Merging Destinies

by KyuubiGoku

Across the Elemental Nations, partners are a must. They look out for each other, they have each other's back and they face the trials ahead of them. Each Nation has a Fate seal, a seal that binds two together forever. Condition, no affection can be used. Naruto has been alone, but he doesn't care. Will he accept his future partners or reject them? Naruto x Anko x Kurotsuchi x Mabui

10. Chapter 10

KG: Okay people. We're back with more of this story and we thank you for this symbiote remover. HOLD IT DOWN!

Anko: It's still hissing!

Steve: It's a real fighter!

KG: I gotta apply it!

Symbiote: (Hisssssss)

KG: This doesn't hurt me as much as it hurts you! Applied now pull!

Anko: It's hard to break!

KG: Naruto give us some help!

Naruto:...no. I'll be giving this quote since you don't seem to want to do it.

Quote: "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called 'truth'," by Dan Rather.

---

Somewhere

His long tongue flicked downwards and trailed the reaches of his mouth before it quickly went back into his mouth. The person sat in his chair as his long black hair slowly flowed in a slight breeze. "Lord Orochimaru, we are ready to move at your call," came the voice of someone while Orochimaru opened his eyes showing their slits just like those of a snake. He chuckled to himself and nodded.

"Very good Kabuto. Let's begin then. Soon Uchiha Sasuke will be mine as will his sharingan. With it I will have no problems mastering all the jutsu of the world. They will all be at my fingertips," Orochimaru said while Kabuto bowed.

"And what of Uzumaki-kun?" Kabuto asked and soon Orochimaru's cackling was brought down to a small grin before he reached into his pocket and pulled out something. The one thing Naruto held more dear to his heart than his life. The one thing that the blonde wanted most in the entire world. Orochimaru had it right in his hands. "He will not be a concern. He is just a little boy playing a man's game anyway. I'll have the pleasure of killing him on my own," Orochimaru said while Kabuto bowed with another nod.

"Hai Orochimaru-sama. I shall return to my work now," Kabuto said and Orochimaru watched him leave while he gave a light smile. Soon, very, very soon. Orochimaru's dark chuckling could be heard reverberating through the halls.

Five Days Later

Anko gave a wide grin from inside her house as she dried her purple hair. She combed it and then allowed it to settle into its original pineapple-shaped structure. She really didn't know why she was grinning so much, but she didn't seem to think much of it. She quickly grabbed her trench coat, snapped her small kunoichi skirt to her thighs and placed on her mesh armor then her shin guards. She quickly moved took a case of kunai and then opened her door. Why was she in such a good mood? Well as she said, she didn't even know, but she knew where she was going. The Forest of Death as usual was the place of her desire.

Now was the time to check up on the blonde genin, Naruto, her unofficial play toy whenever she had the free time. The past five days Anko fell into sort of a pattern for herself. Mornings, afternoon, and most of her free time were spent watching Naruto and Sakura train. Busy times were to herself and her duties as a kunoichi for Konoha. That's basically how she surmised it. She had kept coming to the Forest of Death watching Naruto train Sakura to become a better kunoichi. When she watched Anko would throw in a small two-bit advice that Sakura would take to application. However the thing that surprised Anko was that she never could fault any of Naruto's thinking in how he taught with Sakura. His training was perfect in the way of how it cared for Sakura's individual aspects of her life. Anko had to applaud Naruto for that even though she did have her questions about it. But she never pressed her concern of it. Naruto probably knew that she wanted to question it anyway.

"Well someone's in a happy mood today," Anko soon stopped walking as she noticed Hana coming up behind her. Tilting her head to the side in confusion, Anko decided to address he question as innocently as she could. "What are you talking about?" She asked and if not for Hana knowing about her playful nature then she would have scoffed at her, but decided against it.

"Yeah sure Anko. I saw you pass the store I was in about ten minutes ago and I noticed that you never once let that smile on your face go. Face it Anko, you've been happy in more of the past few weeks than you have in your entire life. What's the deal?" Hana asked and Anko blinked. She soon allowed her smile to mellow out as it faded slightly.

"Nothing's the deal. I don't know what you're talking about Hana," Anko said as she turned around before Hana smirked. "Is it Naruto-kun?" Hana asked and Anko twitched slightly giving Hana her intended reaction. She smiled as she patted Anko's shoulder.

"What's the matter Anko?" Hana asked and Anko growled. "Nothing is the matter Hana. I wish you, Kurenai and Yugao would get off my fuckin' back about that! So I spend some damn time with the brat, that doesn't mean anything!" Anko said suddenly breathing heavily. Her hand suddenly started to burn slightly before she covered it with her opposite hand. Goodbye good mood.

"I wasn't saying that it meant anything Anko. I was just happy that you were so happy. You look like you were having so much fun and I was just excited," Hana said while Anko snorted. "Forget it Hana. Just leave it alone. Fine I'll admit it. I'm interested in the brat, but that's it. A fleeting interest," Anko aid before abruptly walking off into the distance leaving Hana. The first child of Tsume Inuzuka sighed and scratched her head. Right behind her right hand was her Fate seal except there was a line going through it now. Hana had been partnered three days ago. It was a necessity during a mission with someone reliable. They didn't have any interest in each other and doubted that they would ever, but it was just business. Hana got stronger and so did her partner. Strong enough to complete their mission.

"Anko, you can't take on everything by yourself," Hana said, but Anko was long gone to hear her words before Hana turned around and walked off away from the street. She had some training to do anyway.

With Naruto and Sakura

Naruto hopped through the trees while two kunai stuck into the branches of a tree. He narrowed his eyes and then quickly jumped down. "Stop running!" Naruto looked up and noticed Sakura quickly over his head as she sent a kick towards his face. Naruto twirled to the side easily avoiding it before he took a hold of another one of his kunai and quickly swung it at her face. His arm nearly came full circle, but he never hit Sakura as he noticed her duck under it. "Her reaction time has significantly improved since Wave," Naruto thought to himself while Sakura swirled on her hands and pushed her legs out and to her surprise she made contact when she kicked Naruto into the air, but she noticed that he had easily blocked her kicks using his arms to absorb much of the blow.

"Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu," Naruto muttered unleashing several flame bullets in succession towards the young pink-haired kunoichi. Sakura backflipped away as they slammed into the ground one after the other. She then ran up a tree as Naruto landed to a tree branch. His eyes followed her form and he already knew what she hoped to accomplish. It was a good tactic especially now that she got her eyes used to her own speed as well as improved her reaction time, but this was a tactic that would only work twice, if that. "Show me what you came up with Sakura," Naruto thought to himself.

Sakura quickly sucked in her legs and pushed them out sending her flying towards Naruto. Performing a few handsigns, Sakura easily released her seals as brought her fist back. Naruto snorted as Sakura's punch slammed into his face and then the tree causing it to crack and creak before it fell to the ground. Sakura watched it go as she landed on the ground as a timer rang.

"That's time Naruto-kun! Do I win?" Sakura asked before she felt chakra and looked behind herself to see Naruto slowly coming for her. She gawked before looking back to that, along with the destroyed tree, was a large clump of rocks. Sakura growled before she dropped to the ground. "What? A Doton bunshin? Aww man, I knew you were holding back too much. I still need practice," Sakura said while Naruto glanced to her. He looked at the clump of rocks before shaking his head.

"This will do Sakura. Take the rest of the day off," Naruto said while Sakura widened her eyes. She turned to Naruto and noticed him give her a firm nod. "But I'm learning so much! I can't stop now," Sakura said not knowing that such words made Naruto rather pleasant that she was trying this hard to improve herself. She still never told him her reasons, but at this point he didn't even really care. She was admirable in that regard.

"Do you intend to faint? Rest and relaxation are also a part of training. We'll pick this up tomorrow and I'll correct your form some more," Naruto said while Sakura stood to her feet. "Umm okay, but what are you going to do?" Sakura asked and Naruto looked out into the woods.

"I have some things to take care of. Do not concern yourself with them," Naruto said trying to make that as polite sounding as possible. Sakura blinked and then tilted her head to the side. "Umm okay then Naruto-kun. I'll see you in time for dinner," Sakura said getting Naruto to give a light nod, and with a wave went back to the house to wash up, change her clothes, and then head out maybe see how the others were doing.

Naruto watched her leave before he quickly took out a scroll. Unsealing what was inside, Naruto unfurled a kunai. He picked it up and fingered it slightly allowing himself to familiarize with the metal in his hands. After a few moments, Naruto stopped and then threw the kunai at a random tree. He only had one thought. "Too weak," Naruto thought to himself before he walked off towards his house.

He wasn't very far at all before he noticed Sakura quickly step out and run off through the trees with an obvious smile on her face. Seeing her go, Naruto opened the door to his house and quickly entered into the kitchen. He stepped out from the sliding door and into the training area. Naruto had multiple training areas that could range from things for genin to those that went to jonin. Sakura and him had been in one of the training areas for low chunin and Naruto could see she was at least at that appropriate level, but while he had been training Sakura, Naruto could feel his body slowly stopping due to not trying to be too tough with her since she was still learning.

Naruto stood between his house and the lake. He closed his eyes before out of his hands came seven kunai, two in between each set of fingers. He had one in his mouth making the total of kunai appear to be eight. He held them tightly and glared while he visualized what he wanted. He had only gotten this exercise about five months ago and now he had the accuracy to show it off to himself. How he did it wasn't really a surprise to Naruto, but Orochimaru was Naruto's target, however he wasn't the blond's limit. Naruto aimed higher toward his goals. Once he finished off Orochimaru then he would settle on surpassing many others in his way. "I remember your words," Naruto said in his thoughts while Kyuubi cracked open one eye.

Naruto stood on a tree branch looking down over Yu no Kuni. His eyes hardened at it before his gaze quickly shifted to the left. "What do you want?" Naruto asked and the person remained impassive as he stood next to the blonde. "You've gotten better at sensing people, but don't think that means that you're ready for the trials ahead. You're still just a kid you know," the person said and he quickly, and easily, jumped away as Naruto swatted his hand at the offender. The blond watched him backflip through the air before landing down safely.

"Tense as the last time I saw you. It really seems that Konoha has trouble keep track of their own property," the person said while Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Property? What are you talking about? I am no one's property," Naruto declared folding his arm with a small frown.

"Besides I don't need to hear that from you. I'll keep getting better. I'll keep getting stronger. However, I feel that no matter how strong I get, my sense of duty might never be as great as yours," Naruto said while the person merely looked down at the ground for a second before looking back up.

"Is it because you don't feel that sense of duty when you killed your foster parents?" he asked and he noticed Naruto turn back and the person was expecting hatred, anger, madness, or even, no matter how sight it was, happiness or pleasure. However all he got was a look of apathy and dispassion. The single male raised an eyebrow as Naruto turned around. His shirt ruffled and Naruto looked down to see Rinko while she smiled at him. She nuzzled her tiny neck to her father while Naruto patted her head.

"I hold more sense of duty to Rinko before them. I merely acted in self-defense of Rinko. So...how is Konoha doing?" Naruto asked and the man resisted the urge to scoff. "They are looking for you. Nearly all over the place," he said and Naruto looked down.

"Then let them try and find me. If it happens then it happens, but know this...," Naruto said and he turned to the person in front of him. "I will not stop. I will not hesitate and I will not fall. My ambitions will rise me to the top!" Naruto exclaimed while the man narrowed his eyes.

"And you're...first," Naruto said while the person glared. "Very well. I'll be waiting for you. I'll stay alive until then," the person said then disappeared.

Naruto opened his eyes fast before he blurred from the ground and then jumped into the air. He swirled his body through the air as his eyes darted left and right. Memorizing everything around him, Naruto closed his eyes and flicked his wrists sending two kunai forward. He then swirled his body some more as he sucked in his chest and flew three more from one hand and two from the other. Naruto came twirling down and he threw one of the kunai in his right hand into the air. He then threw two kunai from one hand into the other and flew those forward with that hand. The kunai bounced off each other making clashing sounds and Naruto was inches from the ground before he took the kunai in his mouth and threw that one upwards as well.

Naruto's ears twitched as he heard their metal clashing against each other before they hit something hard. The blonde slowly opened his eyes as he noticed one bullseye, two, three, four, five, six, seven...eight. Naruto hit eight targets before he hit the ground using his sensory to judge the landscape. A bead of sweat went down the blonde's face. "Not enough...is it?" Naruto thought to himself before shaking his head. That was enough for now.

Naruto glanced to his lake before walking forward.

Taking off his shirt, Naruto stepped towards a pool of water just barely sitting on the land and the water. He looked at his reflection slightly before closing his eyes. He took a deep breath as he heard things begin to move. Animals moving in the forest, water splashing in the wind and...the sounds of a persons' irregular breathing patterns.

Anko was, once again, watching him. She seemed to be doing that lately. Why Naruto didn't know, but he never let it get to him very much. He didn't know what it was about him that interested her so much, but if she wasn't distracting him or getting in his way then by all means he would allow her to drink in as much of him as she could. A weird thought he found himself thinking about. Forsaking the thoughts in his head, Naruto continued with what he was doing as his chakra pinged. He could see Sakura leaving the forest, Anko on top of one of the trees, animals scurrying about through the forest. He felt at peace during these times.

Meanwhile Anko watched the blond meditate wondering what he was thinking, but as she continued to think about these things she found herself more and more confused. Her good mood had been ruined by Hana's comment. She watched him train, she could feel his chakra even from where she was. More and more she found herself with more questions and very few answers to the blonde in front of her. She had seen that little display and if not for her seriousness at that moment, she would have rubbed her eyes to see if what she saw was real or not.

Neither knew about the other's past, very much. Anko knew a bit and Naruto knew quite a bit, much to her irritation, but the more she found it out the more she found herself doing things that she never thought she'd be doing with the blonde genin. So Hana wasn't as much of an ass as Anko had thought she was when she said she was interested.

She didn't know. Maybe a partner wouldn't be so bad. Yugao had a partner in her lover, Hayate, and though it was frowned upon in the anbu that didn't mean that they didn't accept it. Partners were partners. They could do anything together, but the Anbu were told to always detach themselves from their emotional ties while during missions and...Yugao have one of her strongest emotional ties there was a blatant disregard for Anbu policy.

Sighing to herself, Anko dropped to the ground and quickly made her way towards the blond. She knew that he knew she was there by this time and that she wasn't planning to disrupt him. There were times when Anko could get serious too and this was one of those times. She looked over Naruto's head before she seemed content to just watch him. She looked at him like she was trying to bore a drill through his head and the harder she did that the stronger the searing feeling in her hand was burning. "You really are an ass you know. Doing this to me and not even knowing it," Anko thought to herself before she took notice of Naruto's face. She carefully maneuvered her body as she saw the gentleness and peace that seemed to company that face. How she wished that maybe she could have something like that herself.

After about ten minutes, Anko didn't say anything before she placed something on Naruto's lap then quickly left the blond to his own vices. Sensing her leave, Naruto slowly opened his eyes to a small note. He narrowed those blue eyes of his before he took the note into his hands and flipped it open. He read along its lines and closed his eyes. A sigh escaped his lips before he placed the note into his pocket and then got to his feet. "Rinko, Touka, Fu come! We have work to do!" Naruto called out as Rinko, Touka, and Fu walked out of the house. "We're going to the place Tou-san?" Rinko asked and Naruto nodded as he turned around and unsealed a backpack.

"That's right. Keep your wits about you. I haven't lost any of you and I don't plan to ever start," Naruto said while they nodded warmly and ran off with Naruto when they disappeared into the trees.

In Wave

Tazuna whistled while Inari gasped in shock at Tsunami's refurbishing of Gato's base. Stone walls were cut out in most places to make room for windows. The ground was laced with a neat carpet. Some file cabinets, a desk, and a nice office chair. Room that were once the horror of many people under Gato's reign were now exquisite with wonderful ornaments, lovely fabric and fixed up walls. Fugai and Ryuzetsu had some blacksmiths, courtesy of Kisa, sent to Tsunami's place for an up and running shipment of metals. They taught her all the things that she would be needing for her side of the company to thrive.

"And the president just hired you like that?!" Inari asked while Tsunami nodded with a small smile. "That's right Inari. Apparently Kaiza vouched for me with him and now we have all this. But we're still getting started," Tsunami said while Inari just nodded loving the feel of the carpet on his feet. He'd never lived like this before. Outside, he could see people working on clearing the forest free of the trees to build more work stations and houses. From there she would also pay for builders to build more ships, a dock, some freight storage and other things.

"Well I sure ain't knockin' the guy if he hired you. Especially since his henchmen saved you Tsunami. Where are those guys anyway?" Tazuna asked while Tsunami gave a mild snicker. "Apparently they went back to the main company. I would believe that they have other work that needs to be handled at the moment," Tsunami said and Tazuna just nodded before there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Tsunami said still smiling as the doorknob opened revealing Haku who gave a light bow to her boss. "Tsunami-sama, you...have a guest," Haku said and Tsunami blinked before out of the corner made Inari and Tazuna gulp while Tsunami slightly stiffened.

"Impressive. The work you've done here has been astounding. It's good to know that our Shipping Division was placed in good hands. I don't believe we've met until now. Call me Kisa," the green-haired woman said holding out her hands. Tsunami quickly composed herself and offered a friendly smile.

"Kisa-san, it is very nice to meet with you. My name is Tsunami," The mother of Inari said while Kisa gave a small smile. "I know. I heard of you. It's not everyday that our president picks someone so readily to handle a situation like this," Kisa said and Tsunami looked at Kisa and the woman could tell that she was asking if she knew who the true president was. Kisa answered with a nod while Tsunami calmed down.

"You...Do you know who you are?!" Tazuna asked and Kisa blinked before slightly grumbling to herself. "Would I be someone else if I wasn't me?" Kisa asked and Tazuna shook his head.

"That's not what I mean. You, you're the one who gave Tsunami that job aren't you? You're the head of Exodus!" Tazuna said and Inari turned to her in surprise while Kisa swayed her head left and right like trying to wrap her head around the issue. Obviously Tsunami hadn't told her father and son about Naruto which Kisa applauded the woman for being able to learn what to tell family and what not to tell them, but for now Kisa would do her own part as well.

"Well you could say that I'm running the company in his stead. Our president is on a...sabbatical of sorts if you want to call it that," Kisa said while Tazuna just dumbly nodded. Inari wondered about her words, but he was having too much fun trying to look around the place. He never even realized that it was Gato's base. Tsunami wouldn't tell him that either. It would be better if he didn't find out that little detail.

"Umm I...see," Tazuna and Tsunami could tell that he was ready to question her on some more things before she cleared her throat. "Well father, why don't you keep Inari company? Haku-san, would you mind making us some tea?" Tsunami asked while Haku gave a bow and was ready to close the door before Tsunami stopped her.

"Oh and please inform Zabuza-san that you may use the rest of the day for training at your leisure. I understand how crucial your talents are needed," Tsunami said and Haku just bowed once more before closing the door while Kisa chuckled to herself. "You seem to have been fitted into the role naturally. I think we're going to get along splendidly," Kisa said while Tsunami chuckled with a hand over her mouth.

"Thank you. I can't allow our president's expectations of me to fall," Tsunami said and Kisa quickly took a lone chair and sat in it while Tsunami sat in one opposite from her. "Well I do have reasons for coming her. I want you, your family and your guards to be ready to go to Konoha," Kisa said while Tsunami turned to her.

"Might I ask why?" Tsunami said and Kisa then leaned forward slightly. "Well we're going to Konoha to represent Exodus as well as see that our money is being well-spent with the village through the chunin exams," Kisa said and Tsunami asked for her to explain which Kisa took the time to explain the fundamentals of the chunin exams from the ones that she had seen before. It had taken about a better half of half an hour for Tsunami to understand, but she pretty much got it.

"Are you sure Konoha's going to allow me to take Zabuza-san and Haku-san? They are missing-nin after all," Tsunami said while Kisa chuckled. "Tsunami-san, you have a lot to learn about the art of...Famous Business Benefits," Kisa said and Tsunami just tilted her head to the side in confused.

"I-I see," Tsunami said still confused about what that type of...art was, but she figured that she would learn about it later. Both noticed the door open as Haku stepped in. "Your tea Tsunami-sama, Kisa-sama," Haku said before placing the hot cups of tea down and then leaving to go along with what she wanted to do, which was train.

Soon Tsunami and Kisa were enjoying their tea while Tsunami decided to turn to Kisa. "Kisa-san, if you don't mind my asking...what is your relationship with Naruto-kun?" Tsunami asked and Kisa suddenly choked on her tea before she coughed. Tsunami then urgently patted her back allowing Kisa to breathe before the green-haired woman leaned up and cleared her throat.

"Where did that come from?" Kisa asked while Tsunami scratched her cheek. "Natural curiosity?" Tsunami asked while Kisa gave her a sharp glare before sighing. She allowed her silky fingers to run through her hair before she looked up at the ceiling.

"It's been nearly two years since I've seen him. I wonder how he's doing. Boy I tell you, when I saw him the first time...he was difficult. Couldn't get a smile out of him worth a damn," Kisa said while Tsunami smiled.

"That doesn't seem very surprising," Tsunami said and Kisa chuckled. "Now his smiles are something precious for those who know him. When he smiles genuinely at you then you will know what I mean. For those who are at his side, his smile is the best thing in the world to treasure. When I met him the first time he was alone. Hands, face, legs drenched in blood in a barren forest. I didn't know, but it seemed like he had been running like his life depended on it. I don't know, but when I found him boy did I realize that I picked up one hell of a kid. I guess you could say that my relationship to him as one of the strongest that I'll ever have. At the company nearly all those who know him as the true president call him 'Aniki'. Even those much older than him do the same. I'm the only one who calls him 'Naruto'. We have that kind of relationship. I couldn't even begin to tell you who we have since you haven't been here long, but I still make one thing very clear to Naruto. I will never accept Konoha!" Kisa said with a light snarl while Tsunami gasped.

"I merely tolerate them and to be honest I'd rather we reverse our funding for their village, leave them to rot in hell and never rise again, but that's not the 'vision' Naruto sees for that village. I still don't see it, but I respect his decision. It's in his own hands. I'll just support him as best I can," Kisa said while Tsunami blinked.

"Were you a shinobi?" she asked and Kisa snorted. "Hell no! I could never stand taking orders from anyone, except for Naruto because he's earned it. I never held a village alliance not since...Takigakure killed my daughter," Kisa said with a heavy sigh. Tsunami gasped and placed a hand over her mouth.

"I'm sorry if I reopened an old wound," Tsunami said before Kisa shook her head. "No, it's alright. I've tried to get past it," Kisa said and Tsunami wondered if she should ask it, but decided to do so anyway.

"What was her name?" Tsunami asked and Kisa chuckled dryly. "She was so beautiful. Her father was a powerful shinobi. He never told me much about him, but I won't lie to you that he was the best that I had known. When she was born her hair swayed in the breeze. So I named her Fu. My...little wind," Kisa said holding her head down while Tsunami looked down to her cup.

"She would've been Naruto's age this year," Kisa said while Tsunami just nodded. "You can tell me anything Kisa-san. I'd really like for us to be friends," Tsunami said before Kisa shook her head and stood to her feet. "Sorry I can't go being a sob story right now. We've got things that we need to discuss," Kisa said making Tsunami know that she was crossing a place that she shouldn't be going to. Tsunami just nodded with the change of pace as a knock on the door came.

"Come in," Tsunami and Kisa said at the same time as they noticed Ryuzetsu come in. The white-haired young kunoichi gave a small bow before stepping inside. "Kisa-sama, I have managed to make preparations for myself to go to Konoha. Fugai has as well. We just received our letter from the Hokage stating that we're allowed to go as well as bring our guards as long as they are thoroughly searched upon arrival. However we're still missing two other members," Ryuzetsu said while Kisa sighed.

"If it's not one thing then it's another. Fine, we'll come up with something. For now just continue to train. It's a good thing Naruto placed a limiter restriction on your bloodline. Only use it when you have NO other option understood?" Kisa asked and Ryuzetsu nodded with a bow of her head. She then spun around and left leaving Kisa and Tsunami alone. "If I could make a suggestion on a second person," Tsunami said with a small smile while Kisa glanced to her. She didn't know why, but that smile was creeping her the fuck out!

With Naruto, later

"I suppose it's good that you found it enjoyable," Naruto said while he took his book from Mabui's hand. The Raikage's assistant gave just a light smile before gently nodding. "Hai, it was very fascinating. I wish I could talk with you about it, but alas it seems that my time here was supposed to be short. Maybe we can do that if I see you during the chunin exam days," Mabui said and Naruto quickly pocketed his book.

"I see. Well if that's what you wish. May your trip be safe," Naruto said without having his eyes leave Mabui's. He raised an eyebrow at the slightly relaxed pose in her movements. He was sure that it wasn't anything and decided to ignore it. "Thank you very much Uzumaki Naruto. May your village prosper as well," Mabui said spinning on her heel as she, Amai, and Jei quickly walked out of Konoha and across the dirt path in front of them. Naruto watched her leaving form before closing his eyes and shaking his head. A strange woman he had met, but then again they say that all life is an experience. He'd more than likely never forget her. Why he didn't know, but he didn't fault it. He just spun around and walked off.

With Mabui gone and his book returned, Naruto made his way through Konoha merely ignoring the scorn and glares of some of the civilians in his way. He quickly made his way into a small corner store. The bells rung as someone suddenly came up to attention. "Naruto!" Naruto turned his head as he noticed Tenten around the corner. She gave a happy wave while Naruto jut watched her do so.

"Tenten, who is at the door?" a gruff voice was heard as Tenten and Naruto noticed a middle-aged man appear. His clothing bore the insignia of a Land of Fire blacksmith/weapon-smith just like Naruto, but then again Konoha only recently found out about his status as a blacksmith. Though of course Naruto expected that he wouldn't get any commissions from people. Not like they would trust a thirteen-year old to make brilliant weapons. That logic was rather sound, but still annoying if Naruto thought about it that way.

"It's Naruto, Tou-san!" Tenten called out while the man came out and looked at him. "Oh the young upstart blacksmith. Yeah the news about that is like wildfire. Man they'll let anyone become a blacksmith, but let me tell you kid. You ain't no blacksmith! Not until I say you are! Not gonna let some 'in over his head' boy upstart me!" he said and Tenten raised an eyebrow before looking back to Naruto.

"I do not care for you opinion of my talents. Neither have I come here to be critiqued by you. My station is currently being cleaned out and I would like to use your furnace for the day," Naruto said while the man's eyebrow twitched. He sent a soft glare at Naruto, but Naruto's face remained impassive. He really didn't have time for this.

"Wow being condescending and asking for a favor in one breath. Didn't your parents teach you to be polite?" he asked before a pan smacked him over the head.

"Anata, be quiet! Gomen, Uzumaki-kun, my husband is still thinking with his big muscles. You may use the furnace at your leisure," Naruto turned his head as he noticed a quite lovely woman with long brown her as well as a face covered in soot and smoke. Naruto surmised that this was Tenten's mother. He had met her father before, but never her mother and that was because he had disguised himself as Arashi, a simple merchant looking to make some profit.

Naruto bowed forward showing his respect and then leaned up. "I thank you Mrs. Higurashi," Naruto said getting the female to suddenly smile and giggle like the innocent housewife type character Naruto read about in some of his more...ordinary books. "Oh please Uzumaki-kun, call me Tsubara," the woman said before she turned to her husband and lightly smacked him over the head.

"Tell the kind boy your name too," Tsubara said while Tenten's father grumbled. He folded his arms and slightly pouted before finally sighing. "The name's Genra brat," Genra said and Naruto just gave a light nod before Tenten began to show him the way towards their furnace. She opened one of the doors and escorted Naruto through it before pointing.

"I assume you know how to work this right?" Tenten asked and as she expected, all she received was a light glare at her person. "Hey would you stop glaring?! You're going to look like you've got a large stick up your ass if you continue to do that," Tenten said and Naruto soon after blinked.

"What people think is not my concern nor do I actually care what they think about. Their opinions are their own," Naruto said switching on a light. "Ah ah we're really got to do something about your outlook on life. Oh well, holler if you need help," Tenten said as she closed the door leaving Naruto alone. The blonde quickly took up a stool and sat down before unfurling a scroll bringing out a large green colored stone as well as a larger piece of Uzuin.

"This stone. I have never seen this before and it's not recorded in any of the books that I have read. I will have to test this for a later purpose. Fu, what did you find?" Naruto wondered to himself before he rolled up his sleeves and turned on the furnace. It would be another three or four hours that Tenten or her mother and father would see him again.

Nighttime

"I'm trusting you to watch it while I'm gone. I'll try not to be too long," Naruto said while Tenten nodded. "Yeah, go wherever you need to go. We've got it taken care of here!" Tenten said while Naruto just nodded and walked off. Tsubara waved goodbye to the blonde genin while Genra snorted and folded his arms.

"I hope that brat never comes back," Genra said before Tsubara snickered. "Oh stop it Genra. You won't admit it, but you like him. He at least has his head on straighter than Neji-kun," Tsubara said while Tenten chuckled. Genra growled and looked away, but Tsubara never missed the small smile he had on his face at her words.

"True, but I doubt Naruto can beat Neji. I'm not saying he's not strong, but Neji is the strongest of our year. Sasuke Uchiha was the one after him and I bet even he would lose. Naruto-kun's strong from what I've seen of him fight, but he's not better than Neji," Tenten said with a chuckle whole Tsubara looked down at her daughter.

"Would you really say that if you knew all there was to know about Uzumaki-kun?" she thought to herself before she suddenly shook her head free of some thoughts. "Well then let's get back inside and look after Uzumaki-kun's little project. I wonder what he's making," Tsubara said with a curious expression etched to her face. Tenten's eyes gleamed brightly before she wanted to quickly run towards the door, but was suddenly stopped by her father.

"Tenten, what is the first code of smithing?" Genra asked sternly and Tenten gulped before she straightened up. "A smith is to respect their fellow smiths and in no way, shape, or form bring dishonor or disrespect to them. Such is included by not seeing what they make unless they unveil it themselves," Tenten said and Genra gave a firm nod.

"Good, now go get cleaned up. I'll watch the brat's things," Genra said as Tsubara and Tenten walked upstairs to go and clean themselves up.

Meanwhile, Naruto had left the house and in very little time appeared near the gates of his home, The Forest of Death. He passed the gates and sped lightly across each branch, his footsteps a blur in motion. He took out the note that Anko had given to him and read it over one more time. He narrowed his eyes before he suddenly dropped to the ground. The only things that were known to him were the sounds of the forest and its animals scurrying around. By this time Sakura should've been at the house having her dinner alone with Rinko, Touka and Fu while Naruto was out here.

Naruto looked up and he noticed, through a small opening, the moon was shining in the skies. It's illuminating presence sort of drawing the blond in as his eyes seemed to mysteriously change from blue to silver to match the moon and its glow. The blond slowly closed his eyes and gave a sigh. "You can come out Anko," Naruto said he quickly caught a kunai between his finger tips just away from his face before he turned around and noticed Anko come out of the trees. "Still as clever as ever eh Gaki?" Anko asked and Naruto narrowed his eyes further.

"You are disturbed," Naruto said and Anko faltered in her walking. The smile that adorned her face quickly left and the Snake Mistress' hands fell to her sides. Naruto seemed to read her mood and he didn't know why, but he dropped his guard slightly and his eyes seemed to lose a good portion of their coldness as Anko made her way to him and then sat down on the ground. She patted the ground next to her and Naruto slowly sat down as well. "Would you...indulge me a little?" Anko asked and Naruto raised an eyebrow.

"Such a thing depends on what I'm indulging," Naruto said and Anko. "Yeah I suppose that's true isn't it? Well I want to be fair. I want to know about you," Anko said and Naruto quickly came up with his response.

"There is not much to talk about," Naruto said before he stiffened as Anko touched his shoulder. "Indulge me...Naruto," Anko said and Naruto turned to her. He could see her eyes stare at his firmly and without any hope of her backing down. Naruto wondered what all of this was about before he tapped his finger on his legs. His mind began to think of everything that could possibly happen from this, but he felt uneasy.

"What we talk about I will never tell another soul unless you want me to," Anko suddenly said and Naruto felt his heart slightly jump out of place. His right hand suddenly burned, but he ignored it until he came to a decision.

Naruto held up three fingers to Anko getting to her raise an eyebrow. "You are allowed three questions. I hope the answers that I provide will appease you," Naruto said and Anko blinked.

"That's it! Nothing, you don't want to ask me anything?" Anko asked and Naruto snorted. "You would tell me on your own if it was worth knowing. We already had an argument about that sort of thing," Naruto said and Anko nodded while Naruto placed one finger down.

"You have two questions left," Naruto said and Anko gawked. "What? That was one of my questions?" Anko asked and Naruto nodded before she watched as he let another finger go.

"You have one question left," Naruto said and Anko glared at him before she lightly punched his shoulder. "You are such an asshole. You're even worse than Ibiki," Anko said with a snicker before she went through her pouch and pulled out a napkin. She unfurled it and Naruto noticed a large plate of Dango while Anko decided to set them down.

"Alright since you're going to be that way then I guess I only get one now. Naruto, do you...hate the village?" Anko asked turning her head to look at him, but she noticed his eyes never change in response to her question. He just looked at the ground for a little bit before closing his eyes and offering just the slightest smile. "A weird question you asked me. I do not hate the village. I find their actions foolish and overall pathetic, but I don't hate them. That takes too much effort with no results. The time that I use to hate someone is time that I use to better myself for my ambitions. I refuse to put them on hold because I allow my attitude to get the best of me," Naruto said and Anko quickly took up a dango stick. She just nodded slightly before leaning back.

"Two questions left," Naruto said and Anko widened her eyes to see Naruto looking up at the moon. She scratched her cheek before giving a cheeky smile. "Why did you become a blacksmith?" Anko asked and Naruto slowly leaned forward.

"There is something that I aim to create with my hands. Something that I will consider to be my greatest creation. Just like Rinko, Touka, and Fu, it will be my life. It will be the culmination of all my years of experience that I have been able to use to the fullest," Naruto said and Anko wasn't a hundred percent sure, but she felt that inwardly Naruto was smiling with some kind of pride though his outside features never changed.

"One question left," Naruto alerted to her and Anko nodded. She quickly took another dango stick while Naruto helped himself to one as well. They slowly ate both and then threw the sticks to the plate while Anko cleared her throat.

"What does it have to do with Orochimaru?" Anko asked and she noticed Naruto's eyes loss all aspects of warmth. "It has everything to do with Orochimaru. I will not divulge to you what it is I want, but I can tell you that he is at the center of it and with great reason. Because of him, I have been denied what's mine," Naruto said while Anko sighed.

"Orochimaru was my mentor. He was the greatest person in my life. He taught me so many things and I grew to admire him. I wanted to be him, to be the best for his sake. So I endured all he could throw at me. I can't let you kill Orochimaru because that is something I plan to do myself. Especially after what he did to me," Anko said with a light snarl.

Taking his silence as curiosity Anko continued on.

"He abandoned me. He gave me this accursed mark and now I can never get rid of it. Sorry, but my vendetta with him is much more than yours," Anko said to him and Naruto's chest rose and fell before he looked up at the sky again. Anko could see his eyes focus up more as the moon and stars reflected in his eyes.

I will be the one to defeat Orochimaru. His death will be done. Should you go after him then you can, but I will be his death. Should he go after you then I will go after him to get to you. I will not let him take anything else from me!" Naruto said firmly while Anko chest suddenly pumped. Suddenly she found herself short of breath, her head was fuzzy. She felt...hot for some reason yet it was cold outside. Her throat felt dry. Away, she had to get away.

"You have no questions left. Thank you for your evening," Naruto said turning to her before he noticed Anko's flushed face. Instantly his medic skills took over as Naruto slowly glared at her direction. "Are you okay?" Naruto asked touching Anko's forehead. She gasped before she quickly stood to her feet and smacked Naruto's hand away. The blonde raised an eyebrow at the new reaction as Anko panted.

"I'm fine. Maybe I'm just tired," Anko said and Naruto really didn't believe her. He suddenly appeared in front of her before he grabbed her wrist and closed his eyes. Anko widened her eyes before she once again swatted Naruto's hand away. "You are sick," Naruto said and Anko raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not fuckin' sick! Just...just shut up!" Anko said leaning against a tree. Naruto glared at her, his guard back up and at the ready, but as a medic he had a concern over the general well-fare of people who were close to him, by his permission or not. "You need to lay down," Naruto said sternly.

"Shut up! Just stay right there!" Anko said, her chest pounding viciously. Having enough of this, Naruto turned around. "You shouldn't go to work tomorrow. You'll just be a hindrance to the rest of your peers. Goodnight...Mitarashi-san," Naruto said and Anko widened her eyes as she turned to look at Naruto, but he was already gone while Anko noticed a pill and some water on the ground.

"Fuck!" Anko said before she managed to find a remainder of her strength and run off to her house. She didn't like it, but she would be taking Naruto's advice about what to do for her body and go to bed, but Anko knew one thing. This wasn't a cold or sickness. She knew that much, but she also knew something else. She had to stay away from Naruto. Her life would be that much easier if she did.

One Week Later

"Ahh finally done with those missions! Ready to go home Naruto-kun?" Sakura asked while Naruto and Rinko watched as Sakura smiled with Fu and Touka on her shoulders. "Haruno, it is best that you remember to acquire patience. D-rank missions are the absolute necessity of that," Naruto said before Sakura stopped.

"Did you just...make a joke?" she asked and Naruto raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what you're talking about," Naruto said and Sakura puffed her cheeks before shrugging it off. Sakura had grown slightly taller over the week and her arms showed that she had been eating right along with her body staying lean. Her chakra coils doubled since her mission to Wave. She could run faster, last nearly three times as long in a fight as she could have before her training with Naruto. She had master three more Doton techniques upping her repertoire of techniques. She had slowly gotten used to her speed enough for her to keep her restriction seals off for at least half the day before putting them back on and that was a huge plus in her book. She also noticed her sensei getting stronger as well. Naruto continued to push himself as he and Kyuubi, with many arguments, worked together to at least give Naruto a one-tailed form, but nothing more than that. Naruto had managed one Raiton jutsu and a few more Doton, but he was primarily focused on his Medical Ninjutsu. That needed to be refined anyway.

That week, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke took on a majority of D-rank missions and one more C-rank mission, which was actually a C-rank mission that time. The mission was to send the Kiyoko's father, the Daimyo of Cha no Kuni. Since then Kiyoko had spoken with Naruto over various things that happened in her life. It was just a simple C-rank, but Naruto could say that it at least took some things off his mind.

"I've got you!" suddenly came a shout taking Naruto from his thoughts along with Sakura before they noticed a kid with a long scarf heading for the blond. Naruto merely took a step back and held out his hand before he grabbed the kid saving him from slamming into the ground. "What do you want Konohamaru?" Naruto asked while the boy in front of him smiled.

"Naruto, we found something. Will you look at it?" Konohamaru asked and Naruto sighed. This was Konohamaru, the Sandaime Hokage's grandson. He was still very young and just like Anko, one of the people Naruto just couldn't seem to get rid of no matter what. The young boy and his friends would always come and try to get Naruto to make something 'cool' for them which they still hadn't succeeded in doing. The boy had stuck to him ever since he failed to attack his grandfather. He tripped on his scarf and thought the blond did it. He said he was the Hokage's grandson and Naruto couldn't touch him. Naruto instantly corrected that behavior with a smack to the young boy's head and a firm less telling him that status means nothing in the face of an enemy which he was sure that the boy took to heart.

"Is that right? What do you have?" Naruto asked snapping his book shut while Konohamaru smiled and held out his hand showing Naruto a stone. The girl and boy behind Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon in that order, smiled while Naruto took the stone and tossed it into the air.

"Hard, sturdy, however not strong enough to withstand the temper of fire underneath a furnace. No, this is not craft-worthy," Naruto said tossing it back while the three looked down. Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose before sighing again. "Keep looking," Naruto said and they instantly cheered up before nodding as they ran off. Rinko gave a light smile as did Sakura before Naruto kept walking. He hadn't seen Anko for days. She hadn't been to his house once and she had taken a short leave. How short Naruto didn't care enough to specify. She was a fully grown woman. She could take care of herself.

"So Naruto-kun, what are we going to learn now? I can sense up to 70 meters now," Sakura said while Naruto tapped his shoulder. "Sakura, do you know what is coming up?" Naruto asked and Sakura blinked.

"Umm I don't think so. Is it something important?" Sakura asked and Naruto quickly nodded. "It is, but Hatake hasn't spoken of it yet, but you will know of it soon," Naruto said and Sakura just slowly nodded before they heard laughing.

"Whoa who would've thought that the dobe would be on a date!" Sakura turned around as did Rinko, Touka and Fu. They noticed Kiba, Shino and Hinata coming up to them slowly. Fu snarled at Akamaru while Akamaru growled back. It was obvious that the two never liked each other.

"What do you want dog-breath?" Sakura asked folding her arms while Kiba grinned. "Well Sakura, I see you traded down from the Uchiha to the class loser. Hey Naruto, check this out!" Kia said holding his hand and Naruto noticed Kiba's Fate seal with a line going through it signifying only one thing.

"I got partnered before you did, but was there ever any doubt? My taijutsu and genjutsu have increased tenfold!" Kiba said proudly while Naruto looked hardly amused.

"You partnered to Kurenai-sensei?!" Sakura asked in surprise before Shino shook his head. "He'd never get that far. Kurenai-sensei would end him before he could pull that off. No his partner is someone in his clan. Apparently the two thought it was necessary to bring out the...best in each other so Kiba quickly partnered," Shino said and Kiba just grinned widely.

"You do know that you're bound forever don't you?" Sakura asked while Kiba snorted. "Hell yeah! No problems are going to be happening from us!" Kiba said while Sakura rolled her eyes.

"I see you have a partner as well Shino," Naruto said and Shino nodded. "It was logical to get stronger for the village so I quickly partnered with one of my female cousins. She and I have an appropriate standing with each other and we work well together. It was the best outcome," Shino said and Naruto just nodded before turning to Hinata.

"I-I-I don't have a partner yet. I'm sure I'll get one, b-b-but I'll work harder first," Hinata said while Naruto merely nodded. "So what are you two doing?" Kiba asked while Sakura shook her head.

"Well we were going to go home. Got nothing better to do except for training," Sakura said and Kiba gawked. "You two live together?!" Kiba shouted while Hinata widened her eyes. She looked between Naruto and Sakura while Shino raised an eyebrow carefully.

"Only for a few months you idiot perv! Naruto-kun and I are...," Sakura widened her eyes before blinking. They would never believe that Naruto was training her. Hell sometimes Sasuke couldn't even believe it, but out of missions Sakura never really saw him anymore. He might've always been training.

"...discussing our love for...medical research," Sakura tried to bring out successfully. Everyone looked at her curiously, even Naruto. "Seriously?" Kiba asked and Sakura nodded.

"Umm yeah that's it. We're just discussing that type of stuff. Now if you don't mind we're late. Gotta go," Sakura said dashing off leaving Kiba and the others to their own vices while Naruto shook his head. "We'll also have to work on your lying Sakura, but I suppose considering who you were talking with then it was appropriate," Naruto thought before he walked off leaving a shocked Kiba alone.

With Anko

"Oi Anko! Open this damn door! I know you're in there! Hurry up!" Ibiki shouted pounding against the door in front of him. Anko's leave had been over since yesterday and now she was late to work. God she'd better have a good excuse. Hiruzen had just informed him that he and Anko would be the proctors for the first and second stages of the exams. Not to mention the coffee machine had broken down so Ibiki didn't get his damn coffee. Why couldn't get his damn coffee before dealing with his damn peers in the damn morning? Why dammit? Why?!

"Fuck! Alright Ibiki, stop knocking! I'm coming already!" Ibiki heard Anko say before he moved back. A lock was heard unlocking and Anko opened the door showing that she was in the middle of getting dressed, the only thing missing was her shoes.

"Well then hurry the fuck up! If you aren't out here in fifteen seconds then I'm dragging your ass out!" Ibiki said and Anko quickly appeared looking very irritated. Ibiki grabbed her arm and the two walked into the streets.

"So what are we going to be doing for the chunin exams?" Anko asked with a yawn while Ibiki growled. "We'll discuss that in the meeting with the other jonin. Now let's hurry up. We're already late. Seriously, what's with you?" Ibiki asked and Anko frowned before she looked at the ground.

"I...don't know," Anko said as she continued to be dragged along through the dirt road. Ibiki pretended not to hear her, but he had and his eyes turned back to her as he noticed her looking at the ground with a serious expression. "Anko, last time I saw you like this was when you opened up me," Ibiki though before a light chuckle escaped his lips as they walked off.

Forest of Death

"I'll get lunch ready Naruto-kun. You can wash up first!" Sakura called out while Naruto quickly hung up his jacket. "Very well," Naruto said as he walked up the stairs with Rinko, Touka, and Fu. The former two hadn't had a bath with their father in quite a while and they missed that. His nice big hand rubbing their fur with hot water and soft while caressing their ears. Huh? What? Not that's not what they meant?! He was their father? Ugh, sick minds. Well...maybe they thought it a little.

Naruto opened the door to his room and he noticed a scroll on his bed wrapped in the insignia of Root. The blond quickly sat down and unfurled the wrapping then opened the scroll then read along its lines.

"Naruto Uzumaki,

Greetings senpai. Danzo-sama has seen it fit to offer you words on the coming chunin exams. As it stands people from Suna, Kiri, Kumo, and Iwa will be participating. Still no words on if the other four Kage will be attending. However the neighboring villages such as Taki, Ame, and Kusa will be coming as well. There is also the hearing in a meeting that Exodus, Ayano-san, and Aeterna Wings will be making appearances as well. Also to be brought to your immediate attention there has been hearing of a new hidden village. Rumors say that its name is Otogakure. They will be coming as well. Also we're unsure, but we believe that Orochimaru has ties with this village. What you do is entirely up to you, but Danzo-sama has ordered us to give you our full support and we shall. We're at the ready.

Sai,"

Naruto closed the scroll and quickly placed on leg over the other. His eyes bore forward at the mirror in front of him. "Orochimaru, just you wait," Naruto said getting to his feet, but Naruto couldn't think over just that. No, he had other things to keep his interest and he needed to think those things over. Naruto stepped into the shower and turned on the hot water to his bath.

Stepping out with his soaked kits. Naruto quickly dried them all getting their fur fluffy while he placed on some boxers. He then placed on a T-shirt and some shorts then walked down the stairs to see Sakura waiting for him. She gave him a pleasant smile while Naruto glanced at the table. "You...certainly went out of your way to prepare of this," Naruto said looking at the spread while Sakura smiled.

"Yeah my mom taught me how to cook," Sakura said and Naruto looked down. "Your mother must be an amazing woman," Naruto said sitting down while he watched Sakura head off into the guest room.

Naruto and his kits waited for her to return which was after ten or eleven minutes. Naruto and Sakura placed their hands together while the kits bowed their heads. "Itadakimasu," they both said as Rinko, Touka and Fu ate their food happily. Naruto snapped his chopsticks and Sakura did the same as they ate peacefully. "Naruto-kun," Naruto looked up from his food and noticed Sakura looking at him confused. It made Naruto inwardly pleasant that Sakura was always a never-ending ocean wanting to be filled with more water, or in this case knowledge. The girl asked a lot of questions, but in Naruto's book questions were the driving force of nearly the entire human world. So he never shirked them.

"Yes Sakura?" Naruto asked and Sakura cleared her throat. She noticed that when he was eating it was rather strained. Almost like he had just been given some bad news and she hoped to take his mind off it. "Well I was reading through the Medic Handbook that you had since you had every copy from the last three years and this year. It said that there are clauses to be followed. I read them and I...," Naruto raised his hand to stop her and leaned on arm on the table then placed his hand on it.

"Recite them," Naruto said and Sakura blinked. "Huh?" She asked and Naruto nodded. Sakura, not knowing where this was coming from, just nodded her head before she placed her chopsticks down.

"First Clause: No medic ninja shall ever stop medical treatment until the lives of their party members have come to an end," Sakura said and Naruto nodded his head while he took a small sip of water before allowing Sakura to continue.

"Second Clause: No medic ninja shall ever stand on the front lines," Sakura explained. Naruto nodded once again and Sakura continued on. "Third Clause: No medic ninja shall ever die until they are the last of their platoon," Sakura exclaimed and Naruto nodded as he allowed the smallest of smiles to appear on his face.

"Fourth Clause: Only those medic ninja who have mastered the Byakugō no Jutsu( Strength of a Hundred Technique) of the ninja art Creation Rebirth are permitted to discard the above-mentioned laws," Sakura finished and Sakura watched as Naruto leaned forward and placed his hand over her head. "Very good Sakura. I'm proud," Naruto said and Sakura's eyes beamed with pride before she suddenly smiled then followed up with a nod while Naruto leaned back.

"Alright, what is your question?" Naruto asked and Sakura snapping from her happy gaze quickly composed herself. "Well Naruto-kun, it's the fourth clause. As far as I know, even if you aren't recognized by Konoha's Hospital, you are a medic-nin or at least you're a shinobi who knows various medical ninjutsu skills. So why do you go into the front lines, like with Zabuza-san and Bando-san, if you don't know the Byakugō no Jutsu like the greatest medic in the world Tsunade-sama says?" Sakura asked and Naruto leaned forward.

"Well I'm sure when the sannin, Tsunade Senju, was making those clauses that I was a special exception. I'll tell you when I feel you're ready, but I will insight you to appease your worries. It's unconditional, but for those like me I have added a little chance to her clauses. As far as you know, it is called the Fifth and Final Clause," Naruto said and Sakura gulped, but nodded.

"Fifth Clause: Those who have exceptional healing capabilities and capable body enhancements as well as well-rounded skill assets in nearly all fields of shinobi practices shall be able to forsake the fourth and third clause," Naruto said while Sakura widened her eyes.

"Currently, I'm the only one who falls underneath this clause while Tsunade Senju falls under the fourth," Naruto said while Sakura stammered. "You are good in all shinobi field practices? Even genjutsu? It was your worst grade," Sakura said and Naruto snorted, but remembered who he was dealing with.

"Sakura, I will never tell you to disregard all of Hatake's lessons, but if there is one thing you must ever learn from him then it is to always discern everything you see, and look underneath the underneath. However I think the best way to rephrase that is...to expect the unexpected," Naruto said and Sakura just nodded.

So the two continued to eat their food and soon after Naruto placed the dishes in the sink. "Alright Sakura, now we're taking you to the hospital," Naruto said and Sakura blinked. "W-Why? Is something wrong with me? Did I not follow the diet routine?" Sakura asked and Naruto shook his head ceasing her worry.

"No. We're going to give you a check up and I'm sure that you wouldn't want me to do it," Naruto said and Sakura instantly blushed. Somewhere in the back of her mind, there was her inner self snickering while imagining them playing doctor.

"Oh doctor, please help me!" Inner Sakura said before she gave another smirk. "Don't worry Sakura-chan, the doctor will do all in his power to help you. We must first implement CPR," Inner Sakura said trying her best Naruto voice.

"Oh doctor is this really the cure?" Inner Sakura asked. "No, we'll have to take more measures. I will give you treatment. Come into my arms," Inner Sakura said in her best Naruto voice.

"Oh yes doctor. Please treat me. Treat your cold patient. Warm up her body," Inner Sakura said while Sakura outwardly blushed before a trickle of blood fell from her nose.

Fu, Touka and Rinko sweatdropped while Naruto blinked and tilted his head to the side. Common problems of nosebleeds were high blood pressure, bleeding disorder, hemophilia, sinusitis, and bruises around the nose. That whole belief in nosebleeds via perverse thoughts was just absurd, well for Naruto anyway.

Sakura gasped before she wiped the blood away and cleared her throat. "Umm well Naruto you are my sensei so I don't mind y-y-you do my check-up," Sakura said shyly and Naruto raised a delicate eyebrow.

"Are you sure?" Naruto asked firmly and Sakura nodded while the blonde closed his eyes. Since he was a medic, per se, he had checked women before so this wasn't a problem for him as much as it was going to be for Sakura. "Alright then, follow me," Naruto said and Sakura did as they turned a corner and then another and...another before Naruto opened a lone door and Sakura noticed a small table, a chair, some cups, medicine bottles, and other things that made it seem like a doctor's office.

"Please get undressed. Well just your top. Your pants can stay on," Naruto said sitting in a chair and facing the opposite direction. Sakura gulped before she nodded and quickly closed her eyes as she took off her shirt and let it drop to the floor. Soon came after was her training bra exposing her chest as Sakura looked down meekly seeing that her breasts hadn't grown much.

"I-I'm ready," Sakura said and Naruto turned around. Sakura bore the brunt of Naruto's gaze upon her chest, but she noticed the blond not give any sort of reaction before he turned around and grabbed a clipboard. For some reason that made Sakura both happy and sad. Happy that he didn't keep staring like she was helpless or some easy woman on the street. Sad, because she couldn't get a decent reaction out of him.

"Please sit on the table," Naruto said and Sakura quickly hopped on the table. She kicked off her shoes and Naruto quickly touched her stomach. Sakura found his hand to be very warm while Naruto closed his eyes. He then opened them shortly after and nodded. "Stomach fat...moderate, zero signs of muscle tear due to experience in weight training," Naruto said as he picked up his pad and wrote on it. Sakura's heart pumped while Naruto touched her forehead then went down to her temples.

"Follow my finger Sakura," Naruto said and Sakura nodded as Naruto swung his hand back and forth while she followed it according to his instructions. Naruto soon stopped and nodded again taking a note down. "Eyesight and reaction to moving objectives...45% increase since Wave. Brain wave activity...nominal," Naruto thought to himself and Sakura could really see just how calculating Naruto was. She had never seen this side before. So many accurate things that it made her question just if the academy was stupid or not.

"Naruto-kun, where did you learn to do this?" Sakura asked curiously while Naruto kept writing. "I have healed many people before. I have studied the female form well enough to memorize the basic things," Naruto said and Sakura smiled with a light nod. Naruto then stopped writing.

Sakura's check-up took about half an hour as Naruto continued to observe her body's changes. Honestly if Sakura was going to be truthful then she would say that she didn't feel like she was in front of a boy. Well...yeah she did, but not like that. She felt like she was in the presence of a caring doctor who wanted nothing more than to help her. "Lay down on the table," Naruto instructed and Sakura nodded as she laid down.

"Alright Sakura, these are the last two tests, but I must ask if you trust me enough to do this. If you don't then that's fine. We can still take you to the hospital. It would be ill-advised if you pushed yourself too much," Naruto said and all he was offered was a small smile.

"Naruto...I trust you," Sakura said as she closed her eyes. Naruto twitched slightly before a small smile came on his face. "I had greatly misjudged you Sakura when I felt I knew you in the academy. Forgive my foolish thinking," Naruto thought before he placed his hand over Sakura's breast. Sakura gave a low gasp/moan, but didn't move to stop Naruto as the blond spoke.

"Breath in and out," Naruto said and Sakura slowly breathed in then out. In then out, this happened five times before she felt the warmth of Naruto's hand on her breast fade as he wrote some things down. "Lung capacity...slightly above average, more breathing exercises. Heart rate...nominal. Chakra capacity...mid-chunin. Latent potential...unknown. Diet has improved her conditions. Leg strength, eye movement, reaction response, analytical skills, all areas are covered," Naruto gave a final nod before he placed his pad on the table.

"Open your eyes Sakura. We're finished," Naruto said and Sakura opened them to see her clothes handed to her. Sakura quickly got dressed. "That...wasn't so bad," Sakura said to herself.

"We'll be going over these things later Sakura, but for now we'll continue our exercises. Let's go," Naruto said and Sakura walked out with him. "Naruto I haven't seen Anko-san for a few days. Do you think she's okay?" Sakura asked while Naruto frowned.

"I'm sure Mitarashi-san is well. She is a jonin and might be busy. She can't always be here," Naruto said and sakura nodded rather sadly. She didn't miss the frown on Naruto's face, but chose not to say anything. That was it about Naruto. He would tell her if something was up and if it wasn't then she wouldn't ask. Unless the thought of it just would irritate her enough to ask. However she missed Anko. She always noticed how...brightened or...happy Naruto would be if she was around. He never, and Sakura meant, NEVER showed it outwardly, but being around Naruto she noticed things. He was fond of the Snake Mistress, but he would never admit it. Something Sakura found to be very funny as she entered the training with field Naruto noticing Rinko, Touka and Fu trying some techniques that their father had given for them to accomplish.

With Sasuke

Sasuke growled as he continued to perform his Uchiha Taijutsu on his wooden practice target. His breath huffed and his chest was burning from his exercise. However the reason he was growling was because of a simple thing that was plaguing his mind. Naruto was training Sakura. Now Sasuke could've given two shits about that since what Sakura did wasn't any of Sasuke's business, but Naruto's mood was really getting on the Uchiha's nerves. To top it off the damn mutt Kiba dared to rub it in his face that he had a partner and was therefore stronger than him. Sasuke practically scoffed at such a notion. He was a fuckin' Uchiha and would never be so weak as to have someone watch his back. He wasn't helpless. If Kiba had a partner then to Sasuke that only meant that the Inuzuka was too weak to deal with things on his own. Sasuke was strong. He was the best and he wouldn't let anyone no Kiba, no Sakura, and especially not Naruto show him up.

Sakura was an idiot to deny Kakashi's training. Sasuke took it wholeheartedly and he found himself getting much stronger and better, but there was always room for improvement in his eyes. "Yo Sasuke. Workin' hard?" Sasuke turned his head and he noticed Kakashi looking down at him from over top of a tree. Sasuke growled and gave a hard look. "What do you want Kakashi? We finished our missions right? What could you possibly need me for?" Sasuke asked and Kakashi smiled.

"Ah ah ah Sasuke. That's a surprise. Just meet your teammates at this location in the next twenty minutes," Kakashi said before poofing out while Sasuke sighed. More bullshit to waste his time with when he could instead be training, but he had orders and he would follow them, no matter how distasteful they were.

With Sakura

Sakura was walking across the streets with some bags in her hands and a small smile on her face, but slowly she could see some people whispering while they sent little glares at her. "Hey isn't that the girl? She staying with that boy. Her parents must be so disappointed in her. I know I wouldn't let my child around him," one whispered and Sakura's eyebrow twitched before she merely kept her mouth closed. First lesson from Naruto, only retort to a person's comments if it was necessary. Otherwise was pointless.

Sakura continued to walk before she felt a pat on her shoulder. Sensing the person's chakra, Sakura slipped away the kunai that was in her sleeve. She turned around and noticed Kakashi. "Kakashi-sensei, what can I do for you?" Sakura asked and Kakashi smiled.

"Well Sakura, you're living with Naruto so I want you to pass on this information to him. Meet with Sasuke at this location in twenty minutes," Kakashi said before he walked off with a wave. Sakura watched him leave with a blank expression on her face before slightly groaning, but she didn't mind it very much.

She quickly decided to go home through the forest that she remembered so well and dropped down to the house. "Naruto-kun, I have a message for you from Kakashi...sensei? He's not here?" Sakura looked over the house not seeing Naruto anywhere. She closed her eyes and then quickly pulsed her chakra over her found radius. She turned her head left and then right. She couldn't find any semblance of Naruto's chakra and it would literally be impossible not to find him. Her sensei was a large mass of bright chakra. It would be hard not to see him.

"I wonder where he is. Maybe I'll just leave him a note on the table," Sakura said to herself before nodding and walking towards the table. She quickly changed her clothes, and took out a piece of paper. She wrote on it and then walked off and back out of the house. Hopefully Naruto would get it.

With Naruto

"So Orochimaru is the leader of Otogakure? You believe that he's in collaboration with Suna to invade Konoha during the chunin exams?" Naruto asked looking out the window with Danzo next to him. Sai, Misa, Fu, and Torune were right behind the two of them watching the scene, but none opened their mouths. "That is correct. No doubt he'll do it during the finals which have yet to be determined," Danzo said using his cane for balance while Naruto's eyes flashed forward. He clenched his hands together and Danzo easily noticed the action, but Naruto knew he did. He obviously knew that Danzo would notice it anyway so made no little attempts to hide it.

"So what will you do? There is a reason why most can't beat him," Danzo told him and Naruto unclenched his hands. "You mean the fact that he's the one that's known to have the largest number of partners in the world?" Naruto asked and Danzo nodded.

"His Fate seal has truly expanded as have his abilities. He is a snake and a snake will bite into many victims before it dies. As it stands he's even stronger than Sarutobi is, at least if the Hokage didn't have a partner," Danzo said and Naruto snorted.

"Orochimaru fascinates with things that he has no control over. Just a ill-concerned man wanting to have more power. Useless," Naruto said and Danzo couldn't help but agree. "However I believe even he would have a tough time if the Kage are present," Danzo said and Naruto just took that in stride.

"That would be proper I suppose. Not intervening in the exams this time?" Naruto asked and Danzo snorted. "Who says I'm not?" He asked and Naruto nodded. He expected that.

"Well I suppose I should return now. There are things that I will have to do. I appreciate the information Danzo-san. Sai, Misa!" Naruto said getting both Sai and Misa to straighten up.

"I'd like you and a few Root members to move the things in my house to this location," Naruto said giving a slip of paper to Sai. The pale boy looked at it and nodded his head with a bow before Sai, Misa, Torune and Fu stepped to the side allowing Naruto to go to the door. The blonde opened it then closed it his presence disappearing as fast as anything that they had ever felt.

Danzo just gave a small glare down to the village. "You fools better not mess this up for us," Danzo said in his thoughts looking down at the villagers with their smiles on their faces. Danzo really didn't like that.

Meanwhile, Naruto opened the door to his house and stepped inside. He quickly walked into the living room and noticed a piece of paper on the table. Naruto picked it up and read across its lines. So Kakashi was calling them to a bridge and Naruto had to be there with Sakura and Sasuke. Shaking his head, Naruto turned around. "Rinko, Touka, Fu, come on we're leaving!" Naruto called out and he heard scurrying down the stairs. He noticed Rinko smiling at him as she jumped to his shoulder and then made the transition to his head. Fu and Touka followed taking his shoulders as Touka rubbed against Naruto's head lovingly. "Where are we going father?" Touka asked and Naruto gently patted her head.

"To meet my own sensei," Naruto said and Fu deflated. "Really? But he's always late," Fu said with a grumble. Naruto sighed and looked forward.

"However he brings results you three. Never forget that," Naruto said and all three nodded their heads as Naruto walked out of the door. He sped through the forest pushing his chakra through his legs as he quickly exited the forest of death and shot off towards his teammates.

Bridge

Sakura noticed Sasuke leaning on the side of the bridge with his eyes closed and didn't feel the need to try to comment. She just remained silent as she leaned on the opposite side of the bridge. Neither said anything to each other and from far off Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Hmm not even a hello to each other. Naruto really must have changed Sakura great deal," Kakashi said to himself.

Sasuke opened his eyes and glanced to Sakura. He noticed that she had discarded her pink one-piece outfit for some open-toed, high-heeled shinobi sandals, black shorts, and a dark red shirt. Obviously she had mesh armor underneath, but Sasuke could also see that she kept her hair tightly groomed as well. Around her wrists were obviously seals of some kind, but Sasuke didn't know what. "Is something the matter Sasuke?" Sasuke snapped out of his thoughts as he noticed Sakura looking at him with a blank face.

"Hn, it's nothing," Sasuke said folding his arms and looking someplace else. Sakura raised an eyebrow before shrugging and continuing in her sensory exercise. She already knew that Kakashi was watching them, why she didn't know, but it was rather annoying. His chakra was the easiest to spot. Probably because he didn't think that she would be able to pinpoint him. Oh, but she got his ass alright.

Soon Sakura smiled as she turned left. Sasuke's ears reacted as they heard the sounds of footsteps signifying Naruto's presence. He quickly appeared while Touka jumped off his shoulder and on to Sakura's. She quickly jumped on her shoulder and smiled while Sakura smiled back. Naruto stood next to Sakura with his book in hand. He flipped a couple of pages of his orange book while Sakura leaned over his shoulder. "You sure do like this book Naruto-kun," Sakura said trying to hide her blush while Naruto turned to her. "More than say that I like it, I will say that I am merely interested in it," Naruto said and Sakura just nodded looking over. She started where Naruto left off and twitched.

"She drew in her loud moans as her body writhed in pleasure of her male counterpart. His thrusts were like the beating of her heart filling her as her screams of delight could be heard reverberating through the walls of her rooms. Her tights folds wrapped around his tight frame urging him to care for her just like they had done many times before?" Sakura read before shaking her head.

"I'll just pretend I know what that means," Sakura said while Rinko looked down. "Father, what does it mean by her loud moans and her body writhing in pleasure? That sounds like fun!" Rinko said while Naruto's eyes twitched. Sakura paled while Kakashi faulted. Sasuke's body involuntarily shivered as he had indeed been listening. Naruto promptly closed his book and took out another one.

"Rinko...go to sleep," Naruto said and Rinko blinked. "But I'm not tired," Rinko said before Naruto looked up at her. She quickly got the memo and nodded before curling up and falling asleep. This was Naruto's way of telling her that he would explain that to her later. Mentally, he could hear the slightest snicker from the Kyuubi before he went silent ultimately.

Touka and Fu, not seeing what the big deal was, left it alone and went back to what they were doing while Naruto took out a different book all together. However just as he was ready to open it everyone noticed Kakashi coming from across the bridge. "Nice to see the three of you made it just like I wanted. Now I suppose we can cut directly to the chase of why I asked for the three of you to come here," Kakashi said with an eyesmile. They all glanced to each other, but Naruto probably knew what this was about.

"Well we've completed quite a lot of missions over the month and I think it's time for you to go to the next level. That's why I recommended the three of you to take the chunin exams," Kakashi said and everyone glanced to each other.

"The what?" Sakura asked and Kakashi sighed before trying to salvage his good mood. "The chunin exams Sakura. You have all shown maturity that I think could make you all great chunin. I want you to think about it. The exams are tomorrow at the academy building. See you there," Kakashi said as he poofed out leaving the others alone.

"Hn, I'm outta here," Sasuke said walking off while Naruto went the opposite way. Sakura followed after Naruto as they hit the streets. "Naruto-kun, what are the chunin exams?" Sakura asked and Naruto flipped another page of his book.

"It's an exam where genin from the other villages come to compete to see if they are worthy of being chunin. They are judged based on their knowledge, outside thinking, strategizes and enthusiasm. However if you look for the general use to it then it is for publicity to a village. It's to show how strong a nation is to get more clients who will hire those to do missions," Naruto said and Sakura scrunched up.

"The way that sounds it makes it seem like we're nothing more entertainment value for these people," Sakura said and Naruto nodded. "That's because that's exactly what we are for these people Sakura," Naruto said and Sakura snorted. She really didn't like that for some odd reason.

"Hey let me go you jerk! Put me down!" Naruto and Sakura suddenly turned their heads and the blonde noticed two people. A female with blonde hair and a fan tied to her back trying to placate a young man with really dark clothes. He had something of a strange wrapping on his back. Naruto could make out the form of a puppet. He young man was a puppet-user, more than likely from Suna. He was holding Konohamaru while Moegi and Udon paled.

"Kankuro, put the little runt down! You're going to get us in trouble!" the blond girl said while Naruto and Sakura glanced to each other. "Shut up Temari, this little brat needs to watch where the fuck he's going and a punch to the face will straighten him out," the young man named Kankuro said as he cocked his fist back.

"Eat it kid!" Kankuro said while Temari sighed as Kankuro sent his fist for Konohamaru's face. The boy closed his eyes and waited, but nothing came. He waited, and waited, and...waited. Konohamaru opened his eyes as he noticed Kankuro's fist inside of a palm. Kankuro gasped before he noticed Sakura's hand blocking his fist.

Temari widened her eyes slightly. "Fast. That was amazing," Temari thought to herself before Sakura glared towards Kankuro. "Assault of civilians within Konoha's walls by shinobi of different villages will not be tolerated. State your business before I have you arrested," Sakura said cooly while Kankuro snorted.

"Oh shut up bubblegum girlie. I've got issues with this brat here," Kankuro said before screamed as Sakura twitched his hand bringing him to the ground forcing him to let go of Konohamaru as the boy dropped to the ground. "If I twist another three inches your wrist will be broken," Sakura said while Kankuro paled. Temari slapped a hand over her before she noticed another blond pass her. The two exchanged a glare before Naruto stood over Kankuro.

"Assault of Sandaime-sama's grandson is punishable by death. Do you want to die for your ignorant actions?" Naruto asked and Kankuro felt a small chill go down his spine. It was the same as if he was talking with him. Kankuro turned around and noticed Naruto's cold eyes glaring down at him.

"Oh god! See Kankuro, you were about to get us kicked out of the exams for your stupid shit!" Temari snarled and soon everyone noticed Sasuke dropped down from the trees. "If you know what's good for you then you will get out of here or we'll make you," Sasuke and Sakura quickly released Kankuro before pushing him away.

"Why you three. I'm so gonna get you for this!" Kankuro snarled out as he grabbed his wrapped cloth. He quickly pulled it down while Naruto frowned. He quickly stood forward and was easily ready to intercept before he slowly glanced to his left and glared.

"Kankuro, stop this foolishness. You are a disgrace to Suna," Kankuro shivered and so did Temari as they turned to see a redhead young boy with a gourd on his back hanging from the tree branch Sasuke was just one. "B-But Gaara, they...,"

"Silence before I kill you," Gaara said and Kankuro gulped. Kyuubi opened an eye before snorted. "Shukaku, so even you were taken," Kyuubi thought to himself before grumbling and closing his eyes.

Gaara dropped to the ground while Sasuke raised an eyebrow to the newcomer. Sakura slight shivered. "His chakra, it feel so angry and disturbed. I'll have to keep my guard up if I fight him," Sakura thought and Naruto just continued to look at him before Gaara looked back. The two shared a look as they seemed to feel the other out.

"I can feel the immense chakra you possess. You are just like me then aren't you?" Naruto thought while Gaara looked at him. "Mother...wants your blood," Gaara said staring at Naruto. The young blond slowly flipped some of his hair out of the way of his face.

"One doesn't always get what one wants. Your mother is being foolishly selfish," Naruto said and Gaara hardened his eyes at him while Temari sighed. "Oh this kid's dead. Shame too, he's such a cute one along with his friend over there," Temari thought eyeing Sasuke which only served to piss the Uchiha off.

"We'll see. Well forgive my teammate. What are your names?" Gaara asked while Naruto folded his arms. "In traditions as a sign of respect, it is polite to give your name before asking for another's," Naruto said and Gaara just nodded slowly.

"Very well. I'm Sabaku no Gaara, now then your names," Gaara said while Naruto just shrugged his shoulders. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki," Naruto said and Gaara nodded before turning left.

"The name's Uchiha Sasuke," Sasuke said without a care in the world and Gaara then turned to Sakura. "My name is Sakura Haruno," Sakura said with as much confidence as she could muster from her time with Naruto.

"Well I'm Sabaku no Temari and the idiot here is my little brother Sabaku no Kankuro," Temari said while Kankuro nodded with a grin before it deflated. "What do you mean idiot?!" Kankuro shouted while Temari covered her ears.

"Just what it sounds like," Temari said before Gaara glared at the group. "I'll be sure to kill all three of you," Gaara said before walking off with Temari and Kankuro.

"That guy is all kinds of weird isn't he?" Sakura asked not getting a response from anyone, but she didn't expect one since it was a rhetorical one.

From far off three people had been watching the scene in front of them with interest before they pulled back. "Hmm that blond guy is really good," one of them said. It was a male with white hair and dark skin. He had an obvious sword on his back.

"Wait, what did he do? I didn't see anything. Course I just barely saw that girl with the pink hair move. She's trouble," a girl with the same dark skin said only she had long red hair, but her sword seemed to be the same as the young male's.

"Omoi, Karui, be cool. These are our opponents and we don't have the time to...," a light-skinned woman said suddenly stopped as she got a good look at Naruto's face. Her hair was blond and behind her clothes as a small tanto. She slowly narrowed her eyes at his form before she slowly felt a rush of memory. "...little bro," Samui thought while Karui tapped her shoulder.

"Oi Samui, you okay?" Karui asked before Samui shook her head. "I'm fine Karui. Let's go. We can't be seen right now," Samui said as they three flashed away not knowing that Naruto had been looking in their particular direction before he walked off as well.

From another part there were three standing in a tree looking down. "So those are who we're supposed to kill. Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. Fitting," said one of them. A mask covered his face except for one eye and his arm held a large gauntlet. The female of the group with black hair gave a small smile, but the other one narrowed his eyes as he watched Naruto leave.

"Aniki, you're here!" he said before he found his shoulder touched. "Oi Zaku, let's go!" the girl said while Zaku sighed. "Yeah yeah Kin. Don't get your panties in a fuckin' twist. Come on Dosu," Zaku said as they dashed off from the trees as well.

As Naruto walked away he narrowed his eyes further into a small glare. "Zaku, what are you doing here?" Naruto wondered to himself as he guided Sakura back to his house. They would get in some last-minute training for her and then some last-minute training for Naruto himself.

Hokage Mansion

Sarutobi quickly stamped some papers as Anko and Ibiki came into the room. "All preparations are finished Hokage-sama," Ibiki said while Anko gave a thumbs up. "Very good. Are you sure that the Dark Zone has been blocked off?" Sarutobi asked and Anko grinned.

"They'll be dead long before they can ever get there Hokage-sama. There is nothing to worry about," Anko said and Sarutobi tiredly. "So why do I still feel so worried?" Sarutobi wondered to himself as he let the smoke fill the air.

Nighttime, Forest of Death

Naruto and Sakura were quietly eating dinner while the Tv was playing loudly in the background with an amused Rinko, Touka and Fu watching the flashing funnies across the screen since they had finished first. They had all but rushed to do so and Naruto was actually happy that Rinko got her mind off that. He really didn't want to have that talk with her just yet. That was just a different type of learning all together. One that Naruto didn't think he could explain that easily to his kids. "Naruto-kun," Naruto looked up and he noticed Sakura twirling around her food across her plate.

"Do you...think I could really become a chunin?" Sakura asked and Naruto looked down. "I believe you are capable of so much more than the Chunin rank Sakura. Never let your doubt stop you from trying. If you give up without trying then you will be nothing, but the ones who try will have the satisfaction of knowing that they tried. You have that potential," Naruto said and Sakura looked at him. The thing she noticed was the best thing she could ever hope to have. A true Naruto smile. The blonde looked at her happily and Sakura nodded trying not to go teary-eyed at the table. Naruto noticed this and leaned back.

"Sakura, once you're finished with your food, sit on the couch and close your eyes," Naruto said and Sakura blinked. She tilted her head to the side in confusion, but nodded all the same as she watched Naruto walk off. Sakura quickly finished her food then stood to her feet. She walked over to the couch, sat down and closed her eyes, still obviously confused.

It was a few seconds later that Sakura heard the sounds of feet and knew it was Naruto. She just kept her eyes closed. She then felt something hit her legs. "Okay, open them," Naruto said and Sakura slowly opened her eyes to see a scroll on her lap. She looked up at Naruto and noticed his light smile. She unfurled the scroll and noticed a storage seal. "Apply your chakra," Naruto said and Sakura placed her hands over it and did as he instructed. Quickly a puff of smoke came and Sakura waved it away before she gasped to see black gloves. Each glove had a seal on it and in the middle of that seal was a small piece of Uzuin.

"T-These are...," Sakura gulped before she took them and tried them on. They managed to fit perfectly around her hands and she felt the comforting feeling of leather. They were hard yet soft. Firm, but comforting. She couldn't describe this feeling. "Punch that tree," Naruto said pointing outside and Sakura looked outside. She slowly walked outside and Naruto followed her. He folded his arms and Sakura cocked her fist back. She slammed one of her fist into the tree before she looked in surprise as a burst of lightning came from her gloves and fried the tree making it sizzle slightly. Sakura stared at her gloves in amazement and turned back to Naruto.

"Those gloves were made from the same principle as my Fuma shuriken. For a total of five minutes, you can use every one of the six basic elements if you focus your chakra. They last those five minutes, but you can interchange if you desire. However all you get is five minutes so you must use it wisely. My furnace was being cleaned so I couldn't do it at home and risk you seeing it so I went over to the Higurashis to borrow theirs. Those are your for your hard work Sakura," Naruto said and Sakura looked down. She held her head down before, with her speed, she rushed at Naruto and sent both crashing into the ground. Naruto seemed surprised while Sakura sniffled.

"Thank you Naruto-sensei. Thank you so much," Sakura said and soon Naruto felt something warm on his lips. He looked down and he noticed Sakura kissing him. Her lips tasted of cherries. Very sweet, which was something that Naruto found to be strange.

He didn't know how to respond to this new development, but it didn't last long. Sakura soon backed away before she happily jumped up and down while Naruto touched his lips. An...interesting development. That was...Naruto's first kiss. However he couldn't find himself to complain. Maybe Sakura was just happy that she didn't realize what she did. Seeing her with that smile on her face, Naruto felt his heart lighten ever so slightly. But the blond looked up at the sky and his eyes grew cold. A feeling went through his head. A very...bad one.

Next Morning

Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura appeared in front of the academy. They glanced to each other as Naruto stepped forward. "Not a place for pride, not a place for grudges, not a place to mess around. The two of you will live through this. Do I make myself clear?" Naruto asked and Sakura nodded.

"Hn, I don't take orders from you Dobe," Sasuke said before Naruto grabbed his collar and forced Sasuke to look into his eyes. "Understood...Uchiha?" Naruto asked and Sasuke growled, but nodded as Naruto let him go. The blonde then proceeded to open the doors to the academy. Team seven walked up the stairs of one of the halls and they noticed a crowd of people around one door. The room for their exams was room 301 and here they...were?

"I said get lost!" a kid shouted as Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura watched Lee get pushed to the ground. "Hey, we need to get into that room for our exams!" Naruto noticed Tenten shout while one of the kids snorted.

"Please you'll just get your asses kicked. Better try again next year brats. We're saving you right now," he said, but he noticed out of the corner of his eye Naruto, as the blond kept walking away along with Sakura. "Whoa, Naruto's gonna be joining? Man I feel sorry for some of these people," Izumo thought to himself before he heard a snort.

"Hey you, release this stupid genjutsu. This is the second floor. We obviously still need to go to the third floor for our exams," Sasuke said while everyone blinked in realization. Naruto and Sakura stopped before they noticed Sasuke have a small smirk on his face. "Foolish Uchiha," Was the only thing that Naruto had to say for this before one of the kids smirked.

"Ha! So you figured it out. I suppose that takes some talent," he said as he released the genjutsu around the room revealing room 201. People soon started to blink before they gasped and started to move up the stairs.

Sasuke walked back to his team with a small grin on his face before a quick slash came across his cheek. Sasuke cursed and placed his hand over it as he saw Naruto looking at him coldly. "The next time you go against what I've told you, your face won't be the only thing to be cut," Naruto said and Sasuke snarled angrily at the blond's back before he turned to Sakura. He noticed her shake her head at him with a sigh before she walked off as well. "Don't you dare look down on my dobe! I'm an Uchiha! I'm a fuckin' elite!" Sasuke said in his thoughts.

"Uchiha Sasuke. It seems we meet again," Sasuke turned his head and he noticed Neji Hyuuga staring at him. Naruto and Sakura turned around while Sasuke stood to his feet. "What do you want Hyuuga?" Sasuke asked. He never liked Neji, but then again Sasuke rarely liked anyone or anything.

"Your sensei mustn't like you if he's allowed you to take these exams this early. I have seen how you fight in our last mission. You three won't stand a chance here especially not with the dead last there. It is your fate," Neji said while Sasuke snorted. Naruto raised and eyebrow while Sakura frowned.

"Well see about that Hyuuga. I can see why the Hyuuga clan never liked the Uchiha clan since we had the superior dojutsu. It's only natural," Sasuke said and Neji scowled.

"Excuse me Neji, but for the longest time I have wanted to test my skills against Uchiha Sasuke. I have been training hard and I wish to see how much I have grown. You are a talented individual Sasuke-kun, but I will see just how far you have come with my skills. Among strong people exists genius types and hard-working types. If your Sharingan is a genius-type from the Uchiha blood, I am simply a hard-working type who has mastered only taijutsu," Lee said with a grin while Sasuke chuckled.

"You understand that I was strong during our first mission and you still want to challenge me? Well I don't mind showing you your place," Sasuke said and Lee nodded his head before everyone noticed Naruto push Sasuke back. "Uchiha learn your own place. Put the needs of the team above your own. We're leaving," Sasuke opened his mouth for an immediate retort.

"And this is NOT up for discussion," Naruto said while Sasuke scowled. "Shut your mouth dobe. I do what the fuck I want. If you aren't strong enough to protect Sakura in order for me to be alone then just say that otherwise don't get in my way. You're not stronger than me!" Sasuke growled out and Naruto was decidedly quiet.

"Sasuke, let's just go already! We're wasting time," Sakura said pulling Sasuke with her sudden strength as she led him away with Naruto giving him a lasting glare. "B-But my opponent," Lee cried while Naruto turned back.

"There is a time and place for everything. This is neither the time nor place for your desires. Settle such things on the battlefield. No place else," Naruto said swiftly turning around and leaving a surprised Tenten, indifferent Neji, and crying Lee behind.

Leaving the scene behind, Sakura brought Sasuke to a corridor before the Uchiha managed to get free of her grip. "If you ever do that again I will...,"

"Do nothing Uchiha. We're done here. Let's go," Naruto said walking past him while Sakura fell into step. Sasuke glared at them both before he stuck his hands in his pockets and walked with them. He wouldn't forget this. Not by a long shot.

Team Seven quickly came to a group of stairs as they noticed Kakashi leaning against the doorway. "Kakashi-sensei, what are you doing here?" Sakura asked confused while Kakashi leaned up. "Yo, I just wanted to know that my cute little genin were all here. I'm glad I knew you were all ready to take these exams," Kakashi said looking at them. A confident Sakura, not-caring Naruto, and angry Sasuke. Seemed about right.

"Beyond this door are trials that you will face, but I believe in all of you. I couldn't have had better students," Kakashi said while Sakura blinked. "Well what would've happened if one of us hadn't come?" Sakura asked and Kakashi just offered a small smile.

"Well then the two of you who did come would have failed. You're a team and as such your success depends on each other," Kakashi said while they glanced to each other. Sakura and Naruto shared a look and nodded. Sasuke and Naruto glared, but they agreed to it also. "well there is nothing more I can say except...good luck!" Kakashi said to them. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura nodded their heads as they pushed the doors open.

"I hope that they learn to rely on each other. Right...Minato-sensei?" Kakashi thought to himself before they door closed keeping him from looking inside.

Quickly, Team Seven appeared through the doors and they felt a wave of various KI come at them. Naruto was unimpressed and so was Sakura, and Sasuke. Sakura had much worse dealing with Naruto as her sensei and Sasuke had fought tougher people out there than these chumps.

Naruto looked around most of the room to see the people who were staring at them. He could see a team from Taki had appeared to the Chunin Exams. He paid two of the teammates little mind, but the one who caught his eyes was the dark-skinned girl with green hair, sort of like the hair that Kisa had when Naruto had seen her. Her orange eyes seemed to be looking at the group before they looked with the blonde's own. Just as soon as they did Naruto found himself in a staring contest with her as they continued to look at each other sternly. "This girl. She is exceptionally strong," Naruto thought to himself before the green-haired girl broke the gaze and looked somewhere else. Naruto's eyes then glanced around the room and they settled on a team from Kumo. He could see the girl with red hair and the boy with white hair, but he especially paid attention to the young woman with blond hair.

"Oi Samui, that's the guy that we saw yesterday. He's looking at you," Omoi said and Samui turned her head as she indeed saw Naruto looking at her. They shared their own look and Samui saw Naruto's eyes reflect familiarity. "Little brother. It is you. You from four years ago," Samui thought. Samui and Naruto settled for looking at each other for a little while before Naruto just gave a short bow then went on.

His eyes then went to a team from Iwa and the blonde instantly noticed they seemed to be glaring at his specifically. More than likely due to his father's name. Foolish actions Naruto figured, but he noticed one of them was just looking at him in mild curiosity. Her black hair and black eyes seemed to match her face perfectly. She wore the standard Iwa shinobi attire which was mixed with a few other designs that Naruto noticed were from Ayano's General Clothing in Tsuchi no Kuni, but he expected that.

The two locked eyes and the brunette narrowed her slightly while Naruto did the same. She soon broke the stare and glanced somewhere else that might've been of her interest.

Naruto then glanced at a team from Kiri, Shimo, Nadeshiko, Ame, Kusa, Oto, Cha and a few other places before his eyes slightly glared at another sight in front of him currently. He stared as he locked eyes with Ryuzetsu, Haku, and, surprisingly, Sai. Naruto figured that Kisa and Danzo were doing something that allowed Sai to be apart of Ryuzetsu and Haku's team. He was a shinobi who wasn't supposed to exist anyway. It wouldn't have been very hard to say that he was from another village. Also where Ryuzetsu was, Fugai wasn't usually far behind and that's because Naruto had made it that way for those two. Naruto and Ryuzetsu shared a look while the white-haired girl merely gave a low bow. Naruto acknowledged it and then went to Haku. She gave a polite bow also and Naruto acknowledged that one. He turned to see and the two shared an understanding look.

Naruto moved his gaze to one more team as his eyes stared at Zaku. The young Oto-nin stiffened before he tried his best bow though Naruto noted that it was a little sloppy. The blond shook his head and inwardly chuckled. Zaku still hadn't changed since Naruto had met with him. Naruto gave his bow, but his attention was taken from him as he heard a shout. "Sasuke-kun!" Naruto turned his head and noticed Ino quickly jump Sasuke's back while the Uchiha groaned.

"Let go of me," Sasuke grumbled while Ino smiled. "Nice to meet you too Sasuke-kun. Hey billboard, still got that large forehead as usual huh?" Ino asked, but she raised an eyebrow as Sakura didn't seem to hear her opting to read a book from Naruto's vault on some last minute Doton practices. Naruto gave a nod of approval before he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.

"Well well looks like we're all here. No doubt this promises to be troublesome at best," came the voice of a certain Nara as Sakura and Sasuke noticed Shikamaru and Chouji appear, the latter still eating his chips as usual.

"Well we'll just have to do our best. Don't be mad if we're the ones who become chunin before you guys," came another voice as they noticed Kiba, Shino and Hinata appear. Naruto chose to ignore it all while he looked out the window seeing a few shinobi hop around outside. Why Naruto didn't know, but it didn't bother him actually.

"Yeah right. Like anyone would make your ass a chunin dog-breath," Ino said and Kiba growled before pouting. "Well I don't see a partner to you Ino. No doubt your bitchy attitude still repels guys away," Kiba said smugly while Ino grinned.

"You mean like your mom?" Ino asked and Kiba growled while Hinata, Shikamaru, and Chouji sighed. Shino shook his head while Sasuke wondered how he got wrapped up in all of this. "So where is the loser? I don't see him," Kiba said before Shikamaru pointed over to Naruto who was still looking out the window.

"So you made it huh? Well guess what?! We're going to mop the floor with you. Isn't that right Akamaru?" Kiba asked and Akamaru was ready to bark before both heard growling. "I'd like to see the mutt try! He'll never get past me," Fu said suddenly out of Naruto's jacket glaring at the dog while Akamaru growled at him.

"Fu, be respectful. Now go back to sleep," Naruto said calmly and Fu sighed with a small nod as he licked his father's cheek then regressed back into his jacket with a light snarl towards Kiba and Akamaru.

"Ara ara, what are you guys doing? This is why I don't like rookies," came a voice and instantly Naruto's breathing hitched. He turned his head as he noticed Kabuto walking towards the group. "Kabuto Yakushi!" Naruto mentally snarled out getting Kyuubi to pop open an eye. He glared at the insufferable ningen in front of him and found the young man's chakra quite disturbing. Not as disturbing as his own, but well it was up there. You could believe that.

Naruto casted a glare towards Kabuto and soon everyone found themselves uneasy. A few genin coughed and found it hard to breath. Kabuto felt his legs shaking as he stared up to see Naruto glaring at him with as much hatred as that day. "Wow that's a nasty glare. I still can't help, but slightly tremble when I see you. You hate us that much don't you?" Kabuto mentally asked while Naruto snarled. Lucky for Kabuto, Sakura managed to pat Naruto's shoulder.

"Naruto-kun, are you okay?" Sakura asked and Naruto soon stopped his assault. The air returned to normal allowing people to breath and Kabuto's legs stopped shaking. "I am fine Sakura. Do not be concerned," Naruto said and Sakura nodded though it was hesitant to believe the words of her friend/teacher, but she accepted it...for now.

"Who the hell are you?" Kiba asked while Sasuke managed to remove himself from Ino's grip. "Who am I? Why I'm like you guys. My name is Kabuto Yakushi and I think you guys should keep it down. Take a look at that," Kabuto said and everyone turned and gulped when they saw the various looks of hatred in people's eyes. Naruto looked at the pathetic people in front of him before closing his eyes. Useless.

"People are a little wound up for these exams. After all, this is the first Chunin exam were all five of the Great Nations are participating. So you guys might want to keep quiet," Kabuto said before Sakura walked over to him and sneered.

"Then how do we know you're not one of them? Once you're here everyone, Konoha-nin or not, is an enemy. You'd do well to back off," Sakura said glaring at him and if it wasn't for Kabuto being used to threats then he would've applauded her for trying so well to intimidate him.

"Well what can I say? When I see my helpless village's genin then I feel like I need to offer some help. Like...information. I have information on everyone in these exams with my ninja info cards," Kabuto said and Naruto frowned. "You impudent man. I'll make sure you don't live past today," Naruto thought, but he couldn't act in front of everyone. So he just decided to bite his tongue and wait though it was very hard.

"You seem well informed," Shikamaru said while Kabuto rubbed the back of his head. "Well I have taken these exams six times in a row," Kabuto said and Sakura suddenly narrowed her eyes further. She turned back to Naruto and noticed him try to hide the deep scowl on his face, but Sakura could read it well. Naruto detested this man and if Naruto, himself, detested someone then Sakura would keep her guard up.

"Wow, you must really suck," Kiba said and Kabuto offered a fake laugh, but those like Sai, Samui, Ryuzetsu, Sakura, and Naruto could differentiate with it. "Or it means that I have a lot of experiences dealing with this sort of thing. Tell me who would you like information on?" Kabuto asked and everyone turned to each other before they noticed Sasuke step forward.

"I want information on Sabaku no Gaara, Rock Lee, and Naruto Uzumaki," Sasuke said with an extra glare sent towards Naruto which the blond ignored. "Aww you know their names. That's no fun," Kabuto said before he channeled his chakra and pulled out three card.

First is Rock Lee-san. Genin of Konohagakure no Sato. Teammates are Tenten Higurashi and Neji Hyuuga. Currently not partnered. Ninjutsu is non-existent. Genjutsu is non-existent. Taijutsu is existent and strongest of the generation. He has completed 25 D-rank mission, 6 C-rank mission, and 1 B-rank mission. Not bad for a genin," Kabuto said with a smirk. Sasuke raised an eyebrow before Kabuto moved on.

"Sabaku no Gaara. Genin of Sunagakure no Sato. Teammates are Sabaku no Temari and Sabaku no Kankuro. Currently not partnered. Ninjutsu is unknown. Genjutsu is unknown. Taijutsu is unknown. He has completed 0 D-rank missions, 8 C-rank missions, 4 B-rank missions, and...whoa 1 A-rank mission. It says here that he's never been hurt once during these times," Kabuto said and nearly everyone gulped. Naruto and Sakura glanced to each other for a bit before shaking it off.

"Last one, Naruto Uzumaki. Genin of Konohagakure no Sato. Teammates are Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. Currently not partnered. Hmm this is weird. Ninjutsu is unknown, Taijutsu is unknown, Genjutsu is unknown. He had completed 45 D-rank missions, 2 C-rank missions, 1 B-rank mission and...whoa 2 A-rank missions!" Kabuto said while Ino, and Kiba gawked. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and turned to Naruto with a small eyebrow raised.

"When the fuck did you guys get an A-rank mission? Let alone two?!" Kiba asked while Sakura shrugged. "One was a co-op mission with Team Gai where we encountered an A-rank missing-nin named Kagura and her associate Bando. The other was when we had to go to Wave where we encountered an A-rank missing-nin named Zabuza Momochi," Sakura said while Kiba snarled. Shikamaru and Shino glanced to Naruto like the blond was a puzzle to be solved before Sasuke stepped forward.

"Hey wait a minute. Sakura and I have been the dobe's teammates for six months now. We never got a B-rank mission," Sasuke said while Kabuto looked down at his cards. "Well that's what it says here and my cards don't lie," Kabuto said while Sasuke turned to Naruto.

"When did you get a B-rank mission?" Sasuke asked/demanded to know, but to his irritation Naruto didn't answer. "Oi Dobe!" Sasuke snarled out while Sakura turned to him. "Naruto-kun?" Sakura asked, but Naruto continued to say nothing.

"Well whatever, those are the facts so you'd better take them to heart, but I wouldn't worry too much. After all we have some pretty weak villages here. Namely the newly founded Otogakure," Kabuto said with a smirk while Kin, Dosu and Zaku snarled. "That guy talks too much. Let's put him in his place," Dosu said before Naruto and Sakura noticed the three dash forward. They raced through the crowds of chunin hopefuls before Dosu held out his arm.

"How about you shut your mouth!" Dosu shouted as he swung his fist, but Kabuto easily saw it coming as he dodged out of the way easily. It wasn't really a fast punch. The brunette from Iwa narrowed her eyes and so did the green-haired girl from Taki. Samui from Kumo glared as did Ryuzetsu, Sai, and Haku. Everyone was watching as Kabuto landed back.

"Too slow to catch me you fo...," Kabuto's widened his eyes as his glasses suddenly shattered and he lost his balance. He fell to the ground before he coughed and wretched while Dosu gave a grin. Zaku appeared behind him and folded his arms. "Write this down on those cards of you, hmm. I'm telling you, the three from 'Otogakure' will definitely be chunin, hmm." Zaku said while Kabuto coughed still. The Otogakure male turned back to Naruto and the blond gave Zaku and approving nod. Zaku just grinned before everyone heard a loud poof of smoke.

"Alright you maggots, time for you to sit down and shut the hell up! You're not going to be a problem for us are you?" Naruto heard Ibiki say as he looked across the room full of spineless genin. Dosu glanced to him before he retracted his hand. "Sorry, I guess we're just a little jumpy is all," Dosu said before Ibiki snorted.

"Hmph, I don't care. Now then all of you line up and pick a number. Be prepared, or not, but either way it doesn't matter to me. I'm Ibiki Morino, your proctor, and I have one thing to say to all of you. Welcome...to your hell," Ibiki said as a few genin gulped. Ibiki could see it in some of their eyes. They were having second thoughts, but it was too late. That train left and now they were on the fast track towards their worst nightmares.

---

KG: Okay there we did that! Now then , yeah I do like this Sakura a lot, but she isn't with Naruto. That little scene I made was more a spur of the moment thing. Naruto would consider her more of his prize pupil than anything else. He does care for her greatly. That's just about it.

Naruto: ….I never said that.

KG: But you're thinking it.

Naruto:...be silent.

Anko: You know, if both of you could, oh I don't know, PULL! That would be fuckin' great!

KG: Alright we got it! Almost there! We're about to unmask him! A little more! PULL!

Steve: It hurts!

Anko: Bear it!

KG: NOW!

RIP!

Symbiote: (HISSSSSS)

KG: Get out of here! It would...go...all...the...way! It's outta here! Now let's answer that all important question. Who is slenderman? Show us your face Steve!

Anko: Camera ready!

Steve: My face is...another symbiote! It reproduced on me over the years! Who knows how many we have to rip!

KG:...

Anko:...

KG...excuse me for a second.

Room

KG: SON OF ****! Bitch-nappin ***! Horse nose, dead duck beating piece of ****! With a **** side order of *****!

Outside

KG: Ahem excuse me. Well that's all people we're done here. Trust me if we aren't then I'd end up putting a bullet through Steve's head.

Steve: W-What?!

KG: So from us to you we say. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review and SEND US CREAM...

Naruto: (Glares)

KG: Ummm send us...(sigh) never mind. You don't have to send us anything. Just go on about your lives.

Naruto: That's what I thought you said.

KG: However! You would all do well to RESPECT THE DAMN CREAM! See ya.