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Author's note:
Would like to thank everyone for checking this story out^^ I do admit that my writing is acceptable and I really DO think that I needed an improvement.

Anyways…

Disclaimer:
Masashi Kinimoto is one heck of a mangaka:) Really admired him for creating such a wonderful masterpiece…

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"Talking"

"Thinking or mindscape talking"

"Bijuu speaking or Jutsu"

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An Uzumaki's Pursuit of Happyness
By: Zelga Lim Li

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Chapter 7

Eight years ago…

Namikaze Minoru couldn't believe that the council had the guts to fool him. They should have known…

Gritting his teeth, Minoru is trying to restrain himself from slaughtering them, especially an irritating old hawk.

So what if he controls the root.

He belongs to the darkness. And he is far more stronger than him and his puppets.

He and his brother had risked their lives to protect this village. And yet they could not even grant his brothers last dying wish.

He should have taken her away from here. But knowing Minato… He would not want him to abandon their home.

Trying as hard as he could be, he will stay… a little longer… if only for his brother's memory.

"Minoru?"

Hiruzen didn't know what to say. The newly reinstated Hokage can feel the blondes' internal struggle. His killing intent was so prominent that he could feel it even if he was inside the tower miles away. His ANBUs alerted him of the danger yet he waved them off.

"Have you forgotten, old man? Minoru does not exist anymore. I am no one. I belong to the shadows that protect Konoha. I am Panther." The Yellow Flash's last surviving brother said in a clipped tone.

Sighing, the Third hold onto the younger man's shoulder in a sympathetic manner. "Do not let anger control you, young Namikaze. Between the two of you, Minato is always the one who reprimands you in doing reckless things…"

Minoru turn to glare at the Hokage, "But he isn't here to stop me, remember?" Gripping his sword, he spat angrily. "He is dead."

Sarutobi Hiruzen gave the man a solemn look, and added in a sad voice, "Yes, he is. He sacrificed his life to save the village."

"In turn, this village did not even acknowledge the sacrifices he made… They defiled his legacy… his own daughter…" Minoru said as he sweeps his sword violently, cutting the surrounding trees in half.

The boy that protected Naruto was badly hurt. Minoru felt so much gratitude to the boy's family. He learned that they were brave enough to oppose the council in regards to his niece. They took care of Minato's daughter whenever he wasn't around.

Now he knew why most of his missions were done outside the village. It was a trick, a conspiracy among those wretched fools. Those people wanted to use his niece as a weapon. They continuously feed her with so much anger and hatred. By hurting her and trying to make her into a cold blooded killing machine.

"I will not let Danzo touch her, old man, mark my words… If he even tries, I will kill him," Minoru promised without remorse.

The Third felt dread for the nth time. It was not like the First and Second Shinobi Wars that he witnessed and participated in the past.

Namikaze Minoru a.k.a. Panther is one of the most frightening people he ever met. Unlike his older brother, the man before him is the Fourth's exact opposite. Despite the dwindling loyalty Minoru felt for the village, Hiruzen knew that he would not disregard Minato's wishes to watch over the village, especially his daughter Naruto.

"What are planning to do now?" The Hokage asks softly.

"During my time outside the village, I was productive," Minoru started. "I have found the new location of Uzushiogakure…"

"Is that true?" Astounded, the Third asks.

"They are coming… and they will take her away from this hell."

Sarutobi crossed his arms behind, suddenly feeling exhausted. "Maybe… that is for the better. Kiara and the rest of the Uzumaki clan would take good care of her. But… the council… they wouldn't approve…"

"Oh, they will…" Minoru smiled dangerously. "I will make them… understand."

Inwardly, the Third Hokage felt apprehensive, yet he knew that this moment is inevitable. Somehow he was glad, that the child would finally be safe, somewhere she belongs.

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Present day, Uchiha district…

Sasuke looks dumbfounded. The atmosphere was just… too troublesome (as a certain Nara would probably like to say). He was sitting beside his brother Itachi who appear out of nowhere to greet their 'guest' when they first arrived at their doorstep.

They were inside the Naka shrine. Near the main altar, the clan head, Uchiha Fugaku sat. He and Itachi were sitting right beside him. His mother, Mikoto, was distributing some tea that she prepared earlier.

As far as he knew, only members of the Uchiha clan can come inside the temple… and those who are loyal and have pledge their allegiance to their family. He never knew that the said Uzumaki and that specific ANBU has that privileged.

"It's been a while, Kiara-chan…" His mother greeted cheerfully to the redhead.

"Yes, it is, Mikoto-san…" Kiara replied.

"I hope your old man is well."

Smiling serenely, Kiara took a sip and takes her time to respond. "As a matter of fact, he does not want my niece to come back. But Naruto has her ways and Uzumaki Kaizen submits himself without any second thoughts… until the last minute."

Panther tightly grips his cup. Sasuke noticed and wonders if the others saw but turning at his brother, he did not react. Does his mysterious teammate know Naruto's grandfather as well?

Chuckling lightly, Mikoto coughed to hide her amusement as her husband's eyebrow ticked.

Kiara shook her head, "Hey Fugaku-teme… looks like you have not change for one bit, hmmm?" Placing her chin over her hands, the Uzumaki smiled widely as she heard the man beside her choked on his tea.

Everyone else, with the exception of Itachi who continues to drink his tea with the same elegance as before, had their jaws dropped open in shock.

"Teme? Oh the irony," Sasuke thought to himself. Now he knew where Naruto learned her vocabulary.

Sighing, Fugaku rubbed a hand against his temple, an approaching headache on the horizon. "I see that you are still as uncivilized as ever, Kiara-chan…"

The redhead laughed cheerfully.

"I am here to assume my duty to the Uchihas as representative of the Uzumaki clan. As you have seen, I brought someone that would definitely interest the youngest member of the 'inner council'." Glancing at Sasuke, Kiara winked and added in a pensive manner, "Before you, one of the last remaining member of the Namikaze clan…"

"What are you talking about?" Sasuke interjected. "Have you forgotten? Naruto is happily stuffing her stomach with bowls of ramen… and she is not here. As far as I can remember, she is the only Namikaze…"

"I am not referring to my Naruto, Sasu-chan…"

Panther stood abruptly, in a blink of an eye, even faster than Sasuke's Sharingan, covered the redhead's mouth.

"Don't talk rubbish, Uzumaki-san, Naruto is the last Namikaze alive… And Sasuke, I believe Owl needed assistance in the southern borders. A group of Iwa spies have been spotted. They must already heard the news of the Yondaime's daughter…"

Flustered, Sasuke began to stammer. "W-wh-what?! Why didn't you tell me earlier…" the youngest Uchiha rushed towards the temples exit. Before he left, he turned to his father and bowed. The boy left hurriedly after kissing Mikoto and a farewell wave from Itachi.

Swatting Panther's hand away from her face, Kiara glared murderously at him. "What the f**k is your problem, Namikaze?!"

"Don't you start on me Uzumaki, we had a deal…" Panther shouted back angrily.

"Sasuke is gone. Perhaps it is time to continue this meeting, Panther? Kiara-chan?" Itachi spoke calmly to the two for the first time stating Panther's real name. "This time… without the 'masks'…"

Panther growled inwardly and removed his porcelain mask. He also takes off the bandana he constantly wear to hide his hair. Revealing his face, Panther looks like the younger version of Namikaze Minato minus the jaw length bangs. Like Naruto and her father, he had the same bright blue eyes and spiky blond hair.

Huffing, Kiara crossed her arms and glared at the blonde.

"So, have you accomplished everything?" Fugaku asks the redhead, breaking the tension. Mikoto giggled. Her husband didn't really understand subtlety.

"Yes, I did." Nodding, the Uzumaki glances behind, "Is everything ready, Yui?"

"Hai, my Lady," a soft voice answered, slitted amber colored eyes glows among the shadows.

Uzumaki Kiara stares directly at the Namikaze, threatening him to oppose her.

"According to the betrothal contract signed by the late Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina, their daughter, Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto would wed your youngest son, Uchiha Sasuke on their sixteenth birthday, four years from now." Pausing slightly, Kiara smirked triumphantly as she felt Minoru flinch.

The Uchiha couple was tentatively listening while Itachi observes his friend from the sidelines knowing that the blonde is against the marriage. Minoru has nothing against Sasuke but was oppose to the two getting married at a very young age.

"As requested by the current Uzumaki clan head, once Naruto becomes a fully pledge Genin of Konoha, she will stay with her fiancés family until the manor house of Uzushio located at northern part of the village has been rebuilt and someone from the Ikuzuma's Guardian would be able to accompany Naruto during her stay here in the village…"

In a somber expression, the redhead approached Minoru and cradled his face. "The scroll that holds Naruto's memories eight years ago was entrusted to the young Uchiha. It is up to him now if he wishes to return it…"

Minoru has no argument. Even before the arrangement has been made, Minato makes sure that he has nothing to worry about.

"Perhaps… you are right…" He finally speak out, "Naruto might be ready… and so is Sasuke…" Clutching his mask, the Panther's expression hardens. "But they will not stop… and she would be in danger once more…"

Fugaku shook his head. "You are her Uncle, yet you worry more than her own father. Minato should have known…"

"And he is far worse than Kushina." Mikoto added with an amusing smile.

"Really?" Itachi asks curiously.

"He is like Iori… Ikuzuma's resident mother hen and Naruto's most loyal pet. No wonder they get along so fine…" Kiara commented.

"For Kami-sama's sake…" Minoru exclaimed irritably, "I am still right here… Don't talk as if I'm not around…"

Faking her surprise, the redhead crowed with the Uchiha matriarch. "Is that really you, Minoru-kun? Are you even talking to me?" cackling like a demented witch, Kiara teased the blonde and engage in a gossip with the older woman, sharing some tips and the likes while the other two Uchiha males discussed something about security and other 'stuff'.

Heaving a tired sigh, Minoru ran a hand over his hair, attempting to brush away his frustrations. They are ganging up on him, which he is certain. He felt a slight rustle as Naruto's fox guardian sat beside him.

Yui smiled at him. "Worrying over something insignificant is not getting to help, Minoru-sama…"

"So you knew?"

"We demons knew everything…" The fox chuckled, "we just don't interfere with human affairs unless it threatens our kind and those whom we serve…" Yui stiffened as she sensed danger at the same time Minoru's eyes flashes dangerously.

Itachi appeared by his side, holding his own mask. Kiara was startled for a second but gained control. Using the Uzumaki's Eye of the Kagura technique, the redhead tracked down Naruto. "She's at the Hokage mountain with the Haruno girl. Iori is on his way but he wouldn't make it on time. A dozen of Iwa shinobis are currently surrounding my niece…" Kiara cursed that made Mikoto wince and ran outside.

"I will alert the Hokage," Mikoto volunteered and disappears in a shunshin.

Fugaku followed the group outside; the Uzumaki was already ahead of them while the snow colored fox was trailing closely behind. Itachi and Minoru had their masks on. "There are a few of my police stationed nearby the mountain, I will send a summon to warn them," the clan head said.

Itachi nodded to his father and disperses himself in a flock of crows. Minoru never thought he would use this technique after his brother's death. But the occasion calls for it and he had no choice. Naruto's safety depended on it.

"Flying God Thunder Technique!" Panther disappears in a flash of yellow.

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Naruto held her kunai tightly. Sakura was shaking beside her and the way she gripped her weapon was slightly jittery.

"I know you are nervous but please get a hold of yourself, Sakura-chan," the blonde whispered.

The pinkette shot her an incredulous look, "I know I should not worry because we are shinobis ourselves and we can fight them somehow. But Naruto, they are too many!"

"Let us put it these way, think of this as a part of our training…" Naruto was resolute. Her eyes sparkled in anticipation. "As you have said, we are a shinobi, we do not fear our enemy… we fight."

"Brave words for a little runt like you."

Someone spoke, probably the leader and the way he stood among them. He wore the same vest like Kakashi-nii.

"Che, what do you care, you moron." Naruto answered back despite Sakura's caution. "We will defeat all of you."

"Don't make me laugh, kid. YOU may be his daughter, but since he died before you even learn to walk, I doubt it that you have the same prowess that he had…"

"What is he talking about, Naruto?" Sakura asks. The Haruno saw Naruto's eyes that glinted murderously and she swallowed hard, worriedly. They are surrounded, around twelve to fifteen Iwa shinobis. They are freaking Jonins and a couple of chuunins. Sakura didn't know what would they want with Naruto.

"I will tell you a little secret, Sakura." Naruto said seriously. "Did you know that my father defeated Iwagakure singlehandedly? He didn't even break a sweat. And these fools ran with their tails between their legs… Like the coward that they are…"

"Nani?"

"Shut up!" Some of the Iwa ninjas shouted angrily as one of them threw a couple of explosive tags towards the girls.

It did not explode but a large billow of smoke encircled the two and it is making them harder to see. A sleeping gas! Sakura tried not to breathe but it was futile.

"Naruto!" Kurama growled inside of her, his tails swishing furiously.

"I know Kyuu-chan, but Sakura is…"

"If only you will let me… I will finish them off for you…"

"But Kyuu, you might kill them…" The Uzumaki said in concern. "Let me handle this, my way…"

"Tsk. You are such a softie…" Kurama snickered. "I wonder how you will be able to surpass your father if you don't even want to kill your opponents… You really are pathetic."

"It's a matter of perspective," Naruto smiled inwardly at the fox, "I will find a way to defeat my enemies without any bloodshed… you'll see…" The blonde formed a very familiar hand sign as the nine tailed fox rolls his eyes. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Naruto was surrounded by a number of her clones. Without any words, she looked at them and nodded. It is time to retaliate.

Surprised at their number, the leader cursed. "It's a diversion. Look for the brat before the others come. She is with the other girl, hurry."

Rushing her movements, Naruto picked up Sakura and ran towards the forest. She can't let these idiots roam around the village. Besides, they were after her. So assuming that they will follow her, she escaped towards the trees for better cover. She also needs to hide Sakura and fight back without the restrictions.

"All of you will taste the wrath of Uzumaki Naruto, dattebayo!"

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ANBU Raven rushed towards the Hokage mountain. Feeling the rush of adrenalin on his veins, Owl was left behind.

"Hey! Wait up!" Owl shouted.

"I am coming, Naruto." Clenching his jaws, Sasuke's eyes turned bloody red, his Sharingan twirling rapidly.

"Wait for me…"

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"Impressive… For someone like you to defeat my chuunins, you must have undergone extensive training, little Namikaze," the Iwa nin said in a scornful manner. As he walks towards Naruto, he let the blade scraped dirt creating a screeching sound that irritates the blonde.

Trying to plug her ears, the Uzumaki scowled. "Chuunins? You got to be kidding me… I thought I was fighting a bunch of Academy students… What a shame…" Naruto retorted back.

The Iwa Jonin smiled sarcastically, aiming his sword at the girl. "Once I kill you, I will take your head and bring it home. Iwa will finally be avenged." He attacked.

Naruto back flips and landed on all fours as she avoided his attacks. Pushing her limbs to add some speed, she tackled the man and let themselves fall on the ravine.

Clutching her head, Naruto crawled away from the fallen Iwa nin. "Ouch! Hope Kyuu-chan heals these wounds or they will leave some nasty scars…"

"We're not finish yet, you squirt," the Jonin grabs Naruto's hair and strangles the girl to restrain her movements.

"Ooff! Let me go you moron!" Naruto screeched as she tries to kick him.

"Yes, let her go or you will never see the end of this day…"

Naruto and her captor turn to see an ANBU standing a few meters away.

"Raven? Stay away from here… he's dangerous!"

"Just one? And another brat at that…" Sneering the Iwa nin berates the boy as Naruto struggles more. "Don't tell me Konoha lost her touch and let little kids join the force… Unacceptable…"

"Leave him alone!" the Uzumaki yelled. The young ANBU walks slowly towards them but stopped on his tracks as he saw a kunai closing in on her.

"Don't come any closer, or she will die!" the Iwa nin said in a panic as he recognizes him. This might be just a boy but knowing his reputation, a member of Konoha's special ANBU squad known as the Shadow. They do not follow rules and was given free reign to destroy their enemy.

"What's the matter? Afraid of a little kid?" Raven asks mockingly. Inwardly he laughs at the man who is acting pitifully and prepares his punishment.

"Naruto-hime, if I told you to do something, will you comply?"

"Uhm? What for?" Naruto asks hesitantly.

Sighing, Raven scratched his mask. This will be tricky.

"Tsukuyomi!" Wordlessly, he activated a special genjutsu to destroy his enemy.

Naruto and the stupid Iwa nin was trapped on his gaze and fell unconscious. Raven was able to catch the blonde before she falls and held her close, gently. Glaring at the enemy, Sasuke was about to burn him using the flames of Amaterasu when he felt his brother's hand restraining him.

"That is enough Raven, she is safe." Itachi said.

"Hn." The boy stood and carries Naruto away. "What about the others?"

"Panther did a number on them, using his special technique. It was a while when I see him in action. He was ferocious and very frightening and it is really amusing by the way…"

"I am taking her home." Sasuke said in a firm voice. Itachi smiled secretly.

"After eight long years, finally she is home, am I right?"

Sasuke flinched. "Don't you dare tease me in front of her, do you understand?" the Raven yelled and ran away with Naruto safely tucked in his arms.

Chuckling, Itachi looks ahead, "This will be very interesting, don't you think?"

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Inside Naruto's mindscape, Kurama laughs to himself in amusement.

The illusion the boy gave Naruto was their memory together at the Academy and that kiss. The blonde would certainly freak out.

It was hilarious and wonders what would Naruto do if she founds out that she would be living at the Teme's house. Better start the preparations. Yui should be informed as well. That kit likes to prank especially if the target is the princess herself.

The nine tailed demon fox chortled merrily. He noted and acknowledges Uchiha Itachi's words. "Interesting indeed…"

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Author's other note:
Please read, like and review… No flamers please… Constructive criticisms and suggestions are welcome…

Love and peace to you all.

Ja Ne!

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