Trials of Ice and Fire

Legend:

"Speaking"

'Thoughts'

Jutsu

"Boss Summon/Tailed Beast Speaking"

'Boss Summon/Tailed Beast Thoughts'

Author Note:
First things first. I've been getting several messages, both anonymous and not, saying I use too many clichés, I should not use them, I hate this story because of all the clichés, etc. I get it okay. You all do not like the clichés. Apparently I'm a cliché lover. I get the picture and just so you know, this chapter is full of them.

I don't mind everyone's opinions, but I ask in your reviews to leave suggestions and constructive criticism. I don't mind reviews praising me, they are always nice, especially with suggestions to make them better. I don't mind reviews hating me either. You can tell me you do, but I would appreciate your reasons for doing so as I might be able to help. Simply flaming me is not appreciated.

I've been getting many requests to change the formatting of the thinking parts too. So I've done as requested to the entire story. I'm also changing the formatting for certain jutsu slightly. The common ones such as the shunshin, kage bunshin and rasengan will no longer be bolded and italicized when appearing in conversations. During jutsu usage, the common ones will no longer be translated as everyone by now should know what they are.

Finally, I've been getting people asking about when Haku is going to show up. She is in this chapter, that is one of the main reasons that the previous chapter was a recap. Also, I've not received a single prank suggestion. I know it's only been a few days, but really? Not one? I heard that the readers love being able to affect the story, so I put that out to help with that. Please let me know soon. Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 11: True Feelings Revealed

The next day, Naruto was greeted by an ANBU at the gates of the Senju compound.

"Uzumaki Naruto. Your presence is requested by the Hokage in the council chambers."

Nodding, Naruto says, "Thank you ANBU-san. I will be along shortly."

The ANBU nods and disappears.

'I guess it's time.'

'Indeed Kit. The villagers may have started to barely acknowledge your presence, but after your heritage is revealed, that is going to change very quickly.'

'I suppose so. I'm prepared though. Jiraiya-otosan and Tsunade-okasan prepared me for all the council may try last night. I better get going, no sense in keeping them waiting.'

Naruto then shunshins to the Hokage tower and makes his way to the council chambers.

Arriving there, Naruto takes his place in between Jiraiya and waits for the hammer to fall.

Clearing his throat, the Sandaime starts the meeting.

"Uzumaki Naruto, now that you have achieved the rank of Jonin, it is time for you to decide if you are to claim your place on the council as is your right being the heir of two clans of this village."

Mutters break out among the civilian council before Nara Shikaku decides to ask the question everybody is thinking.

"It's troublesome Hokage-sama, but we could swear we heard you say Naruto-san was the heir of two clans. We are aware he is a part of the Uzumaki clan, but what other clan are you speaking of?"

The Sandaime starts chuckling as he responds, "Surely it is not hard to figure out Shikaku. Blond hair and blue eyes is not a common combination found in this village. Besides, who was the one who always stayed at Uzumaki Kushina's side? Who else would Kushina possibly decide to start a family with?"

'Blond hair... blue eyes... always with... troublesome.'

"So troublesome, the Namikaze clan. Naruto is the son of the Yondaime Hokage."

Silence greets this proclamation before Aburame Shibi decides to speak.

"It is a logical deduction when all the clues are put together: Kushina-san was Naruto-san's mother, he has blond hair and blue eyes, his sensei is Hatake Kakashi, who is Minato-san's last surviving student. Not to mention he is also apprenticed to Jiraiya-sama, who also, along with Tsunade-sama, claim Naruto-san as their godson. It is surprising many in the village did not figure it out."

Inuzuka Tsume decides to interject, "It also explains why Yondaime-sama chose Naruto to be the Kyuubi jinchuuriki. He was a noble man and would never force such a burden on someone else's child while he could use his own."

Nodding, the Hokage says, "You all are correct. Naruto is the son of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina."

Danzo decides to ask, "Why are you revealing this now Hiruzen?"

The council also wants to know this and turn to the Hokage for his answer.

Clasping his hands together, the Sandaime says, "It was always my intention to reveal this when Naruto reached Jonin. I was planning on announcing it after he left with Jiraiya to begin his training as the next toad sage. But certain events have been set in motion that we had to move up the plan and reveal it now."

Hyuuga Hiashi, who had been silent up until now, asks, "What 'certain events' are you speaking of Hokage-sama?"

Sighing, the Sandaime responds, "As you all know, during the invasion Naruto faced down and defeated Roshi of Iwagakure. What you don't know is the reason why. It was because Orochimaru told the Tsuchikage that Naruto was the son of the Yondaime after he encountered Naruto in the Forest of Death. It is due to this that the Tsuchikage himself is coming to the village to meet with Naruto and discuss the events surrounding the Yonbi jinchuuriki's capture. He will be here in two days."

Loud muttering breaks out before a civilian council member asks, "Does anyone know what the Tsuchikage is planning to do with Namikaze-sama?"

Naruto, hearing this, mentally scoffs.

'Namikaze-sama? Just a few weeks ago they were calling me 'demon brat'. Figures that now they know the truth they are going to try and kiss my ass like they did with Sasuke-teme before his true colors were revealed. Do they really think that will make up for all the trouble they caused me?'

'I've told you before Kit. These humans are weak and foolish creatures. Their sudden change in attitude should not be so surprising.'

'Yeah I suppose your right.'

Naruto is brought out of his conversation by his godmother, who is currently in the Senju clan head seat, says, "It does not matter what the Tsuchikage is planning for my godson. The old fence sitter will not be able to do anything because myself and Jiraiya will also be present during this meeting. End of story."

Naruto decides to step forward and address the council.

"I have been thinking on this issue and I don't think the Tsuchikage will try anything in the middle of Konoha. He knows attacking me could bring war down on Iwagakure and he knows they would lose if they try. I think he just wants an excuse to meet the son of the Kiiroi Senko (Yellow Flash)."

Hiashi decides to address Naruto, "How do you know the Tsuchikage does not plan to start a war? Your father killed hundreds of Iwa nin during the last war and many of them still hold a grudge against him even though he died."

Seeing Hiashi's logic, Naruto responds with, "I'm sure the Tsuchikage is not a fool. Between my skills as a Jonin of Konoha, my strength as the Kyuubi jinchuuriki as well as the fact I'm training in my father's jutsu, if war comes, I will not hesitate to remind them why my father was feared by them. He may not know about the last part, but he is aware of my ability to summon the Kyuubi to aid me in battle. That alone would be a major deterrent. Plus there is the fact that Konoha has produced more S-Rank nin over the years than any other village. Most S-Rank nin can fight a whole squad of Jonin by themselves and still come out on top."

Tsume speaks up with, "Well said pup."

Nodding, the Hokage says, "I agree with Tsume-san. What Naruto says is very true. I know Onoki personally from the peace talks after the end of the last war. I'm sure he simply wants to ensure Naruto does not want to attack Iwa. Onoki may not like what Minato did to his village during the last war, but he is not the type to hold a grudge over a dead man. While some of his village might think differently, Onoki is still the Tsuchikage and he will keep his village in line."

Sounds of agreement are heard from a majority of the council. After a minute or two of letting the conversations go, the Sandaime speaks again.

"Now that is out of the way, we need to discuss Naruto's future. Specifically his plans for the Uzumaki and Namikaze clans."

Looking at Naruto, the Sandaime asks, "So Naruto, what do you plan to do? You may be a Jonin shinobi, but you are also Jiraiya's apprentice and eventual successor. Your title dictates you answer only to Jiraiya and myself. The council has no hold over you."

Nodding thoughtfully, Naruto looks around the council chambers and sees everyone is eyeing him in curiosity.

"I have to admit that I'm tempted to say hell with the council. My plan was to leave the village without a backwards glance after the exams to go with Jiraiya-otosan and I would have been able to do it too because I'm Jiraiya-otosan's apprentice and I'm granted Sannin Travel Rights. My life growing up in this village has been terrible and I wanted to just leave it all behind."

Most of the council had the decency to look guilty at this as Naruto continued.

"However recent events have caused things to change. A series of events mostly beyond my control has finally changed the way I'm seen in this village. I'm just now starting to receive a small amount of respect for my accomplishments and my life has been much better. I'm no longer hated by everyone, I have a new family that cares for me, all my friends have accepted me for my burden and so much more. I'm also sure after this meeting is over the rest of the village will start trying to make up for everything because of who my father was."

Looking around, Naruto sees everyone listening to him in rapt attention.

"I admit it will take some time for me to forgive a majority of the village for what they did to me, but eventually I think I will be able to. I'm going to travel with my godfather to train for a few years at least, as there are some very powerful enemies that are after me, but eventually I will return. If, upon my return, I see that the village is genuine in its wanting me to be a part of it, not for who my father is, but for me as a person, I will accept the council seat."

Some thoughtful looks from the shinobi and civilians and smiles from his godparents and the Sandaime, he decides to finish up.

"A long time ago, my dream was to be the Hokage. But eventually that dream was cast aside and now I simply want to live my life in peace. I eventually plan to fulfill my mother's wish to restore the Uzumaki clan to their former glory. I had planned to do it and rebuild my mother's village, but I ff I am truly accepted in the village, I might do it here instead. I don't want to have to fight forever, I want to settle down and raise a family."

Danzo speaks up and says, "An admirable speech on your part, but I feel there are a few things that must be addressed. You say you plan to restore your mother's clan, but what of your father's?"

Facing him, Naruto says, "You are right. My father's clan does not deserve to die out. However, I don't plan on taking my father's name and disregarding my Uzumaki heritage. I am of the blood of both of them. I am training become a master in the art of sealing and kenjutsu to honor my mother and the Uzumaki. I am also training to master the jutsu that made my father famous to honor him as well. So I plan to take both of my parents names and merge both clans as the Uzumaki-Namikaze clan."

The room has nods all around in acceptance of this, Danzo decides to make one final remark though.

"What of restoring your clan? As the last male of the line, you qualify for the CRA and-"

Naruto scowls and interrupts, saying, "Absolutely not."

Some mutters are heard as Danzo says, "Excuse me?"

With a serious tone that would accept no argument, Naruto says, "I will not be marrying multiple women who would try to seduce me for my wealth and power just to restore my clan. I will not let that happen. There is only one woman who I have feelings for in my life. If I am going to restore my clan, I will do it with the woman I love and no one else."

Most of the room is wondering who this woman is, but it was Inoichi who realized, remembering the speech Naruto gave during his match with Neji.

Raising his hand for silence, Inoichi turns to Naruto and asks, "Is this woman your referring to the one known as Haku? The woman you said brought you out of your darkness as you put it?"

With a wistful smile, Naruto answers, "Yes she is. I never told her my feelings, as our lives were going off in two different directions, but she is the one who I love. She brought me out of my darkness and showed me the light in life. She is my ice-hime, my tenshi (angel)."

Meanwhile near the border of the village

Said tenshi was currently making her way to Konoha in an effort to get help to win the war in Kiri as the battle was not going well for the resistance. Hearing rumors about actions taken during an invasion of Konoha by one Uzumaki Naruto, who was also rumored as son of the Kiiroi Senko, the leader of the rebellion, Terumi Mei, sent Haku to confirm them and see if Konoha would help them. So here we find Haku, almost at the gates of the village, thinking about a certain whisker faced blonde boy and wondering if the rumors that she had heard about him recently were true and hoping he would be able to help.

Back in the Council Chambers

Seeing the look of devotion on Naruto's face, they all knew he would not be swayed by this. The Sandaime speaks up then.

"I can see that your feelings for her are genuine and you will not be swayed on this matter Naruto-kun. Very well. I will not order the CRA be applied to you."

Bowing, Naruto says, "Thank you Hokage-sama."

'Kit. I think it is time we revealed the truth behind my attack. They are accepting of you right now and want to try and keep you happy so you will stay loyal. Some already know, but I think everyone should be informed of the truth if they are going to truly accept you.'

'Are you sure Kurama? They might not believe it.'

'They will if I tell them myself. Summon me and I will explain.'

Coming out of his conversation, Naruto says to the Hokage, "I think it's time we revealed the truth to everyone about what happened that night thirteen years ago. They deserve to know."

The shinobi and Danzo, knowing what Naruto is talking about, are slightly concerned about this. But the civilians had no clue what Naruto was talking about.

Looking down at Naruto in seriousness, the Sandaime asks, "Are you sure Naruto?"

Seeing Naruto's nod, the Sandaime turns to the civilians who had been watching this exchange in confusion.

"You all know that Naruto is able to summon the Kyuubi to aid him in battle. Contrary to what you might think, Naruto is not controlling him. The Kyuubi is working with Naruto of its own free will. Now, it seems it wants to let you all know the truth behind its attack. It turns out that the Kyuubi did not attack the village of its own free will. The shinobi council and myself already is aware of this information and we have determined that it is true. So please, open your minds and listen to what he has to say."

Turning to Naruto and nodding, Naruto steps forward with everyone watching on in curiosity.

Swiping some blood and running through the hand signs, Naruto calls out, "Oni Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

A puff of smoke appears and there stood Kyuubi, about the size of a horse.

Nodding his head in greeting, Kurama says, "What your Hokage speaks is true. I was not in control of my actions when I attacked your village."

The civilians about soiled themselves when the Kyuubi appeared, but otherwise made no reaction as they were downright terrified. Ignoring their reactions, Kurama explains all that really happened on that night: Being ripped out of Kushina's seal, placed under control of the Mangekyo Sharingan, Madara being alive, everything. The civilians, while still very nervous, listened to Kurama as he explained all that happened.

At the village gates

While Kurama was telling his tale, Haku had currently arrived and entered the village and after stating she needed to see the Hokage for a mission request from Kirigakure, was told he was currently in a council meeting and asked to wait in his office.

Back with the council

Finishing up, Kurama says, "It is up to you if you believe this. But know I speak the truth. That is all I have to say."

Kurama then disappears.

The Sandaime decides to close the meeting, saying, "I'm sure everyone has been given plenty to think about. Seeing as everything has been taken care of, I'm declaring this meeting over. Naruto, I want to see you in my office after we leave. We have to prepare you for your meeting with the Tsuchikage."

Leaving with the Sandaime towards his office, Naruto, also accompanied by Tsunade and Jiraiya, hears the Sandaime's secretary tell the Hokage, "Hokage-sama, there is a woman here from Kiri regarding a mission request for you. She arrived during your meeting and is waiting in your office."

The Sandaime thanks the secretary and enters his office along with the others. Naruto, upon seeing who is currently in the office shouts in surprise and happiness, "Haku-chan!"

Turning around at the familiar voice, Haku asks in excitement, "Naruto-kun?" and is glomped in a hug from Naruto who proceeds to lift her off the ground and swing her around in his happiness with everyone else watching in amusement.

Haku, blushing at the close contact says, "Naruto-kun put me down please."

Naruto, realizing how he was gripping her tightly, feeling her 'assets' pressed against him and seeing how close their faces were, also blushes and quickly lets go of her.

Stepping back with red face clearly visible, Naruto sheepishly scratches his head and says with happiness and some embarrassment evident, "Gomen Haku-chan. It's just been so long since I've seen you."

Smiling gently, Haku says in a voice filled with happiness, "I am very happy to see you again as well Naruto-kun. You have changed so much since I last saw you. How have you been?"

Nodding eagerly, Naruto says, "I have been doing much better. So much has happened since we last saw each other. I've got so much to tell you. How have you been by the way?"

Before Haku can respond, the Sandaime gently interrupts the happy reunion with, "As much as it fills me with joy to see Naruto-kun so happy, I have to ask that we get some things taken care of before you get caught up. Now, my secretary said you had a mission request from Kiri?"

Standing close to Naruto, which does not go unnoticed by any of them, with Naruto still blushing, the Sandaime smiling gently, Jiraiya giggling and Tsunade looking on in amusement, Haku bows and says, "Yes Sandaime-sama. Rumors have reached the ears of the resistance in Kiri regarding Naruto-kun and the leader of the resistance, Terumi Mei, sent me to try and confirm them and if I could, bring him back to Kiri to help with the rebellion against the Yondaime Mizukage."

Nodding, the Sandaime asks, "I see. Do you happen to know what these rumors are?"

Responding, Haku says, "Yes. There are rumors going around of Naruto being the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi who is in full control of his biju to the point of being able to summon it, which he did during an invasion of Konoha to combat the Yonbi. Also, there are rumors that he is the son of the Kiiroi Senko as well. That is all I heard."

Sighing, the Sandaime says, "I see. It appears our predictions turned out to be true. This can complicate things."

With some amazement, Haku looks first the Sandaime then at Naruto, who is sheepishly scratching his head, and asks, "So it's true?"

Naruto nods and says, "Yeah it's true. It's not really the whole story, but that is the gist of everything."

Haku smiles brightly and hugs Naruto saying, "That's amazing Naruto-kun. I'm so proud of you."

Blush returning full force, Naruto says while stuttering slightly, "Th-thanks Haku-chan."

Letting go of Naruto, she turns to the Sandaime and asks, "So, will you help us? Having Naruto-kun help us would turn the tide of the rebellion in our favor, maybe even allow us to win. I know it's a lot to ask, so Mei-sama told me to say, that if you allowed it, Kiri would be more than happy to form a full alliance with Konoha upon winning the war."

Naruto speaks up with a look of determination saying, "I can do it. If Haku-chan wants me to help, I will do it. She is my most precious person and I will always try to help if I can."

Looking thoughtful, the Sandaime says, "This is something that bears considering. It's not a decision that we could make lightly. Would you consent to leaving us to discuss this for a while? I'm sure you and Naruto could catch up for a while."

Blushing lightly at being called Naruto's 'most precious person', Haku says, "It is not a problem Sandaime-sama. I've been given a month before I have to return so I have plenty of time."

Nodding, the Sandaime says, "All right then. Take Naruto with you and have some fun. We will meet tomorrow."

Naruto grabs Haku's hand, who blushes at the action, and starts to leave the office.

Jiraiya, noticing his godson holding hands with his major crush decides to embarrass them and calls out, "Don't have too much 'fun' Naruto. I don't think Tsunade-hime wants grandchildren yet."

Both turn red as tomatoes and jump apart, then rush out of the office, but not before Jiraiya is sent through a wall by Tsunade.

With Naruto and Haku

After walking through the village and showing Haku around, Naruto starts feeling hungry and asks, "So Haku-chan, would you like to get something to eat?"

Haku, seeing the opportunity to tease Naruto, smiles coyly and asks, "Why Naruto-kun, are you asking me out on a date?"

Seeing Naruto turn red and start stammering, Haku laughs lightly and puts a finger over his mouth, stopping him, "It's okay Naruto-kun, I was just teasing you. Let's go get something to eat. I seem to remember you telling me about a certain ramen stand that you enjoyed."

Still red in the face, Naruto starts leading Haku to Ichiraku's. Along the way though, Haku hears Naruto mumble something, but not catching it, asks, "What was that Naruto-kun?"

Blushing, Naruto says hesitantly, "I said I wouldn't mind if it was a date."

Looking away sadly, he says "But I understand if you don't want it to be. I mean you're my best friend and I don't want to ruin-"

Naruto stops as he feels a hand on his arm and looks back to Haku who was smiling shyly. She then says, blushing lightly, "I would love to go on a date with you Naruto-kun."

Hope lights up in Naruto's eyes as he asks, "Really? You mean it?"

Nodding her head and lightly gripping his hand, Haku says, "I do mean it Naruto-kun. Now let's go."

Naruto smiles brightly and says, "All right." then proceeds to walk to the ramen stand hand in hand with Haku.

Arriving there, the couple is greeted by Ayame, who notices the two holding hands and says, "Well well well Otouto. On a date are we?"

Haku smiles while Naruto happily says yes.

Ayame continues, saying, "So Otouto, mind introducing your date to your Neechan?"

Naruto nods and says, "Haku-chan, this is Ayame-neechan, Ayame-neechan, this is Haku-chan."

Eyes lighting up on hearing the name, Ayame asks, "Naruto is this that Haku?"

Naruto sheepishly nods and Ayame proceeds to hug the girl and says, "Thank you so much for helping my Otouto. You saved his life."

Haku thanks Ayame and she steps back asking, "So what will it be for you two tonight."

Haku says, "I'll have a bowl of the miso ramen Ayame-san."

Naruto says, "I'll have the same."

Silence.

More silence.

Naruto, slightly confused, asks, "Why is everyone staring at me?"

WHAM!

"OWWWW! Ayame-neechan! Why did you hit me?"

Said ramen girl was currently gripping Naruto by the coat and repeatedly shaking him while shouting, "You're not Naruto-otouto! Who are you and what have you done with him?"

Teuchi had come out from the back after hearing the shouting and sweat drops and then moves back to the back saying "I don't even want to know."

Haku, who was watching the scene with amusement, decides to say, "Ayame-san, I'm quite sure this is the real Naruto."

Ayame turns to Haku and says, "Of course it's not him! Naruto never orders any less than five bowls of ramen!"

Turning back to Naruto, who was currently mumbling something, Ayame says, "Speak up impostor!"

Naruto groans before saying, "I was just trying to be polite on my date with Haku-chan."

Realization dawns on Ayame, and she turns red in embarrassment.

Chuckling at Ayame's embarrassed face as she lets Naruto go, Haku says, "It's all right Naruto-kun. I know how much you like the ramen here. You don't have to go hungry just for me."

Smiling, Naruto says, "Thanks Haku-chan. In that case, I'll have the usual."

Ayame writes the order down saying, "Now that's the otouto I know and love."

Before moving to fill the order, she says, "Now treat Haku nice on your date Otouto!"

Naruto whines, "Ayame-neechan, I'm not that bad."

Turning to Haku, Naruto says, "So now that you've seen the village, what do you think Haku-chan?"

Smiling, Haku says, "It's a pleasant change in scenery for me Naruto-kun. Konoha is a lot more dry than what I'm used to though, being used to the climate in Kiri."

Nodding, Naruto says, "I suppose it is. Speaking of Kiri, how have you been there since we last saw each other in Wave? I know you went to fight in the bloodline rebellions to fulfill Zabuza's dream, but what happened?"

Taking a bit of the ramen which had arrived while Naruto was asking his question, Haku replies, "I have been doing as well as I could be Naruto-kun, considering I've been fighting in a war these past few months. Unfortunately, we have not been winning lately. The tide of the battle is slowly turning in the Mizukage's favor."

Frowning slightly, Naruto responds, "You mentioned that during the meeting with Jiji. Why did you want me to help? I know I said I would, but I'm only thirteen. What could I do?"

Shaking her head slightly, Haku asks, "You really don't have any idea the reputation you have gained now have you?"

Confused, Naruto asks, "What reputation? What do you mean?"

Sighing at her date's obliviousness, Haku decides to enlighten Naruto.

"Your actions during the Chunin Exams put you on notice with virtually everyone Naruto-kun. People from around the world travel miles to see the Chunin Exams, your exploits during them as well as your battle with the Yonbi jinchuuriki during the invasion afterward, was found out by all of them, who spread the tale upon returning to their homes."

Naruto pouts and grumbles, "Well that's just great, more enemies I have to deal with."

Laughing lightly, Haku pats Naruto's back and says, "Don't worry Naruto-kun. I'm sure you will be able to deal with whatever comes your way. Now, why don't you tell me all that has happened since you and I last saw each other. I can see your a jonin now and it seems the villagers aren't treating you near as bad as what you told me. What all has happened?"

Both having finished their ramen a short time earlier, Naruto frowns, sets down some money and leads Haku out of the ramen stand, saying, "I don't think this is a story that should be told in a public place. Come on, I know where we can go and not be overheard."

Hearing the dark tone his voice had taken, Haku gets slightly worried but nods. Naruto places his hand on her shoulder before he shunshin'd them to the top of the Hokage Monument.

Arriving, Naruto proceeds to sit on the edge of his father's head, patting the spot next to him for Haku to sit. Haku does so and looks at Naruto and sees him taking in the view of the village with a thoughtful look on his face. Knowing the story will likely be difficult for him, she allows him time to collect his thoughts and speak when he is ready. Deciding to simply rest her head against Naruto's shoulder and he absentmindedly wraps his arm around Haku and pulls her closer to him.

She blushes at the action, but does nothing to discourage it. Eventually he decides to tell her everything. Naruto then sighs and begins to speak.

"Life after I met you was pretty much the same as usual for a while. It wasn't until the start of the month break after the second round of the Chunin Exams. I had just tried to get Kakashi-sensei to help me train for the exams, but he blew me off and passed me on to some other teacher..."

Over the next couple of hours Naruto told Haku everything that had happened since he left her back in Wave. Not a single thing was left out, even the part of the council meeting where he confessed his feelings for her. Throughout the lengthy tale Haku had shown a large variety of emotions. Mostly sadness, anger and disbelief but also happiness, joy and some embarrassment. By the end of the story, she was crying happy tears upon hearing how Naruto's life had started getting better and better until he ended upon seeing Haku again in the Sandaime's office.

"...and that is when Hokage-jiji, Jiraiya-otosan, Tsunade-kaasan and I came into the office and saw you."

Falling silent as everything was out in the open now, Naruto waited for Haku's reaction.

Haku eventually asks, "Why didn't you tell me how you felt?"

Hanging his head, Naruto says, "I was afraid Haku-chan. Back in Wave, we connected on a level I never expected. You saw through my mask of happiness and managed to get me to lower my guard and reveal everything to you. You listened to all the gruesome details, all of my dark thoughts, bore my sadness and you never once asked anything in return. Even revealing details of your own life in return."

Looking to her with tears falling down his cheeks, " I was so close to giving in and snapping. I don't know if I would have tried to kill myself to end my pain, or given into my hatred and taken my vengeance on the villagers. But you Haku-chan, brought me out of the pit of despair I was living in. You showed me, even with all the darkness in my life, that it was possible to still find happiness. You gave me hope again when I had none. It was like you were an angel sent from Kami and I thank her every day that I met you."

Haku smiled as Naruto's eyes lit up during the explanation, but then frowned when he continued.

"It was because of that I never told you. I got worried that you would never be able to return my feelings, saying it was simply admiration or you only cared for me as a friend. We were best friends and I didn't want to ruin that. I would have been crushed if my feelings caused you to push yourself away from me. I couldn't bear the thought of losing my tenshi. So I decided to content myself with friendship, because I would prefer to have you in my life as a best friend rather than lose you due to not being able to return my feelings."

Looking at her, Naruto asks, "Do you see why I never told you?"

Nodding, but still frowning, Haku says, "Best friends tell each other everything Naruto-kun. You should have told me this."

Naruto, taking this as a reject, feels his heart start to break. At least until he hears Haku say, "But I suppose I'm just as guilty. As I felt the same and did not tell you either."

Looking at her with hope growing in his eyes, Naruto asks in a pleading voice, "You mean?"

Nodding, Haku leans close, saying, "I love you too Naruto-kun." and then gently places her lips over his as she kisses him lovingly.

Naruto, feeling joy down to his very soul, returns the kiss with all the love he can muster and wraps his arms around Haku in a loving embrace. Haku was feeling much the same when she felt Naruto start returning the kiss and also wraps her arms around Naruto, holding him to her and never wanting to let go.

In the Hokage's Office

Having finished their discussions about a few hours ago, the Sandaime decided to bring out his old crystal ball and with Jiraiya, Tsunade and Shizune, who showed up looking for Tsunade, watching, proceeded to watch their favorite blonde and his crush spend the afternoon together. Seeing them confess their feelings to each other and kiss, Sarutobi was beaming, Tsunade had a couple tears in her eyes and was also smiling and Jiraiya, not feeling the least bit perverted, was simply smiling proudly at the scene.

Jiraiya, still smiling proudly, places his hand on Tsunade's shoulder and says, "I guess you were right Tsunade-hime. She did return his feelings."

Nodding, Tsunade says, "We all saw how Haku seemed to gravitate toward Naruto without realizing it. I simply said what everyone was thinking."

As the Sandaime puts away the crystal ball he says, "I'm glad Naruto was able to find to love. It fills this old man's heart with joy."

Back with Naruto and Haku

The new couple, now resting against each other in a loving embrace, watches as the sun sets over the village, reveling in their happiness at finally having their feelings returned.

For Haku, filled with love for the blonde beside her, discovers a sense of purpose not felt since Zabuza had died.

'I have found my dream Zabuza-sama. I will live my life with Naruto-kun, cherishing him, and be happy. I will protect him, love him and fight by his side in all things. Thank you for everything Zabuza-sama.'

With Naruto, he was filled with a sense of peace the likes of which he had never known in his life.

'I never want this feeling to end. I will protect it with everything I am. Nothing will take Haku-chan away from me.'

And it's done. With plenty of action as well. It's my first romance, so let me know if I did well. I thought it was a good idea to end it here, so for those expecting the Tsuchikage meeting, it will happen in the next chapter. I still have some details I want to figure out. Thank you for all of your continued feedback and remember, please pm me with any prank ideas you may have.

EDIT 7/30/2013 3:57 PM: I'm having difficulties getting the next chapter done. Not only am I having less time to do it, I'm experiencing a case of the dreaded writer's block. There will be a slight delay until I get my ideas back. Release times are going to slow down now as well. The "initial high" of my first story has worn off and I'm not going to spend all day, every day churning out my story like I have been. I still want to take some time to read other stories myself. I also got to start ramping up for college again. Sorry for any who are dissapointed, but I would rather have a delay and put out a good chapter, than push it out quick and only half-ass it. Currently the next chapter is around 2k+ words and I have not even got to the Tsuchikage meeting yet. I'm giving the story plenty of thought, I've just hit a small roadblock. To be honest, I'm surprised it's only now happening considering it's my first story and all. Thank you all for your patience.