crap," Karui said more to herself than to them as Naruto got to his feet.

"Yeah I never thought I'd be in one, but Samui is really interesting. She acts cold, but she's really caring. I can tell from the way she fights. She was really able to back me up all the way," Naruto said while Karui and Omoi stared at him.

"That's Samui. She's always been like that since the first time we've met her. She's always had our back. We know that. Well I see nothing wrong with you Naruto-san so I hope you make her happy," Omoi told him and Naruto nodded with a small smile while Karui rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry I'll do my best to make her happy," Naruto told them making Omoi nodded as he dragged Karui out of the alleyway. Naruto felt the alley also, but he did it with more caution as he looked left and right. He quickly stepped out and hopped to the rooftops back home to his mother's apartment.

With Samui

Samui laid on her bed with her eyes closed as she contemplated everything. She wondered what marriage would be like. She'd seen plenty of couples in Kumo and few of them were married. She even remembered getting unwanted advice on marriage which she didn't think that she'd need for a long time. Boy was she wrong. It'd be a lie of Samui said that she wasn't nervous about the whole thing. She was, but she could hide it pretty well. From what she saw, Naruto was an alright person. He could be cheery at one time and dead serious the next. He was interesting to her at the least. His fighting was superb in her opinion. He could cover all areas of combat from long-range to close-range. She could at least say that if she was going to be married then Naruto was a nice choice.

Soon there was a knock on her door which broke Samui from her observation of Naruto as she sat upright on the bed.

"Come in," she said and immediately Karui and Omoi came through the door. They sat in a chair and leaned against the wall.

"In my opinion Samui, he's alright. I think he could lighten your cold mood," Omoi told her and Samui casted a small glare at her teammate making him shudder.

"Someone has to be the cool one in this group," she said while Karui's eyebrow twitched as she rocked in her chair.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked and Samui gave a small unnoticeable smile.

"I'm saying that you two are too hotheaded at times so that's why I shouldn't be like that," the blonde responded and Karui growled while Omoi rubbed his head. He rummaged through his pockets a pulled out a lollipop. He let it settle in his mouth for a small while.

"Well I think he's alright. What about you Karui?" Omoi asked and the redhead scratched the back of her head. She looked away from their views while she gave her opinion.

"I still think this is stupid, but Omoi's right. He's something I guess. I don't have a real opinion even though he makes me irritated," Karui said while Omoi rolled his eyes.

"You're always irritated it makes no difference who it is," Omoi said before Karui punched him over the head. Samui sighed at her two teammates as she looked out the window at the village. She slowly sighed as she wondered what the future held for her.

With Naruto

The blonde opened the door to the apartment and saw a note on the fridge door. He quickly took it down and looked at it.

"Naruto,

Hey Naruto-kun. I've got a mission with some of the other jonin so I won't be back for some time maybe about two day or three. Anko is probably the only one left behind. Stay safe for me. There are leftovers from last nights dinner inside. Heat it up and eat if you'd like. See you soon.

Your Mother, Kurenai Yuhi,"

Naruto sighed as he opened the fridge. He took out a small glass and some milk. He poured it and quickly drank it. Naruto bit his thumb as he slammed the ground.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu," Naruto yelled as there was a small poof. He saw a medium sized black colored python as it stood on its stomach.

"Hello Naruto-sama. Is it that time already?" the python asked and Naruto nodded. He unzipped his jacket and Mikata slithered out. She forked her tongue before turning around.

"I'll misssss you Naruto-sama," Mikata told him. Naruto knelt down with a small smile and nod. He softly petted Mikata before he pulled back and watched her slither over to the python.

"Get ready girl. We're leaving," He said to her and Mikata nodded. She slithered to the seal and they both poofed out of sight in a reverse summon. As Naruto's familiar Mikata would need training back at the home for the Snakes. She'd be gone for a good little while, but that was alright. Naruto knew he would miss her, but she was doing all this for his sake.

"Be careful Mikata-chan," Naruto said to himself as he stared at the open space. He sighed as he didn't really have anything to do for the moment. He then heard a knock at the door and quickly opened it. He saw Anko and Kyoko right behind the door. The blonde raised an eyebrow at their presence as he wondered what they wanted.

"Kyoko-chan, Anko-nee what are you guys doing here?" Naruto asked and the two smiled.

"We're going to a special place. Come with us," They said and before Naruto could say no, they dragged him out of the door and were sure to close it after they left.

"Wait, Anko-nee where are we going?" Naruto asked as he was dragged back into the streets. Naruto had never been manhandled by women before. It was a weird experience for the blonde as they took him through a corner.

"We're heading to a nice little place. A place that the Raikage set up for us. Samui will there," Anko said while Naruto sighed. It felt like they were rushing this. The blonde figured he had enough time to get to know Samui and it's not like he had to be with her everyday. Who knows how these people thought. It was staggering to the blonde.

Anko and Kyoko stopped in front of a door and knocked on it. The door immediately opened showing a small little cafe. Naruto tried to sneak away, but Kyoko grabbed him and set him down in a chair. He saw Samui across from the table while he sighed.

"I take it you were forced here also?" Naruto asked and Samui closed her eyes with an irritated nod in agreement. The blonde rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry about this. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable at all. We can go if you want," Naruto told her and Samui shook her head. She placed her elbows on the table while she looked out the window.

"It's alright Naruto-san. In truth I did want to see you again. If only not in the same day since we spent all morning and early afternoon together. I know it's not your fault. I'm not used to relationships so this is a new experience for the both of us," Samui said and Naruto could agree to that. He'd never been in any relationships due to his fangirls.

"So what are we supposed to do here? I mean the others left like so fast so what should we do?" Naruto asked and soon a cup was set in front of Samui. It appeared to be coffee, but the way she looked at it maybe it wasn't what she thought she'd expect.

"Something wrong with the coffee?" He asked and Samui gently chuckled.

"It's not coffee. It's a special blend of ingredients. It's something that they have in Kumo. I'm surprised that they sell it here," Samui said taking a small sip while Naruto looked out the window.

"You really like Kumo don't you?" He asked as Samui placed her cup down. She silently nodded and Naruto didn't have to see it to know that she did. Of course she loved it, why wouldn't she?

So tell me Samui-chan do you have any dreams?" Naruto asked her and Samui thought it over. She never really thought about her dreams before as she never really aspired for anything, except to be a strong shinobi for her village.

"I never had one. I'm still thinking it over. How about you?" she asked and Naruto slightly pointed towards the Hokage Stone Faces. Samui looked at them and the blonde smiled.

"My dream is to protect everyone in this village as the first Genjutsu Master Hokage," Naruto said to her and Samui raised an eyebrow. It was an odd dream and that wasn't like normal people, but then again she could figure that Naruto wasn't normal.

"That's a nice dream for you to have. I can see why you would be like that," the blonde girl told the blonde boy and Naruto thanked her for it.

The two spent some time talking to each other since they both didn't have anything better to do. It was nice to get to know the other so their could be a sense of familiarity between them. As far as they knew they weren't strangers anymore, but friends was a bit of a wall they hadn't come to yet. So for now they were acquaintances. Samui got up from her seat finally and sighed.

"Well I'll see you later Naruto-san. It was nice talking to you," Samui told him and Naruto nodded. He got up and left also just as easy. Anko, Kyoko and A sighed as they closed their eyes.

"That could've gone better don't you think?" Kyoko asked and Anko nodded in agreement.

"Well in any case they know each other. Let's give them some space for now before they both explode in front of us," A said making Anko and Kyoko agree.

"Well we've got a mission tomorrow so that works out well for us," Anko responded with a nicker while Kyoko rolled her eyes.

"Well that's good for you, but I've got the be teaching brats about swords and the like. (Sigh), I guess I'll head to the blacksmith to check out my sword. Damn that brat did a number on it," Kyoko said as she shunshined away along with Anko and A.

Next Morning

"So what's the mission Hokage-sama?" Anko asked and Sarutobi pulled out a scroll. He handed it to them and they all looked at it.

"This is a mission from the Land of Iron, more precisely the place where Samurai dwell nowadays," Sarutobi said and Naruto grinned. That'd be the chance to get some good metals and upgrade his kodachi if he could. He'd heard that the people who made weapons there were on par with the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. Kyoko could attest to that as she said she'd been to the Land of Iron before.

Hinata and Shikamaru noticed the gleam in Naruto's eyes and so did Anko as Sarutobi continued.

"This mission is to retrieve metals from one of our suppliers. It's at least five to six days way. This material is important as it makes up the metal that anbu use in their swords. If we lose this then we'll have to wait for another 2 months for that metal," Sarutobi said making Naruto's eyes shine even brighter while Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head.

"You're too happy about this mission. How troublesome," Shikamaru said and Hinata could agree, but she didn't mind it so much as she liked that about Naruto.

"Alright gaki it's time for us to go then. Let's head out in 10 minutes. That's enough for you to get any extra things," Anko told them and everyone nodded as they left the room.

Naruto hopped back home to go and fetch his kodachi. He'd be lucky if he could find a blacksmith to fix his sword. He also remembered Samui's tanto along with Karui and Omoi swords. Maybe he'd be able to grab some metal for them also. He doubted they would reforge them, but it was worth anything to try and make them all happy.

Naruto opened the door to his house and quickly walked into his room. He noticed something on his dresser and looked at it. It was another note from Kurenai. He wondered how he had never noticed that since last night. He quickly picked up the note and read it.

"Naruto,

Here is your allowance son. Don't spend it all in one place,"

Kurenai,"

Naruto grinned as he took the money on his dresser and placed it in his wallet. It was a simple 3000 yen, but that was alright to him. He was just happy to be paid. Not that he didn't already have money. He still had another 10,000 yen from his mission a few days ago. He was also just happy that they weren't doing any D-ranks. They'd be switching sensei and teammates in a few more weeks so he'd meet someone new.

"Alright now I can go," Naruto said to himself as he left the room. He also looked at the special shuriken he got from Sasuke on his birthday those years ago. It still made him smile, but he picked it up and brought it along also. Seeing that he had everything, Naruto left the room. He then realized that this would be his first mission without Mikata by his side. The blonde narrowed his eyes as he sighed. He really missed her already. The way she always slithered around his body was a memorable thing to the blonde.

"Come on Naruto. She'll be back. So just wait for that time," Naruto said as he left the apartment. He quickly met up with his team and they all left the village without any problems.

"So Anko-sensei, is Anbu metal different from ours?" Hinata asked and the Snake Mistress chuckled as she turned around. She quickly took out a kunai and held it in front of Hinata.

"Yeah they are. Anbu are the village's elite so they need elite metals. All our kunai, shuriken and other supplies are the same, but Anbu get better materials for their clothes, armor and swords. Their swords are made of special chakra responders that lock to the anbu's unique chakra signature. They are the only ones who have such a thing, but the Land of Iron is abundant in such things. The ports are usually closed off so we'll be walking there. We'll be lucky if we get any metal," Anko said while Shikamaru yawned.

"Please, with our luck we'll probably run into an S-rank missing nin this time. Just like that Kyoko-san. What a drag," Shikamaru said while Anko snaked her hand around Shikamaru's neck.

"No complaining Gaki. Now then let's head for the first rest point. Last one pays for everyone's dinner," Anko said as she shot off. Naruto ran after her while Hinata and Shikamaru sighed. They quickly ran after their sensei and teammate.

Back in Konoha

Sarutobi was currently doing his paperwork as usual before he heard the doorknob twist. He could feel the massive chakra signature behind the door and grinned as he saw A walk in.

"Had you been anyone else you'd be executed for barging in," Sarutobi told him while A closed his eyes. He folded his arms while he glared at the old Hokage.

"I'm sure you would, but enough about that. I need to return to Kumo as I don't want to leave it alone for too long. I'd like to leave Samui, Omoi and Karui here for a little while longer at least two more weeks then they can come back. Samui will participate in the Chunin exams in the coming months as I'm sure Naruto-san will also," A said which made Sarutobi nod in agreement.

"I understand, but why the sudden urge?" Aren't things going well back in Kumo?" Hiruzen wondered and A nodded.

"They are great and normal. It's just that a Kage should never be away from their village for too long," A responded and Sarutobi could definitely agree with that. It wouldn't be wise for a Kage to be gone or trouble would start to brew.

"Well I'll send some anbu to escort you back. It's not wise to travel alone either. Take care," the Sandaime said to the Yondaime Raikage as A left the room while Sarutobi looked at the large stack of paperwork.

"Funny, I could've sworn that I had done more than that," Sarutobi said to himself as he wondered if his paperwork was a living thing. It had to be or there was no logical explanation for it.

Back with Team Eight

Shikamaru groaned as he looked at the bill to the lunch they just had. Anko and Naruto grinned while Hinata consoled the Nara. The pineapple haired genin paid for the meal as they all left the place.

"Man that cleared me out. How nice is that?" Shikamaru wondered while Anko took out a map. She looked at the place for a second before she narrowed her eyes. Everyone noticed the look of agitation on her face while Anko turned to them.

"Come on you guys. It turns out that the Land of Iron is hosting a sale all week. We'll have to hurry to get the metal or the supplier said he'd auction it off and we can't allow that. Let's go now," Anko said as they couldn't take a leisurely stroll anymore. Everyone rushed through the trees as they hurried to the Land of Iron. They had to skip a couple of breaks, but that would be fine. For right now they just had to focus on getting there. The sun was soon going down and they would need to hurry.

"Anko-sensei what happens if the metal is auctioned off?" Shikamaru asked and the purple haired jonin narrowed her eyes.

"Then whoever wins it will get the metal and we will fail our mission. It's not our suppliers fault. It's a simple rule in the Land of Iron. During the special events you sell all of your high quality items to all the people who are willing to pay for them. If we don't collect our things now then we'll have to wait for another two months to get supplies and knowing how the anbu are with missions then you can see the weight of it all can't you?" Anko asked making Naruto, Shikamaru and Hinata nod.

"How did you know that they were holding a sale?" Naruto asked and Anko pulled out a book. She gave it to Naruto and the blonde took it. Hinata and Shikamaru closed in next to him with the former giving a small blush, but wanted to see also. They looked at a Land of Iron book that told about specific dates and events that would be happening from now into two years.

"Wow where did you get this book?" Naruto asked her and Anko pointed back in the direction of their village.

"It was being sold at a local bookstore so I bought it. Now you see why we have to hurry. We really chose the worst time to get this mission," Anko said making the others nod.

"Umm will we be meeting other shinobi also?" Hinata asked and Anko nodded making the others raise their eyebrows.

"It's only a C-rank because it's classified as a simple retrieval, but the odds of meeting other shinobi is quite high. Land of Iron makes a lot of precious metals. There will be bandits, thieves, and other nations shinobi. Are you all scared?" Anko asked making Naruto shake his head. Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head, but didn't say anything. Hinata slightly quivered, but she wasn't scared either. Anko grinned like mad as they all ran towards their checkpoint.

"Alright that's good. Just one word of advice. Avoid eye contact with anyone you find suspicious. People will not hesitate to pick a fight with you," Anko told them making the team gulp, but then Naruto said something to help them.

"That goes double for you Anko-nee," Naruto told her and making Shikamaru grin while Hinata snickered. Anko's eyebrow twitched as she turned to her brother.

"What are you talking about?" Anko asked and Naruto rolled his eyes at his faking sister.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. That last person who looked at you funny ended up in the hospital for a week. So maybe you should take your own advice," Naruto told her while Anko gasped.

"He got you there sensei. The entire village knew about that incident," Shikamaru told her and Anko scratched the back of her head in embarrassment.

"That guys had it coming to him. Now stop lagging behind and hurry up," Anko said and everyone agreed as they shot for the location.

Back in Konoha, three days later

Kurenai sighed as she exited the Hokage Mansion. It felt good to complete a mission, but she was rather sad that Naruto was gone on a mission of his own. She couldn't wait to have seen him, but then she'd have to wait a little longer.

"I wonder what I should do now," Kurenai said to herself before she heard a voice from next to her.

"Excuse me, your Kurenai Yuhi-san aren't you?" someone asked her and she turned to see Samui looked at her. Kurenai instantly recognized her. How could she not? This was her son's fiancee and her soon to be daughter-in-law. Whoa, that sounded so strange.

Kurenai snapped out of her thoughts before addressing the blonde Kumo genin.

"Yes that's right. How may I help you Samui-san?" Kurenai asked with a small smile and the genin glared with the cold gaze that she always had before answering.

"Well I'd like to ask you about your son, Naruto Uzumaki-san if that's alright. May I?" she asked and Kurenai raised an eyebrow before nodding and the two walked off to a private place. It turned out to be the corner of a small restaurant.

"Alright so what did you want to ask me?" Kurenai asked and Samui didn't waste anytime. If there was one thing that Kurenai observed about Samui, it was that she could be too serious about things. Maybe that was her nature Kurenai figured.

"Umm it's about Naruto-san habits or rather his stamina. When we were training together at one point I could feel a large spike in his chakra and then there is his healing abilities. Is he a jinchuuriki?" Samui asked and Kurenai mentally tensed and Samui seemed to notice it.

"Don't misunderstand what I'm asking. I don't hate him or anything. Kumo has two jinchuuriki and I'm close to them both. Their Yugito-san and Bee-sensei. I was just asking because the level of chakra that I think he has is a match for theirs," Samui said and Kurenai nodded. That could make sense and the Genjutsu Mistress sighed while she lightly tapped the table in front of her.

"While I understand the curiosity Samui-san, can you tell me why you didn't simply ask Naruto-kun this?" Kurenai asked her and Samui wavered for a second. She slightly rubbed the back of her head.

"Well we don't really know each other. I mean I have hung out with him for a while and we talked for a bit. I think that Raikage-sama and Hokage-sama were trying to get us at a comfortable level around each other. I feel a certain...level of comfort, but it wasn't enough for me to want to ask him that question. I didn't want him to think that I was prying so I didn't ask him," Samui answered and Kurenai lightly chuckled making Samui confused.

"Well it's not really my place to tell you as you'll just have to ask Naruto-kun about it. Trust me when he's not offended by much. If you want to know something about him then he'll tell you. He's just like that. I'm sure there are things about your life he'd like to know also, but doesn't want to pry. Just ask him and trust me that he will answer you when he's ready," Kurenai told her and Samui and the blonde girl nodded as she got to her feet.

"Thank you Kurenai-san. You have an interesting son. I look forward to getting to know him and you some more," Samui said and she headed for the door of the restaurant leaving a smiling Kurenai behind.

With Team eight, three days later. Land of Iron

Anko presented her passport and shinobi license as did Naruto, Hinata and Shikamaru. The four had quickly entered the Land of Iron country and were just in time also.

"Damn it's cold. Why is it snowing?" Shikamaru asked and Anko chuckled at him.

"Come on Shika. Try and toughen up," Anko said to him while the Nara glared at her, but didn't say anything

"Thank you and enjoy the events going on," A man said making the four nod as they entered. They were in a small city with an industrial feel to it. Granted there was snow all around, but that didn't matter. It was different than the elemental nations, but that was the Land of Iron they figured. Naruto looked around and saw plenty of people around. Just like Anko said, there were bandits, missing nin, and shinobi from other countries.

"Umm Anko-sensei, why are shinobi allowed here? I heard that the Land of Iron doesn't accept the Four Great Nations," Hinata told her and Anko nodded.

"That's right, but we're given special permission from time to time. All the nations are. The Land of Iron is neutral to us all. It's leader is called Mifune. He's in charge. They've never participated in any of the Ninja Wars so their neutral and might remain so. Just don't piss anyone off and you'll be fine," she told them while Shikamaru shivered.

"Alright sensei, where is our supplier?" Shikamaru asked trying to warm himself up and Anko pulled out a map. She pointed to one spot and they all quickly walked making sure not to have too much eye contact with any one person.

"Business is booming even in this cold huh?" Naruto asked and Anko nodded with a grin as they approached a shop. It was where their supplier was and it turns out that they were just in time too as they heard someone yell.

"Hand over that metal! No one's coming so it's their loss if they don't take it now had it over," A big man with a long sword on his back said to the supplier.

"I'm sorry sir, but you're going to have to wait ten more minutes and if the Konoha shinobi don't take it then it is yours, but I will wait until those ten minutes are up, down to the last second," he said and the big man grumbled with a small nod as he folded his arms.

"Well you don't have to wait anymore as we are here. Sorry to keep you waiting," Anko said and the man turned to see the four people at the door.

"Konoha I presume?" he asked and Anko nodded with a small gleam in her eye while the man widened his own eyes. Anko, Naruto, Shikamaru and Hinata came forward.

"Papers please," the man said and Anko handed the man some papers from Konoha that listed the registration number for Konoha's order.

"Ahh thank you for you for your services. Do you have the money?' the man asked and Anko nodded, but then the larger man slammed the counter.

"What the hell is this? They can't just walk in here and take all that metal. Are you fuckin' with me?" the man asked while Naruto leaned close to Shikamaru.

"Not like any woman would in his life," Naruto whispered making Shikamaru stifle a laugh. While Anko carried the materials and easily the Konoha shinobi were about to walk out before the man blocked their path.

"Don't even think about leaving here with that metal. Hand it over before I kill you," He said as he took out his sword. Anko narrowed her eyes while Hinata and Shikamaru backed away. Naruto glared at him while Anko balled her fists.

"Move it tubby!" Anko yelled and the man glared at her.

"I love a chick who doesn't know how to bite her tongue," the man said and Naruto narrowed his eyes. His hair covered his eyes as he went through his handsigns. Hinata, Shikamaru and Anko noticed the chakra spike while Naruto walked past Anko and glared at the man.

"Anko-nee looks like we're going to be having some trouble," Naruto said as he slammed the ground.

"Ninpo: Shin no Otoshiana," Naruto yelled as the ground shook. Immediately the man backed away from the pitfall in front of him as Naruto went through some more handsigns.

"Katon: Hokayu no Jutsu( Fire Release: Phoenix Fireball Jutsu)," Naruto yelled as he sent the fire towards the man knocking him out the shop and into an adjacent building making it explode drawing people's attention. The man screamed as people say his burnt body. Team eight exited the shop while Naruto saw everyone looking at them.

"So much for that plan," Anko said to herself while the store owner came out.

"Young man that was amazing. Have you ever considered doing the Land of Iron's tournament. It's filled with prizes and the like. The metal you have there is something that's also being presented. It's enough for a year's supply," the man said and Anko widened her eyes. She grinned like mad and so did Naruto. Shikamaru sighed as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Are you sure we can enter?" Naruto asked. The man nodded with a smile.

"That's right. Anyone can enter and they all get to stay in a hotel with all expenses paid. It'll be the amazing point to end our event. I'd like it if you stayed," the man said and Naruto turned to Anko. The Snake Mistress placed a hand on her hip and tapped her finger under her chin.

"Troublesome, but I say Naruto goes for it. It might be fun for him to let loose," Shikamaru said and Hinata agreed. Anko smirked with a nod.

"Alright Naruto go and enter, but if you don't win...I'll come get you," Anko told him and Naruto gulped, but he nodded and ran off to go sign up for the tournament.

"Umm Anko-sensei, just how are we to get this to Hokage-sama?" Hinata asked and the purple haired jonin bit her thumb. Immediately she summoned a snake and it slithered towards her.

"How might I help you Anko-sama?" The snake asked and she handed the bag of metal towards the snake.

"Please give this to Hokage-sama for us along with this note. Thank you," Anko said making the snake nod as it dispelled out of sight. Shikamaru and Hinata nodded with that method of choice.

"Alright, now that our mission is done shall we go watch?" Anko asked and the two nodded while Naruto came back.

"They said that the tournament is tomorrow so we'll have to wait, but I signed up along with Anko-nee," Naruto said making Anko gasped.

"Why'd you sign me up?" she asked and the blonde rubbed the back of his head with a small smile.

"Well I figured if you were in it then would double our chances of winning. You like those odds don't you? Plus you're wicked strong Anko-nee," Naruto complimented and Anko blushed.

"Well that is true. Alright I'll fight. I don't see the point, but okay," she said while Naruto turned to Shikamaru and Hinata.

"Are you two going to join?" Naruto asked and they shook their heads fast at his question. For them, they'd feel better if they didn't get involved unless they had to and if this tournament went wrong then plenty of fighting would be going on.

"N-No Naruto-kun. I-I think I'll observe the fights," Hinata said and Shikamaru nodded in the same respect.

"I agree. I don't want to work if I don't have to. Good luck to you both," Shikamaru said rubbing the back of his head. Anko and Naruto nodded before the later came up to the shop owner.

"Tell me do you know where a blacksmith is?" Naruto asked him and the man pointed to himself.

"Why young lad I'm a blacksmith. One of the best in the Land of Iron. How can I help you?" he asked and Naruto took out his two kodachi.

"Can you repair and upgrade these? I'll pay any cost you want," Naruto said while the man looked over the two swords. Anko, Shikamaru and Hinata watched the interaction between them while the man took out a glass eye and looked it over.

"This is quite a nice metal. It's very sturdy and very exquisite. A little scratched up, but fine. I can repair this. As for upgrades what would you like?" He asked and Naruto placed a finger to his chin. He closed his eyes for a second before he wanted to respond.

"Well can you come up with something interesting?" Naruto asked and the man nodded.

"I'll tell ya what. If you or your friend there win the tournament then this will be free if not then you pay. How about that?" He asked and Naruto's eyes gleamed.

"You got it Oji-san," Naruto said to him as the two shook hands. Naruto then rummaged through his pockets and pulled out some of the metal that they just got from the supplier.

"Anko-nee, we still have some metal left over," Naruto told her and Anko looked it over. She saw it was a fairly medium sized piece. Nothing that would make a difference to the other types that she sent.

"Use it then. It's nothing serious," Anko told him and Naruto gave it to the old man.

"Please upgrade my swords using this metal if you can," Naruto told him and the old blacksmith smirked as he rubbed his two hands together.

"Understood sir," he said while Naruto and the others left, but then the blonde turned around.

"Hey can you tell me your name?' Naruto asked him and the man pointed to himself.

"My name is Muramasa young one. Who are you?" he asked and Naruto gave a thumbs up.

"I'm Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki. The next Hokage of Konoha," Naruto said as Team Eight left the shop. The man chuckled to himself as he walked over to a picture. There was a boy in his teens with a sword on his back. He was more or less glaring with a serious face while Muramasa chuckled.

"If only you could be as lively as him then you'd be great ninja," Muramasa said before he rolled up his sleeves and began to work over Naruto's kodachi before he saw someone else open the door. The person was obviously female, but she had a hood over her head. She had violet hair as she wore a small kimono dress. She wore some high heeled boots while she came inside.

"Good day Muramasa-san. How are you today?" the girl asked. She was about Naruto's age maybe a year younger.

"Ahh well I haven't see you in a while. I've been well. It's good to see you also," Muramasa said the girl took a glance at the kodachi.

"You a collector of short blades now?" she asked while Muramasa held up Naruto's swords as he gave a chuckle.

"No I'm not. Just met the most interesting young man. He likes these blades like you. He's entering the tournament here in the Land of Iron," Muramasa told her while the hooded girl gave a small smile.

"I see well that nice. Maybe I'll enter just to see what he's like. Also Ryu-sama sent you this," she said handing him a scroll. Muramasa took the scroll and smiled.

"Ahh well thank you. Do you want some blacksmithing done also?" He asked and the girl placed her kodachi on the counter.

"Please and thank you. Now to see who this person is that has got you so interested. What's his name?" she asked and Muramasa gave an elderly laugh.

"His name is Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki. You should watch him closely. He's good," Muramasa said while the violent girl stepped out of the shop.

"I noticed a bit. Well hope you watch as I'll be winning that tournament," she said leaving in a swift manner. Muramasa chuckled at her while he placed her kodachi next to Naruto's.

"Looks like I'll have to hope that those two fight. It'll be quite interesting to see who wins," Muramasa said to himself before he got back to work.

Hokage Mansion

Sarutobi was finished with his work before a poof came on his table. He looked to see a medium sized snake on his desk with a scroll.

"Greetingssss Hokage-sama. Thissss isss from Anko-sama. Bye bye," The snake said as it disappeared. Sarutobi looked at the scroll and unsealed it. Immediately precious metal from the Land of Iron fell to the ground and he gasped when a note fell to the floor with it. He raised an eyebrow before he quickly picked up.

"Hokage-sama,

Anko here Hokage-sama. We've sent you the metal that was for our mission. We'd be on our way back, but Naruto, as we know him, entered a tournament and the prize is a year supply of this same metal as well as some other things. We'll be back soon just to let you know. Please forward the money and success of the mission to our accounts. Please and thank you.

Snake Mistress, Anko Mitarashi,"

Sarutobi stopped as he looked over the note. He sighed as he shook his head at what Naruto did, but still a year supply of this metal. It would last Konoha for a long time. Also this was fine as long as they all obeyed the Land of Iron's rules. Sarutobi could only wonder if Mifune would do something stupid.

"Sigh I guess I'll give them their pay. I just hope that Naruto doesn't act too reckless," Sarutobi said to himself as he started another form on Anko's team and their success.

Hokage Gates

"Bye Raikage-sama. We'll see you soon," Karui said with a smile and the Raikage patter her on the head. He was about to leave with two anbu that the Hokage assigned to him.

"I understand. Behave yourselves and you'll be fine. Be safe and continue on in Konoha for another two weeks. Once those are over you can come home. I'll see you soon," A said to them making Samui, Omoi and Karui nod. They all watched him leave while Samui turned around.

"Samui, where are you going?" Omoi asked her and the blonde looked up at the sky.

"I'm going to find Kyoko-san and get some more training in for to day. See you later," Samui told them as she ran off leaving Omoi and Karui near the gates.

"Wanna follow her?" Karui asked while Omoi rubbed the back of his head.

"Sure, why not," he said as they quickly followed their blonde friend.

Land of Iron, hotel room

Naruto and Shikamaru stayed in one room while Hinata and Anko stayed in the other. The two boys sighed as Shikamaru shivered some more.

"I can't believe their having a tournament in this place. Damn it's cold," Shikamaru said and Naruto chuckled at his Nara friend.

"If you keep saying your cold then you will be cold. Just stop moving and go to sleep. It's easy isn't it?' Naruto asked and he yawned. Shikamaru sighed as he got in the bed.

"So you're going to win the tournament?' Shikamaru asked and Naruto nodded with a small grin on his face.

"Of course. I'll get a free upgrade. Samui, Karui and Omoi might even upgrade theirs. I hope they'll be happy," Naruto said while Shikamaru looked at his friend with a smirk.

"Seems like someone is starting to like the blondie from Kumo," Shikamaru said while Naruto blushed as he turned on his side of the bed.

"Shut up and got to sleep," the blonde genin said while Shikamaru turned on his side and closed his eyes. Naruto did the same as he couldn't wait to have some fun tomorrow. Little did he or anyone else know how chaotic the tournament would soon become.

KG: Before Samui heads back to Kumo I want her and Naruto to have some familiarity and friendship with each other. Simply so that they aren't total strangers during the Chunin exams. I also want them interested in the other's life since their engaged. So how many of you can tell me who Muramasa is? :) Laterz.