(The next day)

When Naruto arrived at the shop the next day, he saw Tenten glaring at him a little. Naruto said "Uuh, what's up Tenten-san?"

Tenten said "How did you do that?"

Naruto said "Do what?"

Tenten said "Don't act dumb. Yesterday, when you left. You FLEW! How could you have possibly flown like that? Even the best wind users in the Elemental Nations can only glide!"

Naruto smirked and said "Oh that. It was nothing special. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised you didn't know I could do that."

Tenten sarcastically said "Oh, because people flying is sooo common these days."

Naruto said "No, because at the Genin Selection Tournament a couple weeks ago, I showed that I could fly. I thought that it would've spread through Konoha already."

Tenten said "Oh, I wasn't there."

Naruto said "Really? It was the talk of the town. I thought everyone in the village was there."

Tenten said "Yeah, but Neji dissuaded our team from going. The only people we knew in that Tournament was your team, and when he heard that your team would go against that Uchiha boy's team, he said that the outcome would be so obvious that it wouldn't be worth wasting time watching."

Naruto said "So, who did you think would win?"

Tenten said "Oh, you don't wanna know."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "You thought Sasuke's team would win. Why?"

Tenten started sweating on her forehead a little. "What makes you think I thought the Uchiha's team would win?"

Naruto said "Because if you thought I would've won, you would've said it. Let me guess, you thought that since he was part of the Uchiha Clan, he would win?"

Tenten said "The fact that he's an Uchiha didn't matter."

Naruto chuckled. "You're a good swordsperson Tenten, but you're a horrible actress. You based your assumption on his family name. I can tell because even after I told you his first name, you continue to call him by his family name."

Tenten sighed. "How could you-"

Naruto interjected, saying "I've been being lied to my whole life Tenten. Part of surviving was learning how to tell. But seriously Tenten, you shouldn't have counted my team out without learning something about us. Immediately assuming Sasuke would win without having any facts is subjective and prejudice, and a decision like that could really land you in hot water."

Tenten said "Yeah, yeah. But back to my original question, how did you fly?"

Naruto said "Tenten, we all got secrets."

Tenten said "Alright then. But just so I don't have a third heart attack, what else can you do?"

Naruto thought about the question, then said "I can't be hurt by most weapons."

Tenten said "What do you mean?"

Naruto said "Kunai and swords can't make me bleed."

Tenten said "Prove it."

Naruto pulled a kunai out of his and tossed it to Tenten. "Check it. Make sure it's not a fake."

Tenten felt over the blade, saying "It's real." She then tossed it back to Naruto. Naruto smirked and stabbed himself in the head with the kunai. Fortunately for Naruto, the kunai was smashed into a pancake. Unfortunately for Tenten, she had a third heart attack.


(A week later)

Naruto's week of working at the weapon shop was in one word: boring. He did the exact same thing over and over again. The only thing that made it fun was the fact that Tenten taught him Kenjutsu while his clones did the work. But unless she taught him, he was bored. He almost wished something would happen just to liven things up.

Unfortunately for him, Fate decided to listen to his mental pleas.

Walking in the shop that day, Naruto saw Tenten standing there. Naruto said "So Tenten, what do you guys got for me today?"

Tenten said "Well, you gotta pick up some stuff from a neighboring town and bring it back."

Naruto said "Isn't this type of thing usually reserved for a D-rank mission?"

Tenten got an evil smirk on her face. "Yeah, but why pay for a team of Genin when we have a slave-I mean, worker, who can bench press half a ton here to deliver it for us?"

Naruto narrowed his eyes and said "Fine then."

Naruto then turned around and was about to leave the store, when Dustin's voice from behind him said "You're leaving your partner, Naruto."

Naruto and Tenten both turned to Dustin and said "Who?"

Dustin pointed at Tenten, causing Naruto to get an evil smirk on his face. Tenten said "Why me uncle?"

Dustin said "Because I said so. Now get going."

Tenten said "Naruto's getting money off his debt for this. What am I getting?"

Dustin said "You get to live under my roof rent free for another day, now move your ass."

Tenten started walking to the door, saying "This sucks."

Naruto chuckled and said "Welcome to my world."

They both quickly ran to the neighboring town, which was only 30 minutes away at their speed. When they arrived, Tenten quickly led Naruto to the person they had to see for the supplies. It turned out that the Phoenix Weapon Shop was about to run out of the metal ore needed to make their weapons, and they needed to pick it up from that town.

While walking to the location of the supplies, Naruto said "It can't be that heavy."


(10 minutes later)

Naruto, under a ton of pure metal ore, grunted out "Me and my big mouth."

Tenten was walking in front of Naruto, laughing at him and saying "Come on, it's just a bit farther."

Naruto grunted out "Whatever."

After they were walking for a while, Tenten stopped abruptly. Naruto looked up and said "What's wrong?"

Tenten narrowed her eyes and said "Someone's watching us."

Naruto said "What are you talking about? I don't sense anyone."

Before Tenten could retort, someone yelled out "Water Style: Water Wave Jutsu!"

Tenten quickly jumped away as a stream of water shot at where she originally was. Tenten quickly pulled out a kunai and threw it at the place the Jutsu originated, but she didn't hear it go through anything.

Three Water-nin with a slash on their headbands landed around Tenten. Tenten narrowed her eyes and said "Who are you?"

One of them, the guy Tenten assumed was their leader, said "We're just your friendly neighborhood thieves. Now hand over all your money and this metal ore, and we might let you go."

Tenten said "How about this? You all turn around, leave, and never bother us again, and maybe I won't shove a kunai where the sun don't shine!"

The leader narrowed his eyes and said "We were just gonna leave you alone, but I guess that some stuff just doesn't go according to plan."

The leader started doing handseals. Tenten jumped out of the way as another Water Wave Jutsu rushed over where she originally was. Tenten pulled a kunai out and threw it at them, causing them to scatter. All three of them did the Water Wave Jutsu, aiming it at Tenten. Tenten jumped over it and landed on the metal ore cube, warranting a grunt of increased pain from Naruto. Tenten sheepishly said "Sorry, Naruto."

Tenten saw the three ninja getting ready to throw a volley of kunai at her, so she quickly pulled out her sword and stood at the ready. When the kunai came, Tenten sliced through two of them, but the last one hit her in the leg, causing her to scream in pain and drop her sword.

Seeing this, the three ninja pulled out more kunai and threw them at a defenseless Tenten. Tenten was about to be skewered, but thanks to the timely intervention of Naruto shaking the cube, Tenten fell over on her back, causing the kunai to harmlessly pass over her.

All of a sudden, the metal ore cube went flying 20 feet in the air. Tenten was wondering what the hell happened, but before she landed on the ground, she heard a voice yell "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Where before there was one Naruto holding the cube up, now there were 20 supporting the cube in mid air. The original Naruto left his clones to hold up the cube as he flew up there to Tenten. He said "Tenten-chan, are you alright?"

Tenten said "I think I'll live. I don't think the kunai went through anything particularly life-threatening."

Naruto narrowed his eyes and said "Except your leg. Stay here for a second, I'll handle these three jackasses."

Naruto floated down next to the three Water nin, while the Water nin started shaking in their boots. One of the nameless flunkies said "Boss, t-t-that guy was just FLYING!"

The other nameless flunkie said "Forget that, he was CARRYING the metal ore! With his bare hands! Boss, I think we should run."

The leader, who was about to void his bowels, said "It's no problem. It's only one person, right?"

Naruto said "You know, I haven't actually had much experience with this Jutsu. But seeing as you three are weaklings, I think I will use it. Reiki Sword!"

Naruto held out his hand, and a blue sword of Reiki appeared in it. Naruto then charged forward, with the leader of the Water nin shooting another Water Wave at him. Naruto held the Reiki Sword in front of him and sliced through the attack, surprising the nin.

Naruto made it to the leader, who pulled out a kunai and tried to fight Naruto. Naruto went for a vertical slash, but the leader blocked it. The leader then tried to cut Naruto, but Naruto jumped to the side quickly, then sliced the man's leg, sending him to one knee. After that, Naruto sliced his chest open, keeping him out of the fight.

The other two flunkies, who were to Naruto's left and right, charged Naruto at the same time. The left one jumped and went for Naruto's head while the right one slid down and tried to go for his feet. Naruto waited for the right moment, then turned to his left and did a backflip, flipping over the one who tried to cut his foot, and nailing the one who went for his head in the chin.

Naruto quickly used his Reiki Sword to cut the guy in his stomach, leaving one guy left. Naruto said "You were the one who hit Tenten-chan with that kunai. Now you'll pay for it."

Naruto powered up to his fullest in Super Saiyan, then charged the last flunkie. The flunkie turned and tried to run, but before he could go anywhere, he felt Naruto's Reiki Sword pierce itself through his leg. Naruto dismissed the Reiki Sword, leaving the blood from the wound a clear place to pour out.

Ignoring the mans' screams, Naruto flew up to where his clones were still holding the metal ore. He flew up to where Tenten was, seeing that she had wrapped her wound. Naruto said "Tenten-chan, can you stand up?"

Tenten sarcastically said "I have a kunai in my leg. Yeah, I can even do the cancan."

Naruto smirked and said "Get a mini-skirt, and I'd pay to see that."

Tenten blushed, but angrily said "Just shut up and get us back to the village."

Naruto said "Fine then. Hold up."

Naruto grabbed Tenten and then held her bridal style as he flew back to the village. As they were flying, Tenten's head was brushing against Naruto's body, causing her to unknowingly blush. Looking at Naruto, she thought 'He looks hot with blonde hair-wait a minute, what am I thinking?'

Naruto didn't notice the blushing of Tenten and kept flying towards the village. When he entered it, he flew to the Weapon Shop and told his clones to drop their load there. He went forwards to the hospital and kicked the door down and yelled out "She needs help!"

One of the passing doctors said "So she's a demon lover, huh? Why should we help her? She should die along with you."

In a split second, Naruto created a Shadow Clone, handed Tenten to the clone, created a Spirit Sword, then rushed forward and held it under the man's throat. Naruto then menacingly said "Because if she dies, so do ALL OF YOU! Now someone HEAL HER NOW!"

The doctor who talked to Naruto quickly rushed and picked up Tenten. He then rushed her to the operating table and medically healed her leg, with Naruto watching over him threatening him. When it was over, Tenten's leg was fine, but the doctor told her to stay off of it for a few days. Naruto picked her back up then walked out of the hospital.

When they were out of the hospital, Tenten said "Naruto-kun, why did he say that stuff?"

Naruto said, in a tone that told her to drop it, "Tenten-chan, there are some things better left unsaid."

Tenten wisely kept her mouth shut, but was still pondering what he meant. Naruto carried her home and to her bed. Afterwards, he left the shop, promising to come back the next day.


(2 weeks later)

Ever since Naruto taking Tenten to the hospital, he and her had gotten a lot closer. Naruto learned to appreciate Tenten's borderline obsession with weapons, and Tenten learned to appreciate Naruto's borderline obsession with ramen, fire, and things that go 'boom.' Tenten also showed herself to be more and more trustworthy in Naruto's eyes. So trustworthy, in fact, that he often contemplated telling her about the Kyuubi and about his demonic and alien heritage.

On Naruto's last day working for the Weapon Shop, Tenten was waiting for him behind the counter like usual. She said "Hello Naruto-kun. How are you today?"

Naruto said "As fine as I can be in a village full of people who hate me, Tenten-chan."

Tenten chuckled and said "You always say that when I ask you how you are."

Naruto said "I always that because it's true. Now what do I have to do today?"

Tenten said "For today, we have to go to the Jounnin around the village to deliver them their orders. We have…20 orders to fill before the day is up. Do that, and the sword is yours."

Naruto said "Sounds pretty easy. Let's go."

Tenten then led Naruto out the door and around the village. The job was pretty cut and dry. Go around town, find the Jounnin, give them their orders. It was going pretty smooth until they got to the last name on the list, Kakashi Hatake.

Naruto and Tenten walked to Kakashi's house, only to see a note on the door that said "Training Team. If you need me, come to Training Ground Seven."

Tenten said "Training a team? That's weird."

Naruto said "How?"

Tenten said "Gai-sensei told us that Kakashi has failed every team he was assigned. How could he have a team to train?"

Naruto shrugged and said "I don't know. But let's find him and find out."

Naruto and Tenten both went to Training Ground 7 to hear Kakashi coaching his team through a teamwork exercise. Naruto thought 'Now I remember his name! He was the sensei of one of the failing teams! But whose team was he a sensei of?'

When they cleared the shrubbery, they saw Kakashi drilling Sakura, Sasuke, and Kiba through some exercises. Naruto mentally yelled 'DAMNIT!'

A voice in his head shrieked back just as loudly 'Will you keep it down, some of us are trying to sleep God damnit.'

Naruto replied 'Sorry Gramps, I forgot you old geezers liked to get your sleep. …No never mind, you passed 'old' years ago. You're ancient.'

Hearing his daughter snicker at her sons' joke, the Kyuubi replied 'Like that old human you 'affectionately' call 'Grandpa?'"

Naruto replied 'No, he's 'antique.' He's like you, but useful.'

Kushina all out laughed at Naruto's blatant disrespect for the Kyuubi, while the Kyuubi just grumbled. Outside Naruto's mind, Tenten saw Naruto's sour expression and said "What's wrong?"

Naruto said "Sasuke' s a Genin. I swear, he always finds a way to come back. He's like a fucking cockroach."

Tenten said "What's the beef between you and him?"

Naruto groaned and said "You don't wanna know. Let's just finish this order and get out of here. The less time I spend around Sasuke, the better."

Tenten said "Okay, but I want an explanation later."

Naruto and Tenten quickly ran up to Kakashi. Naruto quickly said "Kakashi-san, we are here to deliver your order from the Phoenix Weapon Shop."

Before Kakashi could say anything, Naruto pressed the package in his hands and turned around. He was halfway out of the clearing before Sasuke noticed who he was and yelled "Dobe!"

Naruto muttered "Damnit. Almost made it."

Naruto turned around and said "What do you want Sasuke?"

Sasuke smirked and said "So you're a delivery boy now? I knew you would never make it as a Genin."

Sakura said "I knew him and his entire team were worthless. They don't deserve to be on your level, Sasuke-kun."

Naruto said "Sasuke, I do not have the time to deal with your ego right now. Come on Tenten-chan, let's go."

Kiba yelled "You just called her 'Tenten-chan!' You're cheating on Hinata-chan. I knew you were no good you slimy snake!"

Tenten said "Naruto-kun is a good friend of mine, who just happens to be male. You could have a female friend outside of this flat-chested bitch too, but you probably chase them all away like a fucking horn dog!"

Sakura said "What did you say?"

Tenten said "You heard me!"

Sasuke said "As if you're any better. I can tell from how you are right now that you're nothing. You're nothing but a weak, talent less bitch who hides behind her teammates power. All the training and learning in the world won't change the fact that you're talent less and always will be. You'll only ever be good for one thing and that's as a breeding factory."

Sasuke seemed to hit a weak spot. Tenten was frozen from the sting and venom in Sasuke's words. She couldn't do anything but turn away and run, crying the entire way. Seeing his friend crying, Naruto got livid.

He created a Shadow Clone to go after her, while Naruto, in a testament to his mastery of Super Saiyan, powered up to his fullest in Super Saiyan in a split second, then dashed over to Sasuke and punched him in the face, then kicked him skyward to land in the pond near the Training Ground. Naruto dashed over there and grabbed Sasuke by his shirt and threw him back to the Training Ground and threw a few trees, only for him to be caught by Naruto. Naruto proceeded to choke the life out of Sasuke, saying "If you EVER, insult someone who's precious to me like that AGAIN, I promise that I will kill you, and leave not so much as an ash behind!"

Naruto then punched Sasuke in the gut so hard Sasuke started coughing up blood. Naruto then took off in the direction his clone went. Sakura ran over to Sasuke's body, and seeing Kakashi's inaction, yelled "Aren't you gonna do anything?"

Kakashi said "Sasuke never should've said something like that. That was long overdue in my eyes."

Naruto, using his dispelled Clone's memory, found where Tenten was. Tenten was in her room, crying on her bed. Naruto walked over to her and comforted her in her time of need. 10 minutes later, Tenten's crying was starting to die down. Naruto said "Tenten-chan, why did you let what he said get to you so much?"

Tenten said "All my life I've been trying to change peoples' views on Kunoichi. Kunoichi these days care more about their looks than their skills. I've been working on my skills day in and day out for years, trying to be like Tsunade Senju of the Sannin, but it seems that no mater how hard I try, no one will ever respect me in this job."

Naruto said "You've gained the respect of one Shinobi, I know."

Tenten said "Who?"

Naruto said "Me. You've earned my respect a thousand times over, Tenten-chan. I thought that Hinata-chan was the only Kunoichi who took her training seriously, but you train just as hard as she does. You've become proficient with at least 10 different weapons. Tenten-chan, you're a better Kunoichi than you think. And I know that if you keep going, you can actually give aspiring Kunoichi a real role model."

Tenten, whose sniffling started to lessen said "What about Tsunade-sama?"

Naruto said "You mean that drunken old gambler? Yeah, that's a real role model. 'Look girls, train hard and dream big, and you can become as bad a gambler as I am!'"

Tenten laughed at Naruto's imitation of Tsunade. Naruto said "Seriously Ten-chan, Tsunade is not that good of a role model. You can give women a real idol to look up to. And you can count on me to support you."

Tenten hugged Naruto and said "Thanks, Naruto-kun."

Naruto said "No problem, Ten-chan. Now I gotta get home and get some sleep. I got a lot of D-ranks to finish up tomorrow. See ya later."

Naruto walked to the door, but before he could go out of it, Tenten said "Where are you going? Don't you remember the sword?"

Naruto tilted his head to the side and scratched his face, sheepishly saying "Oh yeah. I forgot."

Tenten said "Come on."

They went downstairs where Tenten went into the storage room and came out with a sword. The sword had a black handle with a green gem in the pommel. The guard of the sword came up in an arc-like motion with yellow lines going down it. The blade of the sword was 3 feet long and the handle was a foot long, making it four feet long in total.

(AN: This is the Ultimate Sword from Legend of Zelda, but the hilt is black and yellow instead of yellow and black. Zelda(dot)wikia(dot)com(slash)wiki(slash)Ultimate_Sword)

Naruto stared amazed at the sword, while Tenten said "Do you like it?"

Naruto said "I love it. Thanks, Ten-chan."

Tenten said "No problem. Thank you for helping around the store for a month. So I guess I'll see you later then?"

Naruto smiled and said "Sure. How about you come to Training Ground 8 sometime and train with me. My Kenjutsu skills still need some work."

Tenten said "Great! How about tomorrow?"

Naruto said "That's fine with me."

Naruto then walked out of the store and flew home, looking forward to tomorrow.


(End)