Hello everyone, I'm glad that most of you enjoyed my last chapter, like I said I thought it was my best chapter yet and it was tons of fun to write. LeafRanger brought up a good point though, what I did with Haku when Naruto told her about his dream was bad because it would have made him feel more self-conscious and alone, but I had something planned for that but by the time I had finished writing the Sasuke fight my brain was starting to shut down and I didn't want to write anymore, so in this chapter something will be discussed about it. There are a few ideas that I'm currently playing around with, one is that I want to add Orihime and Rangiku from Bleach, but just their names and appearances, not a crossover. I was thinking of keeping Ayame as a big sister figure in Naruto's life, but I could have Orihime working at the restaurant stand and that's how Naruto meets here, then do something more with it later in the story. For Rangiku I was thinking I could have her placed on a Chunnin team with Naruto and Haku, just an idea that I've been playing with in my mind. The other idea is one for a story, for those of you who couldn't tell I'm a huge fan of the RPG game DarkSouls, and I was thinking of making a sort of crossover with it, the only issue with that is the sheer amount of lore that is in the DarkSouls universe, along with making all the lore fit into the Ninja world of Naruto, while making it understandable for anyone who hasn't played the game. I believe that if I could do it correctly, it would make for one hell of a story. A lot of people don't believe that DarkSouls has any set storyline, but rest assured there is one, they did a great job of making the player piece everything together to find the story. Usually I'm not a person who likes to play around and read about game lore, but the world of DarkSouls is one I find very interesting. Now then, final thing; the list of girls I had placed at the bottom of last chapter was NOT a voting list, those are girls I'm already thinking about adding, but this being my first fanfic I don't know if I'm comfortable with adding all of them, the only 'poll' that I have open right now is a vote on making Naruto a Hanyou, which will be decided at the end of the Chunnin exam arc, what I plan on doing with that is when Naruto releases Kyuubi, something goes wrong and Naruto does not release all of her Youkai, mixing in with his making him a Hanyou. There would be no tails or ears, his appearance would just be like he is when he normally uses Kyuubi's chakra in the anime, darker whisker marks, elongated teeth, and claws, with his pupils as slits. Obviously the story will work without it happening, just make it so all her Youkai is taken out etc…etc… Alright, that's it for now, there will be another list at the bottom because like I said last chapter I missed a few girls, and you all did a good job of reminding me who I forgot about.

Chapter 8

Naruto and Kin had just left the clearings where Teams Eight, Seven, and Ten were, when they both felt another large release of vile chakra, moments later Naruto felt another spike that made his eyes widen. Anko-san's chakra! She must have found Oruchimaru, this isn't good, Naruto thought.

"Kin, I need you to get to the tower, tell them that I'm going to help Anko fight Oruchimaru and to send ANBU in the direction of that Chakra spike we just felt." Naruto said

"Bu-"Kin started, but was cut off.

"Please, I have to go help Anko, even if I can't match up to Oruchimaru's skills I might be able to fend him off long enough for ANBU or Hokage-Jiji to arrive." Naruto said as he disappeared, living Kin by herself in the middle of the forest.

Naruto arrived just in time to watch as Oruchimaru dropped an unconscious Anko to the ground. Damn it; please be alright Anko-chan! Naruto thought as he went through handsigns.

"Katon: Grande Fireball Jutsu!" Naruto yelled as he shot a giant fireball into the tree where Oruchimaru was, then quickly Shunshined to Anko to make sure she was alright. Feeling a pulse Naruto sighed in relief, before disappearing again to a safe location to keep Anko safe.

"Kukuku, what a surprise, the little Kyuubi Jinchuriki has come to play. I had heard that the son of the Fourth was back in Konoha, but I didn't think I would actually run into you." Naruto heard from behind him before he felt immense pain in his side as Oruchimaru kicked Naruto away.

"Damn that hurt," Naruto said as he picked himself off the ground. Kura-chan, I'm going to need to borrow some of your Youkai again.

Of course, Naruto-kun, just be careful, this man is on a whole other level than anyone you have ever fought before. Kyuubi said as she started to release her Youkai into Naruto's Chakra system.

"You hurt Anko; I will end your life!" Naruto said as he vanished from sight, making Oruchimaru widen his eyes slightly at the speed the young boy's speed before he was sent flying back from the kick Naruto delivered to his stomach.

"Kukuku, Naruto-kun, it seems that Itachi-san and Jiraiya-san have taught you well, but it won't be enough to kill me." Oruchimaru said as he stood off the ground. Naruto took out foxfire and started channeling his Katon Chakra through the blade, making it glow slightly.

"Interesting, let's see how good you are with that sword Naruto-kun." Oruchimaru said as he opened his mouth, revealing his own sword, then charged at Naruto. Swinging his sword he was surprised to see Naruto's sword cut right through his, then felt pain as Naruto plunged his red-hot sword into Oruchimaru's stomach.

"While I am only a Chunnin, Oruchimaru, I have been trained in Kenjutsu by both Itachi-sensei, and Zabuza-sensei, a former member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, I would advise you take out the real Kusanagi, normal swords will not work against me." Naruto said, twisting the sword in Oruchimaru's gut, making the Snake Sannin hiss in pain.

"Kuku, it seems that I have underestimated you, Naruto-kun, you should have killed me when you had the chance, because now, I will show you the true difference in our power." Oruchimaru said as he opened his mouth again, revealing two hands as he crawled out of his wounded body. "Even with the Kyuubi's power you do not have the experience to beat me." He said as he rushed Naruto, opening his mouth again and shooting Kusanagi at the young blonde. Naruto sidestepped the blade, only to be met by Oruchimaru's fist to his face, sending him flying back through a couple of trees.

"Katon: Grande Fireball Jutsu!" Naruto heard Oruchimaru yell, looking up his eyes widened slightly at the size of the fireball Oruchimaru had shot at him. Quickly getting up Naruto used a Shunshin to retreat a safe distance.

"To slow, Naruto-kun." Naruto heard, and then felt an immense pain in his abdomen. Looking down, Naruto widened his eyes as he saw half of Kusanagi protruding from his stomach. Oruchimaru smiled sickly as he kicked Naruto in the back, sending him flying off his sword and into a nearby tree. Naruto landed with a crack as blood came flying out of his mouth.

Naruto-Kun! Kyuubi yelled, even with the fast healing ability that Naruto got from having her sealed inside of him she wouldn't be able to save him from the wound Kusanagi gave him.

"My my, Naruto-kun, you sure do surprise me." Oruchimaru said as Naruto picked himself off the ground, standing on shaky feet. "Why do you keep fighting if you know you can't beat me Naruto-kun?" he asked.

"I knew I wouldn't be able to beat you teme, I just needed to stall for long enough for Hokage-Jiji and the ANBU to get here." Naruto said with a smirk as a group of masked Shinobi appeared behind Oruchimaru.

"Well, looks like we will have to finish this another time Naruto-kun… if you survive that is kukuku." Oruchimaru said as he melted into the ground.

"Naruto-kun!" came a familiar female voice as Naruto turned to look.

"Haku…chan…" Naruto says, before the world turns black and he hits the ground.

-Konoha Hospital 5 days later-

Hinata was worried, scratch that, she was beyond worried. The first thing she had been told when her team had passed the second part of the Chunnin exams was that Oruchimaru had infiltrated Konoha and had fought Naruto and had seriously wounded him.

"Please, can you tell me what Room Naruto Namikaze is in?" Hinata frantically asked as she came into the hospital, Kurenai and Shino not far behind, and Kiba behind them.

"Mhm… Namikaze… Namikaze… oh! Here it is, room 325, third floor at the end of the hall." The nurse replied as she turned around, only to see that Hinata and Kurenai were already gone.

-In Naruto's room-

Haku was a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment, she was scared, mad, happy, sad, but most of all disappointed in her-self. The last thing she had done with Naruto was fight with him, and then walk off; and now he was laying two feet from her, bandages covered the entire top half of his body where Oruchimaru had stabbed him.

"Damn it Naruto, why do you always have to be so reckless…" Haku said somberly as she held his hand. "After all this time we finally got each other, you better not die on me Naruto! Please come back to me… "

-Inside Naruto's mind-

"You god damn stupid reckless idiot boy! How could you try to fight with a Sannin and hope to possibly not get seriously hurt! You are so lucky you are ok, I swear that Haku girl would have frozen hell over to revive your sorry ass just so she could kill you herself!" Kyuubi said as she glared at Naruto who was currently fidgeting under her gaze.

"Uh… well… you see, I never thought I could win?" Naruto said, hoping it would be the right answer… boy was he wrong.

"Care to repeat that… Nar…u…to…Kun?" Kyuubi asked sweetly, making Naruto gulp.

"Uhh… hey look a squirrel!" Naruto shouted pointing behind Kyuubi, only for her to grow a tick mark.

"I'm a 2000 year old demon; do you really think that would work on me?" Kyuubi said annoyed.

"Worth a shot I guess, but I must admit Kura-chan, you look very good for being 2000 years old." Naruto said, trying to take the way of flattery.

Kyuubi's eyes softened slightly, "God damn it Naruto, why is it so hard to stay mad at you." Kyuubi said. "Rhetorical question, so don't answer it if you want to live." She added, stopping Naruto's smart ass remark before it left his mouth. "Listen Naruto, I know you fought Oruchimaru so that you could save that girl Anko, but please just be careful next time, wounds like one Kusanagi gives you are very hard to heal, most of the time they never go away completely. There are too many people who care about you and would be devastated if anything seriously bad ever happened to you; Haku, Hinata, Hokage-Jiji, Itachi-san, Zabuza-san… me…" Kyuubi said, making Naruto's eyes widen slightly, they would continually flirt with each other, but Naruto never knew there was anything behind it.

"Y-you would? Kura-chan." Naruto asked.

"Naruto… I've been with you your entire life, through all the sadness, loneliness, and happiness. Anything you have felt I have felt, when we first met, I was so afraid that you would hate me for what I did to not only your village, but to your mother and father as well." Kyuubi said. "When you were willing to forgive me and move on it was the happiest I have been since I was sealed inside of you, you accepted me for what I was, even with all the pain I had caused you, and welcomed me into your life. I've watched you grow since that day, Naruto-kun, from meeting Itachi-san and Zabuza-san, to saving Haku-Chan's life, you have grown up to be an excellent man that your parents would be proud of, and someone… I could fall in love with someday."

"L-love m-me?" Naruto stuttered.

"Yes, Naruto-kun, maybe not right now because of this seal, but if you find a way to release me, I want a chance to prove how much you mean to me." Kyuubi replied.

"K-Kura-chan, I never knew that you felt that way… about me. You have always been there for me, as someone I could confide in when no one else would. You kept me alive through all the beatings and torture when I was a child. I'm not mad about having you sealed inside of me. When Hokage-jiji first told me who my father was, I was more mad at him for what he did to me than you, but I came to realize that if he had not sealed you inside of me, I would not be who I was today. Kura-chan, I do not know if one day I could come to return the feelings that you have for me, but I would be willing to try, I think that, by using shadow clones, I might be able to give you a temporary body, we would be able to go on dates and do things together." Naruto said with a smile, making Kyuubi widen her eyes.

"Y-you mean it?" She asked a little hesitantly, for her it seemed too good to be true.

"Yea, I mean, a shadow clone is basically a carbon copy of myself with my conscious put into it, so theoretically, if I was to put your conscious into the clone instead of mine, then it would be you instead of me." Naruto explained. Kyuubi thought about it for a minute before her eyes widened in realization.

"N-Naruto that's it!" Kyuubi yelled.

"What do you mean Kura-chan?" Naruto asked confused.

"Naruto, if what you said works, if you were able to make a complete clone of yourself, one that would never disperse, and put my conscious and soul into it, I would be free!" She shouted as she grabbed Naruto and brought him into a fierce hug, then, before either of them realized what was happening, Kyuubi kissed him, making both their eyes widen. So soft, they both thought at the same time, before they reluctantly broke apart. Silence rained for a few moments, and Kyuubi, thinking she had done something wrong, started to feel bad.

"Naruto-kun… I'm sorry… I-I shouldn't have, it j-just happened." Kyuubi sputtered out, regretting what she said instantly as Naruto's face became full of sorrow.

"Y-you didn't like it… Kura-san?" Naruto asked. And in that moment, it felt that Kyuubi's heart had shattered, seeing the look of sorrow on his face, and hearing it in his words.

"N-no, that's not what I meant Naruto-kun! When you were silent like that I thought you were upset with me for kissing you… I thought that you were upset for me being your first kiss… instead of Haku…" Kyuubi said, making Naruto's eyes widen.

"I wasn't upset, Kura-chan, I was just surprised, that was one of the best feelings I have ever felt. I'm not mad at you, but I guess now we really have to go on a few dates huh?" Naruto said with a bit of a chuckle, making Kyuubi smile slightly.

"Yea… I guess we will Naruto-kun, but I think it's time for you to wake up, I can sense Haku-chan, Hinata-chan, and that red eyed woman that you went on that mission to wave with, along with I think Kin-san."

"Ok Kura-san, but please don't feel bad about what happened, I really did enjoy it." Naruto said with a slight blush, and then to prove his point, gave her a quick peck on the lips before disappearing back into the real world, leaving a slightly blushing Kyuubi. Damnit, I've been the queen of the tailed beasts for the past 2000 years and I'm getting turned into fox putty by a 12 year old… Kyuubi thought, meh, it's worth it.

-Real world, Naruto's hospital room-

"Haku-chan, Hinata-chan, I'm sure Naruto-kun will be alright." Kurenai said as she tried to comfort both girls.

"B-but what if… what if he isn't?" Hinata sputtered out.

"He will be, Tsunade of the Sannin was the one who healed him, she is the closest thing Naruto has to a real family, when she heard he was severely hurt she came back as fast as she could to help him." Haku said, still saddened by what had happened to Naruto, but she knew he would be alright.

"Tsunade-bachan is here?" Naruto said weakly as he opened his eyes.

"Yea, Tsunade-bacha-wait, Naruto-kun!" Haku yelled, seconds before she hugged him tightly.

"C-c-cant… b-breath…H-Haku-chan." Naruto said, Haku widened her eyes before letting him go, only for him to get glomped by Hinata a second after she backed away.

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata cried as she snuggled her head into his chest, getting a slightly jealous glare from the rest of the girls present. "We-we thought you wouldn't make it." Hinata said, then began to openly cry into his chest, making him smile slightly.

"Heh, sorry Hinata-chan, Kurenai-chan, Haku-chan, Kin-chan, I just needed to make sure that Anko-chan was safe." Naruto said, making both Kurenai and Kin raise their eyebrows at the affectionate suffix added to their name. Kurenai-chan/ Kin-chan, I could get used to that, they both thought at the same time.

"N-Naruto-kun." Haku said, "I-I'm sorry, for what happened a few days ago. I was just upset that you would keep something so important from me. You were always alone before, but now… you aren't anymore, you have all of us. I'm sorry for running away and yelling at you."

"Haku-chan, what you said and did really hurt me, it made me feel even more insecure and alone, please, doesn't ever leave me like that again." Naruto said. Now it was Haku's turn to cry as she latched on to one of his arms as she repeatedly said she was sorry. Naruto smiled at the affection both girls showed for him as he gently rubbed each of their backs, trying to soothe them.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your moment, but Hokage-sama wanted to see you as soon as you woke up Naruto-kun." Kurenai said, not really caring that she added 'kun' to his name, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by both Haku and Hinata.

*Sigh* "Alright, I guess I will need to talk to him about Oruchimaru and what happened with Sasuke." Naruto said as he got out of bed, oblivious to the fact that his gown had opened up and his bare chest was showing, making all girls present slightly blush.

"Goodbye Hinata-chan, Haku-chan, Kin-chan, and Kurenai-chan." Naruto said, kissing Hinata's and Haku's hand, earning another growl from Kiba. "Didn't see you there dog-breath, not that it really matters, it's a crime to attack your superiors." Naruto said with a smirk as he Shunshined away.

A few hours later we find Naruto leaving the Hokage's office after his long talk with the Sandaime, as well as making sure Anko was doing fine.

"Mhm… what to do." Naruto said to himself, and then he remembered something he had said to Hinata before the second part of the Chunnin exams, making him smirk slightly as he started making his way towards the clan district.

A few minutes later we find Naruto in front of the Hyuuga clan house, knocking on the front door.

"What business do you have with the Hyuuga clan boy?" one of the guards asked.

"I would like to request an audience with Hiashi-sama." Naruto replied

"Alright, what is your name?" the guard asked again.

"Naruto Namikaze." Naruto said. After a few minutes of waiting the guard returned.

"Hiashi-sama has accepted your request to see him." The guard said as he opened the gate and led Naruto inside.

"Hiashi-sama." Naruto said with a bow as he entered Hiashi's personal study.

"To what, do I owe this pleasure, Namikaze-Sama?" Hiashi asked, slightly startling Naruto because everything he had heard about the man in front of him led him to believe he was like most Hyuuga, with a ten foot pole shoved right up his ass.

"Please, Hiashi-sama, just Naruto, I do not wish to be shown respect just because of who my father was." Naruto said, making Hiashi nod.

"Alright, Naruto, why did you request to have an audience with me?" Hiashi asked.

"Well, before the second part of the Chunnin exams I made your daughter a promise, and I'm here to make sure I can keep it. I would like to request that you allow me to take Hinata-chan on a date." Naruto said.

"Why would you need my permission Naruto?" Hiashi asked.

"Please, Hiashi-sama, while I may still be young, I have read up on clan laws from Konoha. I do not believe that you, or your elders, would approve of me taking Hinata-chan out on a date before clearing it with the clan head." Naruto said.

"Mhm, that is true, and while I may not have always been the best father to Hinata, I have always wanted nothing more than for her to be happy, I'm really surprised it has actually taken you this long to ask her for a date." Hiashi said with a slight smile, making Naruto slightly widen his eyes.

"Why is that?" Naruto asked.

"Naruto, your father was one of my best friends, before Hinata's mother passed away, I noticed how close the two of you had become, neither of you could see it, but I believe Hinata has always had a crush on you, since the day that you met. The day that you left was probably the second saddest day in Hinata's life, I tried my best as a father to comfort her, but the clan elders made me put my clan ahead of my own daughters, the reason I had pushed Hinata so hard during her training sessions was the hope that she would push the pain from losing you away for a while at least so she could focus on something else, but it never worked; and now she sees me more as a clan head then as a father. I knew that you had returned the day Hinata came home with a biggest smile I had seen on her in years. I have not always been the best father, Naruto, but I know what is right for my daughter, so my answer is yes, you have my permission to take Hinata out on a date, and pursue any kind of relationship with her. As a clan head, I am happy that maybe someday, we will have a very powerful ally, but as a father, I cannot thank you enough for filling the void that I left in Hinata's heart." Hiashi said.

"Hiashi-sama, if I may?" Naruto asked, earning a nod from Hiashi he continued. "While I may not agree with your way of trying to keep Hinata's mind off of me, I'm thankful that you at least tried. And if it means anything, I do not believe Hinata sees you as a clan head instead of a father, deep down she still loves you, and wants the old Hiashi back, you can give her exactly what she wants, you just have to try." Naruto said as he exited the room, leaving Hiashi alone again.

Thank you, Naruto, your father and mother would be very proud of you. Hiashi thought.

Alright, that's it, sorry for anyone who wanted to see the Naruto/Hinata date, that will be next chapter, along with a few other things during the one month time off. I got a review wondering why the story was in a Naru/Hina category while the main pairing is most likely going to be Naru/Haku… well, I had originally planned on making it Naru/Hina centric, but as I started writing Haku and Naruto's relationship I found out that given their past together I preferred that pairing instead. And yes, we got some female Kyuubi action in this chapter, that is another pairing that I enjoy, but never really see a lot of, and to add to the list from last chapter, I'm going to add names that I forgot.

-Temari

-Fem Kyuubi

-Shizune

-Orihime (If I even add her to the story)

-Rangiku (Same as Orihime)

-Tayuya

Sorry my mind isn't at full capacity right now, had a long day, so if I forgot anyone again please let me know.