Number 11 is up and running. As you could probably see I had a lot of problems lately with reposting the same chapter :)) Hopefully this won't happen too often. Anyway on with the show and thanks for keeping up with this story.
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to some guy in Asia.
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"Again." Ordered Naruto. You might be asking yourself what is he doing. The answer is simple. He is teaching. Who you ask? His apprentice, who else.
Konohamaru performed the sign for the Shadow Clone Jutsu and beside him appeared a clone of his. Konohamaru held out his hand and started focusing chakra into the palm of his hand. A blue sphere of chakra was starting to form, resembling a miniature ball. A second later a perfect Rasengan was formed. Konohamaru's clone entered the fray and started adding more chakra to the already formidable Jutsu.
The ball of chakra started expanding, a bit by bit. Konohamaru was panting heavily. Sweat was rolling down his face by the gallons. The procedure is a lot harder than it looks. You may think that performing this Jutsu should be an easy feat. After all, you only form a ball of chakra. Well, judging from the heavy breathing coming from Konohamaru, the procedure is a pain in the ass.
Just forming a ball of chakra is considered a feat by itself. Then you have to keep this power in control so that it doesn't blow in your face. That requires incredible amount of control and concentration. Add to the fact that you want to make this powerful Jutsu even more powerful you get one exhausting training session, as Konohamaru is finding out right now.
Halfway through the procedure of making Rasengan even bigger, the ball of chakra started swirling out of control and eventually a small explosion occurred because of it. Konohamaru was blown back several meters where he landed on his back, his whole body in pain.
He lay there, exhausted. Just breathing alone was difficult let alone doing something else. Naruto was by his side in a flash, inspecting him for any injuries. He let out a breath when he saw none. He went through the same training and he knew what could happen if the technique fails. Let's just say, it isn't a pleasant experience.
Naruto smiled at his young apprentice, "Hurts like a bitch, doesn't it?"
Even though he was in pain, Konohamaru managed to respond to his teacher and friend, "That would be an understatement. My whole body feels like it's on fire. Not to mention my hand. It feels like I dipped it in molten lava or something."
"Well, that's what happens when you suffer from chakra exhaustion and numerous other things. The hand thing will fade away eventually. Your chakra coils in your hand are suffering from overexertion. They are not used to releasing so much power and holding it in a single point." Said Naruto assuming his Teacher Mode.
"Did you go through the same thing?" asked Konohamaru, hoping to hear that he wasn't alone in this matter.
"Yes. So did Ero-sennin. This is something you will have to endure. But the reward in the end is worth it. Trust me." Grinned Naruto. Kono nodded.
"Why is my Rasengan so much smaller than yours?" asked a slightly downed Kono.
Naruto was a bit surprised but he was actually wondering the same thing, "Well, I'm not too sure but I think it's because my chakra coils are stronger which means I can create a stronger one without injuring my coils. It could be because of something else but I think in time when you grow so will your coils. They will strengthen themselves which means you'll be able to create a bigger one. Don't worry, you are doing well. This is just another obstacle for you to overcome. It will help you in the end both to grow as a man and a ninja."
"Don't worry. I won't give up. What kind of a student yours would I be if I gave up?" grinned proudly Kono.
"That's the spirit. Now come on. Let's go see your teammate's torture at the hands of Kakashi-sensei." Chuckled Naruto.
"Yeah, about that. You see, I can't move my body. It's going to take a while before I can move." Said an embarrassed Konohamaru.
"No problem. I have a solution for that." Said Naruto smirking evilly. Kono didn't like that smile.
Naruto picked him up and threw him over his soldier, ignoring his shouts of pain. Yep, he can be quite sadistic at times.
"You idiot. That hurt." Said an angry Kono but sadly he can't do anything about it.
"I know. That's what Ero-sennin used to do to me. It's only fair if you get to learn this technique, you also get the other things that come with the Jutsu." Grinned Naruto, not that Kono could see him.
"Whatever. Just take it easy and walk casually. Don't need you to hurt me even further." Sighed Kono.
"Sure thing. I can do that." Smirked Naruto who was planning on ignoring his last statement.
With a swift jump onto the trees, the duo was jumping towards the rest of the team. One was smiling; the other was crying his eyes out. That made one weird scene if anyone was there to see it.
They landed after a minute or so. They came upon a scene that was very similar to the one Konohamaru was in before.
Ebisu, Kakashi and Shizune were smiling down at their exhausted protégés. Whatever they did definitely wasn't pleasant, at least not for them.
"Yo, Kakashi-sensei, Nechan, Closet Pervert. I see your training was productive." Smirked Naruto, ignoring the glares he received from the downed students and from the Closet Pervert.
"You could say that, Naruto-kun. We showed them what it means to mess with the top dogs." Smiled Shizune sweetly.
Naruto laughed at her and her remark, "Good. That was the point of this little gathering. And of course to train them."
"You guys are evil. You even corrupted Ebisu-sensei. I miss the old Ebisu-sensei. He was so kind and caring." Cried out in sadness Udon.
"Don't worry, he'll be back once we leave. Or not. Who knows?" grinned sadistically Shizune, enjoying this little torture.
Konohamaru decided to end his little silence, "You guys don't know the half of it. You can at least move. Look at me. I am a breathing corpse. I can't move my eyelashes, for Christ sakes."
"I see you were busy, Naruto." eye smiled Kakashi.
"Yep. But I'm proud of the little bugger. Not many people could endure that kind of training. He'll probably need a few days of rest but it will be worth it in the end." Grinned proudly Naruto.
Konohamaru also smiled at the compliment. It's nice to see your master acknowledges your progress and determination.
"Good. That means our work for today is done. Ebisu, they are all yours now." Smiled Kakashi, saying his goodbyes. Shizune and Naruto followed, the latter dropping Kono unceremoniously on the ground, laughing while doing it.
When they were out sight Hanabi spoke up, "Remind me to stay away from Kakashi-sama for the rest of my life."
"Amen." Said Moegi, Udon and Kono in unison.
Ebisu smiled at his students. He remembers the time when they were all little brats, still the greenhorns, fresh out of the Academy. They were all so brash at the time, thinking they own the world now that they became Ninjas. But look at them now. They are still brash but at least now they've got a reason to be. They have grown into powerful ninjas, worthy to become part of the next generation that will lead this country.
'It won't be long now when they surpass me.' Thought a proud Ebisu.
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"And then he used the infamous Thousand Years of Death Jutsu. You should have seen Udon's face. It was priceless." Laughed Shizune, letting out her boisterous side which was usually hidden when around Tsunade.
Naruto laughed at the story. He knew how it felt like to be on the receiving end of that nasty Jutsu. Let's just say, his ass was sore for a week after that.
"Oh man, I so wanted to see that. It hurts like a bitch but it's funny as hell." Laughed Naruto.
Kakashi just had an eye-smile on his face throughout the story, his lazy personality still intact.
"Speaking of pain, how are you holding up with Gai, Shizune?" asked Kakashi, surprising Naruto by the information.
"What? Nechan and Gai-sensei? How? When?" bombarded Naruto.
Shizune was a bit embarrassed and angry at Kakashi for dropping the bomb so suddenly but she knew she will have to tell Naruto eventually. How the hell did Kakashi even find out?
"Well, it's been about a month now. It started one night when I finished my work at the Tower. Gai was just coming out the office from a mission debriefing. It was late and he offered to walk me home. After that, we met occasionally and went for some casual lunch. Soon after it escalated into a date and then several more. You know he is a nice guy once you get past his unusual tendencies. He tends to tone them down when he's with me though." Said a smiling Shizune, happy after a long time being alone.
"Man, I still can't believe it. The Green Beast of Konoha and the Delicate Hand of Konoha, together. But if you are happy then who am I to object? Congratulations, Nechan. It was getting kinda hard seeing you alone all the time. It's about time you found someone." Smiled Naruto.
"Thanks Naruto-kun. You know I still hate my nickname in the Bingo book. The Delicate Hand. It sounds dirty. I don't like it." Said an irritated Shizune.
The pervert voiced his thoughts, "I like it. It has 'character'." Suffice to say his head wasn't feeling too well after that remark.
"You know, me and Kurenai have an agreement of sorts. Whenever you act like a pervert I tell her. Don't you just love that?" grinned mischievously Shizune.
Kakashi shuddered and paled. He knows that Kurenai hates it when he acts perverted unless they do it together. He is still baffled by that. If they do perverted stuff together it's okay but if he does it alone and in public, the reception isn't so great after that. 'Women' sighed Kakashi.
Kakashi quickly apologized and pleaded her not to tell his violent partner who is very proficient in Genjutsu, Yaoi Genjutsu to be exact. Even the narrator shuddered at that.
Shizune was ignoring his pleas and was smiling smugly, happy to have the Cyclops under her mercy.
Shizune addressed Naruto, forgetting about Kakashi for now, "What about you? How are things with Ino?" smiled Shizune.
Naruto smiled widely at the mention of his girlfriend, just mentioning her makes him happy, "It's been great. We are both enjoying our time together. Every day is a new adventure with Ino. We always do something different and it always brings us closer together. We had our first sleep over last week."
"Wow. That's a big step, Naruto." Said Shizune.
"I know. I was scared at first but after spending the night sleeping next to her it felt natural and right." Smiled Naruto.
"I'm sure she did too." Winked Kakashi, thinking of perverted actions. A fist on the head from Shizune promptly shut him up.
"You would think you learned by now?" beratted Shizune, her eyebrow twitching in annoyance.
Kakashi was seeing stars after that punch reserved for perverts and idiots. He can't help it if people give him opportunities to say something which they don't like. It's instinctual.
Naruto smiled at his Nechan and at Kakashi's pain. Serves him right.
"Don't listen to this idiot. It's good to hear you two are doing so well. I'm happy for you two." Smiled Shizune, ignoring the pervert on the ground who was asking for some medical attention.
"Yeah, we are doing well, better than I expected. The thing is though she's been having nightmares for the past week and she won't tell me what's bothering her. She always gives me a reassuring smile and waves it off like it's nothing important. I ignored it the first time but it's been happening a lot lately, the nightmares I mean. She's worried about something and I can't help her." Said Naruto concerned for his blonde girlfriend.
Shizune entered her Medical Mode, analyzing the situation regarding her nightmares. It could be stress related or fear of losing something or someone. It can't be stress since Naruto said they have a good time when they are together and she isn't aware of Ino having any external problems. It could be because she formed a bond with Naruto and is afraid of losing that bond with him.
She sighed, no closer to finding an answer. Only Ino knows what is going on and she isn't talking.
"If that's the case and she isn't willing to talk about it, all you can do is wait. Wait for her to feel comfortable talking about it. It could be nothing. When she's ready she'll talk to you about it. I'm sure of it." Advised Shizune.
Naruto nodded at her advice, thankful for it.
"I understand. I'll wait and hope for the best." Said Naruto, a small smile coming onto his face in the end.
They came upon the sight of the village in full motion. Merchants were opening their stands, restaurants starting their day, tourists exploring the village, enjoying the sights…
The trio said farewell and went to do their things. Kakashi went to Kurenai and little Asuma to spend the day with them. Shizune went to the hospital to start her shift for today while Naruto was walking towards the flower shop. The Yamanaka family decided to expand their little shop to make it more appealing to customers. They were going to add another greenhouse and more room for the flower display. Naruto, the kind hearted that he is, volunteered to help with the expansion.
So we now see him entering the shop where he saw Inoichi, Inora, Ino all preparing supplies for this mission of theirs.
Ino spotted him first and rushed to him and gave him a hug and a sweet kiss on the lips. Inoichi waved at him while Inora smiled at the young man.
"Glad you came. Now we can start. We were waiting for the muscles to come. God knows what would happen if Inoichi started lifting heavy stuff. It would be a disaster." Chuckled Inora. Inoichi just grumbled something about wives who don't appreciate their husbands but didn't dare say it out loud. Nope, he would like to spend the day pain free.
"Is no one else coming? I thought this was a job for multiple people." Asked Naruto respectfully.
"Normally it would be. But we decided that this will be blondes only." Smiled Inora.
"That sounds good. Who needs other people anyway, when I am here. I'm an army by myself." Grinned Naruto.
Ino smiled at the man, "With you here we will have this done in a jiffy."
"Count on it." Responded Naruto proudly.
"Yeah, yeah. Less talking more working. Shall we?" said Inoichi, the leader of this expedition, at least he think he is. We all know who wears the pants in this house.
Naruto and Ino turned towards the real leader, who smiled at them and nodded in agreement. Orders given they set to work.
Naruto made a few clones to help with moving the supplies. They started first by demolishing the wall in the back so that they can start expanding the shop.
Naruto used some wind manipulation to cut down the wall neatly without damaging the rest of the shop. The others plus some of Naruto's clones started clearing up the rubble. With that done, Ino and Inora started making the stands where the new flowers will be put on display. Meanwhile the men were discussing how much extra space will be added. They took some measures and agreed on the number.
They started first on the supports. Naruto used his clones to bring the wooden supports into the new room where the real Naruto and Inoichi helped put them in place. Naruto and Inoichi both first used some Doton manipulation to dig a few holes where the supports will be placed.
After the supports were placed Inoichi started on the walls and on the isolation so that the environment will be suitable for the flowers. Naruto focused on preparing the floor for the tiles to be put on it.
With the help of the clones the work only lasted for a few hours with a lunch break in between where the family enjoyed their time together.
The new room was finished and now was time for the decorations. Inoichi and Inora were setting up the stands and fixing up the flowers. Ino and Naruto were in charge of painting the wall which got slightly out of hand. Naruto decided to have some fun and 'accidently' painted on Ino's face which made Ino furious and retaliated with equal force. That led to an all out paint war between the two youngsters.
In the end you could see two laughing blondes on the floor both covered in paint and the walls were still blank. But the two blondes didn't care. They had fun and that's all that mattered. Of course they changed their minds when Inora berated them and ordered them to paint the wall otherwise they will have some alone time with Inora The Butcher.
Ino and Naruto both gulped and started painting in blinding speed, speed that matched Minato's Hiraishin Jutsu.
An hour later they both swiped the sweat from their forehead and looked towards each other, smiling proudly, " It looks good." Smiled Naruto.
Ino smiled smugly, "Of course it looks good. I designed it."
"A design is worthless without the proper hand to make it into a masterpiece. That's where I came in." responded Naruto teasingly.
"Please, we all know you don't have the artistic touch. Just look at your clothes when you were a kid. A symbol of an idiot." Teased back Ino.
Naruto faked hurt and pouted at his girlfriend. Ino felt sorry about her little remark about him being an idiot. She gave him a hug from behind and whispered sweetly into his ear, "But you are my idiot."
This made Naruto very happy, "And you are my bossy girlfriend." Responded Naruto, smiling at his wonderful and beautiful girlfriend.
This earned him a sweet kiss on the lips. It was a short kiss but it told everything that needed to be said.
"I hope you weren't doing that the whole time." Grumbled an annoyed father.
The couple turned towards the intruder and said, "What else would we be doing?"
This caught Inoichi off guard. He was expecting a negative answer and not this. He was interrupted by the sound of three voices laughing at him. Two coming from in front of him, belonging to Ino and Naruto and one from behind him which came from his wife who was apparently amused by his predicament.
He crossed his arms and huffed, annoyed and offended by his family.
'Every time. Every single time, I must be the laughing stock of my family. Where did my manhood go?' thought Inoichi, hitting rock bottom.
"Oh, relax honey. We are just having some fun. You know we love you. If you want I can show you how much I love you right now." Whispered sweet things Inora into his ear which got the desired reaction.
Some drool and dreamy look in his eyes plus some red tint on his cheek emerged on Inoichi.
The teens were wondering what happened to him. One moment he was angry the next he was pudding in Inora's arms. They just chalked it up to Inora's magic.
"Did you finish the stands already?" asked Ino which woke up Inoichi from his fantasies.
The parents nodded in affirmative, "I see you also finished. I see my morale boosting skills still work." Smiled sweetly Inora, hiding her evil inside of her.
Both Ino and Naruto smiled nervously, "Yeah, you could say that."
"Good. Glad I could help. I must say I'm impressed with how the room turned out. Better than I expected." Smiled happily Inora. Inoichi nodded, also pleased with the room.
The teens inspected the room around them and they must say it looked fabulous. The room gave off a homey feeling, making you feel at home instantly. The paint brightened the room and made it livelier instead of being all gloomy and dark. The flower stands were aligned perfectly, each flower complimenting the one next to it. The work of true masters.
"It looks beautiful. We outdid ourselves. We should have done this years ago." Said Ino, happy to have been a part of this.
"We are not done yet. We still have to build another greenhouse next to the existing one." Reminded Inoichi.
"What are we waiting for? We can admire the room later." Said Inora.
They all walked out back where the next greenhouse will be built.
Inoichi spoke up and turned towards Naruto, "Any ideas Naruto?"
Naruto a bit surprised by the answer, took a while to respond, "Well, the first thing that pops up in my mind is that we could connect the two greenhouses, you know like a tunnel that leads between the two."
Inora and Ino were thinking the idea sounded great and smiled at the young man.
And so did Inoichi, "That actually sounds great but I don't think we have enough steel poles to make it." Responded Inoichi, bringing out the bad news.
Naruto was deep in thought and was stroking his chin, trying to think of something. And then it hit him.
"I've got an idea. If I'm right, this could fix our steel shortage." He bit his thumb and made the hand seals for the Summoning Jutsu.
"Summoning Jutsu!" exclaimed Naruto slightly, slamming his hand on the ground. A poof of smoke later, a toad the size of the greenhouse appeared, scaring the inhabitants a bit.
"Yo, what's up Bro? Need something?" asked the new arrival called Gamakichi, Naruto's personal summon.
"Hey Kichi, sorry for bothering you but I am in need of your assistance. I was wondering if you guys have any spare steel we could use." Asked Naruto humbly, scratching his head and showing his foxy grin to his friend.
"Steel? What for?" asked Kichi.
"You see, we are building a greenhouse and we had the idea to make a tunnel to connect it with the one over there. But we don't have enough steel to make it." Explained Naruto.
"Well you are in luck. We have some available but you need to ask Lord Fukasaku for permission. He is the one in charge of this sort of things. Summon him and explain the situation to him." Clarified Kichi.
"I see. Well here goes. 'Summoning Jutsu'" a slam on the ground later, a small green toad appeared with some white hair on his face.
"Naruto-chan, why have you summoned me? You are clearly not in battle." Asked the elder.
"Hey Gramps, sorry about that. I need some help from the Toads and Kichi here told me you are the guy I need to talk to. I am in need of some steel poles for the greenhouse we are building." Said Naruto to his teacher.
Meanwhile the trio were shocked and surprised. Even Inora knew what it meant to see an elder Toad in the flesh. It was an honor on the highest level. They all bowed their heads when he looked towards them.
"And who might you guys be?" asked nicely Fuka.
"My name is Inoichi Yamanaka and these are my wife and daughter." Said Inoichi respectfully.
"My name is Inora. It's an honor to meet you, Lord Fukasaku." Said an equally respectful Inora.
Next came Ino. "My name is Ino. It's nice to meet you finally. Naruto told me a lot of great things about you." Smiled Ino.
"No need to be so formal. Friends of the brat here are friends of the Toads. So raise your heads and speak freely." Smiled Fukasaku.
They were a bit still unsure but Naruto told them it's okay which did the trick.
"So can you help us Gramps?" smiled Naruto, like this was an everyday thing, meeting the Elder Fukasaku. But for him it probably is, lucky bastard.
"We normally don't do this but since it's you I'm going to allow it. You did a lot for the Toads and it's time for us to return the favor." Said Fuka, which made the whole group smile at him.
"That's great Gramps. I appreciate it. Don't worry; next time I visit I'll have gifts for all of you." Beamed Naruto.
Fukasaku chuckled at the young summoner. He really liked the little kid. He reminds him so much of Jiraiya except for the perverseness.
"That sounds great, kid. Just tell Kichi here how much you need and he'll bring it to you. If that is all, then it's time for me to go." Said Fuka.
"Say hi for Grandma for me, will you? Tell her I miss her." Responded Naruto at the departing Elder.
Fukasaku nodded and waved to the rest of the group which waved back a bit shyly, still unsure how to act around the powerful Toad.
A poof later, Fukasaku disappeared and the group told Gamakichi how many steel poles they will need.
Kichi nodded and returned to his home.
"Man, that was really something." Said Inora.
"I know what you mean. Very few people have ever seen the great Elder Fukasaku. I never thought I would live to see this day." Said Inoichi.
"Naruto, that was awesome. We got to see the most powerful Toad in existence and he was your teacher." Shouted Ino in joy and ecstasy.
Naruto scratched his head in embarrassment. He really didn't see what the big deal was. He's just an old Toad to him.
"Ah, if you say so. He's just a grumpy old Toad who likes to hit me a lot with his walking stick." Responed Naruto in his usual manner.
"That's because you probably did something stupid, you baka." Smiled teasingly Ino.
"Hey, I'm not that bad. I can be smart when I want to be." Yelled Naruto in annoyance.
"I doubt that. Once an idiot always an idiot." Smiled Ino while walking towards him.
Naruto crossed his arms over his chest and pouted while avoiding Ino's gaze.
"Oh, come here you little baby. Let Ino take care of you. I'll help you get rid of your idiotness." Smirked Ino while giving him a chaste kiss on the lips which made Naruto forget all about the idiot remark.
"Oh come on! Do you have to do this in front of me? I swear, you are trying to give me a heart attack." Grumbled an annoyed Inoichi.
"Stop being so shy already. We did this all the time and it didn't bother you then. So man up." Ordered Inora, sending him a stern look.
"But this is different. This is my Princess, my Pumpkin, my…" he was cut off from his rambling by a devil in disguise. Inora appeared before him, her face morphed into that of a Husband Beater.
She spoke in a sweet tone, "Now, what did I say before? You will let this drop, understand?"
Now something else happened that shocked the whole crowd. Inoichi resisted and fought back, "No, this is my job as a Father. It is my duty to do this. I won't change my mind." Said Inoichi seriously, not backing down.
Ino and Naruto gulped. They felt sorry for Inoichi and for what will happen to him.
The parents were both glaring at each other, both not willing to bow out. After a few moments of this battle of wills, Inora sighed and seemingly gave up but she had another trick in her sleeve, one that never fails.
She whispered something in his ear, away from the prying ears of Ino and Naruto, "You do this for me and I will show you my gratitude tonight and the night after that and the night after that…" she trailed off, letting him guess how many nights are there included.
Inoichi had a stary look in his eyes; his body was shivering from excitement. Inora smirked. Yep, she still got it.
"O-k-a-y." was Inoichi's only logical response. Who would miss out on all that fun? Definitely not him.
Inora smiled, "Thank you honey." She gave him a small kiss on the lips, just a little preview for what was coming in the night.
They were interrupted by two poofs of smokes emerging in the courtyard. Two Toads arrived; Gamakichi who was holding a large bag of supplies and Gamatatsu, a very girlish looking Toad appeared also holding a large bag of what seemed to be supplies.
"Hey Bro, I'm back. And I have the stuff you need." Smiled Kichi at his friend.
"Hey Bro. Do you have any snacks?" inquired the ever hungry Gamatatsu, who is a little smaller than his brother Kichi.
"Hey guys, good to see you. Tatsu you got big. No, sorry I don't have any snacks. I'll give them to you some other time, okay?" apologized Naruto.
"Uhm, Naruto? We can make some snacks for your two friends. It's the least we can do after they helped us with the steel." Smiled kindly Inora.
"Are you sure you don't mind? I can always give it to them another time. You don't have to go through all this trouble." Said Naruto.
She waved him off, "Nonsense, besides I am of no further use for you guys here. I'll just be in the way. Me and Ino will go in the kitchen and prepare some snacks for all of us. You and Inoichi will also be hungry after this is done."
Naruto smiled, " Alright then. Did you hear that Tatsu and Kichi? You won't be leaving hungry after all."
Gamakichi smiled at the older woman and Tatsu was already drooling and fantasizing about all the different food he's going to eat.
Ino and Inora both excused themselves and went to the kitchen to start preparing food for the workers. Inora will make some different snacks for the Toads and something for her husband while Ino will try to make Ramen for Naruto. The emphasis is on try because she never made it before so it will be trial and error.
"Alright guys, let's get to work." Ordered Inoichi.
They started by stabbing some poles around the courtyard for basic measurements on how big the greenhouse is going to be. Next they started constructing the metal cage that will be the greenhouse. The Toads helped with that as well. The places that were out of reach for the humans were done by Kichi and Tatsu. They used Fire manipulation to weld the poles together, making it sturdy enough to place the see through roof on.
After the cage was constructed which was done in a half an hour or so, the Toads really helped speed things along, Inoichi and Tatsu started on placing the roof on. While Naruto and Kichi started on the tunnel that will connect the two greenhouses.
An hour later, the two Toads and the two blonde Humans all stared at their new creation. They smiled at their job well done. It looked way better than they thought. This will boost the Shop's income, definitely.
Just as they were done, the ladies came out with 5 trays, all packed to the brim with food.
"Lunch time. Oh, I see you finished. It looks wonderful, honey." Smiled Inora at her husband and the rest of the working force.
"We sure did. These guys were really helpful. " smiled Inoichi gratefully to the Toads who were already stuffing their face with food. Inoichi sighed while smiling and went to join them.
Naruto walked towards his tray of food. How did he know which tray was his? Easy, it smelled of Ramen.
"Ino, you made Ramen? For me?" asked a smiling and grateful Naruto.
"Yep, I wanted to make something special for you. I hope it tastes great. This is my first time making it." Smiled Ino at his boyfriend.
"I'm sure it will. Thank you." Said Naruto while giving her a kiss of gratitude which she happily accepted. They both dug in after they parted their lips.
The Toads munched on their food in record time, "That was great. Your cooking is amazing Miss Inora." Smiled a satisfied Kichi. Tatsu nodded in agreement with his brother.
"Well thank you. But please just call me Inora. 'Miss' makes me feel old." Smiled back Inora.
"Thank you Inora. This has been lovely. I'm afraid it's time for us two to go. It was nice to meet you all. See you. Naruto, don't be a stranger." Said a waving Kichi.
Naruto waved him goodbye and so did the rest of the gang. A second later the Toads were gone and the family was left alone.
"Thank God for you Naruto. Otherwise this would have taken days to finish. You certainly have a knack for constructing. Where did you learn that?" asked a grateful and smiling Inoichi.
"Well, living alone has its perks. I had to fix a lot of stuff in my apartment so I picked up a few things on the way. After that it's all about experience and your imagination." Smiled Naruto, remembering the good times when he had to fix his apartment. When he was painting the wall, he felt at peace and didn't think about the bad things in his life. It was his time of peace.
Ino smiled at him and leaned on his shoulder. He went through so many hardships and yet he became such a wonderful man. If only she noticed that before. What an idiot she was. They were all idiots for not recognizing him.
"This village is lucky to have a man like you protecting it. Even though we don't deserve you, you still came to our rescue numerous times." Said Inoichi with a small tinge of regret in his voice. He was still feeling guilty for not helping him in the past.
"What happened in the past should stay in the past. I admit it was tough when I was growing up. To be hated just because you were born, did numbers on my morale. But I made that into my strength, my determination. I could have wallowed in my grief and anger but that wouldn't change a thing. I trained my ass off to become someone the village would recognize. This village's hatred towards me was my inspiration to become the greatest of the greatest. In some way I'm thankful for that. The obstacles I overcame made me into the man I am today." Smiled Naruto, not bothered by his past anymore. He has accepted his past a long time ago.
"You know, you are just like your mother. Full of determination and optimism." Said a smiling Inora, shocking Naruto and Ino.
"You knew my mother?" said a stunned Naruto. "You know who his mother is?" chirped Ino immediately.
"Of course. She was one of my closest friends. We were practically inseparable when we were younger. In fact that's how I met Inoichi. Inoichi and Minato were good friends and when Minato and Kushina started dating they introduced me to this girly man right here. Of course, not many people knew that your Father and Mother were dating. That was kept on the need to know basis." Smiled Inora.
" Man, that's so great. I have a new connection to my parents now. Do you mind if I ask you a few things about them?" asked an excited Naruto, whose eyes were becoming a bit teary.
"No, please do. It's the least we can do for you." Smiled gently Inora. Inoichi nodded in approval.
Ino was listening closely. This is a topic that is important to her boyfriend and so it makes it important for her as well.
Naruto was racking his brain for anything he wants to know about them. There is so much he wants to find out. He doesn't even know where to start.
"You know, I don't even know where to start. There is so much I still want to find out about them. I want to know their whole lives, their problems, their sadness, their pain, their happiness, love, friends, everything. Would you mind just talking about them? Just talk about them, that's all I need." Said a very happy Naruto.
Inora nodded and smiled caringly at him," Well, the thing I remember the most is the day your Mother found out she was pregnant. I went with her to the doctors and waited there for an hour or so. I was really starting to get worried but when she came out of that office she was a different person. She was glowing; she was the happiest person in the world. She was rubbing her stomach and crying tears of joy. Minato was the same, if not worse. He wanted to shout to the whole world that he's going to be a father. I think that was the first time I saw Minato cry." Reminisced Inora.
Naruto was overjoyed. He heard something similar from his Mother but it's nice to hear the story from a different person's view. It's nice to hear that he was loved the moment they found out about him.
"This went on through her whole pregnantship. Minato would pamper Kushina with everything. You and Kushina were his priority. He would abandon his duties as a Hokage to go to the store to pick up Kushina's favorite ice cream or something similar like that. He was the perfect father even before you were born." Smiled Inora.
Naruto had tears of joy in his eyes. It all sounded so great. This could all be his life but destiny wouldn't allow it.
"Kushina would sing songs to you or tell you stories. I think she kept a diary of every time you kicked or moved but I think it was destroyed in the Kyuubi's attack." Said Inora.
"It all sounds so great. Thanks a lot. I always enjoy hearing things about my parents. Sadly Kyuubi doesn't like to talk about these kinds of things otherwise I could hear this stuff from him." Said Naruto thankful to the Yamanaka family.
"I'm not your damn chatterbox. Find someone else to talk about this emotional crap." Muttered Kurama.
Naruto ignored him. He knew Kurama doesn't like to talk about those sorts of things so he doesn't pester him with questions about his parents.
"Can you tell me more, please?" asked Naruto eagerly but respectfully.
The Yamanaka family smiled at the blonde. They couldn't blame him for asking. They would be the same if they lived their whole lives without their parents and if they suddenly found someone who knew them personally.
"Sure, no problem. I would love to." Smiled Inora. "Let's see." Said Inora in her thinking pose. "I got it. How about their first date?"
Naruto was ecstatic. Another piece of information about their parents.
Inora started, "It was Kushina who made the first move, obviously. They were beating around the bush regarding their feelings for months. Nobody wanted to admit first that they liked the other. Kushina was fed up with the game of cat and mouse so she marched towards his house and kissed him. You can imagine Minato's reaction. He was clueless what to do next. But luckily Kushina helped him. She told him he has to take her out on a date. And he did. Kushina told me that that night was one of the best nights she ever had. They didn't do anything special or went anywhere fancy or anything like that. They went to her favorite restaurant, the Ichirakus ironically and then they took a walk in the park. They talked under the full moon and told each other some embarrassing secrets and stuff like that. They had the best of the times. They laughed, bickered, fought and similar things. They eventually fell asleep together under a Sakura tree. And that's how their dates went. They rarely went to a fancy restaurant or places like that instead they showed each other their favorite places, foods, habits… They were made for each other." Finished Inora.
Naruto was smiling lovingly at the scene playing inside his head. It sounded so beautiful and wonderful. They sounded so happy together and so was he.
"We wanted to tell you this stuff a long time ago but sadly we were forbidden as were the rest of the people who knew. It hurt us every day seeing you all alone and hated for something that was out of your control. We wanted to take care of you, give you a home, love you like you should have been. We spat on Minato's and Kushina's memory. We did nothing and for that we are deeply sorry." Apologized sincerely Inora and Inoichi.
"You don't have to apologize. As I said I understand. I you were have associated with the Demon child you would only bring trouble to yourself and your Clan. They would redirect their hatred towards you and that is something I could have never allowed. You would have suffered, Ino would have suffered and all because of me. Please, don't beat yourself up for what happened in the past. I'm sure my parents would have understood your reasons." Responded Naruto.
"Still, we could have done so much more. We could have helped you in the shadows, buy you food, clothes and things like that. But we were too afraid, we were cowards." Said Inoichi in pain.
"You did something else for me. You know, I remember you guys from when I was little. I remember walking past your store every single day and you would smile at me. It wasn't a fake smile like some people gave me. No, it was a genuine, brilliant smile. It made my day every single time I passed your store. It kept my morale and confidence up. Your smiles helped me on my way to become the man I am today. So please, let the past stay in the past. Let's focus on the now." Pleaded Naruto.
"You are such a wonderful guy, Naruto. Your parents would have been truly proud of you. I know we are." Smiled Inora.
Naruto smiled and beamed at their compliment.
"And he's all mine. I bagged myself such a handsome and caring man." Grinned beautifully Ino at Naruto who gave her a small kiss for her compliment, even though it was strange one but that's just Ino.
"I can't wait for my babies. Can you imagine what they would look like? They would be the prettiest little babies the world had ever seen. Those blonde hair and blue eyes… Wonderful." Smiled and teased Inora.
Inoichi was embarrassed yet again by his wife's words and so were Ino and Naruto but much less than Inoichi. Ino was actually imagining what their children would look like and she must say her Mom was right. They would be adorable.
"Honey, do you have to do that every single time we are together?" pondered an embarrassed Inoichi.
"Yes. You have your drinking with your friends and I have this. We all have something unique that separates us from the others. Mine is teasing." Smiled Inora who was silently hoping that her daughter marries this wonderful young man. Then she can brag to Yoshino about her adorable grandchildren.
Inoichi sighed. He knew it was pointless to argue with her about this. This is his fate from now on.
"I should be used to this by now but sadly I'm not." Grumbled Ino. Naruto agreed with her but he doesn't mind that much. It's all just good fun, no harm done.
"Well, it's getting late. I think I should be going. Thanks for a lovely dinner and thank you for telling me about my parent's lives. I'm eternally grateful to you. Thank you!" smiled Naruto.
The parents just waved him off, saying it was nothing. It was their pleasure actually. They enjoy talking or gossiping about Minato and Kushina. It makes them smile every time.
"It was our pleasure. You can ask us anything, anytime you want. It's the least we can do for you." Smiled Inora while Inoichi nodded in agreement while giving the young man a fatherly smile.
"Come on, I'll walk you to the door." Said Ino who didn't want Naruto to leave so early.
They stopped in front of the door where Ino gave him a long loving kiss. Kissing with him felt so wonderful, so rejuvenating. She is thanking whatever deity that is up there for bringing Uzumaki Naruto into her life. She can't imagine her life without her blonde boyfriend. She would probably be dating some slime of a guy who would see her only as a trophy. This past month they've been dating was the best month ever for her. She found out so much about Naruto and about herself. Naruto revealed to her his greatest, deepest secrets which made her feel warm inside.
You tell this kind of secrets only to the person you really trust and care about and to be that person means the world to Ino. Spending time with him also enlightened some things about herself that she didn't know. She is no longer the shallow girl she used to be. She set her priorities straight, thanks to Naruto and certain events in her life.
The blonde was an enigma to her. She thought of him only as a friend but now when they are dating she is really starting to care for him. These feelings are foreign to her. It feels different to what she felt towards Sasuke. Sasuke felt more superficial, this feels deeper, more genuine. It could be the start of something greater for Ino. It could even be love.
"Do you have to go? Can't you stay for a few more minutes?" asked Ino, embracing Naruto. She knew that won't happen. It was late and it was time to say their goodbyes.
Naruto smiled and chuckled at his girlfriend, "I would love to stay but it's getting late. Don't worry; I'll see you in the morning. You promised to show me your special place, remember. I'm looking forward to it."
She brightened up at the thought of showing Naruto her favorite place, "That's right. You'll get to see my favorite hanging spot. It's going to be so great. Now shoo. The sooner you leave, the sooner I can get to sleep and the sooner the morning comes and I can see you again." Smiled Ino lovingly at him. She gave him another juicy kiss which Naruto happily accepted. Who wouldn't? Sasuke, probably.
"Sweet dreams, Hime." Smiled Naruto waving goodbye.
"You too, Naruto. See you in the morning. Don't be late." Smiled Ino.
Ino closed the doors and sighed dreamily. He makes her feel so wonderful. No man has ever done that to her before and she'll do anything to keep hold of that feeling. She went to her room and did her nightly routine before bedtime. She went to bed where she dreamt of her wonderful boyfriend.
And so did Naruto. They couldn't wait for the next morning.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""SOMEWHERE ELSE""""""""""""""""""""""
Another but a much bigger crack appeared on this strange mountain. A sign of things to come.
That's a wrap. Nothing special happened in this chapter, just something that had to be done. I promise next one will be better. As you also probably noticed I'm having difficulties with the words that come after quotation marks things like inquired, said, responded, mused,… and stuff like that. I sometimes don't know which word to pick and because of that I use the same words over and over again, as you probably noticed. If you have any suggestion how to fix this please tell me. Thanks for reading and for you support.
See ya!