Yes, before you ask, I like being married. :D

Anyway, I've finally managed to get back to writing and everything. Now to pick up from the cliff hanger that we ended with last time! For those of you who don't remember, Kakashi was 'helping' Naruto try and get rid of his bloodline ability, but instead put himself in it's way to try and prove his theories about how the eye worked. Picking up from there we continue our story.

Oh, also, I recognize that this isn't my best work. It's a bit childish, I admit, but the idea was fun, so I'm going with it. That does NOT mean I don't want honest reviews. Good reviews are how I am able to best look at my work from another perspective and identify, then fix those weaknesses that appear. Zhor, for example, did a really good job taking apart and explaining each piece they didn't like with how I have written this story. As the author I disagree with some, but a good deal their review IS things I agree with. Sometimes it just takes a second opinion to see it yourself. So, thanks, Zhor, and everyone else that leaves reviews. It really helps. :)

"No! Sensei! Why? Why did you do this to me?!" Naruto shook his head back and forth, gripping it tightly while he tried to understand why his sensei had acted so. He knew how dangerous this technique was, how swiftly it brought death. Did he really hate his life so much that he wanted Naruto to kill him? Was this his own way for getting recompense for his 'sins' he had committed? Why sensei? Why?!

"its okay, Naruto, it's okay," came a soothing female voice and hands wrapping around him in a hug. The boy chocked.

"Kaa-san…why did he do it? Why did he want to die?"

"He didn't," she said. "The last time I saw Kakashi looking like he wanted to die was after his father committed suicide. There was a very different look in his eye then. Just now, what I saw before you body swapped was compassion. He doesn't want you to live in fear, so he gave himself to show you it is safe."

"But what if it isn't? What id sensei's gone now? What if I killed him!?"

"Shush, shush," the woman cooed, "it's okay. If he died, then it was because he was willing to risk it, and because he was very sure he would not die. He would not purposefully leave you with this guilt, the same guilt that has plagued him since Obito died. So, if he is dead, then it was by his own choices, and not of your own. All you have to do is switch back, and then you'll know."

"But…I'm scared," came the quivering whisper.

"I know. I know, my son. But didn't you tell me you wanted to be Hokage? Just like Minato and I dreamed? Is a Hokage afraid?"

"I don't, I mean…he never seems scared."

"Ah, that is it exactly. He never seems scared," his mother said, surprised that his response would bring her so directly to her point. "Everyone is afraid of something, especially a good Kage. They have to fear failing the village and the people in it, of losing their friends and fellow shinobi at any given time because of their decisions. A Kage has more to fear than most, but a Kage will also control that fear. He will face it, look it in the eye and be brave, just like I know my Naruto can do. So, what will it be? Will you run away, or are you going to face your fear? Will you be brave, my son? For me?"

The gennin took several deep breathes, reveling in the comfort that came from his mother's arms.

"Can you…is there any way that you can stay with me? Just in case?" The woman's brow furled.

"I…we both know that I will always be with you, in your heart and in your mind, but I know what you mean. We…could try a shadow clone, but I can't guarantee it will work. You've already been through so much tonight. Do you really want to risk this one, tonight?"

"W, well, you said I needed to, face my fears," he said, standing up shakily. "B, better to get two over with now than to wait, right? Besides, if it fails, I would really want to be able to see you. You know, right after." Kushina looked at the face of her son, seeing the pain in his eyes.

"Alright," she said, patting his cheek. "We'll try it, but just in case it doesn't work, I want us to be around the others. That's my condition." Naruto nodded. "Okay, then let's get back to the hospital."

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"Kurenai-sensei! Could you please lend me Hinata-san for a little while?" The sensei of team 8 looked up from where her team was, once again, gardening. It had been a rather soothing morning, though she was still perturbed by the situation with the boy who now stood before her. "The Hokage is requesting her presence for a short assignment at the hospital," Haku continued, "as he believes her byakugan would be useful in the diagnosis of a terminal patient there."

Kurenai bit back a sniff, giving the boy a once over. He was carrying himself a little differently than he had the other times she had seen him the last weeks, but it was certainly the same boy. She almost wished it was Naruto pulling a prank.

"Does he need her right now," she asked.

"As soon as possible, he said."

"Hinata," she called, "Haku has come to fetch you for the Hokage. Move quickly to accomplish his task and report back immediately. Understood?"

"Hai, sensei," the girl replied, brushing the dirt off her hands and wondering what Haku was doing here. It made things awkward, associating with him now, since Naruto was back in his own body and she had yet to tell him of the Hyuuga clan's proposal.

"Very good. No delays, Haku. I want her back in time for team training, understood?"

"Hai, Kurenai-sensei. I will have her back soon."

The woman shook her head as they took to the roof tops. He was moving differently again. One thing she knew for sure, she did not like that boy. In the meantime, Hinata shot side glances at the boy next to her.

"H, Haku-san, is something wrong with Naruto?" The boy jerked before chuckling a little, flashing her a very Naruto-like smile.

"Mah, sorry about that, Hinata-chan. Actually, this is Kushina right now. Naruto's in residence outside his body at the moment. Guess it's kinda confusing, eh?" She chuckled.

"O, oh! Kushina-san! I, I'm sorry about that. But, but why look like, like Haku?" The grin disappeared.

"Well, actually, even right now I'm just a clone. I want you with Naruto while we get something figured out because I don't know it what he wants will work, and since I'm in his body I thought it would look odd to have two Naruto's running around."

"I, I see. But, but why go around as Haku?" The mother's face darkened more.

"That…that is why I want you to be there for me son."

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"Naruto-kun!" Hinata launched herself into KakaNaru's arms, gripping him tightly. The boy stumbled in shock as his girlfriend appeared, then saw 'Haku' walk in behind her.

"Ah. So that's where you disappeared to. Mom tell you what happened, then?" Hinata nodded, taking a step back held his hands. "What do you think?" Her grip tightened before replying.

"I, I think that Naruto-kun is very kind hearted," she said, "and I am p, proud that such a kind and compassionate person thinks that, that I am worth their time." He gave an odd smirk. It was equal parts pained, embarrassed, and proud.

"Nah, you're totally worth it. And you're probably the nicest person I know."

"From what I've seen, I think I agree," said non-clone Kushina as the other henged to look like herself. "But that isn't the point for right now. Hiruzen, Sasuke, Sakura, you all are aware of the possible…soul wiping, I guess you could say, that Naruto's ability may do. Kakashi also made you aware of his theory concerning that. As I'm sure I've noticed, Kakashi is no longer in residence." The woman scowled.

"While I admire his tenacity and clear thinking, I have to say I am upset with how he has gone about proving his theory to Naruto with his tricks. Now, however, is the moment of truth, and we are here to make sure Naruto has all the support his needs, just in case. Are you ready, Naruto?" She asked, turning towards her son. He nodded. "Alright. Sasuke, Sakura, each of you get behind a body and be ready to catch. Hinata, I want you next to Naruto in case the shadow clone idea doesn't work." Everyone moved to their places, the gennin adjusting their stances for their subjects size and weight.

"Naruto?"

"Yeah…here we go. Body-switch jutsu," he said quietly, locking eyes with his body. An instant later Sakura was helping him to stand on his own, Hinata following up with a hug.

"Do, do we, do we know, yet," he asked unsteadily.

"Well, the shadow clone works at least," came his mother's voice as she smirked at him. "Not that we know if the memories will transfer like with normal shadow clones, but at the very least I can maintain consciousness. Talk with me in your mind scape after I dispel and we'll see on that, eh, son?"

"Y, yeah," he smiled weakly. "But, Kakashi-sensei?" They turned to the bed that Sasuke and the Hokage were lowering the jounin's body onto as the tension mounted.

"Well, I don't think he'll be able to tell us on his own for a little while. Remember, your jutsu takes a bit out of you, though you, at least, are recovering pretty quickly. If Kakashi was right-"

"Hey, Kakashi! Obitio's late again!" Everyone jumped at Kushina's shout. Now leaning over Kakashi, she had put her hands to her mouth, funneling the scream almost straight into the ear of Minato's once student. She huffed in disappointment. "Darn it. That always worked when he was a Chuunin…"

"Um, Kushina? You do remember that he ended up acquiring Obitio's lateness, yes?"

"Well of course, but some habits-"

"Die hard, mah, mah," came the man's voice. "Still, sorry I'm…late. Guess it…worked…Team 7…dismiszzzzzzzzz…"

Naruto dropped to his knees as he clutched his heart. His girlfriend continued to hold him tightly as his breathing came quicker.

"So, so I, I d, didn't k, kill him?"

"No, Naruto-kun, he's fine! Isn't that great?"

The boy let out a loud, crazy, maniacal, but relieved laugh that turned into a sob. Sakura and Sasuke gave him a hug and a pat on the shoulder respectively before leaving. His mother joined Hinata in hugging her son while the Hokage sat and waited.

"You see, Naruto? Kakashi took a risk he felt sure about, and he was right. You are not at fault for Haku's death. It wasn't your fault, see? It's all better now." Naruto nodded and hiccupped into his mother's hug as he began to calm down, the stress finally fading away. The Hokage cleared his throat and the three shinobi turned to gaze at the Hokage.

"Yes, this is very good, and I am happy, Naruto, that things are working out for the best. However, as we don't know how long Kushina will be here, being a shadow clone and all, I really think we should discuss the matter of the Hyuuga's engagement proposal. Now, I am of the opinion," he continued, not noticing the looks of confusion on Naruto's and Kushina's faces, nor the deep blush on Hinata's own.

"I am of the opinion that we should find some way to refuse. After all, what they have seen is the boy Haku dating Hinata, not you yourself. Even if you felt you were ready to make such a commitment I do not see any way whereby we could pass it off without giving away the true nature of 'Haku's' identity-"

"Uuuh, Jii-san?" The Hokage broke off at Naruto's questioning statement.

"Yes, Naruto?"

"What are you talking about?"

"What I think he is talking about," said Kushina, now sporting a wry grin, "is that the Hyuuga have seen Hinata going on dates with 'Haku' and have put forth a request that 'Haku' be engaged to Hinata to be married in some years time. Is that right?" Hinata meeped and fainted. "Never mind. I think we have our answer," she giggled as the Hokage raised an eyebrow.

"Mmm…Has Hinata not spoken to you about this yet?" Naruto shook his head. "Well…I must apologize to her when she awakens."

"Yes, that would be good," Kushina managed to say between giggles before sobering up. "And though I must say I like the idea, I'm with you. I don't see how we could really pull it off. Oh, Naruto, could you stay with Hinata while I talk with the Hokage?" Her son nodded as he placed Hinata onto an empty bed. "Good. Don't worry, we'll be right back.

Naruto scratched his head as the two left the room, wondering why they weren't asking his opinion. He turned to gaze at the sleeping Hyuuga. Hinata was pretty, but beside that (which didn't really matter) he really liked her now. She might be shy a lot of the time, but she was very kind and considerate. She always listened to him, no matter how trivial a thing he was going on about, and she really would listen, too. Not just pretend, but listen!

Still, this was marriage. Were they really trying to set her up this fast? Was she ready? He was pretty sure he wasn't ready, but at the same time, if not him…who? Who would they try to set her up with next if he didn't accept? But it was really for Haku, so how could he? He wasn't even sure he could use Haku's body again because it was just that. A body. A corpse. A husk, a nothing. It felt…well, he wasn't sure exactly how it felt besides odd.

Was it wrong to use Haku's body, if it meant he could be closer to Hinata? And then there was the things Sasuke always said, that if you had an advantage you should use it. He wasn't great, but hadn't he been training with Haku's body? It gave him a new skill set, and his ability in general could have a lot of uses for pranks, he thought giggling.

He shook his head. No, when he became a gennin he swore off his old prank. He wasn't a kid anymore, but a ninja. A shinobi of the Leaf Village. And…Hyuuga Hinata's potential finacee. He might not be ready, but he'd be darned if he left them marry her off to someone he didn't know! She was too nice a person to be shoved into someone she didn't even know.

"N, Naruto-kun?" He looked down, realizing that he was holding her hand tightly. He began to let go but she gripped quickly, as if pleading for him to not. He smiled down at her.

"Heh, hey, Hinata. Feeling better?" The girl blushed and turned away. "Eh? Hinata, what's wrong?!"

"I…I didn't tell you. I should have, but I, I was too scared and confused. I, I really like you," she said, tears beginning to lightly stream down her face, "and I, I would like to accept fathers pro-proposal, but it's for Haku and not you! If, if it had to be as Haku, I would still accept, but I know how hard it is for you and I, I didn't want to be a burden on you. I am ashamed that I would-"

"Stop it," he said firmly. "Hinata, you don't have anything to be ashamed about, no matter what your clan says, or your dad, or, or even jii-san! Sure you might be a little weird and dark and gloomy when people first see you, but you're totally awesome! You're the nicest girl I've ever met, and you deserve to live your life how you want, not having some stupid arranged marriage where you don't even get any say."

"Oh…then, then I guess," she began, not looking at him.

"Yeah; tell your father…I accept." Hinata's head whipped around to stare at him.

"You…"

"I accept," he said, tightening his grip. "I'm not ready to get m, married," he gulped out, "but you're my friend. My girlfriend, and I really care about you, too. So I'll be darned if they make you marry someone you don't want to!"

"But…Haku..you…bodies…" Naruto shrugged.

"I'll get used to it. But I help my friends, and I never go back on my word," he declared, huge smile on his face as he stood giving her a thumbs up, though after a moment he wavered. "And…and I promise, Hinata…I will do my best to love you, so you have a husband you deserve." Hinata cried, rising to hug her boyfriend, her Naruto, and so grateful to him for making what she knew was a huge sacrifice, that is, continuing to use Haku's body, in order to be with her. She wondered when the last time was she'd been so happy.

Well…guess I should help them figure out some solution or another. It will be hard to be Haku and Naruto all those years until they actually get married, assuming they continue to want it. Kakashi rolled over with a small jerk, sighing at how little strength his body had right then. How does he manage to get so much of a better deal out of his jutsu? I feel like I could sleep till tomorrow! He grinned. Hmmm…that sounds nizzzzzzzzzzzzeeeee…."

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"Yes, I think he will, too, but I don't think he's ready." Kushina, transformed into a random shinobi, fumed.

"Yes, because he was ready when Minato and I sealed the Kyuubi in him. Because I was ready when he was sealed into me!"

"Kushina, that is different!"

"Heck ya it is, ya know! One slip up and I could destroy the village! I couldn't even give birth with my best friend nearby because of it! Being a jinchuuriki is just as hard as getting married. Easier, I think," she said, thinking about her time with Minato. They were the happiest days of her life, but also some of the hardest. She continued speaking, pride evident in her voice. "Naruto is a good boy, Minato's son. He'll want to accept it for Hinata's sake, and since he already likes her its fine. That 'like' is gonna grow, ya know? I mean, you've seen the two of them together."

"But what about the actual terms? He has to use Haku's body for it, Kushina." She waved off his concern.

"For a friend, for Hinata, my son would do anything. And I can argue the terms."

"No, you can't." She turned to glare at him.

"Yes, I can."

"No, you can't."

"Yes I can!"

"You're dead." The woman blinked.

"Oh…right…Well then who, who can do that? Is it you?" Hiruzen stroked his beard.

"As far as the Hyuuga know, yes, that would be my place, 'Haku' being an outsider and all. However, Naruto's guardian, as you should know, is Jiriaya, and he can be hard to track down. We've discussed how obsessed he is with tackling the issue that is Orochimaru." Kushina shook her head.

"He always was stubborn. Still, how can we get him back? And stall, not to mention, for the time until he gets back?"

"The stalling is easy. It's Chuunin exams next week. I'll tell them he wants to wait until the exams are over and Hinata and him can talk about it undistracted. That should give us about a month, assuming Hinata can make it."

"Of course she can!"

"Hmm, yes, she can, if she feels confident enough, but she has issues with confidence."

"She'll get better. She is dating my son, after all." They chuckled.

"Yes. Yes I suppose she is. On the other matter, I'll start sending out feelers. Hopfully Jiriaya is close by and catches on to one quickly, then we can arrange for 'Haku' to be under his responsibility and have them arrange it. Assuming, as you so confidently state, that Naruto accepts."

"Of course he will! I already told you-"

"Hokage-sama! Hokage-sama! Ibiki-san wants know why-whoah!" The impulsive Chuunin carrying the message to the Hokage tripped on a raised floor tile, sending him tumbling into the Kushina clone.

"Ah, cra-!"

*POOF*

"Eh? EH!?" The Chuunin looked around. "Wasn't there a lady here?" The Hokage lowered his hat to cover his eyes.

Well, I guess we'll have to finish this conversation later, Kushina. I hope this isn't about the Chuunin exams. I told Ibiki already, he's the best for making sure everyone in the room is really ready to advance. Poor man stills feels responsible for his brother. Still better get it on with, he thought, helping the confused Chuunin to his feet. At least this has a simple solution.

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"Hiashi-sama, the Lord Hoakge," announced the branch member as said kage entered the Hyuuga leaders office.

"Hokage-sama, please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to one of the cushions that sat in front of his desk. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Well, Hiashi, Haku has had some time to think over your clan's proposal," Sarutobi began. Hiashi raised an eyebrow.

"'Some' time, you say? Meaning..?"

"He knows that the Chuunin exams are coming up, and Kurenai is planning on putting her team into them. He is interested, but wants to wait until Hinata is undistracted so they can have a proper discussion as to whether or not they desire to continue their relationship in such a manner." Hiashi nodded.

"I see. Well, that is sensible, and another point the clan will enjoy having in the boy should he accept. Is there anything else?" The old man shook his head, standing up.

"No no, nothing else. I was on my way home and thought it best I update you. I prefer the personal touch, and Haku is still getting used to the way things work here, so it was best I tell you. For now, of course."

"Of course."

"Good evening, Hiashi."

"Good evening, Hokage-sama."

The Hyuuga Head continued to stare at the door intently after the other man had gone, tapping his fingers together in front of his face in deep thought.

There is more he isn't telling me. Something about Haku. Why are they really waiting until after the exams? Why delay rather than just say yes or no, now? Could it be something to do with the Uzumaki boy? After all, Hinata…?did?...like him?

He felt a headache coming on and stood up. I think that is enough for one day. I can finish planning the next stage of Hanabi's training later. And Hinata? In the Chuunin exams? Perhaps I had better talk with Kurenai again to check on Hinata's progress.

With these thoughts filling his head he headed warm up some soup and head to bed. His wife always had enjoyed a bowl of soup before sleep…

So, Kakashi was right! Though he is also very tired. Guess he's not used to having Naruto borrow his body for a little while, eh? But, other than a severe case of exaustion, he's fine. Team 7 back in action tomorrow! (Their tomorrow! I'm too busy to update this two days in a row!)

With that, Naruto seems to have fully accepted his bloodline as part of his life. Now he just has another bit of stress in his life. The Hyuuga clan's marriage proposal! Erk! That's gonna be fun, eh? How can he marry Hinata as himself rather than as Haku? What do you guys think?

That's it for now. Take care till next time and don't forget to leave a review!