Note: I don't own Naruto.

Note: Some of the things here may conflict with the facts of the actual anime, but in this universe things like Sasuke and Naruto's fight and Tsunade's return and Sarutobi still being alive were all under different circumstances. I'm basically doing the story my way. Please bare with me.

Note: You are going to see the Sound 5 again. Because I believe that some of them were such freakin' cool characters, it was a crime to give them only one shot in the series.

Stop! Do not read this story if you have not read Naruto&Hinata: True Strength Revealed. Or you will not understand some of the story.

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The two just stood there gazing at eachother. Her big lavender eyes meeting his steel blue ones. At first she didn't know what to say. She had not been informed that Naruto would be attending the funeral. She seemed so overwhelmed to see him again she emmitted a deep blush from her cheeks.

" N...Na... Naruto-k..." She said almost stuttering again like her old self, however she was cut short when Naruto enveloped her in his arms, picking her up off her feet and swinging her around once.

" Hinata-chan!" Naruto shouted as he swung her around.

Hinata was still in shock.

"Oh My God! Look at you! You're gorgeous! It's been so long I've missed you so much!" Naruto said.

Hinata broke out of her shock and warpped her arms around Naruto squealing in joy.

" Naruto-kun! You've come back!" Hinata said, tears rolling down her eyes. The people on the street jumped in shock when they heard the squeal.

Hinata conitnued squeezing onto Naruto. To say it was a pleasant surprise would be an understatement. Naruto finally set Hinata down gazing into her. Naruto noticed that like him she had definitely matured physically. To Naruto, she looked even more radiant than before.

" When did you get here?" Hinata said with a huge smile on her face, pating her long hair out of her face.

" Just and I mean just now. Hinata-chan! I mean My God! You're even more beautiful than last time I saw you!" Naruto declared.

The compliment made Hinata blush fiercely but instead of lowering her head and pushing her fingers together like she did in the past, she jumped into his arms for another hug which he gladly administered.

" Hinata-chan, Didn't I tell you we'd see eachother again?" naruto said.

" Hai Naruto-kun Hai, and I knew you would make good on that promise." Hinata said burrying her face in Naruto's shoulder.

From a distance somebody was watching the joyful reunion of Naruto and Hinata, however, he did not have a look of joy as they did, rather it was a scowl from utter disgust. This man having such contempt for their relationship was Hiashi Hyuuga who overheard the comotion and checked it out with his Byakugan. He glared mainly at the Uzumaki boy.

" Enjoy it while you can Uzumaki, because the second that 24 hours is up you'll be back out of here...away from her." Hiashi thought.

When Hinata pulled her head away, Hiashi got a better view of Naruto's face. He gasped slightly, Naruto Uzumaki took a stunning resemblance of the 4th Hokage. Jiraiya stood there with a happy grin on his face, delighted to see Naruto so happy after all the horrible news he has had to endure recently. Hinata looked over to Jiraiya.

" Jiraiya-sama, why didn't you tell me Naruto-kun was coming?" Hinata asked.

Jiraiya scratched his nose grinning. " Thought it would be a nice surprise for you." he said.

Hinata looked over Naruto's shoulder to see Gaara and his sister. Hinata had a look of blush on her face.

" Ummm Gomen Gaara-sama, Temari-chan, It's just, I haven't seen him in forever." Hinata said, apologizing for squealing and acting like a little school girl. " It is nice to see you two as well."

Temari nodded smiling, she understood Hinata's deep relationship with Naruto. To be honest, there was someone here who she was dying to see as well.

" No need to apologize Hinata-chan. I understand." Temari said. " You look well."

" Arigato Temari-chan, you and Gaara-sama are also looking very well." Hinata said.

" Hey Hinata-chan, where'd ya go?" A voice called out.

Hinata turned her head as Naruto looked forward. Around the corner turned Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame ( They're wearing their post timeskip out fits).

" Yo Kiba! Shino! Wow you guys look alot stronger!" Naruto said.

Kiba couldn't believe it. " Holy crap! Naruto? Is that you?" he said.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head smiling. But the smile dropped off his face out of amazement when an enourmas animal ran out from behind Shino and Kiba. Naruto was astounded by the animal's glossy white fur and gigantic size.

" K-Kiba...did you trade Akamaru in for a horse?" Naruto asked.

Seeing Naruto again, Akamaru ran over jumping onto him, forcing him to fall over as Akamaru lay ontop of him.

" Akamaru? Oh my God! Kiba what have you been feeding him?" Naruto said.

Kiba scratched his nose. " Yea, I guess he's grown a little since you left." he said.

" A LITTLE!?" Naruto responded.

" Akamaru, let him breathe will ya?" Kiba said.

Akamaru then let up on Naruto, allowing the former Leaf nin to breathe again. Hinata grabbed his hands and pulled him up.

" Akamaru has gotten huge hasn't he?" Hinata said.

"No kiddin'." Naruto said.

" I take it you are here for the funeral services." Shino said.

Naruto lowered his head. " Hai, Jiraiya told me everything."

Hinata came up against Naruto rubbing his back and leaning her head against her chest.

" So other than the Third, who else was lost?" Naruto asked.

Shino and Kiba looked to Hinata sympathetically. Naruto looked at Hinata as she leaned against him.

" Hinata-chan?..." Naruto asked.

" Naruto-kun...you remember my grandfather?..." Hinata asked.

Naruto gasped.

" He too was lost in the attack." Hinata said.

Naruto was shocked, he knew that Toba Hyuuga was the only one in the clan Hinata could really call family. Naruto put his hands on Hinata's shoulders.

" Hinata-chan..." Naruto said.

Hinata lowered her eyes to the ground.

(((((Flashback)))))

Hinata was keeping the sound nins at bay with her "Shugohakke Rokujuyon Sho" as she protected the children she was guiding through the village to get them to a safe haven by the Hokage's office. Suddenly Kabuto appeared with a squad of sound nins. His white hair was now much longer, but his outfit was pretty much unchanged.

" Hinata Hyuuga..." Kabuto said pushing his glasses up. " Oh pardon me, you no longer bare that name do you? Oh well, might as well kill you myself. Ironic isn't it?"

Hinata looked at him oddly, she didn't know what he meant by "ironic". As Kabuto took a step forward, several Sound nin jumped over him to attack Hinata, just as she got into her defense stance. A flash of blue light knocked back the Sound nin. The mysterious figure appeared in front of Hinata much to her surprise. Toba Hyuuga turned his eye to his granddaughter.

" Hinata, take the children and go." Toba said.

" 'Jii-san no, I can handle them, you should take the..." Hinata was cut off.

" Hinata, I'm not going to argue with you. I'll be fine. You get them out of here." Toba said.

" ...hai 'Jii-san." Hinata said.

As Hinata got the children away, Toba tunred to face the Sound nin.

" The Hyuuga clan is the most powerful in Konohagakure. You should leave now." Toba threatened.

He heard the chuckling of Kabuto. " Clan? I see no clan here. All I see is an old man with an obvious wish to die." he said.

Toba's eyes narrowed. " I am Toba Hyuuga, the former leader of the Hyuuga clan. I cannot be defeated easily." He then activated his Byakugan.

Hinata rushed the children to a nearby underground shelter guarded by several Jonin. Hinata waved them in as she scanned for attackers. When all the children were accounted for, Hinata was about to leave when a hand grabbed her wrist.

" Hinata, you should get in here while you can, it's too dangerous out there." The Jonin said.

" I can't, There's someone I have to help, please let go of my wrist." Hinata said.

The Jonin finally let go of her wrist. Hinata bolted off to assist her grandfather. Unfortunately for her, she saw a few Leaf Jonin being overwhelmed by Sound nin. Hinata sprang to action. As a Jonin and a Sound nin lunged at eachother, Hinata got from behind the Sound nin and struck him in the back, knocking him unconcious. She then found herself on the receiving end of an attack from about four Sound shinobi. However she was quick enoogh to strike the Tenketsu of all four.

" You handle the rest here. I have to go." Hinata said to the Jonin.

As Hinata returned to her grandfather she saw that she was too late. On the ground with blood coming from his mouth was Toba Hyuuga. Hinata dashed to her grandfather's side, picking him up and holding him to her.

" 'Jii-san! Please tell me you're ok." Hinata then noticed the blood profusely coming from Toba's mouth.

Hinata activated her Byakugan to see that all the vital muscles connecting to Toba's heart had been severed.

Hinata gasped " 'Jii-san hold on, I'll get you to a medic nin!" she said.

"h...hinata..." Toba said faintly.

" Don't talk 'Jii-san, save your strength." Hinata said.

Hinata then proceeded to jump from rooftop to rooftop with her grandfather on her back. But as hard as Hinata tried to fnd a medic nin, she found it impossible to spot one on her way to the hospital. As she finally reached the hospital, she found there were but a few medic nins swamped with shinobi with fatal injuries. The rest were out assisting the Leaf shinobi during the attack.

" 'Jii-san, old on I'll get someone!" Hinata said resting her grandfather on a chair but before she could rush off to get a medic nin, Toba grabbed her hand.

" Hinata...stop." Toba said.

Hinata looked at her grandfather wide eyed.

" Hinata...I don't have much longer..." he said.

" Please, just let me get..." Hinata started.

" They won't be able to help...just listen." he said.

Hinata came in close to her grandfather as he uttered his final words to her.

" Hinata...I have always loved you... and I have always been proud of you...of all my grandchildren. But you...I am most impressed with..."

Tears were streaming down Hinata's eyes as she looked at her grandfather.

"...when everyone said you were weak...you proved them wrong...I always knew you would." Toba said.

Hinata buried her head in her grandfather's chest as she cried to her hearts content.

" Hinata...I love you very much." Toba uttered.

Hinata lifted her head, making eye contact with Toba. " I love you to 'Jii-san." Hinata said.

" Tell...the clan I..love..." Toba tried to say with his dying breath.

" I will 'Jii-san, I'll tell them you love them as well." Hinata said.

Toba smiled for the last time as the grip on his granddaughter's hand tightened. He then slowly closed his eyes and drifted away happy that he got to say goodbye to someone he loved. Hinata felt the grip in her hand become limp. She watched in pain as her grandfather's hand slowly slid from hers. She then wrapped her arms around Toba and let out a small yelp of sorrow.

" 'Jii-san!" Hinata said.

((((End Flashback)))))

Naruto's eyes widened while Hinata's head hung low.

" Hinata-chan..." Naruto said holding her tightly. " I'm so sorry...I know how much he meant to you..."

" He did mean alot...he was a great man...and an excellent shinobi, and above all he loved his clan." Hinata said.

Suddenly Hinata picked her head up looking at Naruto. " We should go, you must meet with Tsunade-sama." she said.

"...hai." Naruto said with a sense of sympathy in his voice.

Hinata then turned to Kiba.

" Kiba-kun, don't tell anyone Naruto-kun is here yet. It should be a surprise." Hinata said.

Kiba nodded, as did Akamaru. The rest of team 8 stayed behind while Hinata accompanied the sand guests the the Hokage's office.

" Man, something different about Naruto huh?" Kiba said to Shino.

Shino replied with a nod.

Later there was a knock at the Hokage's door.

" Come in." Tsunade said.

Jiraiya opened the door. And in walked Naruto & compnay. Naruto saw that in the same room was Iruka and Shizune.

" Yo." Naruto said waving his hand.

" Naruto!" Iruka said coming up to his old student.

" Is that all you have to say after 2 years is Yo?" He said hugging him. " My God look at you, you grew like a weed!" Iruka said taking his hand and mussing up the blonde shinobi's hair.

Naruto looked over at the new Hokage. " Oi Tsunade..." (best not to call her 'baa-chan right now.)

Tsunade smiled as she stood up and walked over to Naruto. She then lifted up his forehead protector and kissed him on the forehead.

" You better refer to me as -sama kid. I'm the Hokage now after all." Tsuande said teasingly.

This did it's job in making Naruto grunt.

" I was gonna wait til later to say this, but I think I'll just rfer to you as 'baa-chan." Naruto said slyly.

Tsunade tightened her grip on Naruto's shoulder before giving him a deathglare.

" We just met again don't ruin it." Tsunade said tightening a fist with her other hand.

They stared at eachother for a moment before Naruto started laughing. He stopped however when Tsunade closed in for a big hug.

" I'm really happy to see you again Naruto." she said.

Naruto delightfully returned the hug. Whe he looked to the side he saw Shizune bowing before him.

" Welcome back Naruto-kun." Shizune said.

When she rose she got caught off guard by a hug from Naruto.

" It's been a while nee-chan." Naruto said.

Tsunade looked over and saw Hinata, Gaara and Temari by the doorway.

" My apologies Kazekage-sama, please come in." Tsunade said bowing.

" I am deeply sorry for your loss." Gaara said as the door closed behind him.

" The Third was truely a great man." Naruto said.

"Hai, he was very committed to protcting this village and he will be deeply missed." Tsunade said. " Kazekage-sama, your rooms have been prepared for you and please let us know if there are any accomodations we can make."

" Arigato." Gaara said bowing.

" Naruto..." Tsunade said, Naruto looked over at her. "The service is tomorrow at 9:00 AM. But you should take some time tonight to meet up with old friends."

At that moment, Hinata jumped " I'll take you to meet back up with them." she said.

Tsunade smiled at the idea. " Please, you should all go tonight and enjoy yourselves a bit."

" No Prob 5th Hokage." Naruto said smugly.

" Naruto, later you and I will get some ramen, just like old times." Iruka said.

" Oh man! That would be awesome sensei!" Naruto said before going off with the group.

Later, Naruto & company caught up with Kiba and Shino, they in turn led them to the restaurant where some certain Chunin were eating. Kiba lifted the curtain of the restaurant.

" Hey guys, there's some blonde dude out here who says he knows us." Kiba said.

Naruto popped in with his hands behind his head. " Hey guys, ya miss me?" he said.

The next thing Naruto heard was a series of gasps.

" Naruto!?" a female voice called out.

Naruto turned to see his old teammate Sakura (Post timeskip outfit.) run up hugging him. Naruto then found many of his old colleagues rushing up to him. Naruto smiled at the fact that he was the talk of the restaurant.

" Naruto you look great!" Chouji said.

" I can't believe it how long has it been?" Sakura said.

Naruto scratched his nose smiling.

" Man Boss...wait you're a Sand nin now?" Konohamaru said.

Naruto looked over at Konohamaru to see that not only had he gotten taller but that he Moegi and Udon were sporting genin headbands.

"Man Konohamaru look how tall you got." Naruto said.

" Hey Naruto, long time no see." said a familiar female voice from behind Naruto. Naruto recognized it as Ino's voice.

" Ino-chan, great to see ya! How ya..." Naruto said turning around, but his smiling face turned to shock when he saw the "new" Ino.

He wondered if actually that was Ino or maybe she was brhind the girl in front of him. The crystaline eyes and blonde hair confirmed that this was the real Ino Yamanaka. The once diet obsessed girly girl now had a much thicker frame. Her waist which was hardly noticeable before had now expanded to twice it's original form. Her once skin and bone arms legs had now tripled in diameter. What's more her midsection had also expanded a good deal. Naruto was stunned, he couldn't believe that this was the same woman who a few years ago, lectured him about how men liked skinny girls. She wore her (post timeskip outfit) with the exception that her thighs and upper arms were wrapped with bandages.

" I-Ino-chan, hi..." Naruto said trying not to appear rude. "...you look really good. How have you been?"

Ino placed her hand on her hip and cocked an eyebrow at Naruto.

" Go on say it Naruto, I look nowhere near how I did whe you left." she said with a smirk.

" N-Nani? What do you mean? He said trying to play it off as if he didn't notice her weight gain.

" I know you're thinking it even if you don't say it. But it's cool. As you can tell I'm not that obsessive over diet anymore." She said smiling.

" Ino-chan, what do you mean? I haven't noticed anything different." Naruto said professing his innoccence.

" It's ok Naruto, I'm cool with it." Ino said.

Suddenly Chouji snuck up from behind Ino and picked her up.

" So am I!" Chouji said lifting up his girlfriend causing her to laugh.

Chouji had changed as well, though he was still on the chunky side, His shoulders had become brauder, his arms more muscular. His once short hair had now become like a lion's mane. He had definitely taken on the appearance much similar to his father. Ino reached behind her and slid her hand softly down the face of her boyfriend of over a year.

" You're too sweet babe." Ino said t Chouji.

Now even Naruto could put 2 and 2 together from here.

" You mean you two are..." Naruto said.

Ino and Chouji gladly nodded.

((((( Flashback)))))

Team 10 was yet on another mission. Unfortunately this mission got too out of hand and Chouji had to revert to taking to the red pill from his capsule allowing him to use his " Chodan Bakugeki". Unfortunately, this put such a strain on his mind and body that he was put in a coma. Ino Yamanaka was overraught with guilt and worry for the boy so close to her. The first reason was because he did this to save her and second was because she never got the chance to tell him how she felt about him, now she may never be able to. She and Shikamaru visited Chouji often while he lay in his coma in the hospital. But Ino would always visit more often. Very often, she would find his mother there by his bedside waiting for him to wake up. As the two kunoichis sat there in the same room as Chouji they would talk, this in effect got Ino to know mrs. Akimichi much better. Another side effect from Ino's anxiety over Chouji was that she would eat alot, even when she said she was on a diet. ( Very similar to a certain princess she tried to help out once.) As she did she gained some weight, now where Ino would usually freak out about something like this, she frankly had more important things on her mind. Her friends and teammates said nothing regarding her weight gain out either fear, politeness or indifference.

After about 4 months Ino had swelled up a bit and was beginning to lose hope about Chouji's recovery. Then it happened. Chouji's parents came to the Yamanaka's home and told them they had been informed that their son had woken up. Ino jumped at the news then ran upstairs to change into some better clothes but oddly found they didn't fit, when she looked in her full length mirror she made a horrifying discovery, though she kind of knew after the first month of binge eating, she had become her own worse nightmare. She had gotten a bit fat. The first thing that came to her mind was that Chouji couldn't see her like this, but at the same time she had to see him. She saw the purple sweatshirt in her closet that her mother had gotten her but was too big. So she threw that on, much to her dismay, it fit better now which did it's job in pissing Ino off. But none the less she went off with the Akimichis to visit Chouji, hoping with her half-baked disguise that perhaps he won't notice. Later in Chouji's hospital room, the young Akimichi is seen being smothered by his happy and relieved parents Who wereallowed to enter the room first. Meanwhile in the hallway,Ino Yamanaka was fidgeting with her sweatshirt trying to expand it. Her mother told her to stop fidgeting. When the Akimichis came out they were pleased to announce that Chouji was going to be just fine. Chouji's mother delightfully informed Ino that Chouji wanted to see her next. Ino blushed out of embarrassment. She only hoped Chouji wouldn't notice. Too bad for her that was the first thing Chouji noticed when she entered. At first Chouji was shocked, he couldn't believe this was Ino Yamanaka from over 4 months ago. Chouji's cheeks then began to glow red with embarrassment. The thing about Chouji was that after he used that forbidden jutsu his body became very thin, so this had become some sort of role reversal. Ino knew that Chouji noticed, she then began to look at th floor as if ashamed. Ino knew Chouji would probably have fun with this, because when they were younger, she would sometimes poke a little fun at his weight. Now she was the fatso and he was the beanpole. She was almost expecting him to make fun.

" Wow...Ino-chan.." Choui said. "...you LOOK GREAT!"

Ino snapped her head up, was Chouji being a smartass or was he serious?

" I mean it Ino-chan, I mean I thought you were pretty before, but now you're like mega cute!" Chouji said.

Ino was surprised, in her mind, men only liked skinny girls.

" But...I gained weight..." Ino said in disbelief.

" I know, and it looks great on you!" Chouji responded.

" But..." Ino began.

" Ino-chan...you know when you told me men like skinny girls..." Chouji scratched his nose blushing."...well...you know...not all do."

Ino almost became overwhelmed with emotion. She lunged onto Chouji, so happy he was ok.

" I really thought I almost lost you Chouji-kun." Ino said.

Chouji returned the hug while rubbing her back.

" I'm fine Ino-chan...I'm fine." Chouji said.

((((End Flashback))))

The big smile returned to Naruto's face. " Well that's awesome! I'm happy for both of you,as long as you're happy, that's what matters." he said.

Hinata gave a small sigh of relief, she was glad Naruto did't say anything nasty about Ino's weight gain. She would hate to see a repeat of what happened a while back.

(((Flashback)))

Shikamaru, Chouji, Ino, Sakura and Hinata are eating in a restaurant. Chouji is sitting next to Ino. Suddenly a shinobi who seems to be their age comes in. At first he didn't think it was her but then he soon discovered that it was indeed Ino Yamanaka.

" Ino!!?" The young man said.

The Leaf Chunins turned to him. They recognized he was someone from their graduating class. Chouji remembered him as one of the children who wouldn't let him play ninja as a kid because he said he was way too fat.

" Oh, hi, it's been a while." Ino said.

" Ino...my God what the hell did you do to yourself?" He said annoyingly.

This did it's job in irritating Ino and an even worse, Chouji who's eyes were already narrowing at the ninja.

" Pardon?" Ino said in an angry fashion.

" How did you get so fat?" he said.

Chouji was now on the verge of losing it. The rest of the group expressed their dismay at the boys' poor choice of words. The tension seemed oblivious to the boy. He then looked over and saw Chouji Akimichi and recalled the little fat kid he used to bully.

" Man Akimichi, no wonder she's so big, she's been hangin' around you too long, hell she's almost as fat as y..." The young man suddenly found himself knocked through the wall of the restaurant into the building across the street. Chouji was seen inside the restaurant with his arm stretched out. He then followed out the hole he had created and walked across the street to see the boy with his back to he building and ass to the ground. He looked up at Chouji.

" Akimichi! What the F-" but before the boy could finish, Chouji's massive hand was clasped on his throat. Chouji then effortlessly picked the boy up and slammed him back against the building.

" Say it again asshole! I DARE you to say that shit to Ino-chan again!" Chouji said.

The scene was attracting many passers by in the street as they watched an Akimichi at work. The young man was now on the verge of shitting himself. When it came to insulting people he cared about, Chouji Akimichi had a zero-tolerance policy.

" Chouji-kun Stop!" Ino said coming up beside him.

Chouji was somewhat reluctant to, even at Ino's request.

"Chouji-kun, please." Hinata said coming out the hole Chouji made.

" Chouji, he's not worth it." Sakura said.

Shikamaru was prepared to use his shadow jutsu in fear that Chouji may not listen to reason.

" Not until he apologises to you Ino-chan." Chouji said.

Wanting to get this over with, the boy turned his head to Ino. " I am so so so so sorry." he said.

" You ever talk to Ino-chan like that again, I'll crush your head like a grape." Chouji threatened. He then let him go.

The boy ran off, regretting he ever stepped foot in that restaurant. Chouji turned his head to Ino.

" Ino-chan, you're beautiful no matter what size you are and I won't stand by and listen to someone tell you different." Chouji said.

Chouji then found Ino's arms wrapped around him. She was touched that Chouji had defended her honor. " Arigato Chouji-kun.." She whispered into his ear "..but next time...let me throw him through the wall."

Chouji smiled at the comment, the smile however was wiped off his face when he saw the property damage he caused to the restaurant.

" Guess I went too far." Chouji said rubbing the back of his head.

The cook came out from he doorway, there was no mistaking the angry look on his face. " Hey kid! Who the hell's gonna pay for my wall!?" he said angrily.

Chouji was now a bit ashamed that he reacted in such a way. " Gomen, please send the bill to the Akimichi clan." Chouji said.

The group decided it was best to leave, Chouji expressed his deepest apologies to his friends. As He walked home Ino caught up with him. As they walked together, they were seen holding hands.

(((End Flashback)))

"Hey Naruto, wow, you don't look like an idiot anymore." Shikamaru said.

" Uhhhh Arigato I guess." Naruto said.

Hinata gleefully latched onto Naruto's arm.

" Naruto-kun, we have so much to catch up on. We should all sit down." Hinata suggested.

Naruto smiled as he nodded at Hinata.

Later, the Leaf and Sand nins sat down discussing old times and what they've been up to. Temari and Shikamaru seemed to be talking more to eachother than anyone else. The gang continued to talk about old times and what a great man the third Hokage was.

" Hey, Naruto, you should be really proud of Hinata-chan. She's become a very reputable ninja here while you've been away." Konohamaru said.

Naruto looked over at Hinata. " Really Hinata-chan?" he said smiling.

Hinata looked down in blush. " I've been doing pretty good." she said.

Naruto held Hinata's hand from under the table. " That's really great Hinata-chan. I'm really proud of you." Naruto gave Hinata a light squeeze on her hand, Hinata returned the squeeze.

Later, the group headed out so they could get ready for the service tomorrow.

" Oh Naruto-kun, will you be staying in your old apartment, or somewhere else?" Hinata asked.

That's when it hit Naruto, he didn't even think about his old apartment until Hinata brought it up.

" Oh uh no, I'm sure it's like covered with dust and all that so figured I..."

" Oh well actually Naruto-kun, I've sort of been cleaning it from time to time. Would...you like to take a look?" Hinata asked.

Naruto smiled as he looked over at Gaara. "Yo Gaara, I'm gonna head over to my old place alright? I'll catch up to you."

Gaara nodded as he and Temari took off.

" I'll see you tomorrow Shikamaru-kun." Temari said.

Later Naruto and Hinata arrived at his old apartment. He couldn't believe it. It looked just like it did before he left, except it was actually clean.

" Hinata-chan, you cleaned all this?" Naruto asked.

Hinata nodded.

"Man, sorry you had clean up all the garbage a big slob like me left behind." Naruto said.

Hinata giggled. " I hope you don't mind Naruto-kun, but I've actually crashed here a few nights."

" ...and by crashed here, you mean threw wild parties." Naruto said.

"Ha Ha No." Hinata laughed.

" Oh yes you did you can't fool me." Naruto said coming from behind Hinata applying his tickling jutsu which always works like a charm on her.

" Ha Ha! Naruto-kun! Ha Ha!" Hinata laughed.

Suddenly the atmosphere became much quieter. Hinata felt Naruto's protective arms around her waist. She slowly reached behind her and grazed the side of his face with her gentle touch.

" Hinata-chan...I've really missed you. More than anyone." Naruto said.

Hinata turned around to face Naruto. " I've missed you to Naruto-kun." she said.

The two Chunin gazed into eachother's eyes. It would have seemd they were about to kiss, but suddenly, Naruto's old alarm clock went off, causing them to break their trance. Naruto walked over and hit the alarm clock.

" Ummm, I should get going." Hinata said.

Naruto looked over at her. "I'll walk you out." Naruto said.

As Hinata exited the doorway she turned to Naruto.

"9 right?" Naruto said.

" Hai." Hinata responded.

" Ok then...I'll see you tomorrow then." Naruto said bowing.

" Goodnight." Hinata said returning the bow.

Hinata then started walking away as Naruto closed the door. Then Hinata stopped.

" Wait! Does Naruto-kun know he's supposed to wear dark clothing tomorrow?" she thought.

Hinata then walked back and knocked on Naruto's door. As soon as it opened...

" Naruto-kun, I forgot do you have dar-" Hinata was cut off as Naruto's lips met hers, she was at first taken by surprise but gently returned it. Naruto then pulled his lips away.

" Ah, that was what was missing from tonight." Naruto said.

" (giggle) but umm... do you have dark clothing to wear tomorrow?" Hinata asked. her arms around Naruto.

" Hai." Naruto said.

Hinata smiled as they gave eachother one more small pec.

" I'll see you tomorrow Naruto-kun." Hinata said.

" Goodnight Hinata-chan." Naruto responded.

Hinata left the apartment complex walking on cloud 9. After all the tragedy she had to endure recently, this reunion with Naruto seemed to bring her spirits back up a little. Naruto layed on his bed staring up at the ceiling. It felt good to lay in his old bed again, but not as good as it felt to kiss Hinata again after so long. Though it might make things harder when he has to leave, it was well worth it to Naruto.

The next morning Naruto slowly lifted up out of bed. The knowledge of the funeral services still weighing heavily on his mind. He slowly got up and walked over to his bathroom to take a shower. As he finished he put on an attire which was completely black. Next that could be seen was a key locking the door to Naruto's apartment. Naruto then walked his way down the streets of Konohagakure. He became nostalgic when he the morning sun-light peer over Hokage monuement like he had seen so many times before.

" Naruto!" Sakura called from a distance.

Naruto looked back to see Sakura, Ino, Chouji and Shikamaru walking up behind.

" Sakura-chan." Naruto said seeing all his friends decked in black.

" Won't you walk with us?" Sakura asked.

Naruto nodded. As they arrived at the funeral, Naruto surveyed the enourmas crowd, all dressed in black. It seemed all the clans were present at the funeral. Naruto saw Gaara and Temari sitting upfront ( which is not unusual considering they are respected dignitaries from a visiting village.). Naruto walked around the side of the seated guests to talk to Gaara. As he passed by, the Hyuuga clan was seen in their assigned seats. Hiashi looked over to see Naruto passing them while his wife Motoko and daughter Hanabi sit by him. As Naruto passed, he began to hear just a little murmured chatter, apparently, not everybody knew Naruto was back.

" Gaara, sorry that I didn't catch you last night, I actually fell asleep at my old place." Naruto said bent down to Gaara.

" It's fine Naruto." Gaara said.

Naruto then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Hinata.

"Naruto-kun, would you like to sit with us?" Hinata asked.

Naruto looked to Gaara who nodded to him. Hinata and Naruto walked a few rows back holding hands. This did not escape Hiashi Hyyuga's eyes. He would much rather prefer the Kyuubi demon take his damn hand off of Hinata. Naruto and Hinata sat next to the remainder of the rookie 9. As they sat down Naruto noticed a few people he had not seen since he got back.

" Hey Hinata-chan, where's Lee and TenTen-chan and..." Naruto started.

" Gomen Naruto-kun, Team Gai is on an important mission right now." Hinata responded.

Naruto understood. Before the seated members was a table covered with a blue table cloth. Atop this table stood several pictures of different shinobi who lost their lives in the attack. In front of this table was an open coffin of the third Hokage. Various types of flowers surrounded the pictures beautifully, no doubt courtesy of the Yamanaka's flower shop. The picture which stood in the middle was that of the thrid Hokage. But it was the picture beside it which made tears come down Hinata's eyes. Beside the third's picture, was a picture of the former leader of the Hyuuga clan, Toba Hyuuga. The tears in Hinata's eyes began to come down faster, she did her best to stop, she did not want to seem weak for crying, as she did she peeked over at Naruto to see if he saw her weakness, to her surprise she saw that Naruto had tears in his eyes as well. Not really surprising since the third was like a grandfather to him as well. Naruto turned his head to Hinata, showing that there is nothing wrong with shedding tears for loss of loved ones. Hinata leaned her head against Naruto's shoulder. The two shinobis then held hands as the ceremony proceeded. Naruto looked around to see that he and Hinata were not the only ones with tears in their eyes. In fact most of the people in the crowd were shedding at least some tears. Hinata still had her head on Naruto's shoulder as she gazed into her grandfather's picture. She remembered how kind he always had been towards her growing up. She also remembered how proud he was when he learned that she was going to be the teacher's assistant at the academy. To Hinata, Toba Hyuuga was the best grandfather anybody could ever ask for. Naruto looked over to see that the third's grandson, Konohamaru was beginning to sob. Iruka who was right next to him, hung an arm over him for comfort.

As the funeral progressed, each person took a flower to lay atop the coffin of the thrid Hokage. Many shinobi came up to lay their flower, as they did, some of the fondest and funniest memories started flooding back to them, most of all Naruto. Later, after just about everyone left, Naruto and Hinata were seen leaning up against the top railing of the building. They looked far across at the table before them.

" I just don't know..." Naruto started. Hinata looked at him. "...If I had only been here...I just wish I could've been here, maybe then it would-" Naruto got cut off when Hinata placed her hand against his chest.

" Naruto-kun, you must not blame yourself. They exiled you, that was their mistake. They expelled one of the strongest shinobi in their own village, you could not be here because they no longer allowed you to be. It is not your fault." Hinata said.

"...hai..." Naruto said hugging Hinata.

Later, Naruto and Iruka were at Ichiraku's ramen shop. Ayame and her father were so happy to see their favorite customer again. That his meal was on the house.

" So Naruto-kun. How's the ramen in Sunagakure?" Ayame asked.

" Mm, well you know they had one ramen bar over there, but it went outta business, to tell ya the truth Ayame-niichan, their ramen wasn't that good, nothing like yours anyway." Naruto said.

" You know Naruto it has been a few years, have you improved any of your techniques since then?" Iruka asked.

Naruto was slurping ramen at the time so he just nodded yes.

" Yea, you know how I could only master 3 tails before, and how I lost control of with the 4th tail?...Well I got better hold on that." Naruto said.

Iruka seemed surprised. " Really? So you've learned to master the 4th tail?" Iruka asked.

Naruto, while eating his ramen held up 5 fingers. Shocking his old sensei.

"f-five!?" Iruka asked astonishedly.

Naruto nodded. Ayame and her father were surprised to hear this as well. As they talked about his training over the past few years, Jiraiya came into the shop.

" Yo Ero-sennin, I was just talking to Iruka sensei about our training." Naruto said.

" I'm sorry Naruto but I was actually sent by the 5th to bring you to her office." Jiraiya said.

Naruto eyed Jiraiya, then eyed his bowl. Naruto wrapped his arms around his meal.

" You just want my ramen." Naruto said.

" Brat this is important, I''m serious." Jiraiya said.

Naruto looked to Iruka for approval. Iruka nodded. "The ramen shop will still be here Naruto." he said.

Naruto then got up and bowed to Iruka, he then bowed to the shop owners.

" See you later Naruto." Ayame said.

Jiraiya then came to hold Ayame's hands. " I promise you for a woman as beautiful as yourself, we will definetely come back." Jiraiya said in his usual perverted way before having his hand smacked by a soup spoon from a very overprotective father Naruto then pulled Jiraiya away by his collar.

" Shame on you, Ayame-niichan is barely older than me." Naruto said.

Iruka watched as the two shinobi walked away, he wondered if it was about what he thought it was.

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Next Time

Tsunade: Naruto, you have the option to go on this mission or not

Naruto: We definitely won't lose on this mission.

Naruto: Next Time! Leaf and Sand alliance. Counterstrike!

Naruto: Sasuke...how can I forgive you?

More coming. I made this one extra long for you viewers, hope it was worth the wait. I hope you don't mind some of the bizarre changes. The idea with Ino actually came to me from that futurama episode, where they crash land on a planet full of gigantic amazon women (that is if you watch that show). I thought it would be interesting. Plus did any of you see the hour special "Hurricane Chronicles" ? It was pretty sweet, especially the intro.