Author Note:

Hello once more you lovely people you. A big thankyou once again to all those who reviewed, and all those who have faved/watched/added me to stuff. It makes me happy knowing that people have enjoyed this, and that i've not been letting you all down. Hmm...things to add...

I have put in some tiny samplers of fight scenes. I don't know if these are any good, but I can write better than that so i'm a little annoyed with myself. Oh, and Gaara, you sly 'ol dog you.

-Some Kind of Wizard, I bet you wonder what kind, you know i bet you know you do.

Chapter 9

Naruto peered about the bar, it was rather small, it had two four seating tables, and a long bar that would seat about eight. The walls and floor were stone, but they were clean and the bar was well polished. The bartender grinned at them; a man of probably forty and skinny as a rake, with a scraggly heap of brown hair. He didn't care for their appearances; they were all covering their true forms with a simple jutsu.

Naruto poured out a glass of whiskey; according to Gaara it was the best there was to offer. Something about the wobbly, drunk Kazekage was extremely funny, not quite as funny as Tsumeki and Karegawa, but that was to be expected. The sandy head and the red-head were sat on stools, laughing like children and drinking enough alcohol to kill a man, talking about stories from the past.

Gaara smirked at them, wobbling slightly on his seat. He realised that for once in a very long time he was genuinely happy in current company, even if Yugito and her demon Illandi hadn't joined them; Illandi was being introduced to Kiba. "They're really happy right?" Gaara mumbled the question quietly in Naruto's direction, who took a large swig from his glass. Naruto nodded back at him; there was something about Naruto, that to him seemed familiar. "Oi, Naruto…"

Naruto peered at the unfinished question, taking another long gulp from the glass. "What is it Gaara?" He grinned and shuffled his stool closer to pat him on the shoulder; usually such a blatant action would meet with some kind of awareness. Did Gaara just trust him or was he really, really drunk? He noticed the Kage in question was looking a little ill. Naruto smirked in an accusing fashion "Eeeh…I didn't think you were such a light weight".

Gaara grinned (which still looked freaky and out of place on him), raising an eyebrow "Naruto, I've drank three times as much as you…" He indicated with a sweep of his hand the stack of empty bottles next to him.

Naruto chuckled, holding his hand up. "Bartender, I'll take that bottle of brandy, and two beers please" He was answered by a frown, the bartender tapped his palm. "Ah, Gaara is paying" The offhand way in which Naruto called the Kage by first name, without any honourifics added, was probably more than a little shocking.

Gaara nodded at the bartender "just put it on the tab, I'll take another beer m'self" He wobbled slightly, grinning and glancing over his shoulder. Tsumeki was on to her eighth bottle of sake, and Karegawa was twisting the cap off of another whiskey bottle. They weren't even asking the tender anymore, just picking them up and drinking them. He looked over at Naruto again, scratching his head and frowning at the floor. "The Suna budget is going to hurt from this night…" He sighed, scooping up the opened bottle that had been placed next to him.

Naruto laughed, unable to take the downcast, drunken and wobbly form of Gaara seriously. He uncorked the beers and twisted the cap off the brandy bottle. Not to be out done he drained them all, ignoring the powerful burn of constant gulps of brandy. The world turned upside down momentarily when he slammed the empty bottle down, smashing it in to the stone bar. "Oopsh…shit, my bad Gaara…"

Gaara snorted in surprise at the physical strength displayed, it was probably greater than his. He would've laughed at his now drooping drinking companion but something struck him. He put his hand up to his face and groaned in pain. "…I have to pay for a who bar" The tender stood behind him nodded, folding his scrawny arms.

Tsumeki snorted with laughter, red in the cheeks and swinging her bottle around. "You're right Kare-chan; they found that idiot tied to a tree, upside down and naked after that night!" She shouted happily, ignorant of the fact that everyone could hear her.

Karegawa sighed slowly, finishing her bottle "I miss that guy, I wonder what 'ol eight tails is up to, last I heard he ended up with the Raikage's brother" She smirked and stood up, wobbling at first and leaning on Tsumeki for support; probably a bad idea, she began to slide off her own stool off balance.

Naruto felt rather stupid now, his stomach was churning like a whirlpool and he felt dizzy. If Gaara was still talking to him he probably couldn't hear it. He half fell, half stood up from his stool, nearly knocking it over when he steadied himself. "This sucksh…big time…" Naruto growled under his voice, trying to walk outside, he stumbled up to the door, waving goodbye.

Gaara smirked, waving back at him, he spun on the stool, waving with one hand. "Oi, miss Tsumeki, your host is trying to get home…does he even know where he's going?" He gulped down his bottle and dragged himself to his own wobbly feet. He stumbled slightly and Karegawa was already there, holding him up with her tiny frame, despite her own inebriation. "…Thanks" Gaara mumbled.

Karegawa grinned up at him "Thank me later, I'm sleepy, and you're taking me to bed" Her voice had a commanding tone that wasn't lost on Gaara, who simply nodded at her dumbly.

The door opened under Naruto's heavy lean, almost throwing him to the ground. He managed to keep upright, but only long enough to stumble around a corner and throw up. A hand placed itself on his back, it felt warm and gentle. It gripped his shirt and vest and tugged them back, ensuring he wouldn't spit up on clothing hanging out.

"This was your first night drinking, right Naruto?" Tsumeki announced herself with a slightly gloating term, but she was concerned anyway; not that she need be, he was expelling most of the alcohol in to the sands of Suna.

Naruto groaned, spitting once more for good measure, standing straight. He could feel his centre of gravity shifting away, he wasn't standing straight anymore. "Yeah, firsht drop of alcohol I've ever had…I di'n know tha' drinkin' sho much sho fast wash gonna kill me" Tsumeki chuckle, putting an arm under his shoulders and walking him in the right direction. Naruto wasn't even really sure where she was taking him; it took everything he had to walk in a straight line.

Gaara sighed, he felt uplifted, even if he was being carried in to his bed by a Tanuki demon. He felt she was very much in control, which is a scary thing to consider when you're supposed to be in charge. Karegawa grabbed his robe, tugging at it. "Hey wai—"

Karegawa gave him no choice to turn her down. "I've been trapped away without real contact for a long time, you're going to undress, and so am I. Then you will cuddle me until we fall asleep. Okay?" Her tone sounded more like a growl; she resumed pulling his robe off, revealing the typical mesh vest and trousers below.

Gaara blinked; one second she was dressed, the next they were both in bed, and she was pressed up against him, Tanuki ears and tail tickling him. It felt…inappropriate, not to mention weird; this was probably his first cuddle, not to mention the lack of clothing. Luckily he was drunk, and probably didn't even notice he had fallen asleep when he had.

Karegawa smiled happily at the slow, rhythmic breathing on her neck, falling asleep herself. Well, to her even potential psychopaths need to show a sweet side at some point.

Tsumeki grumbled in their loaned bedroom, pouring a hot bath out and dumping Naruto on the bed. She wandered back in to the bathroom, throwing her clothes off randomly before sliding in to the hot water, sighing gently. "Geez, he has four years to grow up and he's still a kid…" She peered out of the open bathroom door at Naruto, who was curled up, mumbling and sleeping like a baby. "…At least he's an adorable drunk…"

Illandi smirked at the fist heading towards his face, ducking out of the way with ease. His tails flicked, snapping against the ground as he jumped in to the air. "Demon Technique: Blue flame" He cupped his hands to his mouth, before exhaling hard in to them. A stream of cold, blue flames burst from between his fingertips towards the figure.

"Shit, that was dangerous!" A man in a leather jacket and trousers rolled forwards in to a crouch, drawing another kunai, already a large hound was rushing for him. His scruffy brown hair was blown from his face as Illandi smashed his foot in to the ground, kicking up sand and blinding him. He stumbled around as though blind, but grinned as his opponent took the bait; he could smell cat from a mile away. "Now Akamaru!" He shouted and brought his hands together. "Beast Mimicry Technique" He pushed off the ground, flying for his opponent with a fist. Akamaru dived at Illandi likewise, spinning like a drill.

Illandi snapped both hands out, grabbing each of them and slamming the two attackers in to each other. "It was a nice try Kiba, but I'll be glad to teach you; you have to be a strong guardian for Yui-san" He held out a hand to help Kiba up as he spoke, who took it gladly, grumbling about a poor defeat.

"Well then!" A shout announced herself in the form of Yugito. "If you two are done being men, I'm stealing this one, it's time for bed!" She grabbed Kiba by the collar, dragging him through the sandy streets of Suna. Kiba waved once to Illandi before he passed around the street corner in a trail of dust.

Illandi chuckled to himself, before sighing and kicking up a handful of sand; he wanted to go and nap in a tree instead of crawl around the desert. He headed in the opposite direction to Yugito; perhaps he would go and find a nice restaurant. He held up a purse full of money; Yugito's hard earned cash. "I wonder if you can get fish in Suna…"

Lances of pain were jabbing Naruto in the eyes; the burning hot sun that Gaara's land was so proud of. He mumbled something incoherently, feeling too ill to move. Sprawled over him, and somehow completely upside down was Tsumeki naked except for an oversized shirt. He smirked down at the view stretching a hand out towards her lady parts, before forcing his eyes shut; sex would have to wait, he felt too crap for it.

Tsumeki sighed, aware that her attempt at grabbing his attention had failed; not that she was surprised, he was bound to have a hangover, demon recovery or not. His hand dropped just short of touching her, and heavy breathing drifted from her once-more sleeping partner. She turned around to face Naruto, kissing his hand, and then his chest, and then slowly his lips. She nuzzled him again for good measure and flopped gently down next to him, leaning in to his arms which instinctively crawled around her in a cuddle.

Gaara's eyes forced themselves open; for a moment there was a worrying space of time where he realised he had fallen asleep. He was about to get up and ask someone if he'd gotten up in the night again, before a slow grinding caught his attention. A tail tickled his leg, and a moaning sound travelled up to his ears, and a smell, a very sweet smell. Gaara bit his lip when he peered down at the demon of the sands rubbing her back against his chest, one hand on a breast the other hand…was elsewhere. She continued, rubbing, moaning sensually. He ignored his own arousal, forcing his eyes shut and telling himself it wasn't happening.

Karegawa smirked to herself as she moaned, feeling a particular growing near her lips, she leant in to it as though it were a mistake. She could have sworn he squeaked just then, she was all too aware having been in his memories that he'd never even cuddled, let alone had sex. She couldn't help but giggle; his reaction was just so fun. His awkward feelings were as bright as day through the link that held them together.

Gaara heard a giggle, and he sighed; he really should have seen it coming with her legend's well known taste for mischief and pranks. Karegawa whirled around suddenly, until she was leant up against him, one of her legs was slowly crawling around his. Her golden eyes drank his own in; he couldn't help but think they were so beautiful it was terrifying. He gulped.

Karegawa grinned, leaning in to his ear and whispering seductively. "You're not allowed to sigh when you're in bed with me" she felt him shiver in response to her breath on his ear. She leant in to his growing member, licking her lips unconsciously. "It's going to be a good morning Gaara-kun…"

Yugito shifted until she was comfortable, sat in Kiba's lap, smirking as he panted from exhaustion. He raised an eyebrow back at her questioningly. "What?" she asked, nuzzling his forehead "I can't let you leave for Konoha without have a real goodbye now can I?" Her singular feline tail curled around her, tickling Kiba's back.

Her beauty was scary to Kiba now; his eyes would be constantly trapped in those ghostly blue orbs staring back at him. He stroked her tail slowly, she purred, leaning in to him until her breasts squished up slightly. It didn't matter to him if she was a Hanyo (remember, that's half-demon), she still acted the same to him, and he knew long ago that she was a Jinchuriki. Still, one thing bothered him as he peered in to her eyes, he bit his lip, not quite sure how to ask.

Yugito sighed, kissing him on the lips. "S'about Naruto isn't it? You should know that he's a good kid…he doesn't have anything but good intentions".

Kiba sighed, returning the kiss "I know, and you trust him, and he's helped you out. As far as I'm concerned that's proof enough…but…I've spent four years thinking of Naruto as 'The flunk ninja that slew our Hokage'…you know?" Yugito wriggled in his lap like a kitten before finally standing up, rubbing his shoulder as she did.

Yugito smiled reassuringly "Just talk to the guy without mentioning the Hokage, he cared a lot about the guy, almost attacked Gaara for calling him a Kage-slayer…ironic was to defend your status I guess, but him and Tsumeki are lovely, she wasn't trying to destroy Konoha, you know that right?"

Naruto grumbled, walking through the sandy streets of Suna, he was dressed now in his typical mesh vest, crimson shirt and black pants, though he wore boots instead of sandals; he didn't like sand between his toes. A jutsu once more hid his demonic features, and he smiled politely at everyone; they were none the wiser. He wandered up to a water fountain, taking a large gulp from it, he heard footsteps behind him, and turned to face the one approaching him. His hand instinctively twitched at his kunai pouch. "…you?"

A catlike yawn rustled the leaves and Illandi peered about. He felt open and free, and he stretched his limbs, almost falling from the trees. His eyes opened slowly, adjusting to Suna's bright light through the glass panes.

"Oi! What are you doing up there young boy!" The scratchy, elderly voice of a female shouted up at Illandi, surprisingly he hadn't heard or smelt her coming; the woman was good.

Illandi dropped down gently from the trees, he didn't stir a single root or leave or plant as he landed, hopping softly in the pathway, only to duck under a slap. "Sorry ma'am! I didn't mean to scare you…"

The woman's eyes widened in surprise "You…you're a demon! How can the Nibi be free?"

Illandi's own ghostly blue eyes widened, his tail flicked about with unspoken worry. "Shh! You mustn't tell anyone! Gaara hasn't made an announcement about me and Kare-chan yet!" He was answered with a level glare from the old woman, who slowly turned her attention to the surrounding leaves. "…My apologies, don't worry…was it Chio? I've not crumpled a single one…your greenhouse is truly amazing to get such plants in the deserts of Suna".

Chio smirked at the complement. "And I apologise for calling you a young man, you've obviously lived many, many more times than even my worn-out life".

Illandi nodded once, a moment later a jutsu had hidden his demonic features. "Well then Chio, I shall make my leave. Oh, and you should go see Gaara and the Ichibi, if they're done rutting, as I'm no doubt sure Karegawa has charmed him, and him her…most certainly no doubt" the last few words were a mumble, more to himself. He smiled at her and wandered out of the greenhouse, closing the glass door behind him almost reverently.

Naruto grunted as the fist slammed in to his gut, winding him and almost cracking a rib. He stood there and took the pain. "Better yet?" Naruto growled behind clenched teeth, refusing to gasp for air. The fist hit home in the same place once more, he bit his lip to prevent any noise escaping him. The fist cocked back again, Naruto stepped backwards in a flowing stance as it flew towards him, he gripped it and used the momentum to drag the attacker in to a well placed kick. "Two was enough!" Naruto growled, spitting up a small mouthful of blood from his lip.

Kiba stood up, shaking his head "you're right…sorry, I got carried away" He brushed the footprint off of his chest, taking in a deep breath. "Fuck me if that didn't hurt though…"

Naruto frowned, crossing his arms "although it was probably part of your agenda, I'm sure you're not just here to score free punches…ask and I'll tell Kiba, no secrets or violence" His frown eased in to a grin, he took in a deep gulp of air, feeling his slightly bruised insides regenerate, already the pain was a dull ache. Kiba was still looking at him oddly, arms folded. "Look…" Naruto began, scratching the back of his head "Do you want to hear my side of the story? I can start at the beginning, after I failed my exam, what's up with Tsumeki the Kyuubi no Kitsune, everything right up to now". Kiba nodded once, standing closely and easing up some of his tension.

Time passed by, and eventually Naruto's story came to an end. Naruto smirked at Kiba's stunned expression. "Any questions then Kiba?"

Kiba paused for a moment, thinking "Uh yeah, can you go back to the sex part again?" Naruto snorted with laughter.

"As far as I know Kiba, you already see plenty of it, and that Yugito has a serious body, I gotta hand it to you…but, in all seriousness man, you can't tell the Fifth that I'm back in the spotlight again…you especially can't tell her that the Kyuubi no Kitsune walks among us, and is infact my partner til death…which probably won't ever happen considering my blood…" Naruto sighed, shuddering at the implications of what might occur.

Kiba looked troubled "…Naruto, will Yugito live forever?" Naruto bit his lip, not sure how to answer. He patted him on the shoulder and mumbled something that sounded like an apology. Kiba brought his hands up to his face, groaning. He heard someone approaching, and peered up to see the well endowed blonde-haired sister of the Kazekage; Temari.

Temari held up a letter for Kiba, he took it gently, peering at it. "…Uh…make sure you get that to him, I've not seen him for a whole two months now y'know? I don't want that sneaky bastard slipping away from me"

Kiba smirked at her, crushing his own worries down. "I'll make sure he gets it, and writes one…then brings it to you himself" Temari grinned happily at him, for a moment looking very much like an excited schoolgirl.

In the sandy arena of Suna, sounds of fighting could be heard by all around. The two combatants had even drawn a small crowd. In the middle of the arena stood a yellow haired ninja with sea-blue eyes, and red and black clothing. He was faced against a crimson haired woman with elegant looks and a crimson shirt that stretched past her waist. Her legs were bare except for a kunai pouch and a pair of tight pants that didn't reach past her thighs.

Tsumeki snapped forward, hand stabbing out like a knife; though it was just practice, so she was using only a small amount of chakra per strike (it was enough to know it hurt though). Naruto curled out of the way quickly; where it would have left him open to a second jab before he was a lot faster. He blocked her second jab, forcing her to take a step back.

Naruto grabbed for her hand and missed, earning a kick in his left shin, he used the momentum to drop down to his left knee and get below the follow up strike. Her stance changed from sharp motions to the fluid one he was using. He threw out a fist which she gripped, turning on her heels and throwing him. The sand greeted him swiftly and he dragged across the floor. He brought his hands together "Shadow Clone Technique".

In a puff of smoke Tsumeki was faced by seven Naruto's, three in each stance, one was stood back; probably the original. She smirked, digging her hand in to her pouch, the hand withdrew, and each finger wore a thick ring. The clones all paused, wary of those rings; wary of the smirk that changed in to a bloodthirsty grin. She swiped her open hand through empty air and one of the clones ceased moving, as though bound by invisible forces. Her hand clenched in to a fist and the clone popped in to a cloud of smoke.

Naruto heard the murmur pass through the crowd, the clone that was just dispatched had felt wires all over him for the brief moment; he hated that move. He closed his eyes, making a fake hand seal, the jutsu that hid his eyes was removed, revealing crimson orbs (anyone that watched would think a jutsu had been applied to his eyes). He saw the brief shimmer of wires in the intense sunlight, and ducked under the sweep of wires, as did his clones. They all rushed her; Naruto drew chakra to his hands as did his clones, wishing he had ranged attacking jutsu.

The moment the wires near her hands flickered out of site they spread out, some ducked, some jumped. The real Naruto sprang forward, kicking off the ground in a rush. As he passed each clone they smacked their palms in to his own, vaguely like a flying high five. The wires collided with each clone, they stood their ground, opening a path for the real Naruto. The collective chakra on his palms turned in to disks; a saw blade version of the Rasengan.

Tsumeki brought her free hand up to guard; she was surprised at his audacity. She made a one handed seal with her left "Fire Technique: Solid Fire Wall" A wall of fire buffeted from her outstretched hand, colliding with the saw. The blade of chakra exploded on impact with the wall, sending them flying back in a heap.

The crowd watching their fight cheered with excitement, Naruto grinned; glad to be at the centre of the crowd. He hauled himself off of the floor, dusting sand from his clothing, he winced as the sand got in his now cut up and burnt hand. He peered over at Tsumeki, who was likewise dragging herself up, spitting sand. The patch of ground they had collided at looked like a scar in the desert, and it was speckled with fragments of glass formed by the intense heat and friction of the chakra blade and the fire wall. Tsumeki flicked her right hand several times; the glint in the air told him that she was gathering up the wires looped through the rings.

A particular clap caught their attention; Gaara was stood there alongside Karegawa. Naruto noted something odd about Gaara; he was practically glowing in comparison to his usual appearance. The satisfied smirk on Karegawa's face was all he needed. "Y'lucky demon you…" Naruto mumbled, still dusting off. Murmurs from the crowd announced their questions of the girl beside Gaara, until she disappeared before their eyes.

Tsumeki blocked the kick with a now-un-ringed hand, an inch away from colliding with her face. "Hello there Kare-chan, it smells like somebody got luck" She was answered with a devilish grin from Karegawa, who nodded. "Tell me about it later, care to spar for a while?" She looked over at Naruto, who was already ducking under a blast of sand, much to their crowd's amazement.

The fifth Hokage peered at Kiba accusingly. "You seem awful nervous about something, are you sure nothing happened?" She frowned as he nodded once more, before sighing. "We can do this the hard way Kiba; I'm a drunk, not a fool".