TBWW: Here we are again with a new chapter, ain't got much to say here. To the end notes.

The Uzumaki Twins

By TheBigWhiteWolf

Age 8

Naruto laid back staring at the sky, cloud watching with his friends Shikamaru, Choji, and Haku. As he stared at the clouds he didn't really get why Shikamaru like this so much but as long as he was with friends he didn't mind. It amazed him to realize that merely a few months ago he was the village pariah but now he was almost a celebrity. He was still shunned and ignored by some people but they were in the minority and subtle about their distaste for him.

Naruto turned to Haku as he said "I still don't see why you turned down that chance at getting into a higher grade."

Haku smiled as if this was a common occurrence, probably because it was. Weeks earlier Haku was given an aptitude test to see where he would best fit in the Ninja Academy. Surprisingly he tested high and was offer the chance of being placed in an advanced class. Yet he turned it down saying he was content with being in the same class as Naruto and Naruko.

Naruto continued as he said "You could become a super powerful ninja in no-time!"

In his usual soft spoken tone Haku answered "I have no ambitions to become a super powerful ninja as you put it. I am happy where I am."

"Not everybody has such lofty dreams as you do Naruto." Said Shikamaru as he included himself into the conversation "My goal in life is to graduate an average Genin, be placed on an average team, perform average missions, eventually marry an average woman and have 2.5 kids, one boy and one girl, after my son becomes a ninja then I'll retire and spend the rest of my life playing shogi and watching clouds, then die." Shikamaru opened his eyes to see that not only was Naruto giving him a strange look but so was Haku and Choji.

"That's a little... exact." Stated Choji

"Where does the little come in." Muttered Haku

"If you're trying be average you are not doing a good job considering your grades say below average." Said Naruto

Shikamaru merely shrugged his shoulders before closing his eyes again.

Continuing the previous conversation Haku said "I only wish to become strong enough to help and protect those close to me. I feel one can only become truly strong by having something to protect."

Naruto nodded his head in understanding, while the true meaning of Haku's statement went over his head he understood where he was getting at. Originally Naruto's goal for becoming Hokage was a bit selfish but understandable, for what he truly wanted was attention and recognition. After the truth of who his father was and what he had done came to light Naruto realized that he sealed the Kyubi into him not just to save the village but also to save him. It was a startling realization that had his father not sealed the Kyubi into him he would probably be dead as well. It was this along with the fact that he truly have things worth protecting that helped him understand the true purpose of being Hokage, and made him even more determine to become one.

Naruto stared at the clouds thinking about what the future may bring, silently vowing to make his father proud and become the greatest Hokage Konoha has ever known.

oooOOOooo

Meanwhile Naruko was currently having some 'girl time' with Hinata and Sakura. After Sakura had come to her senses and realized the kind of person Sasuke was, and the person she herself was becoming because of him she made amends with Naruto and Naruko. And through the twins she became good friends with Hinata as well. Though she was slightly more boy than tom Sakura and Hinata consider Naruko one of the girls and had taken it upon themselves to make her more feminine, well Sakura has Hinata is just along for the ride.

Hinata's exposure with the twins has been very good for her giving her more confidence than she ever had in her life, which admittedly wasn't a lot but was still progress. She was able to talk to them without passing out or looking sick but like a mouse she tended to be skittish and would often revert back to her former shy self. Sakura was currently brushing Naruko's hair and explaining some of the styles that she could do with it. Naruko wasn't all that interested, she much more prefer to be training but she listen anyway, besides it was kind of soothing to have her brushing her hair.

"Your hair is so soft and long. "Cooed Sakura "And we just don't get this shade of red in Konoha."

"We don't get that shade of pink here either." Said a smirking Naruko

Sakura giggled as she said "True. My Mom said that her mother came from a village where pink hair is fairly common."

"You mean there is a whole village of you pinkettes out there."

"Who are you calling a Pinkette you Tomato-head." Said Sakura with a pout, her cheeks puffing out slightly.

The two girls glared at each other for a moment before they both burst out laughing. It amazed them both how they had become such good friends in just a couple of months.

Sakura had a bit of a smirk as she said "We're not the only ones with odd hair color. What about Hinata, she has that dark blue hair while everyone else in her clan has that dull brown hair."

Hinata who was nearby listening to them talk gave a hesitant 'um' before deciding to play along.

Hinata straighten up and gave an almost regal air as she said "My hair i-i-is n-not blue, it's atc-actually a very shiny black th-th-that gives off a dark blue hue." She then gave them a look that seem to say would you dare argue with the Queen.

Both Naruko and Sakura looked at Hinata in amazement, then looked at each other before giggling into full blown laughter, Hinata features soften as she join them.

Eventually they calmed down and Sakura said "I think we're done with hair for the moment."

"Thank Kami." was Naruko's near silently response.

Continuing Sakura says "Instead let's talk about boys."

Naruko nearly choked as she said "Boys!" Hinata's face was red and she looked pretty close to passing out.

Innocently Sakura says "Yep boys. So Naruko tell me about that Haku boy you seem to know."

oooOOOooo

Age 9

It had been little over a year since the event that has changed Naruto's life in ways he could never imagine. The village was settling down to some normalcy and the twins were becoming old news. Naruto was walking among the training grounds as he tended to do now and then. He soon came across a familiar training ground he encountered a year ago, and it happened to be occupied by the same person. Tenten was once again training and harder than the last time he saw her as she was targeting the individual leaves of a tree, the fact that there was a pile of leaves cut in half under the tree was a true testament of this girls skills. Tenten finally notice that she had company and turned to see Naruto.

Naruto remembered the threat she had made the last time they met and how she seemed ready to follow through "Hey uh Tenten right?" said Naruto with a nervous chuckle "Um sorry for barging in on you like this, I'll just be going."

He quickly made to turn and leave when Tenten shouted "Naruto wait!"

He stopped and turned to look at her, the only thing that stopped him was that there was no anger in her voice.

She looked embarrass as she said "Look, I just wanted to apologize for threatening you like that the last time we meet. It wasn't your fault I was just dealing with some stuff and I guess it kind of overwhelmed me."

Naruto gave her his bright foxy grin as he said "No problem! Besides I kinda figure that you weren't really angry at me. I mean I had people angry at me before, with you it was more like you were taking your anger out on me."

"Yeah like I said I'm sorry about that." Said Tenten looking more sheepish

"Hey don't worry about it, I'm not one to hold a grudge. Um If you don't mind telling me, what was the problem?" Asked a curious Naruto

Tenten's face gained a slight blush as she said "I really rather not say... but... well... sigh... do you know what a period is."

From the emphasis placed on the word period Naruto could only assume that she wasn't talking about the dot at the end of a sentence. The only other period he knew of was one he rather not think about, and the only reason he knew what a period was, was because of Naruko. Hitomi had decided that it was time that Naruko became more aware of what her body would be going through in the years to come. Naruko was not please, but she was more than please to share her discomfort with her brother. Thus Naruto knew more about periods and feminine hygiene then most men would ever know.

Naruto nodded his head to her question and the look of horror on his face confirmed they were on the same page "Unlike most girls who don't get their period until they're around 12 I got mine early; on the day we first met." As she finished her face was looking almost red enough to rival Hinata.

They both stood there in awkward silence looking everywhere but at each other. Naruto was silent as he really had no idea what to say, he did not expect the conversation to take a turn to something that most men went through great strides to avoid. Tenten could not believe that she had told someone the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to her, a boy no less.

Finally Naruto broke the tension with an "Akkwaaarrd." Tenten couldn't help herself as she burst out laughing at the absurdity of the situation "Look why don't we forget any of this ever happen and start over." Then he held out his hand and said "My names Uzumaki Naruto."

Tenten had a slight smile on her face as she took his hand and said "Tenten."

oooOOOooo

Naruko had just dodge a punch coming at her from her shaggy hair and bushy browed companion. Naruko and Lee were currently training, something that they have taken to doing lately. While Lee was nowhere close to being an expert in taijutsu he certainly knew a lot more than she did. Also this gave Lee a chance to spar with someone outside of class as he was generally look down upon for being dead last. Naruko tried a return punch only to have her legs kicked out from under her and to suddenly find herself staring at the sky.

Lee towered over her in her field of vision as he held out his hand "Good match." Said Lee with a smile

Naruko grabbed his hand grumbling "But I still can't beat you."

"True but you're getting better." said Lee as he pulled her up.

They both went to a nearby tree to sit and rest, after all they been sparing for an hour or so. Naruko's fighting skills were still reminisce of a brawler, but she was slowly gaining more style thanks to Lee.

"Hey Lee, I know you're not so good with ninjutsu and ninja tools, but what about your academics." Lee bowed his head in shame not saying anything since it wasn't necessary "Yeah I thought so mines used to be that bad as well."

Lee nodded his head before saying "What do you mean use to be?"

"Well Hitomi-neechan got on me and Naruto about our grades, she said that being a ninja is about more than just knowing how to punch and kick. But studying is just so boring, so Hitomi-neechan said that every week she will check our progress and if she like what she sees she'll reward us with as much ramen as we can eat. We're no longer the dead last of the class anymore, we're in the middle."

Lee stared at her as he said "So your Oneechan got you to study by using ramen?"

"Yep!" was Naruko's innocent reply not realizing the point he was trying to make "Anyway, I was thinking that you can come study with us. You may not be able to do the other stuff, but if you can work on you academics you surely won't be the dead last anymore."

Lee smiled as he said "Thanks Naruko, I'd be honor to."

oooOOOooo

Age 10

The day was Oct. 10 a day that used to be reserved only for celebrating the Yondaime's victory over the Kyubi, but it now served as more. Today was Naruto's and Naruko's birthday a day that used to serve as a harsh reminder to what they didn't have in life. Yet it now meant what it was always meant to be, a celebration to their very existence. All the friends the twins had made in the past years were present with presents, ready to give the twins their regards and well wishes.

The party had lasted most of the day with the twins playing, hanging, and generally having fun with their friends. After all the good food and time playing games were had, it was time to pass out the gifts which featured the time honored tradition of out doing the other persons gift.

Haku stepped up first, he was one of their closes friends practically a big brother for the both of them. He was a far cry from the world weary orphan he was several years back. He handed each of the twins a carefully wrapped package. They quickly tore them apart, Naruto pulled out a pair of bright orange goggles and Naruko an equally bright orange hair ribbon.

"Cool, how did you know I wanted this!" Shouted Naruto in excitement.

"Yeah I been wanting this for a while." echoed Naruko

Haku merely smiled as he said "I have my ways." Truth was the twins had been eyeing these particular items whenever they went shopping but didn't have the money to get it, Haku just picked up on it.

A few of the others were giving glares to Haku for having given the twins something they actually wanted. The next person to present a gift was Tenten, while she was more familiar with Naruto she did know Lee since he was in her class. Also she met Naruko a few times and they both hit it off pretty well considering they were both tomboys. She handed Naruto a rectangular box that was a meter long and 6inches in width. Naruko was given a box that was surprisingly heavy and jangled somewhat.

Naruto opened his box to see what looked like a 3 foot metal staff "Um what's this?" Said a truly confused Naruto

"You got to channel chakra into it." Said Tenten with a smirk on face her as she stepped back some.

Not knowing what to expect Naruto cautiously held the staff at arm's length and channeled chakra into it, the staff immediately grew 6 feet in length. Naruto's eyes weren't the only ones to go bugging.

"Whoa, that is so awesome, thanks Tenten!"

"You're welcome, it cost me a pretty penny but I hope it serves you well." She finished with a smug look on her face as she could almost feel the glares digging into her skin.

Naruko quickly opened her box to see what she got and pulled out what seemed to be a large weighted kunai welded to a long thin chain, with a weight on the other end.

"When I was trying to decide on something for you the kunai-and-chain seem to fit."

"I think I know what you mean." she said as she stared at the chain with a strange reverence "It feels right somehow. Thanks."

It was Rock Lee who next came forward, he offered them no wrapped gift instead giving them each a scroll. Thanks to the twins he had vastly improve in his academics and was even receiving help in taijutsu from Hitomi.

"I have found two styles of taijutsu that I think would compliment your style nicely."

"Thanks Lee this is great!" said Naruko

"For sure, I can't wait to try out some of these moves!" shouted Naruto as he looked through the scroll.

Sakura was the next to step forward as she handed them what look to be a book wrapped up and as they tore off the wrapping that's exactly what it was. Sakura had long since given up on Sasuke and has lately been setting her eyes on Haku. She knew that he was a very kind boy and despite his feminine look she though he looked cute.

"I had done some research on the Uzumakis and thought you might like this. The Uzumakis were apparently the best in fuinjutsu so I got you this book the 'Basics of the Sealing Arts'."

"Wow, thanks Sakura." said Naruto with a hint of deeper emotions on his voice.

"Yeah thanks. To think that at one time the Uzumakis were the greatest in fuinjutsu." finished Naruko

Hinata hesitantly stepped forward, the girl she was before befriending the twins would almost be a shadow compare to the more outgoing and confident girl she had become. She was no Sakura and sometimes old habits were hard to break but she was generally a cheerful and friendly girl.

Hinata gave both of them a letter "What's this Hinata?" was Naruto's question

"It's a favor." was her simple response

The confusion on both of their faces only grew more so as Naruko said "A favor."

Hinata lowered her head a little as she started pressing her fingers together, one of her old habits that she only does when nervous "I couldn't really decide on what to get you so I talked to my Father and he suggest this."

The twins had only met Hinata's Father Hyuga Hiashi once, he was a very imposing figure which only made it more surprising when he thank them. He apparently was happy about the positive change they had on Hinata's behavior.

"Anytime in the future each of you are allowed to ask one favor of the Hyuga's, any favor within reason of course. This is a gift from me and my Father." Hinata bowed slightly as she finished.

The twins were speechless as the full magnitude became clear, they had a favor from the Hyuga's and that was nothing to laugh about.

"Thanks Hinata." said Naruto

"And tell your Dad we said thanks." said Naruko

Hinata had a slight smile at the shock looks on the others face, she could hear Haku muttering "And all I got them was goggles and a ribbon."

Choji stepped forward, out of all their friends Choji was the only one to have been change very little through his interactions with the twins. He was still the same kind hearted, food loving, don't call me fat, boy they first met years ago.

He gave them a nice size pouch and said "Inside this is the Akimichi's special food pills. Just one could probably keep you going for days, they taste great, and last practically forever. Also I suggest you don't eat to many at once, trust me you'll regret it." as he said this he was rubbing his tummy in a way that said he learned from experience.

"Thanks Choji." was the combine reply from both twins

There was only one person left Nara Shikamaru, Shikamaru was a little more outgoing and willing to play. That is to say he learned it's better to keep the twins happy so they don't bother him on his down time, in other words he hadn't really changed.

"It was too troublesome trying to think of a gift for you two, so I decided to get you this." He gave them a large brown cardboard box

The twins expected this from Shikamaru heck everyone expected this from Shikamaru. The twins opened the box to find a lot of cup ramen and not any ramen but a flavor they never had before, shrimp/mushroom fusion.

They were suddenly of one mind as they shouted "Ramen! Thank you Shikamaru!"

Naruko even went so far as to hug him all the while Shikamaru wore a knowing smirk. The others were simultaneously trying to kill Shikamaru with a look for that low blow and wondering why they didn't think of it themselves.

oooOOOooo

EN: Man this has turn out to be my longest chapter yet, the next chapter maybe as long but don't expect any miracles afterwards. Originally this was going to be one chapter featuring 5 mini-stories from age 8-12. It kind of got away from me and you essentially get 3 chapters in one. I decided to cut it short here and give you the rest of the time skip in the next chapter. So please review as always I appreciate it.