[Konoha Streets]
Temari was currently walking the streets of the village and on her way to the Namikaze compound after her shopping trip. She also had her thoughts on her recent conversation with the village elder Danzo. Though he was very polite while they talked, he gave off this vibe that he was someone who was very powerful and influential in his own right and a big player in Konoha's politics. And he was as cold and emotionless as anyone could be. Being in his presence felt an awful lot like being before her own father Rasa. Danzo gave off this feeling that he was willing to do anything for the greater good of the village even if it meant taking some pretty extreme measures and he was accustomed to getting what he wanted, one way or another.
While she held herself well, she really didn't enjoy the conversation she had with him at all. Especially what he wanted to talk with her about. She was also still thinking about her last chat with Kushina and their talk about Naruto. For all her skills in being able to figure things out, she couldn't understand why the rest of the village was so cold and cruel to him. Naruto's dad was the Yondaime Hokage for goodness sake and a hero for that matter. Now Naruto can be pretty wild at times and despite his good grades in school, he could be pretty thick sometimes, but that's no excuse to treat someone like that. Especially if he's the son of your village leader. She grew up the daughter of the Yondaime Kazekage and everyone has always treated her like a princess.
She was so distracted by her thoughts, she didn't notice the other people who were coming around the corner. She did manage to react quickly enough to avoid running right into them. She quickly side stepped and put some space between herself and the others.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." she said with her hands up and a slightly embarrassed look on her face.
It was then she recognized them as two members of team Kurenai, Kiba Inuzuka and Hinata Hyuuga. "Hey, it's nothing to worry about." replied Kiba. "To be fair, we weren't paying a whole lot of attention either." he told her.
"Um, hello Temari." Hinata greeted shyly to the older girl.
"Hello Hinata, nice to see you and Kiba again so soon." she replied with a friendly smile.
"So, what brings you around this neck of the woods?" Kiba asked her.
"Well, I just finished a little shopping not long ago." she replied, holding up a bag of ingredients she purchased just recently. "I have a few more things I'm gonna get later, but first I'd like to talk to Naruto. He was last at your house Kiba, have you seen him?" she asked the Inuzuka.
"Yeah, we hung out for a short time to catch up before he had to leave." he replied. "I think he's still at his Family's Compound and in the middle on another training session with his Dad. If you won't find him there, then maybe he'll be headed home afterwards. You can always ask his folks if you need help." he explained.
"Thanks." she replied. She figured that she'd just finish shopping and grab a few more things for later meals. She'll talk to Naruto when she got back to the house so she could both talk to him and tell him about his mom's invitation to dinner.
"Um, Temari?" Hinata asked, getting her attention. "I, um, wanted to formally congratulate you for you engagement to Naruto-Kun." she said with a bow. "I really hope you two are happy together once you're married." she told her, rising again.
Temari smiled at that. "Thank you Hinata, that's kind of you to say." she replied. "Anyway, I've gotta get going. I hope you both have a nice day." she said as she turned to head back to the market.
"Goodbye." said Hinata.
"Later Temari." said Kiba before he turned to the young Hyuuga girl. "So, you've said what you've wanted to say to her. How are you feeling Hinata?" he asked her.
Hinata let out a sigh. She's had over a month now and the thoughts that she'd lost any chances in life with Naruto still hurt a little. He was the very first boy she had feelings for after all and had the hopes that he'd notice her. She even hoped that her father would have approved given his status as the Hokage's son. But it was slowly getting easier now to come to terms with it. Kiba had done a lot to help her get over and accept it and truth be told, he was beginning to really grow on her.
"Better." she finally replied.
"I know you really liked him." he said with a compassionate smile. When he sat down and talked with her not long ago, she told him everything which was a big surprise given how shy and non talkative she really is. "But I'm proud that you're willing to take these steps and move forward." he told her.
"Thank you Kiba." she replied with a hopeful smile.
"Now come on, you wanna get something to eat?" he asked.
"Well, I am a little hungry." she replied shyly.
"Then come on. I know a great place that also allows dogs." he told her. "Come on Akamaru." he calls back to his ninken who was quiet and well behaved behind them.
Akamaru barked back and then followed his master to their next destination.
[Uchiha Compound]
Sasuke was currently back at his family's compound, walking down the streets after entering through the front gates. He walked with his hands in his pockets like he always did and had a very serious and hard look on his face. He pasted by other adults who were working or going about with their day as well as children playing games in the streets. Some of the people would notice him and greet him, welcoming him home and wishing him a nice day. He would respond by simply waving back or nodding his head in acknowledgement. A few of the younger children would come up and try to persuade their "Onii-San" as they would call him to play with them. He'd tell them he was busy and would keep walking, leaving several disappointed kids behind.
Before heading straight home, he would make a trip to one of his most important places to visit. There was in a small clearing with a memorial stone that was onyx colored and had the names of his parents on it. Written in cursive, it read "In loving memory of Lord Fugaku Uchiha and the Lady Mikoto. Brave Heroes and treasured Friends to many. May their memories live on forever and in Glory". Over the years, Sasuke has made it a practice of stopping by to clean off the stone and then pay his respects to his beloved mother and father who he lost at a young age. He'd wipe off the dirt and leaves that would collect on the stone over time before standing quietly and in solidarity as his mind would travel back to the fateful day where he would have to say goodbye.
[Flash Back]
Hundreds have gathered outside on a rainy day, as if the very heavens themselves were weeping for the loss of life. Everyone who attended were dressed in black and stood quietly before a stage where two open caskets rested the bodies of Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha. Portraits of the young couple were presented next to their caskets which showed a proud and noble clan lord and his lovely young wife who's smile always looked so brightly. Up on the stage stood the Hokage and the village elders who were directing the funeral ceremony.
"Friends, today we are all here to mourn the tragic losses of dearly loved ones, pay our respects and say our final farewell to not only a respected Clan Lord and member of our Village Council, but also my Friends who's deaths I mourn bitterly." the Hokage began.
At the bottom of the stage and off to the side, Naruto stood with a sad look on his face as well because he too loved Mikoto. She was like an aunt he always wanted and was always very kind to him. Next to him was his mother Kushina who although was wearing a veil to conceal her face, it was clear that she too was crying bitterly for the loss of her friend who she'd known since she was in the academy and helped her raise her young son. There were many within the Uchiha who were crying as well, but none more so than Sasuke who was beside himself with grief and despair from losing his parents. His older brother Itachi, now the newly appointed Clan Lord, tried his best to comfort him as he cried for the loss of their parents.
"Itachi, why?" little Sasuke cried as the funeral ceremony proceeded. "Why would Shisui do this? I thought he was our friend. Why would he kill Mom and Dad?" he asked as he kept wiping the tears that were streaming down his cheeks away.
"I don't know Sasuke." he confessed. "I honestly don't know." he told him.
"But I thought he was our friend. Mom and Dad loved him too." he sobbed.
Itachi got down to his brother's level to hold and allow him to cry on his shoulder. "I did too Sasuke." he replied.
[End Flashback]
Sasuke continued to think on these things and was so deep in his memories, that he didn't notice the elderly man walk up behind him. He was startled when he heard his name spoken to him.
"Afternoon Sasuke-San." said the voice of the old Uchiha.
He looked behind to see a familiar old man with a cane walk up and stand by his side before the memorial stone. "Hello Elder Higuchi." he replied. "I hope you're doing well." he added.
"Quite fine, thank you young man." he replied. "Paying respects to the late Lord and Lady of our Clan are we?" he asked to which Sasuke nodded. "I understand. I like to come by and visit with them myself. Your Father was a friend of mine for many years and there are days when I really miss him and his leadership." he rambled.
Sasuke turned to the elderly Uchiha then. "Is Itachi home? I need to see him." he told him.
The old man smiled and nodded his head at that. "Indeed. He should be at his desk going over some important paperwork. You know how it is, being the Lord of our Clan has made him very busy these days. That boy works really hard." he commented as Sasuke walked.
[Sasuke's House]
Sasuke would enter and walk down the hallway to his brother's office and sure enough, he saw Itachi at his desk going over some important documents. The older brother looked up when he felt someone was there and smiled to see his younger sibling had come home.
"Sasuke, welcome home." he said, greeting his little brother warmly.
"Hey Itachi." he replied, walking up to the wooden desk that separated them both. "Itachi, I was wondering if we could have another training session together while there's some time in the day." he told him.
"Sasuke, we had our weekly training session a few days ago." he replied. "And didn't you just finish another training session with Kakashi and your team?" he asked him.
"I wanna continue." he answered. "I know it's only been a few days since our last training session, but I was hoping you could at least teach me something new to work on." he suggested.
"Sasuke, I can't right now. I'm very busy." he replied.
"Can you teach me something real quick?" he asked him again. "Perhaps a new Sharingan jutsu?" he suggested.
"I'm sorry Sasuke, but I have a lot of work I'm in the middle of doing." he answered. "I'm not just the Lord of out Clan, but I'm also the Chief of the Anbu Black Ops and the Commissioner of the Konoha Police Force. I'm buried Sasuke and I just don't have the time." he explained.
"Please." Sasuke asked once more. "I need to get stronger." he added.
Itachi then got up from his chair and smiled before be brought his two fingers up to tap Sasuke's forehead. "I'm sorry Sasuke, perhaps another time." he told him before sitting back down.
Sasuke wasn't happy with that response and turned to head to the exit. "You always say "Perhaps another time" but another time rarely if ever comes Itachi." he said sounding a little angry.
Concerned he may have hurt his feelings, Itachi stood up from his chair again. "Sasuke..." he called but he was already out the door and headed to his room.
Itachi let out another sigh before sitting back down in his chair to continue his paperwork.
[Namikaze Compound]
Not long after they started, Naruto and his dad would dash off the clearing in their training grounds and carry the fight to the more wooded areas and were now on the branches on the trees. This however was the mistake on Naruto's part, letting Minato lure him into the more wooded areas of the fight where he could very easily gain the upper hand. Minato has been trying to teach his son that while raw power and skill are important in battle, you must be sure to apply strategy as well. Your opponent doesn't always have to be stronger than you to win the battle. If they can control the battlefield, they can win even against very powerful opponents. If Minato Namikaze controls the battlefield, then it's not a question of if but a matter of when he beats you.
Naruto was currently hiding within the leaves of the tree he was in and carefully looked around to locate his dad. He cursed himself for losing track of his dad when he wasn't supposed to and now he was hoping to find him first so he could continue the fight. Naruto should have realized that his dad was drawing him into a place where he would control the battle and now his only hope was to find his dad first and keep up a continuing offensive and keep his dad on the defense. He also had to locate any of his dad's special kunai knives which had the shiki seals on them because he knew that's how his Hiraishin No Jutsu worked. He was confident that he could still win, he just had to somehow regain control of the battlefield. He tried raking his head for ideas.
Naruto then heard the sound of an incoming projectile and dashed out from his hiding place just in time for a kunai to land where was only a moment ago.
'Damn!' he cursed to himself when he saw his dad appear instantly where the kunai was.
Minato then lunged for his son, ready to engage him in battle again. Naruto quickly recovered however and locked blades, kunai to ninjaken, before they split off from one another and landed on different branches of opposing trees. Naruto then took and stance and lunged forward, this time on the offensive to attack Minato. Minato did one front flip over him, dodging a swing at his legs before landing right behind Naruto. He then lunged forward himself to try and jab at him, only for Naruto to quickly block the attack from behind with his own blade. The younger boy then turned with another sideways slash only for his father to block it again with the blade of his kunai. Naruto then began a series of relentless slashes and stabs, actually forcing Minato on the defense.
Over the last couple of years, Naruto had developed a very unique form of swordsmanship that makes him an especially dangerous opponent to face. In Konoha, there are seven different sword fighting forms that someone can learn to use and apply in combat. Many swordsman learn two or even three and some of Konoha's greatest warriors were masters of these arts. Form one was a very aggressive fighting style which is where the user would take more offensive stances and applying powerful attacks in the hopes of keeping their opponent on the defensive and hopefully overwhelm them with strikes and blows meant to break through. Form two was actually the opposite, being less aggressive in battle and taking more defensive stances when engaged.
The key is to let your opponent wear themselves out by having them be the aggressor and then look for openings so you can apply a successful counter attack. Form three was considered a duelist art by learning to fight with more than one sword or weapon at a time while Form four was fighting against an enemy who used more than one weapon at a time. Now a less popular but still useful form was Form five which was designed to defend against projectiles thrown at you from a distance like kunai knives, shuriken and senbon needles by deflecting them. Form six was centered around fighting more than one opponent at a time by teaching the user to have a greater sense of their surroundings and how to react when facing more then one enemy in battle.
Finally, Form seven was considered another duelist art and was called the quick draw form. This was having your sword sheathed and then taking a stance while letting your enemy attack first. This was one of the most difficult forms to learn out of all of them because you had to draw your weapon, slash and cut your enemy down with a single strike before placing the blade back in it's scabbard and doing all of it in one motion. This was easily one of the most challenging forms to learn and took many years hard work and practice to get the techniques down and years longer to apply them in combat, but some of the best swordsman ever in the Hidden Leaf were masters of this form and their skills with a blade made them living legends in Konoha.
Naruto was inspired to become a swordsman because his mother was one of the best. Kushina had not only studied, but mastered four of these seven styles which made her famous in Konoha. Kushina explained to her son when he started out that it's a good idea to try and learn more than one style because if you can switch in between different styles during battle, you can confuse your opponents because your fighting style will be harder for them to read and counter attack. Naruto decided to take things a step further than his mother by actually studying all seven styles at once. His parents actually thought he was taking things a little too far, but were both surprised and very proud that he actually managed to pull it off and is able to use all seven styles.
But he also decided to take his dad's advice and not master any of these forms. Becoming a jack of all traits is one thing, but you shouldn't strive to master any form either. While there wasn't anything wrong with mastering the forms like his mother did when she started learning the sword, the problem with mastering a fighting style is you can no longer improve it because you've already reached your full potential in it. So Naruto decided to imply both lessons from his parents in his swordsmanship. He's studied and is able to apply all seven forms of kenjutsu in combat, but doesn't master any of them so he can only improve his skills. But not only can he switch in between any form any time, but he's also learned to blend two styles together as well.
This has made Naruto's swordsmanship especially difficult for someone to counter in combat, even for his dad. But this really isn't a surprise given that he is Konoha's most unpredictable ninja. This was why Naruto was able to force his dad back so easily. Minato wasn't able to read and react to his techniques as you would with someone who was using a single style of kenjutsu. It was pretty difficult to block and defend against Naruto's sword when he attacked because his kunai knives weren't as long so timing needed to be perfect. Eventually, Minato decided to change tactics and started dashing from branch to branch with Naruto having to try and close the gap. This was now Naruto having to adjust and adapt to the battlefield and on his dad's terms.
Naruto couldn't allow this to continue. If Minato gained control of the battlefield again, he was certain to lose the fight. He had to try and finish this quickly. Naruto threw a couple of shuriken at Minato, aimed at his feet. He was hoping that he'd force his father to take a different step in another direction and control where he was going so he could regain control of the fight once more. Naruto then thought he saw his opening and dashed forward with his blade pointed forward in a stabbing motion.
"I've got you now!" he shouted and thrust forward. Minato smiled before vanishing, resulting in Naruto getting his blade stuck in the trunk of the tree. "What?!" he shouted in shock.
He then felt his dad's blade tapping against his shoulder. "You did remarkably well Naruto." he complimented.
'How?' he thought. 'I don't remember him throwing any kunai in this area so there shouldn't be any shiki tags for him to use against me.' he thought. That was when he remembered his dad's front flip and realized that his dad did tap his shoulder once. He looked behind to see a shiki on his sword's scabbard. 'A Shiki. That means that Dad could have won this fight any time he wanted. Damn it.' he thought.
Both father and son were seated on the front porch of the house and were now enjoying something to drink. Minato could tell that Naruto wasn't really happy about the fact that he was the one who had complete control of the battlefield the whole time. He decided to try and cheer him up.
"Naruto, you should know that you did really good today." he told him. "Kakashi's lessons have really shown today because there were quite a few times where you almost got me." he said with a smile.
Naruto took a quick sip of his tea before responding. "But I didn't win." he grumbled.
"That's not important Naruto." his dad replied.
"Maybe not to you." he retorted. "But I was so sure that I was gonna win. I thought I was holding all the cards by keeping you on the defensive, staying away from any of the Shiki tags you had laid out so you couldn't sneak up on me and by regaining control of the battlefield." he listed.
"I know you did and I can't tell you in words how proud I am of you as a Father, seeing how far you've come." he told him while placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm certain one of these days, you'll succeed and I'll never get to hear the end of it." he said with a grin. Naruto still wasn't too sure and looked down in disappointment. He then felt his dad lightly squeeze his shoulder so he'd look back up to him. "Naruto, I feel I should tell you that you're just as strong as Kakashi was when he was your age. And that's something to be really proud of." he said which got him to smile back finally.
It didn't take long before they saw Kushina returning home and both of them smiled when she arrived.
"Welcome home my love." Minato greeted his lovely wife with.
"Hey Mom." said Naruto with a smile.
"How are my two favorite men?" she asked cheerfully.
"You should know that Naruto lasted much longer this time. I'm pretty sure it's only a matter of time before he becomes one of Konoha's most powerful ninja." he replied.
"I'm really happy to hear that." she replied. "Naruto, your Father and I were both hoping that you and Temari would be willing to come over for dinner tonight. Would the two of you like to do that?" she asked him.
"Sure, I'll tell Temari when I get back to the house." he replied.
"Actually, I've already spoken to Temari while I was out shopping. She's already agreed to come." she told him.
"Then I guess when I'm done here, I'll clean up and we'll see you again tonight." he told her.
"Good." she said before she sighed. "Naruto, I had another important talk with her while we were out shopping today." she told him.
Naruto's smiled dropped when he saw the seriousness on her face. "What kind of talk?" he asked her.
"She asked about the village's attitude towards you." she said sadly. "I think she's starting to catch on that there's an important secret you carry." she explained.
Naruto was quiet for a moment before responding with an "Oh." which was really saying that he didn't want to get into this.
He then felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to his dad. "Naruto, I think this is an important time to talk with Temari and explain the truth to her." he told him.
"I know...it's just..." he replied.
"Naruto, your Father is right." Kushina said, getting him to look back up to her. "I know this is a very painful and personal matter and we all agreed that it would be your secret to keep and yours only. But it's not good to keep secrets from people close to you. Especially those who you're gonna marry." she told him.
"I know you guys are right and I think it's something she would wined up figuring out later. But what if she hates me afterwards?" he asked, really worried that this will make her hate him and treat him differently from now on.
"I really wouldn't worry too much about it Naruto." said Minato. "Now, I wouldn't blame Temari if she was surprised and even a little scared at first, but she's also a very reasonable and intelligent young lady. I'm sure once you've explained everything to her, she'll understand." he told him.
"That's right." said Kushina. "And remember, a relationship is built on trust so this will be a very big step in your relationship with her. Do you understand?" she asked him.
"Yeah, you guys are right." he said getting back up. "It's better if she hears it from me then finding it out later from someone else or learning after the wedding." he told them. "I'm gonna go home and tell her the truth and hope I don't scare her too much." he finished.
"We could come with you if you want Naruto. Offer some emotional support." his father offered.
"I appreciate that Dad, but I got this." he replied with a thankful smile. "This is between Temari and I so I need to handle it." he told them.
"Naruto, your Father and I are very proud of you." Kushina said with her own hopeful smile.
"Thanks." he replied before walking off. "I'll see you guys again later tonight then." he called back while they waved.
Minato walked up to Kushina who leaned into him. "I really worry about our Son Minato." she said as he held her in his arms. "He shoulders too much for his age." she told him.
"More than anyone ever should." he replied. "I have no regrets for saving the village years ago when I did and I'd do it again if I had to. But there are days I can never forgive myself for forcing such a heavy burden on our child." he told her.
"I feel the same." she told him. "There are days I really wish things were different." she finished.
The both of them stood, holding one another as the sun began to slowly lower in the west. They then headed back to the house to make preparations for dinner with their son and future daughter in law. All the while, praying that the talk Naruto has with Temari goes smoothly and that she's willing to understand.
[Naruto And Temari's House]
It was the late afternoon now and Temari was arriving finally to her new house on the Namikaze compound. She really did admire and appreciate the design of the compound. It was very nice but not overbearing. She liked how Naruto's family decided to live more practically than other nobles would. She wasn't the sort who liked being all uptight all the time, even if she herself was taught how to carry herself like a high born lady. She would arrive at her house to see Naruto sitting and waiting on the front porch. She could tell that he wanted to talk to her which was good because she was hoping to speak with him as well. She first walked past him to put her groceries away before coming back out and sitting next to him on their deck.
The both of them were quiet for a moment, neither of them really knowing what to say yet. Temari wanted to ask, but she remembered that Kushina told her that what she was going to ask Naruto about was a very sensitive matter and wanted to approach the subject carefully. Naruto however was the one to speak first.
"Mom said you wanted to talk." he said, not looking where she sat but kept looking ahead.
"Yeah." she replied. "I wanted to ask you something that I've noticed since I arrived." she told him.
Naruto paused for a moment before speaking to her again. "And what did you notice when you arrived?" he asked.
"Naruto, I've seen how many people look at you and I've seen how some even treat you." she began. "Now, I've lived my life growing up as the Daughter of the Kazekage. While the respect that I received from my village was kinda forced, it was still respect. But I've noticed that many people look at you either in fear, or hatred. Why do they act the way they do?" she asked him. "I would have thought they would love you and respect you given who your parents are." she added.
"To better understand, I need to offer some context." he replied. "Have you heard the story of the Kyuubi No Kitsune who attacked our village thirteen years ago?" he asked her.
She paused for a moment, wondering why it was relevant but she nodded. "Yeah, the story is very well known, even in my village." she answered. "The Kyuubi attacked Konoha in a surprise attack that killed many people. The Hokage faced it in combat and against all odds, destroyed it and saved Konoha which only added to your Father's legend." she explained.
"Yeah, that's the story that got out but that's not the whole story." he replied.
"What more is there?" she asked.
"First of all, it wasn't a surprise attack." he started, turning to face her. "The Kyuubi was originally sealed away and managed to get free again. When it got free, it went on a rampage and killed many people, both ninja and civilians alike. And I would like to point out that you can't kill the Kyuubi. He's a Biju and therefore is impossible to kill. A Biju is a creature made entirely out of chakra which is why you can't kill it. You can dispel the chakra, but he will reform over time. It could weeks, months, even years. But in the end, his return is absolute. The only way to defeat a Biju like the Kyuubi is with a human sacrifice." he explained.
"Human sacrifice?" she asked him.
"The Biju must be imprisoned inside the body of a human sacrifice." he replied. "During the fight between my Dad and the Kyuubi, there was only one person who could fill that role. A newborn baby and just hours after his umbilical cord was cut. His body was chosen to be the prison of the Kyuubi No Kitsune." he told her.
"But who?" she asked. Naruto didn't answer but looked back to where he was looking before. Meanwhile, Temari was slowly putting the pieces of the puzzle together. The attack happened thirteen years ago which is how old Naruto was. The people looked at him with fear and anger. It then finally dawned on her when she thought of her own little brother Gaara. She in shock stood back up while not taking her eyes off of Naruto. "You're...a Jinchuuriki." she finally said in disbelief.
"Mom was the previous host of the Fox before me." he confessed. "Someone forced the Kyuubi out of her, doing too much damage to the original seal so it couldn't be put back inside. Mom and Dad had no choice but to use me for the purpose of imprisoning the Kyuubi. It was not a decision they made lightly, but Dad was really hoping that everyone in the village would just understand and treat me like a hero for it. Instead, they came to hate and fear me the same way they do with all Jinchuuriki. I don't blame them really. The Kyuubi did kill a lot of people, including the previous Sandaime Hokage. But I just wish they would at least be nice to me, if even just out of respect for my Dad." he told her.
"I had no idea at all." she confessed, feeling really sorry for him since he had to go through that. She remembered growing up and seeing the way people reacted and treated Gaara and although her father forbade her and Kankuro from getting anywhere near him, she always had this longing to try and comfort him because she used to see how he would cry from being so lonely. She actually cared for her baby brother, even when she was afraid of him. She was wondering now what she could do or say to make Naruto feel better because he looked pretty sad now too.
"Do you hate me now Temari?" he asked which surprised her. "Are you gonna hate and fear me like everyone else now that you know the truth?" he asked her.
He got his answer when he felt her take him by the hand and brought him up to his feet to face her. "No, I won't." she answered. "I could no more hate or fear you than I would my own Brother. I know the difference between a Biju and the Jinchuuriki that imprisons them and I know you're not a monster or demon, even if many others do. You have nothing to fear from me and I'm grateful that you were willing to trust me with the truth, even if it was hard for you." she said with a smile and hoping that this would make Naruto feel better.
Naruto smiled back. He should have known she would understand because her brother Gaara was a Jinchuuriki as well. "Thank you Temari." he replied. "Y'know, you're the very first person I've ever told this to. I'm glad that it was you." he told her.
Temari smiled again before letting his hands go. "We need to get ready for dinner tonight Naruto." she told him. "Your parents have invited us and I'm sure it would be rude to keep them waiting." she explained.
"Well, I really don't wanna miss out on one of Mom's awesome dinners." he replied. That was when he noticed that there was someone waiting for him at the gates. Temari noticed as well and felt a little uneasy now, seeing him. "You go ahead and get ready first, I'll speak with him and meet you soon enough." he told her. It made sense to let her get her shower first because she would also need some time to pick out a dress to wear tonight as well as work on her hair and makeup. Naruto headed over to the gate of his fence to speak with the village elder who came to speak with him. "Good afternoon Danzo." he greeted the old war hawk.
The old man and leader of the Foundation nodded his head at the greeting he received from the Hokage's son. "It is good to see you again as well young man." he replied.
"Of course, you and I both know you're not really the sort for pleasantries." Naruto said while crossing his arms. "You wouldn't be coming over to my house unless you had something you wanted to talk about." he told him.
"I'm pleased that you wish to get straight to the point just as I do." he replied. "You're right, I have something very important to speak with you about. More specifically, about your future with the Kazekage's Daughter." he told him.
"And what did you have in mind?" he asked. Naruto was warned by his father that Danzo was a very dangerous man and not the sort of person you wanted as an enemy.
"I'm sure you know by now that you and Temari are expected to produce one child from your marriage which is custom in these political matters." he began. "I was hoping that you would consider letting me train your children when they are of age to begin their careers as Shinobi." he told him.
"No offense, but why would you wanna train any children that Temari and I have and why would we agree to this?" he asked him. "I would have thought that Temari and I would be training our own children for the future." he told him.
"I'm not against you training them mind you." he replied. "But I was hoping you would at least take it into consideration given that your Father and I were the one's who made changes to the original proposal from Suna for the marriage. Did you know in their original proposal, they wanted you two to be wed on the day of her arrival and that you were to have Temari conceive a child on the night of your wedding?" he asked him.
Naruto's brows raised in surprise at that. "I didn't know that." he confessed.
"Minato and I convinced them to hold off on the wedding for another three months because he and I both knew that you were both gonna need some time to adjust to the idea." he began. "And even I know that you are both too young to start raising children, but you both will have to provide a child soon after you're married." he told him.
"How much time will we have?" he asked him.
"Thee years." he answered. "If Temari hasn't had a child by then, she must at the very least be able to confirm that she is with child." he added. "You both should also know that they wanted your first born Son to be married back into Suna once he came of age. Minato and I suggested that instead, we'd give your first born child the option of choosing his or her academy, whether or not they wish to be trained in konoha or Suna. Unless of course, you and Temari wish to have me train your children instead." he finished.
"I take it you've already spoken to Temari about this?" he asked him.
"I had the same conversation with her earlier today." he answered. "I wanted both of you to be fully aware of your options. If you should choose to let me train your children in the Shinobi arts, I will offer them only the finest training and education. More so than either of your academies could offer." he finished.
"I would like to talk to Temari about it first." he replied. "I'll take the time to think about it and perhaps we'll consider it, but I can't make any promises on our behalf."
"I'll accept that." he replied, sounding pleased that this conversation was going as well as it did. "I hope you and Temari will take my offer to heart. In the meantime, I hope the two of you are getting along." he told him.
"She and I are doing fine. We're actually getting ready for dinner with my Parents tonight." he explained.
"Then I will take my leave. Good evening." he said before turning and leaving Naruto to think on what he said.
Naruto would enter the house right around the time Temari had finished her shower so he would jump in to get clean as well. The both of them would get ready quickly so they could make it on time to Minato and Kushina's for dinner. They both put on some nice yet casual outfits and Temari put her hair back up with some makeup which made her look very nice. Then they would be on their way.
[Minato And Kushina's House]
Minato sat comfortable on the couch while Kushina was in the kitchen and working on her latest master piece. She was excited that they were coming over and she was really hoping that things were turning out okay for Naruto and Temari because they were gonna have to talk about the Kyuubi. She had faith that things were gonna turn out okay and that she would understand but that didn't keep her from worrying. Not long before dinner was ready, they heard a knock and Minato offered to get it.
He opened it up and smiled at who was there. "Hey you two, I'm glad that you were able to make it." he said to his son and future daughter in law.
Temari was wearing a very nice black dress with a gold trim that went just below her knees and her hair was tied back into a simple but stylish bun. Her makeup made her look very pretty and exotic which was what she was aiming for. Naruto's hair was nicely styled into a messy spiky look with hair gel which he managed to pull off very nicely. He was wearing a white dress shirt with blue dress pants and jacket.
"It's very nice to see you again as well Minato." replied Temari as he invited them in.
Kushina heard them enter and poked her head out from the kitchen to see them and smile. "Naruto, Temari hi!" she beamed. "Please, go ahead and make yourselves comfortable while I finish up." she told them.
"Here, let me offer a hand." Temari replied as she made her way to the kitchen.
"Oh, you don't need to do that Temari, you're the guest." she told her.
"I really don't mind at all and I would like to talk." she replied. "Let's give the boys some time to themselves." she added as she entered with Kushina to help her get ready.
Naruto and Minato stepped off into the living room to talk while the ladies finished up in the kitchen and were setting the table.
"I take it then that you and Temari talked about your situation?" Minato asked as he took his seat.
"Yeah." he replied, sitting on the love seat.
"How did she take it?" he asked him. Minato thought that Temari looked like she was fine, but he was still a little concerned about the relationship his son was having with her.
"She took it really well." he replied with a smile. "She was surprised sure, but she didn't react badly to it at all. You were right Dad, Temari was willing and able to understand and I'm glad I was able to trust her with the truth." he told him.
"Good, I'm happy for you both." he said with another satisfied grin.
"Dad." Naruto said, changing the subject and putting on a more serious face. "Before we got ready to come over tonight, I was visited by Danzo. He had a very interesting subject to discuss. The same thing he said he spoke to Temari about." he told him.
Minato's smile vanished and he too became very serious. "Please, tell me everything." he requested.
In the other room, Kushina and Temari were finishing up with getting all the food set up properly on the table with the plates and cutlery set out as well. Temari had finished explaining that she and Naruto had just finished talking about his status as the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki.
"I had no clue that he had to go through something like that." she confessed to the red head. "It must have been very hard on the both of you, having to put such a heavy burden on your child." she told her.
"There are days we really hate ourselves for having to do it." she confessed sadly. "The Hokage's duties are placed above everything else, but not a day goes by where Minato and I wish that things could have been different. No matter how selfish it may sound." she said, thinking about how hard Naruto's childhood was at times, even with the both of them there to help. She didn't even want to think about how bad things would be for Naruto if she and Minato weren't there for him. She then turned and smiled at the young blonde girl. "But I can't tell you how much it means to me to know that my Son was able to find in you someone he was able to trust with his most carefully guarded secret." she told her.
"Naruto told me I was the very first person he ever told who didn't already know." she replied with her own small grin. "I'm glad I was able to win his trust." she told her.
"So am I." Kushina replied.
Once they were finished setting the table, all four of them sat down to begin eating. Minato and Kushina sat on one side next to one another while Naruto sat with Temari on the other side. They all enjoyed the very nice and well prepared meal as always. Temari was seriously gonna need to ask Kushina for some of her recipes and some tips in the kitchen because she thought that her cooking was incredible. Everything from the meat and vegetables right down to the rice would simply melt away within your mouth. The flavor itself was great, but not too strong or overbearing which she was able to appreciate. It wouldn't take long at all before they had finished their meals with everyone satisfied as always with Kushina's amazing work.
"Wonderful as always Honey." said Minato as he sat back in his chair and with an empty plate before him.
"That was great Mom." said Naruto with his hands over his stomach.
"And how about you Temari, you enjoyed your meal I hope?" she asked her.
"Yes, everything was delicious." she replied. Like Naruto's cooking, Kushina's mastery over the culinary arts satisfied her so that she didn't feel stuffed, but knew she wouldn't be hungry again until later or until the next morning.
"Great, now if everyone would please head over to the living room, there's one more thing we have to do tonight." she said getting up.
"Uh, like what?" Naruto asked her as she headed to her bedroom.
"You'll see." she chimed.
Minato sat in his lone chair while Naruto and Temari sat on the sofa, both on the left and right side and leaving the middle unoccupied. "Any idea what your Mother wants?" Temari asked him to which he only shrugged his shoulders.
That was when Kushina reentered the room. "I am so glad that we're all here tonight." she said with a big and happy smile.
"Mom, what's this all about?" Naruto asked with a brow raised. He got his answer much to his horror when she lifted up her photo album. "No." he pleaded.
"Yes!" she cheered as she came over and sat between both blondes. "We're gonna be going through Naruto's baby pictures!" she said as she opened it up.
Temari smiled as Kushina directed her attention to the pictures while Naruto turned to his father. "Dad, please make her stop!" he shouted as he started blushing.
"Oh come on Naruto, it's not gonna be so bad." he replied as he sat back to watch what would unfold.
"Now if you look here, this picture was taken when Naruto was one day old." she told her.
"Awwwww." replied Temari as she marveled at the picture of Kushina who held the teeny tiny blonde baby in her arms.
"Oh, this one is one of my favorites." she continued. "I had Minato give Naruto his very first bath in a newborn baby tub and goodness did Naruto cry. All his Daddy was doing was washing him with warm water and Naruto was practically screaming bloody murder." she told her. Twenty minutes in and Naruto hated this. "And here is Naruto's first birthday." she said, pointing to a picture of Naruto in his booster seat. "He got so messy from smearing chocolate cake all over himself." she chuckled which got Temari to laugh as well. "And this was a picture Minato took of us after the party. I decided to give him a quick bath in the sink and we both thought this moment was too cute to pass up." she told her.
Naruto looked over to his dad looking miserable. "Dad...help." he pleaded.
"Come on Naruto, how bad do you really think it is?" he asked him. He got his answer when his son held up a little doodle he drew of him hanging himself from a tree. "Be strong Son, your Mother's almost done." he told him.
Apparently, almost done was actually a full hour. Once they were done, Naruto quickly grabbed his coat and headed to the door. He was still a little crossed about the pictures but he was glad that they were finally done. Once everyone said their goodbyes, Naruto would walk Temari home from here. She noticed his face and thought she'd try and cheer him up.
"Come on Naruto, you can't really think it's that bad can you?" she asked him.
"That's easy for you to say. You're not the one who's had all your embarrassing photos shown to someone else like that." he retorted. "How would you feel if someone just showed me all of your embarrassing childhood stories?" he asked her back.
"I suppose I get where you're coming from. But fortunately for me, I'll never have to worry about that because I have nothing embarrassing to be exposed." she bragged.
"Oh really?" Naruto asked with a mischievous look. "I'll be sure to ask Kankuro and Gaara next time I see em to see if that's true." he told her.
"You're more than welcome to try. But I doubt they could tell you anything at all." she said with a confident face.
"Sure Temari." he said with his hands behind his head.
"Come on. We have another big training day with Kakashi Sensei tomorrow and we'll need plenty of rest before then." she told him.
Both of them would get home, get dressed and go to sleep not long after that. Both of them wondering what the next day would have in store for them.
[Author's Notes] Once again, I managed to reform and rewrite another chapter and I'm personally pleased with how this one turned out. I didn't change a whole lot with only really changing the writing style and slightly lengthening it.
As always, hope you enjoyed it, please leave a Review or a PM.
This is Dragon1990 signing out :-)
