A/N Here you go, a new chappie. So, it has been about two weeks since I set up the poll and I'll be closing it with the posting of this chapter. I think I've given you guys a fair amount of time to vote on it. In other news, this is a really laid back chapter. Not all that much action, just Naruto interacting with others and coming more into his Casanova status. Also, I've had a really shitty time with fanfics recently. Barely any updates of the stories I read the past month, or I just couldn't get into a lot of the updates. Makes me sad really...

If you aren't in the loop, let me drop some knowledge on you; I do not own Naruto or anything of any value. Because life sucks that way.

"People talking"

'People thinking'

"Naruto Talking"

'Naruto thinking'

"Bijuu talking"

"Bijuu thinking"

READ, REVIEW AND QUESTION. INTENSITY.

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*Several miles from Nami no Kuni*

Naruto found himself surrounded by his very curious comrades as they all shared a very creepy smile that promised things Naruto would rather not think on if he did not explain himself very soon...

"May I assume that you are all rather curious?" Naruto asked to stall for a bit of time as he gained a nervous smile and started to rub the back of his head.

"Only a little. After all, you did say you would fix this whole being 'deceitful' thing, right Naru-kun?" Hasaki said with a bit of anger entering her voice as she took a step forward (which was quickly mirrored by her fellow kunoichi).

"To be fair, as a kunoichi you of all people should know better than to give away all one's secrets. Or am I wrong for wanting to have a bit of mystery around myself?" Naruto provocatively said with his most alluring smile as he decided to go for broke and be as charming as possible. In his mind Kurama watched eagerly with a bucket of popcorn she had created just for times like these.

"W-w-well that is true I suppose." Hasaki stuttered out at the sudden change in tone and posture of Naruto. She felt her face getting hot under her bandages and wondered on how she could turn the tables…

"Don't try to change the subject Naruto-kun." Kasumi said with a steely edge to her voice.

"Of course Kasumi-chan. I found my summons on my travels and during the Kiri civil war donned a disguise and secretly aided the rebels. Now why don't we move onto a subject that is less distasteful?" Naruto said as he gracefully moved near Kasumi and oh so slowly ran his finger along her jawline; making sure to keep his tone provocative throughout. Kasumi started to stutter out a response as she felt her arousal pooling in her panties.

"Stop being vague and answer with a bit more detail Naruto." Satsuki interjected in a rude demanding tone with a sour look on her face. That look being wiped off her face as Naruto turned towards her with his face in a stern mask.

"Hmm, you know Satsuki there are quite a few sayings on the matters of pride. But you seem more like a hands on learner, and if need be I can be a very strict instructor." Naruto said as his previous tone took a steely edge as he fully focused on Satsuki who felt a near physical pressure from Naruto's words as he exuded an aura of absolute dominance. She found herself unable to think clearly as her mind ran a mile a minute with the possibilities of what Naruto's brand of education would entail… A small bit of blood leaked from Satsuki's nose as she stood there unable to continue her argument.

"Now be a good girl or I will punish you. Haku! Sai! Grab our comrades and let's move out. The quicker we get home the quicker I can enjoy a nice long bath in the hot springs there." Naruto said with his voice and aura still pouring out dominance as he himself turned away and started to head towards Konoha once again. Meanwhile Haku and Sai did as they were told and grabbed Sakura (who had gone off into la-la land the moment Naruto started to lay on the charm) and the still day dreaming Satsuki. They would be damned if they disappointed their Naruto-sama when he was finally starting to exert himself over them. After all, they hoped to aid him with all his needs in the future…

.

.

.

"I am so having his kids. A whole platoon of them. Fufufufufu." Hasaki said in an incredibly cheerful tone as she took off to towards the others. After this little display of dominance, Hasaki found herself even more attracted to Naruto. And she didn't exactly mind sharing with others (she and Haku had already hashed out an agreement) as long as she got hers… Kasumi quickly started following with her as she too thought on this situation.

'I will be getting the first bite of the apple. Don't worry Naruto-kun, I'll gladly be your sensei of lust and by the time we're done, you'll be begging me for more lessons…' Kasumi thought as she caught up with her comrades. A subtle glint in her eye as she stared intensely at Naruto (well, at his ass).

*A few days later, Hokages' Office, morning*

"… And that wraps up our little travels abroad." Naruto said as he finished recounting their time in Nami. He did omit a few of the more embarrassing tidbits (like nearly being raped by Sai) but otherwise it was a succinct and well delivered speech on their mission. He had even explained what had happened with the Kiri kunoichi and the simple fact that they knew he was here under Konoha's banner (although he had been purposely vague on how they won, he had even gotten his comrades to promise not to reveal his summons yet). Suffice to say, Hiruko wasn't too pleased about this.

"I've said it before; you certainly live an interesting life Naruto-kun. Kiri won't be able to do anything for a while so we can rest somewhat easily on that. And with you vouching for them I'm sure that Hasaki and Haku won't have too much trouble integrating into our village. There is of course the matter of who they will stay with since they'll need to be supervised. Wel-" Hiruko said as she smoked from her trademark pipe before being interrupted by Kasumi.

"They'll be staying with me. I have a few unused rooms in my apartment." She finished with an eye smile towards the now fuming Hasaki and Haku who were less than a second away from telling Hiruko where they wished to stay. Kasumi had realized that they would try to get themselves into Naruto's home, so as their new comrade she would be magnanimous and invite them into her home. After all, as a proud jonin of Konohagakure she had a reputation to uphold.

"Hmm, that would work out rather well… Alright. Hasaki and Haku, you both will be staying with Kasumi for the time being. In a week we will have some tests so we can give both of you a rank and decide on a position for you both. Good work, all of you. Dismissed." Hiruko finished as she started to go back to her ever-growing pile of paperwork.

"Hokage-sama, may I speak to you in private?" Naruto asked before he could be dragged away by his comrades.

"Hmm? Sure." Hiruko said as she made a shoo-ing motion towards everyone else in the room (including the Anbu hiding in the corners). All of whom sadly obliged (and would wait outside the door for the moment Naruto walked out in order to snatch him up, except the Anbu who were wishing they could abandon their shift). Hiruko then activated a privacy seal incase what was about to be discussed was a sensitive topic.

"Thank you. Now, I have a deal for you."

"A deal?" Hiruko asked with quite a bit of hesitation entering her voice. She had learned her lesson when it came to dealing with Naruto…

"Yes. What would you say if I gave you the secret to beating paperwork?" Naruto said as he donned a confident smirk that made Hiruko realize she may not win this little battle of wits.

"I would say what would you be asking for it?" Hiruko responded guardedly.

"Nothing much. Just an unspecified favor that I could cash in at a later date. No questions asked." Naruto said as his smirk grew more fox-like. A big, unspecified favor from the leader of the most powerful hidden village in the entire world in one's back-pocket would be worth more than what most people could even fathom. And Naruto knew that with his luck he may need that favor one day.

"…Fine. Now, what's the secret?" Hiruko said with a bit of desperation in her voice as she glared at the pile of paperwork on her desk that had somehow grown even when no one had come in and left any…

"Not so fast Hokage-sama. I want that in writing and for it to be transferrable to the next Hokage in case you retire again." Naruto said with Kurama nearly crying tears of joy in his mind because of how well he had taken to her teachings. Hiruko on the other hand choked rather loudly (she had been taking a relaxing inhale of her favorite tobacco) as she directed a weak glare at Naruto.

"And why, pray-tell, would I agree to such terms?" Hiruko said as she got her coughing fit under control.

"Well, imagine how much easier it would be for you to handle the village without the constant paperwork. You would be able to relax once in a while instead of being cooped up in this room all day, every day. Isn't it a kunoichi's axiom to always strive for the utmost efficiency?" Naruto said with his best convincing smile and accentuating his words with small gestures (Kurama made sure he could deliver a speech in case he ever needed to do some convincing, one never knew when the need for a fox's mischievousness would pop up…).

"… God damn it! Fine! You win. I'm assuming you have the paper already written and ready to sign?" Hiruko said with annoyance lacing her tone. 'So much for being The Professor when I keep getting outwitted by a teenager…' She lamented. Naruto merely smiled gently and produced said piece of paper with his terms already written out on it. After diligently reading it, signing it and leaving her personal stamp so that it could not be disputed she handed it back to Naruto who promptly pocketed it.

"A pleasure doing business with you Hokage-sama. The secret by the way is shadow clones. Or you could do what I've seen every other kage do and hire a few trusted people to sift through the paperwork so you only ever have to deal with the important bits." Naruto said simply as he could almost see the cogs in Hiruko's brain freeze up and break apart from the revelation.

She had been so used to doing it all alone that she had never realized her options… Naruto offered her a good natured smile and wave as he left via the window (no point making his probable abduction by his 'friends' easy). As he landed on the street below a few seconds later, his attention was immediately drawn back to where he had just left as Hiruko's desk crashed through the window that he had used as an exit. He watched it do a graceful arc before hitting the ground and exploding into hundreds of bits. Hiruko seemed to have put quite a bit of oomph into it considering the distance it went and how violently it exploded on contact with the ground.

"I love you so fucking much Naruto-kun. I really do." Kurama said with pride emanating from her voice.

'I love you too Kura-chan.' Naruto replied as he nonchalantly walked down the street. There was a hot spring calling his name after all.

*Several hours later, Namikaze estate*

Naruto was now back at his home, relaxing and enjoying his privacy in the comfort of his living room. He had gone on to visit the hot spring and while he managed to enjoy it for a little while he had to quickly use his skills to escape as a band of horny kunoichi heard of his return and wished to 'welcome' him back. With ninja wire and furry handcuffs in hand…

So here he was, wondering on what to do with the rest of his day… A strong series of knocks was suddenly heard as he realized someone was paying him a visit (he had a small chat with Kasumi in Nami about seals and could now turn his homes' security seals on to prevent unwanted guests and because Hiruko had reactivated the seals when he left). Getting up slowly, he leisurely went and opened his door. He was then met with the sight of a Hyuga branch member with an elegant gift box emblazoned with the Hyuga crest and a nervous expression coloring her face.

"H-hello Naruto-sama. Forgive me for my intrusion." She quickly said while bowing her head.

"It's alright. May I assume that the Hyuga clan has a request of me?" Naruto said gently.

"Yes Naruto-sama. I was sent here to present this kimono to you and to formally invite you over for dinner tonight at eight o'clock." The branch member said as she presented the elegant gift box to Naruto.

"I see. Please send my thanks to Asahi-sama for this and for the invitation. And tell her I will come by." Naruto said with a smile on his face. It had been too long since he had dinner with his pseudo-family.

"Understood. Until then farewell Naruto-sama." The branch member said as she once again bowed and walked away, her nervousness still evident from her fidgety gait.

"Hmm, well at least dinner is taken care of. I think I'll pay Ayame-chan a visit." Naruto said to himself as he closed his door.

"You should ask Ayame-chan out on a date. She's cute, knows how to cook and she seems to be pretty into you…" Kurama said teasingly.

'Maybe… I've been thinking Kura-chan. Maybe you're right about this whole harem thing. It would be easier than simply breaking the hearts of many of the women I care for…'

"Good! Give in to your lust! Bwahahahah!" Kurama responded with a hammy voice. She was getting tired of Naruto being indecisive on this subject and now it seemed like he was finally taking a stand.

'But the problem still remains, how would I go about this?' Naruto thought, completely ignoring Kurama's little moment.

"Talk to the old monkey. She may have just what you need…" Kurama said cryptically before becoming quiet. At times it annoyed Naruto that Kurama had such a flair for the dramatic. Deciding to investigate this later, Naruto set off towards Ichiraku's.

*A bit later, Ichiraku's*

Naruto had just walked into Ichiraku's and with a bit of skill managed to quietly move through the surprisingly large lunch rush crowd in order to get to his favorite seat. As he sat down he spotted old man Teuchi and his daughter Ayame quickly and efficiently taking orders and cooking ramen. It seemed that his favorite restaurant had experienced a boom in business while he was away… As he waited, he watched Ayame go about her work. 'She really is rather cute and her movements are always so smooth and graceful…'

"She really grew up into a beauty eh Naruto-kun?"

'Yeah…' Naruto responded in a nostalgic tone as he was finally noticed by Ayame who instantly dropped what she was doing and appeared in front of him. Before he could say anything she reached across the counter and gave him a fierce hug while letting loose a powerful glare at everyone else in the ramen stand. Her message was obvious, 'stay the fuck out of this'.

"I'm so glad you came by Naruto-kun! When can I eat you first? Er… I mean what can I get you first?" She exuberantly asked while still not letting go of Naruto.

"I guess I'll go with one of everything for now Ayame-chan." Naruto wheezed out, he was rather surprised at how strong she was.

"Right away!" She chirped as she let go of him and immediately set to work getting his order and in record time had his food ready and set out for his consumption. Giving a quick thank you and an itadakimasu, Naruto dug in. Ayame meanwhile hovered nearby ready to get anything Naruto requested.

"So Naruto-kun, how is it?" She asked timidly after a few minutes.

"Wonderful as always Ayame-chan." Naruto responded with a smile as Ayame felt her face heat up and her heart flutter.

"R-really? Thank you very much Naruto-kun." She said as she bashfully looked away. 'Mom always said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. You will be mine soon Naruto-kun…' Before she could further engage Naruto in what she hoped was a charming conversation that would make him swoon for her, someone sat down in the recently emptied stool next to Naruto and drew him into a surprise hug.

"Naruto-kun! It's been so long since the last time I've gotten to see you!" The new person jovially said. As Ayame was about to tear into this damned hussy interrupting her Naruto time she felt the words die in her throat, for sitting in the seat next to Naruto was none other than Mikoto Uchiha. Ayame wasn't stupid, while she could drive away any other customer whether they be kunoichi or civilian in order to get Naruto to herself, threatening a clan head (especially the still ludicrously rich Uchiha clan head) would be tantamount to economic suicide. Instead, Ayame ground her teeth and put on a fake smile as she saw Mikoto bury Naruto's face in her large (at least a g-cup) assets.

"May I help you Uchiha-sama?" Ayame said with a cold undertone in her voice that Mikoto caught and only smiled at.

"Hmm, I guess I'll have some vegetable ramen and a glass of water." Mikoto said with a smile still on her face and Naruto (somewhat) struggling in her cleavage. Mikoto was a little short at only five foot four but made up for that with her generous curves that added to her incredible underlying sex appeal. She had raven hair and onyx eyes that contrasted wonderfully with her pale skin. At the moment she was wearing her normal attire, a fine dark blue kimono with the Uchiha crest emblazoned on the back and of course it was opened a bit in the front to allow a tasteful view of her cleavage.

"Right away Uchiha-sama." Ayame woodenly said as she quickly went to get Mikoto's order so that she could get her to leave faster.

"Mikoto-sama, could you possibly let me go?" Naruto managed to muffle out from in between Mikoto's lovely breasts.

"Oh! Of course Naruto-kun." She happily said as she finally released Naruto. Who promptly took an inhale of sweet oxygen as he gazed at Mikoto. Naruto did not know Mikoto all that well, in fact he made her acquaintance through his friendship with Izumi...

"How are you Mikoto-sama?" Naruto politely asked. He would be lying if he didn't admit that Mikoto was incredibly attractive. Maybe spending so much time with Kurama had given him a taste for older women?

"I've been well Naruto-kun. You have no idea how relieved and happy I… and the other clan heads were when you returned."

"Really? Thank you for your concern."

"So how has your time as a mercenary for Konoha been?" Mikoto asked as Ayame came by with her order and stayed to listen as well.

"It has been… interesting to say the least. Recently I've returned from my first mission which was to a country called Nami…" Naruto started off as he went on to tell both of them of his time in Nami no Kuni. Mikoto and Ayame became enraptured with his tale as both found themselves envious of all the alone time Kasumi and team 7 got with Naruto… As Naruto finished his tale he found the star struck gazes of both Ayame and Mikoto on himself as they both suddenly realized that Naruto certainly was more than just a pretty face and wonderful voice. While his demonstration of skills was great, Mikoto knew it took more than just strength to be effective in the field, and Naruto was certainly effective…

"Well Naruto-kun, that is certainly impressive. When I was still taking missions in the field I was a frontal assault kunoichi and over the years I've made sure to keep up my skills. If you ever need a good spar with someone who has quite a bit of experience please drop by the Uchiha compound. Even if it's only to talk, you are always welcome." Mikoto said in a flirtatious tone as she laid her hand on Naruto's thigh and gently rubbed it before giving it a tight squeeze. Naruto was struck dumb by her forwardness as Ayame looked murderous and was emitting enough killer intent to make even a bijuu give a moment's pause. Naruto idly wondered what had happened to the sweet woman he once knew who would give him candy and a few affectionate pats on the head whenever she saw him…

"I think she wants give your 'head' something a bit different from a pat. Fufufufufu…" Kurama said as she enjoyed the little spectacle.

"Unfortunately I've got a few things I need to get done. So for now I shall leave you Naruto-kun. Please drop by one of these days so we can spar…" Mikoto seductively said as she paid for her uneaten meal and stood. "There is even a private hot spring for when you need to wash off all that hard earned sweat… Fufufu…" She finished with a tinkling giggle that many would find irresistible. She even traced one of Naruto's whiskers (a sensitive spot that he had never told anyone about) before finally leaving. Unknowingly sending a shiver up Naruto's spine as Kurama now knew someone else that she definitely wanted in Naruto's harem.

"I may end up killing her…" Ayame accidentally let slip as her rage reached levels previously unknown to humans.

"What was that Ayame-chan?" The now recovered Naruto said as he had only heard part of her rage induced statement.

"Oh! Erm… Nothing! Nothing at all!" She frantically said as she waved her arms about in hopes that Naruto would drop the subject.

"I see. Well, it would be a shame to let all this food go to waste…" Naruto said as he went about eating his (and Mikoto's) neglected ramen while conversing with Ayame (who's mood grew better and better the longer she was alone with Naruto).

*A few hours later, streets of Konoha*

Naruto was calmly walking along, politely waving back or responding with a hello to those who greeted him. He still had time to kill before his dinner with the Hyuga and was currently at a loss for what to do. As he continued to walk along he spotted someone he instantly recognized, Sai. She was walking out of a bookstore with what he presumed to be a recent purchase before spotting him. A fake smile came upon her face as she immediately made a beeline for Naruto and sooner than Naruto could form a plan of escape appeared at his side, her unoccupied right arm now intertwined with his left arm and her head rested on his shoulder. This having the effect of pissing off every female within viewing distance (including a horde of stalkers who made sure to stay out of sight, for now was not the time to make their move…).

"Naruto-sama, what a coincidence to see you here. May I presume you are here to take me back to your home so that you can ravish my supple body?" Sai asked with a tinge of excitement leaking into her voice.

"You would presume wrong Sai." Naruto dryly said as he was on guard for any sneak attacks Sai may launch.

"How unfortunate. Well Naruto-sama, would you care to join me for a spar? I do not have team practice today and am free." Sai said with a monotone as she continued to hold Naruto.

"Well, I do have some time to kill. Alright, but I will not take kindly to any attempts at spiriting me away in order to have your way with me." Naruto said as he swiftly freed himself of Sai's grasp and started moving towards training ground 7. Sai quickly following and having a strange feeling in her stomach.

'I feel… nervous? Or at least I think that is what it's called… But why? I should not be feeling anything at all... Maybe Naruto-sama will help explain this to me…' Sai thought to herself as she threw a quick glance towards Naruto and felt the feeling in her stomach intensify as a few other strange sensations came about as well.

*A few hours later, training ground 7*

Naruto had spent the last few hours having a decent work out by sparring with Sai. For the first hour they had merely used taijutsu before switching it up; Naruto strictly used his less powerful lightning attacks while Sai was allowed to use her entire arsenal. While it wasn't exactly a close fight, Sai still managed to give Naruto a good workout that made him glad he agreed to this. With a final blast of powered down lightning, Naruto finally ended the spar by immobilizing Sai. Being a gentleman, he went and picked her up before resting her against a nearby tree.

"You have improved Sai." Naruto said honestly as he sat nearby.

"Thank you Naruto-sama. Your skills are still as impressive as ever. Even holding back as much as you did, you managed to handily defeat me." Sai responded with genuine praise as she rested.

"Thank you Sai." Naruto said as they lapsed into a (surprisingly) comfortable silence. 'It's odd seeing Sai so relaxed. Normally she's either being incredibly aggressive sexually or being deceptively snarky…'

"Naruto-sama, may I ask you a question?" Sai suddenly said as Naruto lost his train of thought.

"Of course."

"Well, for a while now I have been having strange feelings in my chest at times and all of the medical books I've read do not explain any of it. Would you know of anything to explain this phenomenon?" Sai asked with trace of genuine worry on her face.

"Well I'm not exactly a doctor so I don't know how much help I'll be but I'll try. Could you explain these feelings?"

"Sometimes I get a burning feeling in my chest. But it isn't a bad feeling; in fact I find that I rather enjoy the warmth."

"When do you get this feeling exactly?" Naruto asked as a bit of nervousness seeped into him at the thought of what this could be.

"To be honest Naruto-sama, it only ever happens when I'm around you. Like when you praised me earlier. I can't make sense of why I get it but I somehow know I want more, much more… Is that strange?"

"… Sai, I think you should be having this conversation with someone else. Preferably an older kunoichi. In fact, I think Hokage-sama may be the best for this. Shall I take you to her?" Naruto said with embarrassment lightly coloring his voice as he stood up and offered the still recuperating Sai a hand. Sai merely nodded to his offer and after tripping a few times was carried on his back as they headed to the Hokage's office. Using the rooftops instead of the streets to cut down on time since Naruto still needed to head home and get ready.

'There's that feeling again. But why is it so intense right now? What connection does it have with Naruto-sama? It will be difficult to continue my mission if Hokage-sama deems me unfit for duty if this condition proves harmful…' Sai thought as she found herself growing incredibly comfortable on Naruto's back. So comfortable that she nearly fell asleep. As she was on the cusp of entering dreamland, Sai heard Naruto call out to her.

"Wake up Sai, we are here." Naruto said as he gently shook her and then deposited her on the comfortable couch meant for those waiting that was outside of the Hokage's office. As Sai started to regain her senses she heard Naruto speaking with someone before speaking with her once again. "I will be taking my leave Sai. I hope Hokage-sama has the answers you seek… I-if you ever need to talk I will gladly listen and help as much as I can. Farewell." Naruto said with a nervous stutter appearing briefly in his voice as he gave his parting words.

"Thank you Naruto-sama." Sai said as she stood and walked towards the door to the Hokage's office, that strange warmth overflowing in her chest at Naruto's words. She found that she had the intense urge to follow Naruto out and stick to him like glue, preferably wrapped around one of his arms. The urge being so great that it was only her root training that kept her from leaving… 'I really do need help.' Sai finally thought as she opened the door and stepped into the Hokage's office. It was about time she got some answers…

*Streets of Konoha*

"It's always so adorable seeing you embarrassed." Kurama said with great relish to Naruto as he swiftly headed home.

'I'm happy that you're entertained.' Naruto answered with a snarky tone.

"Truly the mark of a wonderful being. Being able to derive joy from others like that." Kurama answered with her own brand of sarcasm. She and Naruto would often have impromptu snark contests like this, Naruto always lost but it was still fun nonetheless. Naruto merely gave her the win as he reached his home and hurriedly got ready to go pay a visit to the most powerful clan in Konoha.

*In front of the Hyuga compound, 7:59 pm*

Naruto now stood in front of the main gate of the Hyuga compound; he was currently dressed in an elegant black kimono with azure blue accents that had an accompanying azure blue camellia pattern. The effect of seeing Naruto dressed so elegantly as he walked to the Hyuga compound literally left every woman that came across the sight of him speechless with their mouths agape. Some even becoming convinced that he was some kind of deity... All in all, Naruto thought it looked nice on him. As Naruto raised his hand to knock, he found the gate thrown open by a pair of Hyuga guards who immediately bowed to Naruto.

"We are immensely sorry Naruto-sama! We had not been paying attention and thus could not open the gate sooner. Please do not reflect badly on the Hyuga clan as a whole and only direct your displeasure towards us!" one said quickly while the other nodded frantically.

"Erm… Be more attentive?" Naruto said as he bid them both to raise their heads. Naruto knew how strong a Hyuga's pride was so instead of offering his usual laid back attitude (and slightly insulting them) he gave them their desired reprimand. Both Hyuga guards gave him a grateful smile as they led him inside; it was in part thanks to Naruto's knowledge on the nuances of the Hyuga that elevated his status within the illustrious clan to what it was.

As they were walking, both guards stayed rather quiet besides the standards polite remarks one would give guests. Truth be told, both the guards were having difficulty keeping their Hyuga stoicism with how handsome Naruto looked and were debating whether taking him to an unused room to have their way with them would be worth the ensuing punishment… Unfortunately(?) the decision was taken out of their hands when they reached the dining room (both guards having been on autopilot while weighing the pros and cons of Naruto's abduction).

As Naruto entered the dining room he saw Asahi sitting at her designated spot at the head of the table with Hanabi (now entering her teenage years at thirteen) on her right with Nejiko sitting next to the young teen. On Asahi's left was an open space (presumably for him) with Hinata (who along with everyone else who had laid eyes on Naruto was struck speechless and now had a cherry red face) sitting next to the empty spot. The table itself was currently bereft of any food since dinner had yet to be served. Instead, green tea was set before every space.

"Thank you for inviting me Asahi-sama." Naruto politely said as he took his seat in between Asahi and Hinata.

"You are quite welcomed Naruto-kun. Did you find our gift to your liking?" Asahi said after regaining her composure. Even she was struck by how handsome Naruto was.

"Yes. Thank you very much for the gift. How did you know my size if I may ask Asahi-sama?" Naruto intoned curiously.

"*Cough* Erm… Well, you see… Lucky guess?" Asahi said nervously as she choked on the tea she had been sipping a moment prior. Truth be told she knew Naruto's physique intimately from the time she 'accidentally' memorized every bit of it after his performance at the Silver Leaf. Hinata, Hanabi and Nejiko all blushed crimson at the memories of that night.

"Well then, you certainly have an eye for these things Asahi-sama." Naruto subtly emphasized a few words to tease Asahi. He figured someone in the Hyuga clan would use their Byakugan for peeping sooner or later, although he had always thought it would be Hinata…

"T-thank you. So Naruto-kun, how has your times under the employ of Konoha been?" Asahi quickly said, trying to change the subject after noticing his emphasis and realizing he knew that at some point she used her Byakugan on him… Before he could respond, several branch house members entered and started to lay out a veritable feast that had many delicacies that Naruto had only heard about. It seemed that the Hyuga clan went all out for him.

"Well, it has certainly been interesting…" Naruto said as he started his story on his first mission under the banner of Konoha…

*Hours later, Namikaze compound*

Naruto had just returned from his dinner in the Hyuga clan compound. He had had a wonderful time recounting stories, telling jokes and generally catching up with his pseudo-family. At the end of the dinner, Asahi had made sure that he knew of the open invitation he had to the Hyuga compound and that if he had any problems, she would be willing to help. He finally left after giving each member a tight hug (he truly did miss them on his travels) and a promise to visit again soon.

Now he was in his living room debating on whether to sleep or take a shower… He then heard a knock on his door. It was so soft that he almost dismissed it before hearing it again. Confused on who would be paying him a visit at this hour, he went to his front door and opened it only to see someone he did not expect.

.

.

.

"Hinata-chan?"

*Omake. Cohabitation, Haku, Hasaki and Kasumi style pt. 1*

Haku was now returning from a day spent familiarizing herself with the layout of Konoha. She had even done a bit of shopping so that she could cook a good meal to celebrate finally having a true home after so many years on the run. Admittedly she wished she could have lived with her Naruto-sama so she could attend to his every need but at least she lived in the same village as him. Besides, she knew that she would eventually move in with him if she had anything to say about it…

Opening the door to her new home, Haku heard shouting and large amounts of movement coming from further in. Immediately becoming alarmed and creating several ice senbon for quick use, she cautiously moved forward into the rather spacious apartment as she came upon a sight that many males would kill to see. Hasaki and Kasumi were both dramatically facing one another as if having some kind of ultimate showdown and Haku swore that she could see some kind of fierce animal spirit behind both of them, ready for the fight of the millennium. Of course this was all ruined the instant Haku realized they were both in lingerie and seemed to be arguing. And the fact that there were piles of lingerie scattered across the room haphazardly.

"You are a worthy foe Hasaki. But my black silk corset and garters set shall prove victorious!" Kasumi yelled as she brandished the mentioned items and wielded them as if they were a sort of weapon.

"Argh! Such power! But, can you take my see through crimson teddy set!" Hasaki dramatically responded as she too brandished her weapon(?) of choice. Haku meanwhile was staring at both of them and wondering if she had had an accident on her errands today and received a massive head injury.

"T-to think you had something of that magnitude up your sleeve! I will not be beaten that easily Hasaki! Prepare for-" Kasumi started yelling as she was about to reveal another set of lingerie from her surprisingly large stockpile, before being interrupted by Haku.

"What the hell are you both doing?" Haku said as she could no longer keep quiet.

"Isn't it obvious? Kasumi here said she had better lingerie than me so we had a lingerie battle royale. But mine shall prove victorious and be acknowledged as the sexiest!" Hasaki calmly explained before erupting into a battle roar. Kasumi was nodding at everything before getting ready to argue the last point.

"Wrong foolish Hasaki. Mine shall be proven the sexiest as I take my prize of Naruto-kun's sweet loving!" Kasumi yelled passionately as she struck a pose that would have looked cooler if the circumstances had been different.

"I'm… I'm going to go lie down…" Haku finally said as she created a small chunk of ice and placed it against her temple as she went to her room, the sounds of the ongoing lingerie battle echoing throughout the apartment.

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A/N So, Sai is about to have a conversation that will firmly entrench her on the path to understanding and feeling emotions once again. Fuck yeah. And Naruto, like any young male, isn't exactly great with expressing and explaining such abstract and complex concepts like love and such. Which is why he dropped Sai off with Hiruko, after all it would be a pain in the ass if he misspoke and just worsened everything.

By the way, whenever you picture Mikoto I want you to picture the Mikoto I have a link to in my profile page. Just in a blue kimono.

And as for the omake, I just wanted to include that bit but couldn't figure out where to put it so yeah...

And Finally, yes. Hinata won in the poll (I honestly thought it would have been Ayame considering how well she did for so long). Next chapter she and Naruto will be doing the horizontal tango.

Read, Review and question.