Hey guys, I'm back again. Thank you so much for all the reviews, favourites and following my story.

I'm really sorry for taking so long. Can't believe it's been almost 2 month… Things have been quite stressful around here, so I hope you'll forgive me… Well that, and I did have a few difficulties writing this part… Don't know if that is normal, though I've heard of a few people that had the same problems… I didn't give a name to this chapter, simply because I don't know what to call it… Maybe you have an idea? Next one will have a name again.

Although I'm late, I hope all of you had a great Christmas and a good start into the New Year. I certainly did.

Enjoy

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto

XXX

Chapter 10

Naruto stared at Itachi for what seemed like an hour. He opened his mouth in an attempt to speak, but closed it again. He tried again, this time succeeding in talking.

"Sha-… Sharingan!" He shouted out. "No way! Don't Uchiha's usually get it only later?!"

Itachi closed his eyes again, and after opening them again, the Sharingan was replaces by his onyx eyes. "Usually one doesn't get involved in a fight before becoming a genin." Itachi rebutted.

Naruto just stared at him, and Itachi sighed. "Fine. While it's true about the fighting part, there hasn't been anyone that activated the Sharingan so early. According to my father." Itachi added the last part and looked to the ground. After he had told Fugaku about the Sharingan, he had gone all about how much of a prodigy he was, and how the Uchiha's were the most powerful. It infuriated Itachi. He had trained for hours every day since he was five, and had even started before that. Sure he might have a bit more talent than others, but he still worked very hard. Talent or Bloodlines wasn't everything. One had to train hard to reach something.

"Ah… I see." Naruto said. He understood Itachi's feelings. He believed in the same after all. "But still very cool." Naruto said with a grin. "You might have just jumped ahead of me with that." Naruto said with a mock pout.

Itachi just shook his head. "My physical abilities haven't changed. I'm still slower than you. The Sharingan doesn't take that away. And learning Jutsus might be easier, but that doesn't mean I'll master them right away. The Sharingan needs training, like everything else as well." He stated.

Naruto sighed. "It almost feels like you're not happy about it."

"I'm just stating facts." Itachi said, which resulted in Naruto staring at him once again. "And I am happy about it." He added.

Naruto grinned. Then he remembered something, and his expression turned serious. "I got something to tell you as well." Naruto said and concentrated on his surroundings. They were alone in the clearing. "Good."

Itachi noticed that Naruto had searched the clearing and had turned serious. He furrowed his brows and looked expectantly at Naruto.

"I overheard a conversation of my father and Jiraiya. That night I mean. Baa-chan gave me some sedative but it didn't really work all night…" Naruto said and shook his head. "Anyway. There… There are some people out there who seem to be after me." Naruto said. Itachi wanted to interrupt, but Naruto just raised his hand to silence him. "Well not really after me, more like after the fox. Which kinda results in being after me though…" He said and went with his right hand through his hair.

"What?" Itachi just asked.

"Jiraiya said, that they were called Akatsuki, and that they were after Jinjuriki. Some high ranked Shinobi apparently." Naruto said.

Itachi shook his head. "You need to tell your father about the Kyuubi." He stated.

Naruto stayed silent for a few seconds. He then shook his head. "I can't."

"Why? If Shinobi's are after you, then your father should know. Not only for your own safety, but for the safety of the village." Itachi said seriously.

"That's the thing. According to Jiraiya, Akatsuki doesn't know where the Kyuubi is. And… Jiraiya said, that it was a good thing that no one knows of its whereabouts. That way, Akatsuki would leave Konoha alone. At least for now."

"So basically, the less people know, the better?" Itachi asked with a raised eyebrow. He then shook his head. "I don't know, I mean, they probably already know that it's in Konoha right? They have to expect that. Your mother was known to have lost control over the Kyuubi's chakra when she was in a pinch, you are most likely going to do the same. Just because you haven't been able to come into any contact with the Kyuubi yet, certainly doesn't mean you never will. People will know right away that it's you." Itachi finished and looked deep in thought.

Naruto frowned. "You're right, but… What if there are spies? Or what if, somehow the information gets out? ANBU are all over the place, once my father knows, others are bound to follow. In some way…" Naruto stated worriedly.

Itachi sighed. "You're right too… You'd need some secret identity or something… So they'd know it's in Konoha, but they wouldn't know who it is… Or something like that." Itachi said and shrugged his shoulders.

Naruto sighed as well. "Yeah… That would be great. The most secretive would be ANBU, but my father knows all of their identities so that's out…" Naruto said and sighed. "AARGH! I'll think of something. Just wanted to talk to someone about it." He said.

Itachi nodded. This was a lot more complicated than Naruto made it out to be, but Itachi decided to stay quiet.

"Alright. Let's start training." Naruto said and went into fighting position, followed by Itachi. Daiki meanwhile walked out towards the edge of the clearing, already used to this scene and knowing he would be in the way.

XXX

Naruto and Itachi had just finished their training, Itachi had won their spar today, and Naruto had had his first experience fighting the Sharingan. Like Itachi had said, the Sharingan didn't make Itachi faster, but it sure as hell helped him predict Naruto. Something really hard to do. But Naruto had nonetheless kept up quite well with the Sharingan, and was able to land quite a few hits himself. He just needed some more experience.

Naruto and Daiki were now walking down the street, and stopped when they arrived in front of a flower shop. The Yamanaka Flower Shop. Naruto went in and looked at the different flowers. He had no knowledge about flowers, so he walked towards the woman at the counter. She had brown hair that she had attached in a bun, brown eyes and was wearing a blue dress. She wore a kind smile.

"Good day, Yumi-san. Could you help me today as well?" Naruto asked the woman, that he already knew all too well, since he had come by at least once a month in the past two years to get some flowers.

"Hello Naruto-kun. I would love to help you. Anything special you want to say?" She asked but she already went to pick up a pink carnation. "I believe this one will be in it, as usual?"

Naruto smiled. He had always gotten a pink carnation, which said I will never forget you. "As usual." Naruto said and closed his eyes. "Purity. And Love." He said.

She nodded and went to pick up a white Lily, and a red Rose. She continued to pick out a few flowers that were meant to give the bouquet some different colours. She then went back to the counter and tied a ribbon around the bouquet. She gave it to Naruto. "On your Tab, as usual?" She asked.

Naruto smiled sheepishly. "I swear, I'll pay you back as soon as I earn some money." He said. He currently had debts all over the place. He still owed Tsume a lot of Money for Daiki. And now Yumi, and he also owed some shinobi shop owners money. Usually, people wouldn't sell to someone that had no money. But being the Hokage's son did have its perks.

"No worries. I'm sure you'll pay me back in no time." She said and handed him the small flower bouquet. "I'll see you soon then."

"Yeah. Bye, Yumi-san. And thank you as always." Naruto said with a slight bow and went out again.

Naruto and Daiki were walking towards the graveyard, and Naruto walked straight towards the grave of his little sister.

"Hey there, Akemi. I finally brought you some flowers." He said and put the flowers down on the stone. He then sat down crossed legged in front of the gravestone, Daiki laying down beside him and putting his head on Naruto's knee. "I lost against Itachi today. He activated his Sharingan you know? It's really cool. But he could tell almost all of my moves, which was kinda annoying. But I'll work hard, and make sure that the Sharingan won't let him get all that far ahead. I'm sure there are some counters." Naruto said. "Kaa-san is coming back from her mission today. She'll probably flip out once Tou-san tells her about the Kumo-nin. Tou-san is doing well by the way. He works hard, but he's doing well. And Kei. Kei is going to enter the Academy in a few days. He's really excited. Like I was back then." Naruto continued. "I'll introduce the two of you someday. I'm sure you'd like him." Naruto said with a small smile. "Maybe Kaa-san and Tou-san will come one day as well…" Naruto said and his smile turned sad. "They haven't forgotten you. They just don't know how to deal with your death, I think…" Naruto said. Then his features lighted up. "But you know what? The first three years of the Academy have past, which means, we'll soon start with more practical Lessons!" Naruto said with an excited smile. He talked some more to his sister before he looked at the sky. It had gotten late already, so he should probably be heading home. Kushina would also come back soon. "Got to go again, Akemi." Naruto said and got up from his seated position. "I'll visit again tomorrow." Naruto said and walked away.

Arriving home he was tackled by his little brother once again. "Ni-chan!" Kei cried out. "Where were you all day? Kaa-chan came back an hour ago and she's really worried. Did something happen, are you hurt?" Kei asked with worry.

Naruto had no time to answer as Kushina came running into the hallway in that instant. "Naruto!" She cried out and ran over to Naruto to engulf him in a crashing hug. "Are you alright?" Kushina asked and looked over every inch of Naruto.

Naruto laughed nervously. "I'm fine Kaa-san. Nothing to worry about." He said, trying to calm down his mother.

"Fine? FINE?" Kushina shouted. "You were in a fight! What were you thinking? Do you have a death wish?" She shouted. "And why were you the one to fight? Itachi-kun is stronger than you. It would have been smarter to have him fight! You wouldn't have gotten hurt!"

Naruto knew that she was just worried about him. Or mostly. But it still hurt to have her say Itachi was stronger than him. As if she didn't trust him to be able to fight at all. Sure, he would have been killed in seconds had the Kumo Shinobi been serious, but still. He and Itachi were pretty much on the same level. Only because he wasn't as good at the academy as Itachi.

Naruto's eyes turned sad, but Kushina didn't notice. Naruto bit his lip. "Gomen, Kaa-san…" Naruto he said and looked to the ground.

Kei meanwhile looked in between Naruto and Kushina. Confused at what they were talking about.

Kushina seemed to calm down. She took a deep breath. "As long as you understand." She said and went into the kitchen. How about helping me with dinner?" She asked the two boys.

"Hai." they said in unison.

XXX

Minato rubbed his temple. He had just sent Kushina home, after telling her about Naruto's misadventures. And now he was worrying about the next problem. He was sitting in his chair on his desk in the Hokage office, and in front of him stood a tall man with scars over his face. Ibiki Morino. Head of T&I.

"So you're saying that the Raikage had this planned." Minato said. It was no question, but a statement. He was really hoping that this could have been resolved without getting too complicated, meaning that it was a decision of the Shinobis, and not the Kage of Kumogakure.

"I'm afraid so, Hokage-sama." Ibiki said in his deep voice.

Minato closed his eyes and let go of a breath. "Great." He thought. He then looked at Ibiki again. "Very well. Thank you." Minato said towards him, dismissing him.

Ibiki nodded and bowed. He then left the Office.

Minato let a pulse of Chakra run through the Anbu tattoo that he had on his left shoulder, making sure to call only for a certain ANBU. He then interlaced his fingers in front of him and put his head on them, waiting for said ANBU to arrive. He did a few seconds later. The ANBU shunshined into the office, and landed in a crouched position.

"You called, Hokage-sama?" He said. The ANBU wore a white Dog mask, with two blue stripes on each cheek, and blue colour around the eyeholes. He wore the traditional ANBU gear, and had silver, spiky hair.

"Inu. You can take off your mask." Minato said towards the ANBU.

The ANBU go up and took off his Mask, to reveal Kakashi Hatake. Kakashi put his mask on his belt and looked towards Minato. "Problems, Sensei?" Kakashi asked. It wasn't really a question, as Kakashi knew Minato well enough to know that something was wrong by looking at his face.

"You can say that. You know of the Kidnapping attempt on Hinata I presume?" Minato asked. The news hadn't been made public, but most ANBU knew of that matter nonetheless. Such news travelled fast. Especially if it involved the kids of the Hokage and 2 Clan Heirs.

Kakashi just nodded towards his sensei and tilted his head slightly.

"The Raikage had it planned." Was all that Minato said.

Kakashi furrowed his brows. "Damn."

Minato sighed. "Yeah." He said. "Now I need you to head to Kumo with the remaining Kumo-Nin." Minato said. "I'm not willing to let this escalate into another war." Minato said and threw Kakashi a scroll. "Let's see if the Raikage will accept this."

Kakashi looked puzzled at Minato. "This is…?" He asked confused.

"Something that I will accept as a compensation for trying to steal our Byakugan, but also something that the Raikage should be able to accept without too much troubles." Minato said. "Tell him if he is willing to accept these conditions, I will consider the Alliance once again."

Kakashi nodded. "Very well. When shall I leave?"

"Right away. Take Koumori and Tenzou with you." Minato said.

Kakashi nodded. "Hai, Hokage-sama." He bowed towards Minato and put on his mask once again.

"Be careful Kakashi." Minato said to his last living student, dismissing him with that.

"Hai, Sensei." He said and disappeared in a Shunshin.

"Let's hope this works out." Minato said aloud and rubbed his temple. He then looked towards the picture he had on his desk. A picture of him and his family, including Kakashi, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Hiruzen and Biwako. He and Naruto were both grinning brightly, Naruto being on Minato's shoulders, and Kei was still a toddler at that time smiling in the arms of his mother. Kushina was grinning brightly as well. Jiraiya was seen glancing at Tsunade's bust and Tsunade ready to hit Jiraiya on the head, her arm already stretching behind her. Hiruzen and Biwako were standing next to Minato and both were smiling kindly into the camera. Hiruzen with his pipe in his mouth. Kakashi, who had always been like a son to Minato, was crouching in front of him, smiling with his only visible eye, Minato having a hand on the teens shoulder.

Minato smiled fondly at the picture. It had been taken before the Kyuubi attack, obviously, since Biwako was present as well. In a time where all of them had still been truly happy. Minato's smile turned sad as he was looking at Kushina's frame in the picture. It was only slightly visible, but her belly was showing signs of pregnancy. "Akemi." He said sadly and slid over Kushina's belly in the picture. Minato sighed deeply. Since the loss of their youngest child, things hadn't been the same in their family anymore. He knew that Kushina still wasn't over it. And neither was he. Things had changed since the Kyuubi attack. And he was doubting that they could ever be the same again.

XXX

Naruto was excited for the first time since starting the academy. Today they would start with the practical curriculum. But Naruto was not the only one that ways excited in the Namikaze family. Kei was going to have his first day today, so he was jumping around the house all morning. Since it was Kei's first day, Naruto had not gone for training in the morning, and instead stayed with Kushina and Kei to eat breakfast, so that he could head to the academy with them.

Naruto was washing the dishes, when Minato arrived in a flash. "Alright guys. Let's head out." Minato said the moment he arrived.

Naruto looked at the dishes he still had to wash. He then turned to his father. "Can we go in 5 minutes, I still got to finish the dishes."

"You don't start school for another hour right? You don't need to hurry. We'll just go ahead." Minato answered.

A hint of sadness crossed Naruto's eyes, but he averted his gaze just in time, to keep his father from seeing. "Ah… Alright. Then I'll see you tonight." Naruto said and continued with the washing of the dishes.

Minato, who had not seen the change of expression on his oldest son, smiled and started to walk out the door. "Have fun today, Naruto."

"See you, Ni-chan." Kei said and waved to his brother and followed his father.

"See you tonight." Kushina said and she too left the house.

Once engulfed in the silence of the house, Naruto sighed. "So much for the family time huh…" Naruto said to himself. Daiki moved over towards him and licked his hand. Naruto then stroked Daiki over the head and smiled at him. "Don't try that. You already got your food." Naruto said. Daiki almost seemed to pout, if a dog could actually do that, and walked back into the living room. Naruto let out a chuckle at his dog's antics and finished the dishes. Naruto sighed. He still had some time left, and if he were to hurry, he could maybe still arrive at the academy to watch his little brother enter the academy for the first time, like Kei had done when he went there for the first time. But he decided against it. Instead, he decided to begin his day with visiting his little sister, and then heading towards the academy himself.

XXX

Naruto arrived at the Academy just in time for the lesson to start. Midori didn't bother scolding Naruto, as she was used to him arriving on the last second. And he wasn't late after all.

Naruto went up to sit in-between Itachi and Hana, like he had done for the past 3 years of the academy. Daiki, who had accompanied him like always, laid own on the ground, next to Hana's dogs, the 3 Haimaru Brothers, who were grey with white undersides and pointy ears. Naruto greeted both Hana and Itachi, and then looked to the front.

"Alright, now that everyone is here, let's go over the curriculum for the next three years." Midori said and started writing on the black board. "As I already said at the beginning of the academy, the first three years were meant to ease you into the world of the Shinobi. We covered the necessary subjects in theory, and now it's time to enter the physical part of being a shinobi. Chakra control, Ninjutsu, Taijutsu and Genjutsu, and Tsunade-sama will be coming to teach you some basic medical Jutsus." She finished her writing on the black board and looked at her students. "Questions?"

None of the hands raised, and Midori nodded. She then opened a drawers of her desk and took out a box. "Alright, then all of you may take a leaf from here. We will start with Chakra Control."

XXX

Naruto woke up with a shout. He looked to the side at his clock. It was 4am. The sun had yet to rise, and thus nothing but the swallow light of the shining moon engulfed his room. He winced as he sat up, and held a hand to his ribs. He had run into Shin last night, who had broken a few of Naruto's ribs during their chat. Naruto had had decided against going to see Tsunade, which was why he was now trying with difficulties to get up from his bed. While he didn't have nightmares of the Kyuubi attack every night anymore, he still had them every once in a while.

Daiki still laid on his bed, his right paw was bandaged has he too had been a victim of the beating, though he hadn't been hit so badly, he still got cut on his leg and limped. Naruto was going to make sure to go see Tsume today. If only to make sure that there wasn't another injury to his dog.

Naruto walked towards his closet and took out a pair of long black pants and a long-sleeved, black shirt, which he covered by a thick blue sweater, with a high collar. It was now the end of November now, and thus the temperatures had dropped considerably. He added his Kunai pouch, as well as his Shuriken pouch. He then attached another pouch to his right leg. The pouch contained his sealing material, as well as different scrolls. Naruto slowly opened the door of his bedroom. Making sure to be quiet. He looked back at Daiki, who got up from the bed and limped towards Naruto. The two of them got out of the room and downstairs, slowly walking out of the house, and started walking through the village. He didn't walk fast, since both he and Daiki were still hurt. He walked towards the hospital, were he knew Tsunade would most likely already be present. He went into the hospital and was greeted by the woman at the counter.

"Good morning, Naruto-sama. Tsunade-sama is already here. She's free as well." She said kindly. She was already used to seeing Naruto, although she was slightly surprised by seeing him so early.

Naruto sighed. He had stopped trying to have her call him Naruto. "Good morning to you too, Erina-san. And thanks." Naruto said with a slight bow and left towards Tsunade's office, making sure to hide his troubles with walking.

He entered Tsunade's door without knocking. "Morning, Baa-chan." Naruto said with a grin.

Tsunade looked up from her paperwork and looked at Naruto, "Naruto. Good morning. You're up early. What brings you here?" She asked.

Naruto smiled sheepishly. "Sorry Baa-chan, I think my ribs are broken…"

Tsunade stared at Naruto. "Alright sit down. I'll take care of it." She said and walked towards the bed she had in her office. Naruto sat down and took of his sweater and shirt. He then let Tsunade do her work.

"Want to tell me?" She asked, her gaze shifting towards Daiki's leg that was bandaged.

"Ah… It was the usual. Nothing big. But we have an exam today, so I should be able to move."

"I'm surprised you were attacked in the morning. Isn't it usually at night?" She asked.

Naruto stiffened. "Ah… Yeah, well…"

Tsunade noticed, and stopped for a second. "Naruto?" He asked in a threatening voice.

Naruto jerked at that, and then let go of a sigh. "I got it yesterday evening. I didn't think it was bad enough to come… But it still hurt this morning…" Naruto said. He had hoped that the Kyuubi would heal the injuries overnight, which he did. After all, Naruto had had been cut as well. Those injuries were gone. But the ribs weren't healed.

"I'm telling you to come see me when that happens. How many time have you done that?" She asked in an angry voice.

Naruto gulped. "A few times… AOUTCH! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?" Naruto asked after being hit on the head by an angry Tsunade. Looking into her eyes, Naruto saw a tinge of sadness as well, and his own anger subsided. "Gomen, Baa-chan. I just don't want to bother you all the time…" Naruto said and looked towards the ground.

"You're not bothering me at all. I already worry enough about you, so don't make me worry all the time, thinking that you might be suffering somewhere in a corner." Tsunade said in a small voice that didn't fit her usual self at all.

Naruto looked up at her, she had resumed her treatment on Naruto and was thus looking at his back. "Alright. I got it. I'll make sure to come." Naruto said.

"You better!" She said and took her hands from his back. "You should be fine now." Tsunade said and put her hands on her hip. "You still have some time before school starts. What are you going to do?"

"Need to go to the Inuzukas. Daiki need a check-up." He said and looked at his companion and gave him a sign. He put his cloth back on and walked towards the door. "Thanks Baa-chan. See you later." He said with a wink and walked out of her office. Leaving a now smiling Tsunade behind.

Naruto arrived at the Inuzuka Compound at 5am. He knew for a fact that Tsume was already awake, as he had gone there once at this early hour. And sure enough, she was just getting out of the house, as she spotted Naruto and the limping Daiki. She frowned and stopped in her movements, waiting for Naruto to reach her.

Naruto bowed towards her. "Good morning, Tsume-san." Naruto said.

"Morning Naruto-kun." She said and watched Daiki. "What happened to Daiki?" She asked with a frown still present on her face.

"A small accident during training. Can you take a look?" Naruto asked with a frown as well, while looking at Daiki.

Tsume turned her gaze at Naruto. "Of course, come." She said and started walking towards the medical centre they had on the compound. She opened the door and led the two inside. She then grabbed Daiki and put him on a table. Daiki didn't fight back at all and simply laid down on the table, waiting for Tsume to finish her work. Tsume took of the bandage and studied the cut on Daiki's leg. She then nodded to herself and went to get some utensils. Naruto sat back and watched Tsume do her work, thinking about the exam they would have today. He would have to perform the clone Jutsu that Midori had taught them during class. What Midori didn't know, was that he had mastered that Jutsu 3 years ago, although he hadn't used the Jutsu again in his spars against Itachi. He found the Jutsu to not be ideal in battle, as it was a very simple Illusion that both he and Itachi could see through in mere seconds.

"Alright. This should do." Naruto heard Tsume say. He looked up to see her looking at him. "His bone was slightly cracked, which is why he was limping, but I took care of it. Just make sure he doesn't do any extreme work for the rest of the day and he'll be fine."

Naruto let go of a breath and bowed again to Tsume. "Thank you very much. I'll make sure to repay you." He said and looked up again.

Tsume was staring intently at him. She closed her eyes and sighed. "Be more careful okay?" She said in a worried tone that surprised Naruto.

"Hai. I'm sorry." He said and left his place at the wall, and then the compound.

XXX

Alright. That's a wrap. How was it?

I have no clue about flowers either, so please don't blame me if you got a different result on some meanings…

Also, I'm going to update the previous stories as well, since I've noticed a few mistakes. The story itself isn't going to change, but I'll correct some spelling mistakes and such. Just so you know.

Well, hope you liked it. See you soon, your PurpleShadow95