Ay what's up you people; it's the one only Shinonigga here. So check it out, first I need to thank you for the reviews, because that's like the fuel to a writer's fire and I appreciate them. Now let's roll on with the punches and get this chapter underway!

Chapter 7: Aftershock

The news of the Uchiha clan's fate had spread like wildfire among the villagers of the hidden leaf. Apart from the Kyubi attack that had happened eight years previous, this had been the most devastating event to plague the village hidden in the leaves.

The Uchiha had been the strongest of the clans that resided in the leaf, although the Hyuuga would have been all too quick to refute that claim. But even they as proud as they were had no delusions how the loss of the Uchiha would weaken their status as the strongest of the five great hidden villages.

Though most were devastated, some were able to take solace knowing that at least two members of the elite clan had survived, and over time the clan could be rebuilt to its former glory. If Mikoto would be willingly to help in that department remained to be seen. She had lost a husband and entire clan, so it would most likely be awhile before if ever she decided to take another in his place.

Apart from the older citizens, even their children were feeling the blow. The academy had been closed that day to give the students that had Uchiha classmates the time they needed to grieve for their fallen friends.

This was the reason Naruto was currently wandering the streets of Konoha with no particular destination in mind. His thoughts were currently on the event that had just taken place. He couldn't believe out of the three Uchiha's he'd ever met, they were now the only three Uchiha's alive. If that was just coincidence or fate he really didn't know but it bothered him immensely.

Suddenly stopping in his tracks Naruto turned around and stared at a nearby pole were he was sure someone had been spying on him from. "You know if you want to hang out Honey-chan you could have just asked." Naruto shouted towards the pole.

Hinata squeaked softly before meekly stepping out from behind the pole, while pressing her fingers together. "S-sorry I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy." Hinata offered.

Naruto shrugged. "Like I'm gonna complain about a beautiful girl following me around." Naruto stated causing Hinata to sway blissfully.

"Hey don't pass out on me again Hinata-chan." Naruto warned before dashing over to support her just incase she fell over.

"I-I'm fine." Hinata assured Naruto

"I'll say." Naruto agreed with a wide grin.

"Hinata blushed deeply while pulling herself out of Naruto's grip, to show she could support herself. "T-thank you Naruto-kun."

Naruto simply nodded as he buried his hands in his pockets. "Well since you're already here, let's go get something to eat." Naruto stated while turning around and starting to walk off.

"B-but I." Hinata tried but Naruto cut her off.

"Hey honey I'm not asking." Naruto acknowledged flashing Hinata another toothy grin.

Hinata simply stood there for a moment before catching up with Naruto and walking quietly at his side.

Turning his attention to the girl at his side Naruto began to speak. "You know I'm glad you decided to join me."

"W-why?" Hinata asked quietly.

"Well honestly I really needed someone to talk with today that wasn't my god-father or niisan." Naruto answered.

"I-is it about what happened to the Uchiha clan last night?" Hinata inquired.

"Yeah" Naruto answered casually. "I wanted someone else's opinion on fate."

"Fate?" Hinata repeated with a slight distaste in her mouth. She'd heard her cousin preach that word to her too many times to count.

"I'm mean do you believe in it?" Naruto continued. "Are we free to choose our own destines or is everything predetermined?"

"I-I'd like to think that were free to choose our on paths in life." Hinata answered. "B-but what would make you wonder such a thing?"

"I know it sounds kind of silly but in some sense I'm kind of the reason Sasuke and his mother are still alive." Naruto started.

"W-what I don't understand." Hinata confirmed.

Naruto sighed before he began to explain. "Yesterday I managed to convince Sasuke to join me and Kiba on a well…stealth exercises." Naruto worded carefully. "Basically things didn't turn out how they were supposed to and Sasuke's mother caught wind of it." Naruto stated while chuckling at the memory of Sasuke's mother giving Jiraiya and Kakashi an ear full.

"She showed up at our apartment last night and shouted at my god-father and niisan for an hour straight." Naruto continued. "But that kept her and Sasuke out of the Uchiha compound long enough that they didn't end up caught in the slaughter that happened." Naruto concluded.

"I-I see." Hinata stated softly. "I don't know if it was fate or not, but regardless you're responsible for saving two lives, and for that I'm sure you have the gratitude of Sasuke-san and his mother."

Naruto nodded his agreement as the food stand he had his mind set on came into view. "Welcome to the greatest ramen stand in the entire village." Naruto claimed loudly as he opened the curtain and shouted honey I'm home! What's for dinner!"

"Naruto-kun do you always have to announce your arrival like that?" A young brown haired girl about the age of thirteen questioned, from behind the counter.

"Hehe, do you even have to ask Ayame-chan?" Naruto returned while taking a seat and patting his hand on the empty stool next to him, signaling for Hinata to take it.

Hinata obliged and sat down next to Naruto, doing her best to keep the blush on her face from spreading any further.

Ayame looked over the small indigo haired girl for a moment before a sly grin found its way to her face. "Wow Naruto-kun, do my eyes deceive me or are you actually on a date?"

"What jealous are we Ayame-chan?" Naruto teased the girl right back.

"Well I'll be, here I was thinking I finally had my chance to tease you, but you turn it right back on me." Ayame stated with a slight frown as she laid out two menus for Naruto and Hinata.

Naruto didn't even bother to look at his menu considering he already knew what he wanted. "So where's your old man?" Naruto questioned noticing the shop owner wasn't present.

"Oh he's just running a few errands and should be back shortly." Ayame answered. "But since you didn't look at the menu I'm guessing you'll have your usual then?" Ayame questioned.

"Yep" Naruto answered enthusiastically. "Five bowls of the pork ramen special!"

Hinata's eyes slightly widened at hearing the amount of ramen Naruto had planned to consume.

"By that look on your face I'm guessing you've never seen Naruto-kun eat ramen huh?" Ayame asked Hinata.

Hinata simply shook her head no in response.

"Well you're in for a treat." Ayame confirmed. "It's why little Naruto-kun is our favorite customer."

"That and my devilish good looks." Naruto cut in.

Ayame and Hinata both giggled.

"His sense of humor is adorable too." Ayame acknowledged.

"Sounds like you've finally fallen for me Ayame-chan." Naruto summarized thoughtfully.

"Now don't go getting carried away." Ayame warned. "Can't go having any suitable boyfriends thinking I'm off the market because of an eight year old."

Naruto laughed out loud at Ayame's statement. "I wouldn't hold my breath; your old man will butcher anyone that comes close to you."

Ayame sighed "Yeah he is rather protective."

"Cheer up Ayame-chan, after all you've still got me to keep you company." Naruto confirmed.

"Aren't I lucky?" Ayame stated with a smile, before turning her attention back to Hinata. "So you've decided on what you'd like to order?"

"Um the chicken ramen sounds fine." Hinata answered.

Ayame nodded before taking away the menus and getting started on their orders.

Once Ayame had retreated to the back Naruto brought his attention back to Hinata. "So um Hinata-chan, was there something you needed to get off your chest?" Naruto inquired.

"W-what do you mean?" Hinata asked carefully.

"Well you've seemed kind of troubled since we started hanging out today." Naruto accessed. "Like you have a question but you're afraid to ask it."

Hinata was quiet for a moment as she thought about what Neji had said to her the previous night. Building as much courage as she could she spoke in a meek tone. "D-do you pity me?"

"What, I didn't hear you." Naruto stated while cupping his ear to hear Hinata better.

HInata swallowed the lump of spit in her throat before trying again. "I-I said do you pity me?"

Naruto quirked his eyebrow in confusion. "Pity you? What kind of question is that, why would I pity you?"

"B-because no one has ever taken the time out to associate with me." Hinata explained. "I-I'm weak and don't have anything to contribute, I'm just a burden." Hinata concluded.

"So you're asking me if I talk to you because I feel sorry for you?" Naruto questioned, with his normally cheerful expression long gone, replaced by one of pure seriousness.

Hinata was slightly thrown off by Naruto's sudden change in demeanor, as she made to speak Naruto cut her off.

"First off never refer to your self as weak or a burden." Naruto stated. "Second who was it that ever gave you the impression that I hang out with you for such a stupid reason? Because I for one would love to meet them so I can introduce them to the receiving end of my fist. Not only are they tearing you down but their also insulting my pride as a man." Naruto confirmed. "To actually think I would prey on a girl that has self esteem issues."

Hinata once again was quiet before finally finding her voice again. "B-but if it's not pity, then why…"

"Hinata" Naruto interrupted. "Besides the fact that you're the nicest, and one of the prettiest girls I've met I also want to help you." Naruto explained. "If you only had the confidence that I'm sure you could reach with the right motivation, you could accomplish anything you set your mind to."

"D-do you really believe that?" Hinata asked hopefully.

"Of course I do." Naruto confirmed immediately. "And don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Naruto added just as Ayame had brought them their orders.

Naruto's goofy expression quickly returned at seeing the food placed in front of him. "Now just try and forget any negative thoughts and focus on what's in front of you, mainly this ramen!"

Hinata smiled at Naruto in admiration while watching him devour his ramen at in inhuman speed. Neji had been wrong and perhaps she did have a chance. Naruto had even said it himself that she could accomplish anything she set her mind too. So if landing Naruto was her goal she'd be damned if she didn't succeed.

After Naruto and Hinata had finished their meals, Naruto slapped down some ryo notes to pay just as Kakashi had poked his head through the curtain.

"I thought I would find you here." Kakashi noted with his ever present look of boredom plastered across his face. "Oh and looks like you have company." Kakashi noted while taking site of Hinata.

"Out with it niisan." Naruto stated shortly. "It must be important if you were actually looking for me."

"There's someone who'd like to speak with you." Kakashi explained. "So sorry but you're going to have to end your date."

Hinata blushed once again at the mention of their outing being considered a date, and the fact that Naruto didn't refute it was icing on the cake.

Naruto nodded his understanding. "Sorry Hinata-chan, but looks like I've got to cut this date short." Naruto confirmed while kissing his own index and middle finger and placing them softly on Hinata's cheek. "See yah at school tomorrow." Naruto concluded before following Kakashi out of the food stand leaving a stupefied Hinata behind.

"Real smooth." Kakashi stated once they were out of earshot.

"Hey shut up, you're the one that said that move works every time." Naruto claimed.

"I think you've gotten me confused with master Jiraiya." Kakashi countered.

"Whatever." Naruto stated with a dismissive wave of his hand. "So who is it that wants to see me anyway?"

"It was actually Mikoto-san that requested an audience with you." Kakashi answered while pulling out his favorite reading material.

"Really?" Naruto questioned curiously. "I didn't think she'd want to see anyone for awhile after what happened."

"She's a ninja." Kakashi stated with a shrug. "We have to be in complete control of our emotions, and she knows moping around won't change the past. That's what separates' the elites from the novices." Kakashi concluded.


(Sometime Later)

Naruto and Kakashi were making their way towards Mikoto's room that was currently under Anbu surveillance. In fact Naruto was sure that if Kakashi hadn't accompanied him there would have been absolutely no way they would have allowed him to enter.

Finally coming to a stop at the designated room, Kakashi simply nodded to the Anbu guard that was stationed directly in front of the door before walking past and sliding the door open. Naruto quickly followed Kakashi in, just incase the Anbu tried to question why he was there.

Upon entering Naruto stared around the room, which for the most part seemed like a standard hospital room. Spying the person that had called for his presence in the first place Naruto quirked his eyebrow.

Mikoto wasn't in the bed as he expected her to be but instead she was sitting in the guest chair, and Sasuke was currently occupying her bed fast asleep.

"Thank you Kakashi-san for bringing Naruto-kun to visit me." Mikoto stated as Kakashi simply nodded in acknowledgement and walked back towards the door before exiting through it.

Once Kakashi had gone Mikoto stood up from her chair. She was dressed in a standard hospital gown, the kind that ran the risk of exposing your ass if you weren't careful. Turning her back to Naruto she stared down at Sasuke while rubbing his hair soothingly. "This whole ordeal has been considerably rough on Sasuke-kun." Mikoto spoke softly. "He was up all night, crying mostly." Mikoto stated, as Naruto walked up to her side and stared down at Sasuke.

"I can tell, his eyes are all puffy." Naruto accessed, before turning his attention back to Mikoto. "So uh why is it you wanted to see me Mikoto-san?"

Mikoto stopped brushing Sasuke's hair and remained quiet for a moment, until without warning she enveloped Naruto in a bone crushing hug.

Naruto didn't know what to make of Mikoto's sudden action. At least until the fact that he was a pervert caught up to him, and he blushed deeply at the feel of Mikoto's breast against his chest through her considerably thin gown she was wearing.

'Don't think dirty thoughts!' Naruto shouted mentally.

"I just wanted to thank you Naruto-kun." Mikoto whispered. "If it weren't for you, Sasuke-kun and myself would have suffered the same fate as the rest of the clan." Mikoto explained. "My self and Sasuke-kun are forever indebted to you."

"Um Mikoto-san I don't think that's necessary." Naruto reasoned. "I mean I was trying to get Sasuke to do things that I probably shouldn't have. It was pretty much a stroke of luck or a blessing from Kami that you're still alive."

"Regardless." Mikoto stated while releasing Naruto. "I feel I owe you my life, as do Sasuke-kun, so if there's anything you need please don't hesitate to ask."

'I can think of a couple of things.' Naruto thought while his eyes drifted to certain parts they had no business looking at.

Mikoto quirked her eyebrow as she watched a small trickle of blood seep from Naruto left nostril. "Oh no you're bleeding Naruto-kun." Mikoto pointed out as she made to retrieve some kleenex from her bedside table.

Wiping the blood from Naruto's nose Mikoto smiled brightly at Naruto. "See that's better isn't it?"

Naruto simply nodded his response before eyeing the door. "Well maybe I should get going, be sure to give Sasuke my best wishes." Naruto concluded as he made to leave.

"Wait Naruto-kun." Mikoto piped in causing Naruto to stop. "I have a request I'd like to make."

"Hm, and what's that?" Naruto asked curiously.

"I'd like to become your Sensei." Mikoto answered bluntly.

"My sensei?" Naruto repeated. "But my god-father and niisan are pretty much my Sensei's."

Mikoto shook her head. "I meant once you become a Genin, and are placed on a team." Mikoto explained. "Since I'm the only adult Uchiha left, it will be my responsibility to become Sasuke-kun's Sensei when the time for him to be placed on a Genin team arrives. I also want you on that team. I know it may not look it but I am well versed as a ninja, and have plenty I could teach you."

Naruto was speechless for a brief second. "You actually want me on your team. Even though I'm sure you know what's inside of me."

Mikoto's eyes widened. "You mean you're actually aware of that?"

"My god-father doesn't keep any secrets from me." Naruto confirmed.

"I see, so that's why Jiraiya-sama has custody of you." Mikoto accessed. "But god-father? Did he know your parents?"

"Yep, but that's a story for another time." Naruto concluded. "But as for your offer, I think I may just take you up on it."

"Thank you for at least considering it. But if you do decide to take me up on my offer you must rank rookie of the year." Mikoto explained.

"Why's that?" Naruto questioned carefully.

"Well since Sasuke-kun has already completed the required six months of actual academy instruction, I'll be withdrawing him from the academy." Mikoto answered.

"Withdrawing him, why would you take Sasuke out of the academy?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Me and Sasuke-kun have business to settle, with a certain someone." Mikoto stated tightly. "And Sasuke-kun although strong for his age, he still has a way to go. With him taking strict training from me he'll be much stronger then what the academy would allow."

"I'm sure you could attest to that considering how much stronger you are then the rest of the students your age." Mikoto summarized as she continued her explanation. "But once graduation arrives I will re-enroll Sasuke back, but his absence will lower him to dead last, and it's customary for the dead last to be paired with the rookie of the year, along with the most academically bright student in the class." Mikoto finished.

"Is that so?" Naruto recited thoughtfully. "Are you really supposed to be telling me this, I doubt information like that is supposed to be told to students?"

"It'll be our little secret." Mikoto replied slyly.

Naruto nodded his understanding before exiting out of Mikoto's room.


(Four Years Later)

True to her word Mikoto had taken Sasuke out of the academy and it had been well over three years since the Uchiha was last seen by his fellow classmates. That was all except for Naruto, who'd often visited the two soul Uchiha's whenever he got the chance.

He mostly did so in order to gauge Sasuke's abilities and to be frank with himself he was immensely impressed with the young Uchiha. Sasuke was the only person his age he could honestly say could give him a run for his money if he wasn't careful. Not to mention the fact that he would be labeled as the dead last would give his opponents a false sense of security that they would quickly learn to regret.

Naruto on the other hand wasn't given that luxury for he had followed Mikoto's instructions and was currently sitting atop the class with easily the highest marks, although he was trailing behind academically but that had simply been apart of his scheme.

Surveying the class carefully Naruto smirked. The class was definitely in for a surprise, Sasuke's fan-girls especially. Even though it had been nearly four years Sasuke's fan-girls had remained loyal to him. Naruto for his part truly couldn't understand this considering Sasuke could have been dead for all the girls knew.

Casting those thoughts aside Naruto stared at the girl beside him. Hinata had definitely come a long way since he first met her. Although she was as nice and quiet as she had always been, her confidence since the talk she and Naruto had had four years previous at Ichiraku had grown by leaps and bounds.

That wasn't the only thing that had grown by leaps and bounds Naruto noticed as he stole glances at Hinata's surprisingly well developed bust.

'Hehe that's why I'm in this business.' Naruto thought as Iruka called order to the class.

"Listen up; students' I just wanted to let you all know that next week the graduating exams will be held." Iruka confirmed. "Not only that but we've also have a returning student today." Iruka added.

'And let the rioting begin.' Naruto thought with an amused expression on his face as the door slid open and Sasuke stepped inside.

The class went deathly silent as Sasuke walked into the class room. He was now dawned in a midnight black cloak with the Uchiha crest imprinted on the back of it with an equally dark ninja mask covering the bottom portion of his face. Apart from that nothing could be seen considering his cloaked concealed the remainder of his body.

"I-It's Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shouted with obvious joy in her voice. "I knew he would return to me, when he was ready."

"Get real billboard brow." Ino interjected. "Sasuke-kun obviously came back for me."

"Say what!" Another random girl shouted. "I'm the one he will give his heart too."

"As if." Another girl piped in, and it wasn't long before the females of the class were once again squabbling over Sasuke just as they had always done.

"Just like old times eh Iruka?" Mizuki joked.

"Yeah too much like old times." Iruka stated while gripping his head to stifle off the coming headache.

"Well look whose back from the dead." Naruto cut in into the sound of the girls fighting amongst each other.

"Shocking I know." Sasuke returned with a smirk beneath his mask, before he made his way up towards the empty seat next to Naruto.

The class followed Sasuke's every move until he finally sat down next to Naruto.

"I knew I shouldn't have listened to you about wearing this cloak." Sasuke whispered quietly. "Just look at all these girls fighting over me."

"That's kind of the point." Naruto reasoned. "I mean you have a clan to rebuild, you need to be looking at suitable candidates."

"I'm only twelve." Sasuke countered.

"Yeah but next week once we graduate, we'll be considered adults." Naruto retorted with a toothy grin. "So try to actually be nice to the girls for once, and use all that I've taught you."

"I'll keep that in mind." Sasuke spoke in a flat tone.

And there's another chapter to add to this story. I know I kind of just jumped ahead, but I'm ready to progress the story so I felt a significant time skip was in order. Anyway not too much to say on the chapter, but let's talk about the latest Naruto manga. First off wow, Naruto finally has control over the fox's chakra, which I can't wait to see put in action. And what's with him looking like the sage of the six paths after absorbing the foxes chakra? Could Naruto be a reincarnation of Rikudo? Either way Sasuke is in for an ass kicking once they meet again. Oh and Kushina was apparently the last Jinchuuriki of the kyubi, I don't know how I feel about that. It did come as a surprise but it really didn't have an impact on me. Anyway that's enough ranting so if you would please review I'll see you with the next chapter.