'' I don't know Ino.. He really doesn't remember and i don't know what to do.. There's nothing to do actually, but hope that something will trigger his memories.. '' Sakura spoke.

She watched her best friend finish up a bouquet of white roses. She watched how the blonde haired girl wrapped them with a red bow, and how she added just the right amount of glittery substances on the petals. Ino was always goof with flowers, so this was no surprise. The pinkette remembered how the girls bouquets always stood out in the Academy days. She always admired her skills and wished she could be like her. Ino her eyes, childhood eyes, Ino had it all. She was pretty, smart and confident, so her flower knowledge only completed her personality.

'' I still can't believe he lost his memory. I mean, after the fight he had, injuries and side effects are normal, but this is something i would have never expected. '' Ino said, as she placed the bouquet bellow the counter.

'' I know, no could have seen this coming.. ''

Ino moved the lock of hair from her face, behind her right ear. '' How are you holding on? You did get hurt pretty badly. ''

'' I'm fine, i healed half of those injuries after i got hit anyway.. ''

'' What you did was really reckless, you could have gotten fatally injured, or died! '' Ino yelled at Sakura.

'' It didn't matter to me then, and it matters less now.. Knowing that i finally did something for him, saved him, it overcomes my injuries. '' Sakura spoke with a serious and sharp tone.

Ino let out a sigh as she watched the pink haired girl.

'' I can't explain how weird it is, him not knowing who i am.. Remember how he was always loud, and how he always pulled pranks during the Academy days? How he tried to get my attention and tried to find ways to talk to me? How he always protected me, how he was always considerate? But now.. It's not who he is now, and i can't get used to, or accept the fact, that he is silent, shy and so distant.. ''

'' I know it hurts Sakura.. But he will regain his memory, sooner or later it will happen.. '' Ino said, smiling slightly.

Looking down, the pinkette slightly clenched her fists. '' I hope.. Ugh, i have to go Ino, i'm sorry! See you around! '' She said, running outside.

'' W-Wait, Sakura! '' Ino yelled out but the girl didn't return.

I can't believe this, it's not right.. Ughhh! After all those things i've seen, images.. everyone and everything i've seen.. I still don't recognize anything at all.. The Nine-tails tried but still nothing..

Letting out a sigh, the blonde haired male closed his eyes in irritation. He could see those images in his head all over again, as if he was actually there.

He could see himself fighting the raven haired boy. He was almost able to feel the punches he was receiving, he could almost feel the pain. He watched himself punch the male as both stood on water, he watched some sort of marks appear on the boys face as his body began to change. A sort of lightning formed in the ravens hand. He also changed, the Nine-tails took over and it's red chakra was visible around his body. A ball of chakra formed in his hands. Both clashed, a huge force was created and followed by a large explosion. He lost, the raven boy was gone. Naruto had failed.

The scene changed. He could see himself with a man, they were training. His hair was long and white, and he had a childish smile on his face. The blonde was learning, what seemed to be some sort of a Summoning jutsu, and all he could summon were small toads. He was disappointed with himself, and the older male was getting irritated with his summons.

Then, he saw a training ground. He was standing by the pink haired girl, and their sensei was in front. Naruto attacked first, he and his clones worked together. Throwing a large shuriken which the male dodged, a cloud of smoke appeared as Narutos clone appeared instead of it. He could see the pinkette punching the ground bellow them, creating a crater which revealed where their sensei was. He could see himself creating a large number of clones, which were partly taken down by the silver haired male, and partly by the earthquakes the girl made. He could see the two of them, with their backs against a tree, as they talked strategy vise. He could see them jump out, and in the end, smile while they held the bells they were supposed to take.

He could see himself being carried by Kakashi, he could see the how tired he was. Being put down, he saw villagers running to him, cheering him on. He noticed Sakura walked up to him, and punching his head. She hugged him. He could see her arms wrapped around him as she thanked him. He could see many people of his age, or close to his age, lifting him up and throwing him in the air, many times.

Then, he saw the raven male attacking the pinkette with a kunai that was poisoned, he could see the purple venom dripping from it. He rescued her, moving quickly with her in his arms. He could see the scar on his cheek as he was cut by saving the girl.

Hearing a loud knock on his door, Naruto opened his eyes, ending the images he was seeing before. Slowly lifting himself up, he made his way to the door. He didn't know who it was, but was about to find out. Opening the door, he lift his right eyebrow. A male with rather long black hair, which was picked up into a spiky ponytail was standing in front of him.

'' Um.. Hey? '' Naruto said, not knowing who the male was.

'' I see.. Still no improvement? ''

Naruto shook his head, and wondered if the black haired male was his friend, or someone close to him.

'' So troublesome.. Ugh, well, my name is Shikamaru. '' He said, placing his hands in the pockets of his brown pants.

'' Sorry, i don't remember. ''

'' I know baka. Come on, let's go out. '' Shikamaru said.

'' Huh? '' Naruto blinked. '' Look, don't get me wrong, but i'm not in the mood for more memories right now.. '' He said, thinking about the images he had seen previously.

A slight smile formed on the males lips. '' I didn't plan on doing that, so come on. You need to get out of your room. '' He said as he began to walk.

Closing the door, Naruto followed him. The two walked out into the street and continued walking slowly. Naruto stared at him as he didn't see him in any of his flashbacks and images before, so he really didn't know what to expect.

'' Your wounds healed nicely. '' Shikamaru said.

'' I guess. '' Bluntly the blonde replied.

'' You always heal quickly, no matter how big the injury you receive is. That Nine-tails has some good sides i guess, and when you add Sakura's medical jutsu to it, it's no wonder why you are always alright and healed fast. ''

'' Yeah.. I don't remember anything much, but while i was in the hospital, i could feel the Nine-tails chakra and also something else, i can't explain.. ''

Shikamaru looked at him. '' What do you mean? ''

'' Well, even though i was unconscious, and unable to open my eyes, i could still hear my own thoughts, and even see the Nine-tails. It helped me see some things from my life, things i've forgot. And while being in that state, i could feel something entering my body, going trough my skin and getting into all of my cells.. It was something warm, and pure, and i think it's what helped me wake up.. Every time i felt it, i felt stronger, it's like something was fueling me, you know? '' Naruto explained, not being sure if his words even made sense.

Shikamaru looked at him confused, but he had an idea in his mind. '' Maybe someone healed you, the nurses possibly. You did have plenty of treatments as far as i was told. ''

'' Maybe.. That could have been chakra then, but even though i can't remember things, i know for a fact, that i have never felt such clean and warm chakra, if you know what i'm trying to say. '' He looked at the male, noticing his brown eyes were focused on him.

'' If you want, i can talk with Tsunade and see about your treatments and see if you really were healed and by who. ''

'' That would be great, but you don't have to, it's alright. '' Smiling slightly he said.

'' It's a bother, but i will do it. ''

'' Are you always this, umm, how do i put it, lazy? '' Naruto asked grinning.

Shikamarus eyes widen slightly, as he looked at the ground and smiled. '' That's me. The lazy genius. '' He chuckled.

Naruto tapped his back, smiling. He could see that there was something to him, and he began to like him and enjoy his company.

An hour passed as the two walked around the village, talking. It was as if they had just met at first, but as more time passed, it seemed like they were friends for years. Naruto found it refreshing, being able to just randomly talk to someone, laugh and just have a good time. He began creating a picture of who Shikamaru was, and he liked him. As they were near Naruto's apartment once more, the blonde began speaking.

'' I really had a nice time talking with you Shikamaru, thank you! ''

'' Eh, it's fine. Glad i could help. Well, i should get going now, i have things to do which include helping Kurenai with the baby. '' He said, scratching the back of his head.

'' Kurenai? I'm not sure who she is, but i assume she is happy with her child. '' Naruto said.

'' You will see her eventually, i guess. Or even better, remember her soon. '' Shikamaru smiled.

'' Yeah, i hope so. '' Naruto said, and yawned after.

'' Well, see you around Naruto! '' He said, turning his back to the blonde as he walked away.

'' Bye. '' The blonde said, walking towards his apartment.

Soon, he entered his apartment and closed the door behind him. He was feeling slightly hungry, and he opened his fridge and took out a bowl of take out ramen he bought earlier in the morning. He placed the bowl on the table and sat down, as he separated the chopsticks and began eating. Even cold as it was, ramen tasted good. For the first time he left the hospital, Naruto felt like he had made progress. Not memory wise, but relationship wise. He got to know his friend better, and was only reassured that the two were close. He was certain that his life was good, filled with great people, and it only made him more excited for the return of his memories.