TU: Hey everybody, and welcome back for another chapter. -slight knocking on my door- I wonder who that is? Wasn't expecting anyone today. -walks towards the door and reaches for the handle before the door is blown off it's hinges sending me flying into a wall-
Sakura: -standing in the doorway panting heavily- YOU! How dare you do that to my Sasuke-kun!?
TU: -stands up brushing myself off- Why Sakura, whatever do you mean?
Sakura: You know exactly what I mean! -takes a few steps forwrd cracking her knuckles- I will make you pay, and then track down Naruto and Hariken and make those baka's pay as well!
TU: -smirks- Well I suppose if you must, however ask yourself this: "Do I really want to do anything to the author who has complete control of my fate?"
Sakura: -stops walking- What do you mean?
TU: Well it's just that a lot of people are saying that you and Naruto, or perhaps Hariken, would make a cute couple. However I could always hook you up with Rock Lee instead. -I say with a smile that would make the Kyubii proud-
Sakura: -goes pale white with a shocked expression- Y...you wouldn't d..dare, would you?
TU: -crosses my arms over my chest with a blank expression- Try me.
Sakura: NO! I...I mean no Author-sama, that won't be necessary. -bows respectfully- I will replace your door, please forgive my rudeness.
TU: -waves off the apology- There is nothing to forgive, and I appreciate you replacing my door. Now kindly do the disclaimer's, -starts walking past her- and if I hear that you went after Naruto, Hariken, or both you will be in a LOT of trouble. Do I make myself clear?
Sakura: -stands up straight with fear written all over her face- Yes sir! TU doesn't own Naruto or any of it's character's. -runs past me out the doorway-
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Chapter 7: A Birthday Surprise!
Konoha
The sun rises over Konohagakure No Sato, everyone rise's to start a new day. However this day has an air of excitement, for today is October the 10th also known as the day of the Kyubii Festival.
Now most of the village spends this day setting up for the festival to celibrate the Fourth Hokage killing the Nine Tailed Fox and Wolf. Setting up game stands, making all kinds of food ranging from secret dango flavor's that are held back for special occasion's to plain old miso ramen, stores making special sale's for the village and it's visitor's to enjoy.
Everyone is excited for this day, except for two people.
Uzumaki Naruto and Uzumaki Hariken.
These two boy's share their birthday with the festival, however instead of enjoying the celebration like everyone else they are shunned and forced away from everything and everyone. This reaction would cause any other children to wonder 'Why me?' or 'Why does everyone hate us?', but not Naruto and Hariken, why you ask, because they know why and still hold no ill will towards the village.
However today the Uzumaki Duo have a reason to be excited themselves, because today they get to have a party before the festival is in full swing. The Third Hokage himself has set up everything for the birthday party in the center of the Konoha Park and has invited all the boys' class mate's from the academy.
Naruto and Hariken both wake up a sleepily, rubbing the sleep out of their eyes as they walk towards the bathroom alternating between brushing their teeth and taking a leak. Once done they go back to their room and get dressed for the day in their normal attire.
Except today Naruto decided to change things up a bit by wearing a orange tank top under an open button black shirt, black pants with orange flames around the ankle's that went up to just below his knees, and standard black shinobi sandals.
Hariken wore his usual attire of a white tank top under his midnight blue T-shirt, his black pants with the dark blue stripe along the sides, and his blue shinobi sandals.
"You both look very handsome." Kurama said inside their heads.
"Indeed Kurama is correct." Fenirir agreed before adding in his two ryo "Although Hariken always dresses accordingly, however this is a nice change from your normal attire Naruto-kun. Why the change?"
Naruto simply shrugs and says with his foxy grin "Well since today is our birthday I decided I would try a new look. I mean with all the time's Iruka-sensei, Itachi-ani, Oji-Ibiki, and Jiji have griped about the jumpsuit I figured what would it hurt trying a new look. However I can always go back to wearing it if you want."
"No!""No!" Kurama, Hariken, and Fenirir all yell inside Naruto's head causing him to wince in pain and wiggle his finger in his ear just to make sure he hadn't suffered any damage to his ear. Sure he knew it was all in his head, but better safe than sorry right.
A knocking on their bedroom door alerted them to someone being there and the Uzumaki Duo promised a quiet conversation to come with Kurama and Fenirir before Hariken asked "Who is it?"
"It's Itachi, may I come in?" asked Itachi through the closed door.
"We are heading down for breakfast right now Itachi-ani." says Naruto as he opens the door and starts walking past a slightly surprised Itachi
"Gomen'nasai Itachi-ani, we had just finished getting dressed when you knocked. We lost track of time it appears." says Hariken apologizing for both himself and his eager brother.
Itachi smiles and chuckles softly "It's alright Hariken. Ibiki had just finished your breakfast and sent me to come see what was taking you both since your usually downstair's long before now." he jerks his thumb towards Naruto still looking at Hariken "What's with his new look, I almost didn't recognize him?"
Hariken just shrugs and simply states "He just wanted to try a new look and see what you, Jiji, Iruka-sensei, and Oji-Ibiki all thought." he looks toward his brother and just shrugs again "He even surprised me with his new look, but you know his inner trickster is planning something. I just don't know what."
Nodding Itachi simply follows Naruto and Hariken downstair's, no way in Hell was he going to miss Ibiki's reaction to this.
Once downstair's the boys take their usual spots at the table to find that Ibiki had went all out for breakfast. The table was covered with platter's filled with bacon, chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled and sunny side up eggs, sausage links and patties, a bowl with different kinds of fruit in it, toasted bagels with different spreads, and even a platter filled with different kinds of doughnuts.
Ibiki puts the book he was reading yesterday down, takes one look at Naruto and then looks to Hariken. "Alright Hariken, if this is your idea of getting back at Naruto for what he did yesterday I have to say I am a little disappointed. You know two wrong's don't make a right" he says calmly
Itachi just sits there with a blank expression, but inside he his cracking up 'Oh this will be entertaining.' he thinks to himself as he starts filling up his plate.
"Indeed I do know that Oji-Ibiki, but that is Naruto. I had no hand in his change of clothing." Hariken says with a straight face as he too starts to fill his plate.
Looking at Naruto, who had already stuffed his face full of pancake, Ibiki asks "So if you really are Naruto then you will know the answer to my question: What is my middle name?" he leans closer to Naruto to whisper "You better whisper it in my ear or I will follow through with that threat I made when you first called me that."
Naruto turned white, and bit of pancake falling out of his mouth before he swallows "B...but you said if I ever said your middle name again y...you'd hang me b...by my toes and..." he was cut off by Ibiki covering his mouth to stop him from finishing his sentence.
"Yeah it's you, only you would know about that hahahaha." Ibiki chuckles as he refills his coffee and starts filling up his own plate "So what's with the new look kiddo, finally got tired of the jumpsuit?" he asks before taking a bite of his bagel.
Shrugging Naruto answers without even looking at the massive man "Nah, I just got tired of everyone complaining about it and decided to try a new look." he looks at his clothes again and back at Ibiki "Don't tell me you have a problem with this look too?" he asks
"I never complained Naruto-kun, I actually liked the jumpsuit too." says Kurama inside Naruto's head along with him giving a silent thanks to her.
"Kiss-up." Fenirir says to Kurama having heard what she said since they were in close proximity to each other, the response he got was a raspberry blown at him.
Ibiki shakes his head "No Naruto, I actually think this is a much better look for you. Your actually starting to look like a true shinobi" he says to the young blonde with a smile. "Now hurry up and eat, we have a few surprises in store for you boys and you will need as much energy as you can get."
Both Naruto and Hriken nod and set into cleaning their plates, wondering what kind of surprises were in store for them.
Sadly for all parties involved, not all surprises are good.
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Uchiha Compound
Uchiha Fugaku walks around his family garden, checking on some of the herbs and flower's his wife had planted. He was doing this for three reasons: First of all his wife asked him too, second he needed some fresh air, and thirdly...well nobody meets with a hired assassin in public now do they.
Fugaku had learned about the villager's hiring an assassin from one of his clan's men a few day's ago and had decided to figure out who it was. Perhaps this assassin could help him in more ways than one since he had yet to figure out the best way to get rid of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Of course that was until last night when his son Sasuke had recieved an invitation to the demons' birthday party. At first Fugaku was angered beyond belief, but then it hit him. 'What better way to take out two birds than with one stone, as the saying goes' he has thought to himself that night and decided to ask Itachi if this party was true or not, and to Fugaku's great hidden pleasure, it was.
After learning about the Uzumaki's birthday party he imidately called a secret meeting in the underground Uchiha bunker. Every Uchiha clan member was there, except for Sasuke, Cho, Toketsu, and surprisingly Itachi but Fugaku just chalked that up to him being recently promoted to Jounin and the youngest ANBU member to date.
Fugaku grinned remembering how the meeting went.
(Flashback)
Standing up from his seat at the head of a large stone table Fugaku raises his hands "Calm down everyone, I have a reason for this meeting"
"Well what is the meaning of this meeting already?" asks one of the elder memember's "Calling us all here at this sort of hour is absured Fugaku-sama."
Retaking his seat Fugaku begin's to explain "Earlier this afternoon my son Sasuke recieved an invitation for a birthday party-"
"A birthday party?!" interupts a woman "This is what you called all of us down here for?"
Glaring at the woman Fugaku slams his hands onto the table and shouts "Silence Agari!" causing the woman to close her mouth.
He calms down almost instantly before continueing "As I was saying, indeed it may seem foolish calling you all here, however this party also provides us with an unexpected opportunity. For month's we have been trying to deal with not only the Hokage, but also the demon brat's." he says seeing many of his clansmen nodding their heads.
"Now as we all know the Hokage has taken on a sort of Grandfatherly roll towards those two, and aside from Ibiki there is also the Guard always near the brat's so any and all attempts to kill those brats has failed." Fugaku states before continueing "However, I have recently made contact with the latest assassin hired by the majority of the village and have offered our assistance to him."
A young male remarks "Who is this assassin and in what way are we to assist him?"
An evil grin spreads across Fugaku's lips "The assassin in question is one Momochi Zabuza, formerly Mitarashi Zabuza before he was kidnapped by Kiri shinobi." he says taking notice of the shocked expression's on his clansmen's faces "And we will assist him in ambushing the Hokage and the brat's at tomarrow's party."
"So soon?" asks an older male member "What about Itachi-kun, will he help us in this?"
Fugaku lower's his head in thought for a moment before answering "If he does not would any of you be willing to take him down?" he asks hoping someone will do what he cannot as a father.
"I will do it." says a young Uchiha roughly sixteen/seventeen years of age.
"Uchiha Shisui." Fugaku says causing the young man to step forward. "You are willing to fight, and possibly kill your closest friend?"
Shisui kneels in front of Fugaku and the clan "I am Fugaku-sama, for the good of the village and the clan I will fight Itachi and kill him if need be."
Nodding Fugaku says "Very well then. I shall inform Zabuza of the details and we will finally be rid of the old gaot and hs beloved demon's once and for all."
With that said the clan return's to their home's acting as if nothing happened or was said and continue living thier peaceful lives.
(End Flashback)
'I just hope Shisui can do it, he and Itachi are equally matched most of the time but I feel they are always holding back.' Fugaku thinks to himself as he heads into the forested area of the Uchiha compound.
Walking for rounghly fifteen to twenty minutes Fugaku reaches the center of a thick section of forest to find Momochi Zabuza waiting for him leaning against a tree.
The man was intimidating to say the least, even without the Kubikiri Bouchou (Decapitating Carving Knife) on his back. He had the lower part of his face wrapped in bandages, his hitai-ate was worn on the side of his head. He had black, gray, and white colored arm and leg guards, a standard Kiri flak jacket and black shinobi shoes.
Without even opening his eyes the assassin speaks "Your late Fugaku, I figured you would have been here before now since this is your home." Zabuza states as he stands up from the tree. "What kept you, spending quality time with the runt?"
Fugaku, ignoreing the comment, smiles "Forgive my lateness Zabuza-san, but since I'm the one who arranged this meeting I have more time to spare, unlike hired help such as yourself."
Zabuza growls in annoyance "What information do you have for me Uchiha, I do have a schedule to keep you know?"
"Indeed." says Fugaku as he reaches into his robes and throws a scroll at the Kiri-nin. "That is all the information you need. My clansmen and I will be hidden away around the area to provide assistance and a distraction so that you may kill the Uzumaki demon's." he turns around to leave before stopping and speaking over hs shoulder "Oh, and there will be an added bonus if you can also take out the Hokage as well." and with that said he disappear's back into the woods.
"Heh, damn fool. I may have been hired to kill a couple of worthless brat's, but I am not stupid enough to attack the 'God of Shinobi' and cause another war." Zabuza says to himself as he disappear's in a swirl of mist.
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Hokage Tower
Sitting in his office we find one Sarutobi Hiruzen, Third Hokage and the God of Shinobi, the oldest Hokage in the history of The Hidden Leaf Village battling the oldest enemy of every Kage in the Elemental Nation's: Paperwork.
'When will I get a break from all of this?' Sarutobi asks himself with a sigh 'At least I will have a small break before the festival begins. I just hope Naruto and Hariken enjoy their surprises.' he thinks to himself just as a knock on his office door bring's him out of his thoughts.
"Come in." Sarutobi says as he sets his pen down and light's up his pipe to relax.
Upon the door opening the old Hokage is greeted by the sight of the two boy's he was just thinking about. As Naruto and Hariken walk in they take the two seat's in front of the Hokage's desk as Ibiki, Itachi and the other memember's of the Guard walk in, all of them either standing against the wall or next to the doorway.
"I was just thinking of the two of you, heh heh." Sarutobi chuckles as he smiles towards his in all but blood grandson's, casueing both boy's to smile. "So what bring's you to my office this time?" he asks in a serious tone with a steely glare towards them both.
"I didn't do anything that I am aware of Jiji." says Hariken as he looks towards Naruto with a raised eyebrow.
"Hey don't look at me, I haven't had time to plan any pranks today." Naruto says as he crosses his arms over his chest.
"Oh, but I'm afraid you both have done something far worse than pranking." Sarutobi says as he stands up and walks towards one of the windows on the right side of his office.
"What did we do now?" Naruto and Hariken ask simultaneously with shocked expressions
"YOU-" the elder Hokage shouts useing Iruka's Heddo Kakucho Jutsu (Head Expression Technique) shocking everyone but Ibiki and Itachi, before reverting back to normal with a gandfatherly smile "haven't given me a hug yet." causeing everyone but Itachi and Ibiki once again to either sweatdrop or fall over backwards.
Smileing Naruto and Hariken both run up to their grandfather figure and hug him tightly as the seasoned shinobi chuckles "Hehehe, happy birthday my boy's. Hard to believe your both already six years old."
"Excuse me Hokage-sama, but I have a message for Itachi-san." says Sarutobi's secretary as she pokes her head around the door with the letter in her hand.
"For me?" Itachi asks being slightly confused.
"Yes, it was delivered by one of the falcon's owned by the Uchiha Clan Itachi-san. I thought it was important and that you may want to read it as soon as possible." the secretary says as she hands him the note and closes the door once more.
Itachi opens the note so that none of the other's can read it...
Itachi,
I need you too meet me at our normal sparing area. I'm afraid thing's have gotten out of hand.
Shisui.
Itachi's eyes narrow slightly and he turns towards Ibiki and the other's "Please excuse me, it seems Sasuke tried getting into my room again." he bows as he reached for the door but was stopped by Ibiki.
"You be careful Itachi, because if you get yourself killed and leave me with those two by myself and the other's, I will personally revive you and then kill you a second time." Ibiki whisper's into Itachi's ear causing the Uchiha to simply nod.
Of course Ibiki knew what was going on with the Uchiha Clan, but he didn't have any evidence to mount a case. 'Of course neither does Hokage-sama, but that's why I volenteered to act as a spy.' Itachi thought to himself as he left.
"Will Itachi-ani be back in time for the party Oji-Ibiki?" Naruto asks knowing fully well that Itachi wouldn't leave without good reason.
Smiling down to his surrogate nephew, Ibiki simply ruffles his hair "Of course he will Oi, you know he wouldn't miss out on your guys' birthday, especially if there is enough Pocky for him left."
'So...' Sarutobi thinks to himself for a moment '..it would seem that either Fugaku or someone else within the clan are about to make a move against either the boys, myself, or all of the above.' he takes a small drag off of his pipe 'I'll inform Ibiki so that he and the other's can be on alert during the party, I just hope this doesn't end as bad as I fear.'
Little did the Hokage know, his thought's were soon to prove more right than he wished.
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Outside the Uchiha Compound
A few miles away from the Uchiha Compound we find Uchiha Shisui standing on the edge of a cliff, his right eye socket bleeding and panting heavily waiting for his friend and brother in arms to arrive.
'Please hurry Itachi,' Shisui thinks to himself with a smile as he gazes at the sky 'I don't know how much longer I have'
After his train of thought he hear's someone land a few feet away from him.
"It took you long enough," Shisui states as he turns around to face his visitor "Uchiha Itachi."
Itachi, upon seeing his closest friend, rushes over to Shisui and catches him just before he starts to collapse.
"Shisui, what happened to you?" Itachi asks looking over his friend "Who did this to you?"
Coughing slightly Shisui shakes his head "It was Danzo, but listen to me Itachi!" he says as he grabs Itachi's arm "You must hurry. Your father has taken the entire clan, save for your brother and adoptive cousin's, to the Konoha Park in an attempt to ambush the Uzumaki's and Lord Hokage." Shisui gasps and then coughs rather harshly causing some blood to spill onto his flak jacket "He also has enlisted the help of Momochi Zabuza, whom the villager's have hired to try and kill the boy's for possibly the same reason."
Shock, rage, confusion, and a multitude of other emotion's start swimming through Itachi's head. Uchiha Fugaku, his own father, had asked a hired assassin to help deal with Naruto and Hariken, why? It just didn't make any sense to him, unless...
"He plan's on having Zabuza kill Hokage-sama as well." Itachi says out loud.
Shisui coughs even more causing blood to spill on Itachi's clothes "I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you protect the village Itachi, but please do me one last favor my friend?" he asks and at Itachi slightly nodding his head he continue's "Please take my other eye and keep it away from Danzo, I do not know what he has planned but it cannot be good, on that you can be sure about."
"But Shisui, won't my father and the other's wonder where you are?" Itachi asks as Shisui simply chuckles/coughs as he slips his left eye into Itachi's hand.
"They think I am currently trying to kill you, and if the way things go that I think they will then you, Sasuke, Cho, and Toketsu will be the last Uchiha's in the village." Shisui coughs up more blood as he shakily stands up "Well you and Sasuke will be the only PURE Uchiha's left since Cho and Toketsu were both adopted." he states with a small smile as he starts to walk towards the cliff.
"Shisui...wait." says Itachi as he goes up to his best friend.
"I have one more favor to ask of you Itachi" says Shisui as he turns towards his friend with a smile and his back towards the cliff and the river below.
"What is it my friend?" Itachi asks, halfway drawing his sword knowing full well what his friend wanted.
"Please send me to the other side, I'd rather you did it than the rapids below." he says with a smile "At least you will make it quick hehehe" Shisui luaghs
Without saying another word between the two of them, Itachi cuts his best friend down quickly as tears begin to stream down his cheeks. Uchiha Shisui, his best friend and closest comrade in the ninja ranks, had given his life in duty to his village the highest honor any shinobi could hope to achieve.
"Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!" Itachi yells as he drops his sword and cover's his eyes as the pain grips him.
But after what seemed like an eternity to the Uchiha, which was only a few second by normal standards. Itachi stands and opens his eyes to reveal the highest level of the Sharingan, the Mangekyou Sharingan!
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Konoha Main Street
While Itachi was gone, everyone decided to go ahead and go towards the park for the boys' party, which of course the boy's in question were excited about.
Walking towards the park Naruto and Hariken couldn't help but look at all the item's different shops were selling. Sarutobi, along with Ibiki and the Guard, just smiled as they watched the boy's look at everything they could as they all kept walking. Then something catches Naruto's eye.
"Hey Oji-Ibiki, do I have enough money from my allowence to get that awesome mask?" he asks as he points towards an ANBU style mask shaped like a fox with orange, red, and black penstripe designs on it.
Ibiki reaches into his coat and pulls out an orange notebook with Naruto's name on it, open's it up about halfway through and then looks at the blonde "Surprisingly you do runt, but why do you want to buy anything? Any presents you get not enough for ya hehehe." luaghs Ibiki.
Naruto simply shakes his head "No it's not that Oji-Ibiki, I just wanted to get something from the festival is all." he says "But...I guess it would be rude of me if I got that mask and someone else got it for me today at the party."
Hiruzen cannot help but smile at how much Naruto has seemed to improve all of a sudden 'Must be the Inner Persona at work, then again Naruto has always had a carrying personality' he thinks to himself before entering the conversation.
"As much as I enjoy looking at all the interesting things the festival always bears I suggest we all get to the park quickly if we are to get there before everyone else." he says calmly and with a warm smile.
Naruto nods and before he starts to walk off he notices Hariken looking at an ANBU style mask in the shape of a wolf. It was all black with silver and dark blue penstripes around the eyes and mouth, yeah it was cool looking but Naruto still thought the fox one was better.
As the group continues on their way they are all unaware of the large group of black clothed stalkers following them from the rooftops.
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Konoha Public Park
After finally arriving at the park Naruto and Hariken run off with Nara Shemeji and Inuzuka Tomari to go play on some of the playground equipment while everyone gets everything set up.
Ibiki, along with the other member's of the guard, begin to setup sensory tags around the table and pavilion in a thirty foot area to help warn them incase some gutsy assassin tried anything since the boy's were out in the open. Not to mention the Hokage.
Ibiki grumbles to himself while he sets up the tags, still thinking over everything Lord Third had told him before they left Hokage Tower.
(Flashback)
"Naruto? Hariken? Would you boys please go outside with the Guard while I have a worrd with Ibiki?" Hiruzen asks the two youth's.
"Sure thing Jiji." Naruto says with his normal grin
"Of course Jiji." Hariken says with a wolfish grin that few had ever seen.
As Naruto, Hariken, and the rest of the Guard leave the office, the old Hokage simply retakes his seat behind his desk gesturing for Ibiki to sit as well.
"So does this have anything to do with that letter Itachi recieved a few minutes ago?" Ibiki asks as he sits across from the village leader.
"I am afraid it does Ibiki." Sarutobi answers as he takes a hit off his pipe. "Tell me Ibiki, what is your opinion on the Uchiha Clan?" he smirks before commenting "Yes, excluding Itachi-kun."
"Beat me to the punch Lord Third." says Ibiki before answering "In my personal opinion the Uchiha Clan have grown arrogent and slghtly power hungry. Yes they run our Police Force, but I fear they may be letting that power go to their heads, not to mention some of the ideals they have greatly clash with the teachings of Lord First and Lord Second."
Sarutobi simply nods as he closes his eyes "Your powers of observation never fail Ibiki, but I am afraid it is worse than you may think."
Raising an eyebrow Ibiki leans in closer "Worse my lord, how so?"
Sighing Sarutobi leans over his desk and locks eyes with Ibiki "The Uchiha have been planning a coup against me for some time now."
Ibiki's eyes widden at this but he says nothing allowing Sarutobi to continue.
"Yes it's true I'm afraid." Sarutobi says mournfully "Aside from you and myself only four other people know. They are my advisor's Koharu and Homura, Danzo," Ibiki glare's at the mention of the old war hawk's name but stays silent "and Uchiha Itachi. Itachi informed me of this possible coup himself after learning about it, needless to say we were shocked. At first I was considering just arresting the entire Clan, but Danzo suggested we put a spy into play. I was uncertain of this course of action but then Itachi offered to be the spy himself, he loved his family but he cared more for the safety of this village and considered it a great honor in the service of Konoha."
That got Ibiki's attention "Itachi is spying on his own family?" he asks "Forgive me my Lord Hokage, but was that really the wisest course of action to take?"
"I understand your confusion Ibiki, and trust me I attempted to get Itachi-kun to reconsider. I can ask much of any shinobi under my command, but spying on one's own family is something I cannot do." Sarutobi says with a sigh "However he would not be swayed, so I allowed it as long as he promised to warn me the very instant he felt he had been found out. Thankfully that has not been the case, but I fear something may happen sooner than we all would like."
"Do you think they will try something today during the party?" Ibiki asks.
Nodding his head the elder remarks "Yes, I am afraid so. The only thing is I am uncertain wheather or not it is only me they will be targeting."
"You believe they will also target the boy's my Lord?" Ibiki asks worriedly. Why shouldn't he be worried, he has basically raised the Uzumaki Duo.
"I would be more surprised if they didn't if the truth were to be told." Sarutobi comments before gaining a serious tone in his voice "I want you and the Guard to place chakra sensor tags around the park once we arrive. I also want all of you to be on your guard, but don't let anyone notice otherwise we may have blown an old man's uneasy feeling out of proportion."
"Do not worry my Lord Hokage, we will have everything covered." Ibiki says as he stands up and walks towards the door before looking over his shoulder "What about the ANBU my Lord, will you have them around as well?" he asks calmly.
"No Ibiki." the old Hokage answers "They have more important duties to attend to, besides I may be older than I was but I can still take care of myself in a fight." he states with a confident smile as he rises and joins Ibiki at the door.
With a simple nod Ibiki opens the door and together they leave with the Uzumaki Duo and the Guard.
(End Flashback)
'I just hope Itachi is alright and that Lord Hokage is wrong about this whole thing.' Ibiki thinks to himself 'But I highly dount it.'
Once all the tags had been placed Ibiki and the Guard set to work setting up for the party. Opening several different scrolls the set up three large tables, one for everyone to sit at, one for the gifts, and one for the cake and other sweets that would be there.
After setting the tables and balloons up they set to work on dividing the table meant for the gift's, of course the best way to do this was to have one side colored orange and the other blue for obvious reasons. Once they were done with that they each took out a scroll and unsealed everything needed for a barbecue, hot dogs, hamburger's, buns, baked beans, some rice balls, onigiri, and a number of other items. They also unsealed the birthday cake complete with unlit candles and any gifts that Ibiki and the Guard had gotten the boys.
Once everything was set up the guest's started to arrive. Inuzuka Kiba along with Akamaru on his head was the first and set his gift's on the gift table before running off to play with the Uzumaki's, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino arrived together doing the same as Kiba. Next was Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chouji, Aburame Shino, and surprisingly Rock Lee, even though Lee was a year ahead of the Uzumaki's he had become fast friends with them.
Shinkotama TenTen, along with Mitarashi Anko, were the next to arrive. Even though they were older than the Uzumaki's, like Lee they had become good friends with them. The final guest's to arrive were Hyuuga Neji and Hyuuga Hinata.
Once everyone had arrived a loud game of Hide n' Seek broke out with both Naruto and Hariken being "it" first. The Third Hokage could do nothing but smile at the sight before him, despite what the rest of the village thought of the boy's they were truely blessed to have so many friends.
'I wonder if the girls' parents have tried to set them up with the boys?" Sarutobi wonders to himself 'If not then it will only be a matter of time.' he finishes his thought's with a grin before hearing someone walking up behind him.
Turning around slowly he find's Uchiha Sasuke standing behind him with a smile.
"Hello Hokage-sama, am I late for the party?" the young Uchiha asks with a kind smile.
Smiling down at the young man Sarutobi takes the gift's Sasuke was holding "Not at all Sasuke-kun, in fact your just in time for Hide n' Seek with everyone else." he says as he sets the gifts down.
Nodding quickly Sasuke runs up to Naruto and Hariken to join in the game.
After about an hour Naruto and Hariken managed to find everyone, and with that done Ibiki calls them over to the table to take their seats so they can begin the party.
Once everyone is seated Ibiki walks over to Naruto and Hariken with their cake, candles lit, and sets it down gently in front of them. "Alright, is everyone ready?" Ibiki asks looking around at the kids and adults. Seeing everyone nod they all begin to sing happy birthday to the duo, and once they were done the boys both blow out the candles to the sound of everyone clapping.
"Now before we cut into this cake, everyone needs to eat a proper meal first." says the aged Hokage "Luckily we have enough food for everyone present so please dig in."
Once everybody had their fill of the delicious BBQ and cake they were waiting for Naruto and Hariken to start opening their gift's from everyone. Sadly though they wouldn't get the chance as a kunai with an explosive tag tied to it embedded itself into the gifts causing it to explode much to the shock and horror of everyone there.
"What's going on Oji-Ibiki?" Naruto asks before they all hear a sinister chuckling as a blanket of mist cover's the area.
"So sorry to spoil your party runt." everyone hear's as they turn around to see the assailant. To say the Hokage, Ibiki and the Guard were surprised would be a vast understatement. Yes they had expected an assassin, but not The Demon of the Mist himself.
"Momochi Zabuza." Ibiki says with a hint of aggravation.
Stepping completely out of the mist the Kiri-nin simply stands there with his huge blade laying across his shoulder's "In the flesh, now if you excuse me I have a contract to keep." he lift's his sword up and points it at the Uzumaki's "So if you don't mind I'll kill the runt's now and call it a day."
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TU: Enter the cliff hanger, hahahaha
Naruto: Dick move Author-teme. Dick. Move.
Hariken: I can see why you did this Author-sama, but in this case I must agree with my brother. That indeed was a dick move.
TU: -shrugs- I know fully well that it was, but keep them wanting more I say. Beside's I still have no idea who I am going to pair you two up with since the poll hasn't been touched in awhile.
Hariken: -nods- Well what do you expect, you aren't very far into our story, and you really don't have enough follower's.
Naruto: Yeah, just a lousy fifteen heheh. -he chuckles with a grin-
TU: -grows a tick mark- Perhaps I should take Cloud4012's advice and make you bi-sexual Naruto. -grins wickedly- I think you and Gai-semsei, along with Rock Lee, would make an interesting love triangle.
Naruto: -goes pale as his jaw drops- Y...you wouldn't do that to me, would you?
TU: I am highly considering it.
Hariken: -whisper's to Naruto- I think thor94's review's have pissed him off nii-san. It would be wise to stay on his good side.
Naruto: -nods slowly before bowing to me- I apologize for my words Author-sama, please spare me. I will do anything to make up for my follish action's.
TU: Anything? -I ask with a wicked grin-
Naruto: Hai, anything.
Hariken: -sweatdrops and face palms- Oh brother, what did you get yourself into.
TU: I will have to give it some thought. In the mean time I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and the next one will be posted as soon as it is done. Until then take care and LONG LIVE ANIME! -leaves the room-
Naruto: -sighs in relief- You don't think he is going to make me do anything embarassing do you nii-san?
Hariken: I don't know nii-san, but you better pray he doesn't and do everything you can to make sure he doesn't.
Naruto: -hangs his head in defeat-
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TU: Incase you all were wondering, these are the current standing's for the poll. As always N = Naruto and H = Hariken. If you all want you can go back and double check my math, but I am pretty sure I have this right.
Fu: N-4 H-1
Hinata: N-4 H-1
Temari: N-1 H-3
Haku: N-4 H-0
TenTen: N-0 H-2
Sakura: N-1 H-2
Ino: N-0 H-3
Yugito Nii: N-0 H-3
Tsunade: N-1 H-2
Anko: N-2 H-1
Tayuya: N-1 H-1
Kurama (Not Kyubii): N-1 H-0
Hanabi: N-2 H-0
Matsuri (Suna): N-1 H-1
Cho (TU OC): N-0 H-1
Toketsu (TU OC): N-0 H-1
Shion (Demon Country Preistess): N-2 H-0
Karin: N-1 H-3
Shizuka: N-1 H-0
Yakumo: N-1 H-0
Koyuki: N-1 H-0
Mei (Mizukage): N-1 H-0
Tsunami: N-1 H-0
Yugao: N-1 H-0
Sara: N-1 H-0
Toki: N-1 H-0
Haruna: N-1 H-0
Tsubaki: N-1 H-0
Samui: N-1 H-0
Mabui: N-1 H-0
Hotaru: N-1 H-0
Hokuto: N-1 H-0
Ryuzetsu: N-1 H-0
Pakura: N-1 H-0
Mikoto: N-1 H-0
Amaru: N-1 H-0
Sasame: N-1 H-0
Kotohime: N-1 H-0
Gurenm: N-1 H-0
Natsuhi: N-1 H-0
Kin (Sound): N-1 H-0
Suzumebachi: N-1 H-0
Shizune: N-1 H-0
Ameyuri: N-0 H-1
Uchiha Izumi: N-0 H-1
Karui: N-0 H-1
Kagero: N-0 H-1
Kurotsuchi: N-0 H-1
Kurenai: N-0 H-1
Amayo: N-0 H-1
Gai-sensei: N-1 H-0
TU: That is the ranking so far, I need more though before I get to the later chapter's so any and all help is welcome.
As a side note, if you do leave a review please no swearing. Yes this story is going to be for mature readers later on, but if you are currently reading this then please leave mature reviews. I am speaking directly to you thor94, but I am asking nicely for everyone else. With that said, LONG LIVE ANIME!