[Naruto And Temari's House]
The last couple of weeks have been very progressive for Naruto and Temari. Both of them have been practicing their efforts in getting closer and more intimate. It started out awkward sometimes but they soon took to it like fish to water. The most intimate thing they've done yet was share the outside Onsen together. Even if they were both wearing swimsuits, it was still something that made Naruto blush a bright red when Temari entered the bath with him. She was wearing a one piece bathing suit, but it was still the most of her skin he'd ever seen. Temari teased him only a little at how red he blushed but at the same time, was quite flattered that he thought she was so beautiful and attractive.
Furthermore, the two of them have gotten really comfortable with and around one another. Often times, they'd offer to give each other a back, shoulder or foot massage as a way to show gratitude or affection. Other times, they'd sit next to one another rather then across like they used to during their meals. They went on dates like romance movies, (Naruto didn't really care too much for that stuff but Temari ate it up) as well as sight seeing and romantic dinners. By now, the young couple were perfectly comfortable with holding hands, cuddling, hugging and kissing. Even in public view they could do so and not think twice about it. At home, the two would find themselves talking for hours and hours on end.
Training together did a lot of good for them as well. Temari had seen that Naruto had really improved in his Wind Chakra training. He still couldn't cut the rock in half just yet, but he could summon wind chakra easy now and she even saw him forming cracks on the stone. Once he got this jutsu down, she could teach him some of the real stuff like she'd been taught. From what she knew about her fiancee, he was very skilled in close quarter combat, especially with a Ninjaken Sword. Temari believed that once he could figure out how to focus his wind chakra properly and channel it through his blade, he'd he a devastating force on the battlefield. If she ever had any doubts about Naruto being Minato's son, they were long gone.
Another things they both noticed was they'd often spend a lot of time just watching one another. Temari noticed that he'd just watch her as she did her own things when he thought she didn't notice. She didn't want to believe he was perving on her of course. She knew him well enough to know that he fully respected her both as a person and as a kunoichi. That said, she could tell that he did desire her and that was something she found actually really exciting. Conversely, Temari would often find herself watching Naruto as well. Whether he was training or going on with his usual antics, she'd find herself watching him all the time. Temari really admired the little guy and enjoyed all the time they spent together.
This morning, Naruto and Temari were busy getting ready to head to the Hokage's office. They received a message from an Anbu Guard not long ago and were told to meet as soon as they could. So there they were, putting their gear on and getting ready to speak with Naruto's father.
"You about ready to go?" Temari asked, setting her fan on her back.
"Just about." he replied, strapping his sword over his shoulders.
Temari just finished putting her hitai ate around her neck then turned to her betrothal. "Any idea why your Dad wants us in his office so early in the morning?" she asked him. "This is probably the first time we've been summoned so suddenly since I joined Team 7." she added.
"Dad has only summoned me like this once before shortly after I graduated the academy." he replied.
"Why did he summon you?" she asked.
"To yell at me." he replied with a smirk.
This surprised her without a doubt. "What did you do?" she asked.
"I painted graffiti all over the Hokage Stone Monument the night before, including his face." he told her.
This shocked Temari very much. "Why the hell would you do that?!" she asked with a stunned look. "You had to know that you were gonna get in trouble for it." she told him.
"Oh believe me, I did." he replied, putting his arms behind his head and grinning. "Mom and Dad both were so mad, they both yelled at me for over an hour before they finally decided that they yelled enough. Then they told me how proud they were of me for graduating when I did." he explained.
"Why would you do something like that in the first place?" she asked him.
"Because it was fun." he replied. "It's the stuff that can get you into trouble that's the most fun." he told her.
Temari wasn't quite convinced. "I don't know. If I were to have done something like that back home, my Father would have spat hot coals." she explained.
"It's not like he would have killed you though right?" he asked.
"Well...no." she replied.
Naruto only sneered. "Then I gotta take you out one night to pull some pranks on some people." he told her. "It's a lot more fun then you think it is and if you're as skilled a ninja as I believe you are, then we can even get away with it." he told her.
Temari was quite for a moment then smiled and rolled her eyes. "Come on, we need to go and meet your Dad." she told him and soon they were out the door.
[Hokage Tower]
Naruto held hands with his bride and chatted with her while they walked. They continued doing so right up until they stood right outside the door to the Hokage's office. Temari then let go of his hand and turned to him before they'd enter.
"Okay, now's where we need to take things more seriously." she told him.
"Oh come on Temari." replied Naruto. "It's not like Dad's gonna have a problem with us acting like couple." he told her.
"That is true." she responded. "But also bear in mind that we're expected to act professional in the presence of our village leader and we don't know who else will be in his office. He may have summoned us for a mission so let's act like ninja for now." she explained.
Naruto sighed at that. "Yeah okay." he replied. He knew she was right and all it he figured it had to do with both of them being the children of village leaders.
"But yeah, I enjoy holding hands with you too." she told him with a smile.
Temari then knocked on the door and waited for a reply to which she heard the Hokage granting permission for them to enter. Temari then entered the room followed by Naruto who closed the door behind them. The young couple saw Minato behind his desk with Kushina there behind her husband. Minato was pleased to learn that lately, things have only gotten better for his son and future daughter in law.
"Naruto, Temari, I'm glad you're both here and the first to arrive." he greeted them. "The rest of your team and the teams I've summoned will arrive here soon but I wanted to talk to the both of you first." he told them.
"What's up Dad?" asked Naruto.
"News from Suna." he replied which really got Temari's attention. "Suna has finally chosen their 5th Kazekage." he told them.
"Really?" asked the former Suna ninja. "Who is he?" she asked her soon to be father in law.
Minato smiled and leaned forward in chair. "Your Brother Gaara." he replied.
Both young blondes were at a loss for words now. Temari knew that Suna had been dragging their feet for a while in choosing the new village leader and she herself heard quite a few names suggested, but even she didn't think that the person chosen would be her baby brother. Naruto was just as surprised as Temari was. Since Naruto was very little, four maybe, he always wanted to be Hokage like his dad. Now Gaara was gonna be the same thing he was aiming for. Given that both of them lead difficult lives since they're both Jinchuuriki, he was now feeling very happy that he was gonna receive the same respect he was aiming for. He also found himself a little envious of him too. Becoming Hokage was his dream and life goal.
"Y-You're kidding me." Temari said finally with a small smile curving her lips.
"No Temari, he's not." replied Kushina. "Gaara is gonna be the Godaime Kazekage of Suna." she told her.
"This is awesome!" cheered Naruto who was really happy for his friend and soon to be brother in law.
Minato sat back in his desk and smiled as Naruto and Temari took the news. "Gaara's messenger had informed us that he's invited both of you to Suna for in inauguration ceremony." he told them. "I'm gonna go over it with everyone else once they've assembled but I wanted to tell the both of you first." he explained.
"Thank you Hokage-Sama." replied Temari happily.
"Of course." he replied. "Both you and Naruto have been invited to Suna to attend his ceremony where he's named Kazekage. Once I finish my meeting with all the teams I'm expecting, you'll be getting packed and ready to go." he informed them.
Kushina then decided she wanted to change the subject and speak to them about their relationship. "Naruto, Temari, I wanted to talk to the both of you." she said, getting their attention. "How have you both been doing? Are things going well between you both?" she asked them.
Naruto smiled brightly and placed hands behind his head while Temari smiled and did her best not to blush. "Things are doing great." she replied.
[Twenty Minutes Later]
Minato sat behind his desk ready to address everyone who had been assembled. His wife had to go home and take care of a few things so he was left with his son, Temari, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuuga, Shino Aburame, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, Neji Hyuuga, Tenten and Rock Lee.
"Everyone, thank you for coming." said the Hokage to those gathered. "I've already spoken to Naruto and Temari about this not long ago and now I'm going to share some important news with all of you." he told them.
"What is it Hokage-Sama?" asked Neji.
"We have just been informed that Suna has chosen their Fifth Kazekage." he answered.
Shikamaru raised a brow at that. "They certainly took their sweet time." he remarked. "Who's their new village leader?" he asked.
"Temari's own Brother, Gaara." he replied which surprised everyone there.
Minato took a moment to watch and listen among those gathered. There were mixed reactions to the news obviously. Mostly, they were shocked that Gaara who was no older than they were, maybe younger, had been made the Kazekage to one of the five greatest villages in the world.
"With that in mind." he said, getting everyone's attention again. "Naruto and Temari have both been invited to Suna to attend his recognition ceremony. So this is where you all come in. I'm appointing all of you to act as their escorts." he informed them.
"With resepcted Hokage-Sama, why us?" asked Shikamaru. "You have to have more skilled and experienced shinobi for this task then us." he told him.
"I have considered assembling a full team of Jonin and even Anbu Black Ops for the task that's true." he replied. "But my problem is most of them are currently serving important missions elsewhere, with the exception of Kurenai Yuhi of Team 8 who's been placed on medical leave." he told them.
Naruto and Temari didn't know this. "Why's Kurenai-Sensei off the roster?" asked Naruto. "Is she okay?"
Kiba smirked and answered for him. "Sensei's pregnant." he told him which was almost as surprising as Gaara's rise to Kazekage. "Since then, we've been training with Gai." he added.
"Kiba is correct." said Minato, getting everyone to look in his direction once more. "With so many who're unavailable because they're on missions or medical leave, I need what higher level ninja here to maintain security." he said then leaning back in his seat. "With that in mind, I also believe you're more than capable of this job. You're not going on any extremely demanding mission, you're taking a trip to another village." he told them.
"When do we leave?" asked Ino.
"Once you're finished here, head home and pack up. You'll have three hours before you're out the gates and on your way." he told them. "Now remember, this may be a simple escort mission, but you have been chosen to see to the safety of both my Son and future Daughter in law. I expect you all to do your jobs well. Any questions?" he asked. Nobody responded or raised their hands. "Then be ready to go in three hours, I'll see you all again in a few days. Naruto, Temari, if you could stay?" he asked while everyone else was dismissed.
Soon, Naruto and Temari were the only ones left in the room with Minato. "What's up Dad?" he asked.
"You should know that your Mother and I will be arriving in Suna as well." he told his son. "Both of us were invited as well." he explained.
"Oh wow that's cool!" said Naruto getting excited. "So you and Mom are coming to see Gaara at Suna too?" he asked to which Minato nodded.
"When will you be leaving?" she asked her soon to be father in law.
"I have a few things I need to take care of as Hokage before I can leave." he replied. "I have to choose someone I can trust to run the village while I'm gone and I have to help Kushina pack." he told her.
"Then I guess we'll be seeing each other again at Suna." said Naruto.
"We will indeed." replied Minato. "Now both of you head home and get ready to go." he ordered.
Minato watched as Naruto and Temari bowed and then exited the room. Once they were gone, he sent out a very subtle ripple of charka as a signal.
"Hokage-Sama." said an Anbu who appeared, bowing to his village leader.
"Send for Jiraiya." he ordered to which the Anbu then vanished.
[Konoha's Gates]
All teams were now gathered at the gates of the village. Everyone there had their own bags with all the things they'd need from night cloths, food, soup, shampoo and conditioner to oral care products and toiletries. It was decided that Shikamaru would take charge, being the only chunin among them. The plan he laid out was simple. It was gonna take about five days to get to Suna so they'd make two different camps and stay at three different hotels, the first they'd stay at on the first night at the end of the day.
"Alright, does anyone have anything else they need to take care of before we leave?" asked Shikamaru to the teams. "And if not, does anyone else have any questions?" he asked as well.
Neji was the one to speak out among them. "Is there a formation we're to travel in?" he asked him. "We are charged by the Hokage to see to the safety and well being of his Son and future Daughter in law." he said, referring to Naruto and Temari.
"Actually yeah, there is." replied Shikamaru, glad that someone brought it up. "I need Team 8 to take the front. Kiba's sense of smell, Hinata's Byakugan and Shino's insects are important in scouting ahead in case of an ambush. My team will follow with Ino, Choji and I able to use strong combination attacks for a second wave of attack in case of an attack from the front. Team 7 will follow us with Naruto and Temari first, followed by Sasuke and Sakura. Sasuke's Sharingan and Naruto's Kage Bunshin are not only good in a follow up attack in case of an ambush from the front, but also for defensive tactics should we be attacked from either side. Temari's own skill in wind style ninjutsu is also good for ranged combat in case it's needed." he explained.
"Lastly, Neji, Tenten and Lee will have the rear. Lee's speed and heavy attacks are valuable because of his ability to offer aid to anyone within the formation." he continued. "Tenten's skills in marksmanship allows for excellent cover in an ambush and lastly, Neji's Byakugan allows him to see a threat coming from every angle and from several miles. This is why I've arranged for a Hyuuga to serve in both the front and the rear." he finished. "Any other questions?" he asked, waiting for them to come up with anything else. "Then let's go." he ordered and everyone was out the gates.
[Hokage's Office]
Minato sat behind his desk with Koharu to his left and Homura to his right. Jiraiya stood before him and the old toad sage had his arms crossed and look on his face that told him he was really thinking about it.
"Sensei." said Minato, getting him to look back up at his student.
"Minato, I know why you're asking me and all and I know it's important..." he responded. "But you know I'm not the sort of person for the job of Hokage, even if it's just temporary." he told him.
"It would be for only a few weeks Sensei." said Minato. "Kushina and I have been invited to Suna to see Gaara named Fifth Kazekage and we need to go to improve relations between our villages." he explained. "You're one of the Sannin and my Sensei. The people know you and will respect your authority while I'm away." he finished.
"If you want one of the Sannin to act as Hokage, why not ask Tsunade?" Jiraiya suggested. "She's both one of the Sannin and the Granddaughter of the First Hokage. The people love her and would accept her with open arms and hearts." he told him.
"I don't fault you for thinking the idea." replied Minato, sitting back in his chair. "But you know as well as I do that she wouldn't do it. I wouldn't be able to convince her, you wouldn't be able to, hell I doubt even Kushina could do it and she's loves arguing more than any woman I've ever known. Jiraiya-Sensei, it has to be you." he told him.
"There has to be someone else for the job." said Jiraiya, trying to protest. "I want to help you out, but I'm not the kind of guy for this job." he told him.
"Then the only other person for the job I can talk to is Danzo." said Minato.
"...Never mind, I'll do it." replied Jiraiya.
Minato smiled at the reply. He hated having to twist Jiraiya's arm like that but this wasn't going to be as bad as he thought it would be.
Minato got up from his chair, walked around his desk and placed his hand on his teacher and friend's shoulder. "You won't be alone in this Sensei." he said with a warm grin. "Koharu and Homura have agreed to help you out while I'm away." he said to reassure him.
It was then both elders stepped forward. "Minato is right." said Koharu. "We'll be helping you settle into office once Minato and Kushina leave in the next few days." she told him.
"Both of us have offered our council and guidance to Hiruzen while he was Third Hokage and we've worked with Minato since he's taken the role as the Fourth. We'll assist you in your temporary role as Acting Hokage." said Homura.
Jiraiya smiled at that. Although he didn't like the idea of having to run the village as Hokage, even if it was only for a few weeks, he was glad that he was gonna have help. Just then, the door swung wide open and a chunin barged in.
"Hokage-Sama! Lady Kushina has been rushed to the Hospital!" shouted the young man.
Minato's eyes shot wide open at that. "What?! What for?!" he asked, worried for his wife.
"I'm afraid I don't know sir, but I was told she collapsed while at the local markets and was rushed in by her Anbu Guards." he explained.
Minato dashed past his sensei and down the halls as fast as he could to Konoha General to see what happened to his wife.
[On The Roads]
It had been a couple of hours now since all the teams had departed from the gates of Konoha and they were now on the road to Suna. Each team was about ten or twenty feat apart so as not to be all attacked at once in case of an ambush. While an ambush actually seemed unlikely, ninja had to be prepared for anything and Shikamaru, although lazy at times, wasn't someone who you could win a logical argument with often. At the head of the troop, Shino, Kiba and Hinata were leading the way. While they walked, Kiba and Hinata were talking and flirting a bit. Hinata giggled a bit when Kiba told her about how he and his older sister Hana were in the middle of a prank war with one another.
"I kid you not Hinata-Chan, you should have seen the look on her face when she tasted it!" he boasted, telling her how he got back at her for putting laxatives in his food once by switching out the sugar with salt so she'd be tricked into putting salt into her coffee instead.
Hinata giggled again. "Kiba-Kun, that's very funny. But don't you think that may have been a bit far?" she asked, thinking that maybe ruining someone's morning wasn't the most tasteful revenge.
"Hey, I was stuck on the crapper for over an hour and a half because of her the night before." he replied. "If I really wanted to get even, I would have slipped her some laxatives and then removed all the toilet paper from the restroom so she'd be stuck on the toilet til Mom got home." he explained. "This way, we can say we're even and then call a truce once we get home." he added.
"Oh, Kiba-Kun, I just remembered something important." said Hinata, wanting to change the subject.
"And what's that?" he asked her.
"Father wanted me to tell you something." she replied with a smile.
Kiba wasn't liking the sound of this at all. 'Great. Just what I need. Father dearest to look down his nose at me again like all Hyuuga do to those who're not a member of their Clan.' he thought bitterly.
"Father wanted me to tell you that he was very impressed with how you presented yourself at dinner yesterday evening." she said happily, surprising Kiba.
"He...was impressed?" asked the Inuzuka boy, almost not believing it.
"Oh yes, he said you were very proper and civil." she replied. "He actually told me once you left, that he was looking forward to having you over for dinner again another night." she told him.
Kiba had to smile at that. "Well, I'll have to tell him thanks next time we see each other in person." he told her. "I have to admit, I didn't think a Hyuuga would be so complimentary to an Inuzuka." he added.
"...Kiba-Kun?" he heard, looking over to see Hinata's smile drop. "Do you...not really like my Father?" she asked him.
"W-What?" he asked back. "No of course not." he replied, then wrapping his arm around her and bringing her close to him while they walked and talked. "I mean, he can be a little too demanding for my taste, but that's probably because the Inuzuka Clan are more laid back and easy going." he explained.
Hinata smiled again. "I hope you don't feel like his attitude is coming from a bad place." she replied. "It's not that the Hyuuga are like that because we like to be, it's just that he's simply looking out for me and wants what's best." she told him. "But he really does like you Kiba-Kun." she added.
"Well hey, even if he didn't, it's not him I'm concerned with." said Kiba. "You're all that matters to me Hinata-Chan." he told her.
Kiba and Hinata looked one another in the eyes while they walked and then both blushed a little as they leaned in to share a kiss.
"Would you two like some time to yourselves?" asked Shino who they forgot was walking right behind them the whole time.
Both young teens nearly jumped out of their skins when their nearly silent teammate spoke up, reminding them that they weren't alone. Hinata was now blushing a hot pinkish red while Kiba had a more irritated face. 'Way to ruin the moment asshole.' he thought bitterly.
Behind Team Kurenai, Shikamaru, Choji and Ino walked with the newest chunin up front and his teammates behind him. From time to time, Ino would glance back for a moment or two, then look back ahead quite angry like. Shikamaru noticed this as well, even without looking back to know she was doing this. He didn't say anything at all though because he knew what was getting under her skin. Choji however was more concerned for his teammate so he decided to break the silence between them.
"Ino, is something bothering you?" he asked the blonde girl to his left.
'Oh Kami, he had to ask.' Shikamaru thought, knowing the both of them were now gonna get an earful of how much Ino hated Sakura and how she thought it was totally unfair that she got Sasuke in the end instead of her.
"I can't stand it!" she snapped. "Every time I see them now, she acts all love struck and flirty with him and he's actually dating her now." she complained. "What did Forehead do to finally win him over that I didn't try?" she asked.
'Choji, you're an idiot.' thought Shikamaru who's eye was twitching. 'This is so troublesome. Now we're both gonna have to listen to her all the way to Suna.' he complained inwardly.
Next in line came Naruto and Temari who were walking side by side and talking. Naruto noticed that his bride hadn't stopped smiling since they left Konoha.
"You seem to be in a really good mood." Naruto commented.
"And what makes you say that?" she asked him but already knowing the answer.
"You've been smiling ever since Dad told us the news from Suna." he replied. "But I can hardly blame you. It's been nearly two months since you moved to Konoha and I'll bet you've been wanting to see Suna something awful." he told her.
"You can say that again." she said, looking forward as they continued walking together. "Please don't take this the wrong way at all Naruto, I have nothing against Konoha at all and I really like it there, the village and your family." she told him, seeing him smile from the compliment she gave him for his home. "But more than anything else, I really miss Suna. I miss the warm sun on my skin and the gentle eastern breeze." she said, looking forward again with such a nostalgic look in her eyes.
"I'll bet." Naruto responded. "If I was forced to leave Konoha and live somewhere else for a long time, I'd miss it too." he told her.
Naruto then felt her reach forward and gently take him by the hand.
"Well for what it's worth, if you were the one being forced to move and not me, I would work just as hard to make sure you felt welcome in Suna as you did for me since I moved." she told him.
Naruto smiled and gently squeezed her hand. "You'll be sure to show me around once we get there right?" he asked. "I wanna see what Suna's really like." he told her.
"And I'd be delighted to show you my home and all the wonderful things about it." she replied.
"It's a date." he said grinning with her smiling in reply.
Behind the both of them who're now walking hand in hand, Sasuke and Sakura walked and watched them from a short distance.
"See Sasuke-Kun? Naruto and Temari aren't afraid to hold hands." she said, leaning into him and batting her eyelashes.
Sasuke sighed and lifted his arm up so she could cling to him. 'Why do girls have to be so needy?' he asked himself as Sakura clung to his arm while they walked.
Lastly, Neji, Tenten and Lee guarded the rear of the troop and passed the time by talking as well. Mostly, the discourse was between Tenten and Lee. Neji kept his focus straight ahead.
"Hey Tenten, I wanna ask you something." said the green clad ninja.
"Hm?" she replied.
"Have things been settled between you and Temari since she moved to Konoha for her engagement to Naruto?" he asked her.
"Um, yeah I guess. Why do you ask?" she asked back.
"I would have thought that maybe you still had a score to settle since she beat you during the Chunin Exams months ago." he told her which he immediately regretted seeing how her mood dropped.
"Why does everyone have to keep bringing that up?" she asked in frustration. "Look, when two ninjas fight, one of them wins, the other loses. I'm fine with it, I don't wanna live on it, I just wanna move on with my life and let it go." she snapped.
"Tenten, forgive me I..." Lee began, worrying about his friend since she seemed upset.
Tenten sighed then smiled. "No Lee it's fine." she told him. "I shouldn't have gotten so worked up over it, but I'm okay now." she told him. "But now I wanna know, why do you ask?" she asked him.
"I've noticed that on our days off, you've been spending a lot of time with her." he replied "Are you two becoming friends now?" he asked.
"I guess you could say that." she replied with a shrug. "She can be very cool to hang out with once you take the time to get to know her." she told him. "Of course, that doesn't mean there isn't one thing that needs to be settled either. She and I are gonna have a rematch soon and this time, I'm the one who'll come out on top." she said with up most confidence.
"That is the Fiery Spirit of Youth!" he cheered, feeling his own blood boil now. "What do you think Neji, would you wanna have a rematch against Naruto to better improve yourself and your Spirit of Youth?" he asked his other teammate.
Neji didn't reply but kept on looking ahead. "Neji?" asked Tenten.
It was then Neji responded. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ignore either of you. Could you ask again?" he asked them.
"What's got you so distracted Neji?" asked Tenten.
"I was just watching Lady Hinata with...Kiba." he replied.
"Oh, I think they're both really cute together." she beamed.
"I honestly can't understand why Lord Hiashi would allow it." he said. "Kiba is completely out of control and hardly someone of the Hyuuga standard." he pointed out.
"That's a pretty harsh way to judge Kiba Neji." Lee replied.
"Yeah Neji, you should be willing to give him a chance." said Tenten. "I've seen the both of them and I can tell that Hinata really cares for Kiba and he cares for her too. Now I won't pretend to understand how Hyuuga politics work, but clearly your Uncle seems to like him and is willing to give him a chance and I think you should do the same." she finished.
Neji let out a sigh and then smiled. "Perhaps you're right." he replied. "Truth told, I haven't seen her so happy for a long time and if Kiba's the one who's having such a positive impact on her, then maybe I should be happy for them both." he concluded.
The teams all kept on walking to their first hotel, unaware of the hawk that flew right over them.
[Konoha General]
Minato burst through the doors of the hospital and ran straight up to the front desk. The young lady behind was surprised to see her Hokage rush in so quickly and look so distraught.
"Where is my Wife?" he asked her frantically.
"Lady Kushina is on the third floor right now." she replied. "Room 3-A. Tsunade-Sama is with her." she told him.
Minato dashed past her and to the stairs in a flash. Within minutes, he was at the room and burst in, now a bit winded from his trip there. Inside, he saw Kushina laying down in a bed with Tsunade and Shizune talking with her. The funny thing was, all three ladies seemed very happy.
"Kushina." said Minato in between breaths.
His lovely wife turned and smiled to her husband, seeing the worry in his eyes but still smiled. "Minato." she replied happily.
"Are you alright Kushina?" he asked, walking up to the bed where she rested. "I heard you collapsed today and it scared me senseless." he told her.
"Minato, I couldn't be better." she said, sitting back up in her bed now.
"I ran a test on a hunch Minato." said Tsunade who was smiling as well. "And the results were positive." she told him.
"What results?" he asked her.
Kushina stood up and took her husband's hands in hers. "Minato, I'm pregnant." she said blissfully.
To say Minato was stunned would have been a monumental understatement. "Kushina...wha..." he asked, not being able to put the words together correctly.
"We're gonna have a baby Minato." she said happily, leaning into his arms and hugging him.
A smile finally spread across his lips and he hugged her back happily. "But Kushina, I don't understand." he said, parting with her to look her in the eyes. "After the incident with the Kyuubi years ago, we were told you could never have children again." he said, remembering what the doctor told them.
"Well, maybe her body simply need more time to recover from the damage before she'd be ready to conceive again." said Tsunade.
"Minato, it's a miracle." she said happily once more.
"Be that as it may, I need to speak with both of you." said Tsunade, getting the full attention of Minato and his Wife. "As I understand it, you're making preparations to go to Suna, is that right?" she asked him.
"Yes, I have a few things I'll need to go over with Jiraiya so he can act as Hokage in my stead, but I plan on leaving with Kushina in the next two days." he answered.
"And that's what I need to speak with you about." she told him. "I can't allow Kushina to accompany you on the trip to Suna. You can go, but Kushina needs to stay here in Konoha for her safety." said the blonde medic ninja.
"What?" he asked. "But both of us have been invited to the village for the ceremony in which Gaara becomes Kazekage. I can't just leave her here while I leave." he protested.
"Minato it's fine." said Kushina. "Tsunade says she needs to keep an eye on me so something like what happened earlier today won't happen again. A trip to the desert in my current condition would be bad for me and the baby." she explained.
"Kushina is right." said Shizune. "This isn't like her pregnancy with Naruto. Her body has changed from when she used to be a Jinchuuriki. We need to take every possible precaution now." she told him.
Minato let out a sigh at that. "I was really hoping we could surprise our Son with the news though." he said to his wife. "Naruto's always wanted a little Brother or Sister and now we can finally share this wonderful news with him." he told her.
"Then just keep it under wraps til he comes back with you." said Kushina, already wondering what Naruto's reaction would be. "We'll tell him together and surprise both him and Temari." she told him.
"Alright." he agreed. "But what about you? Will you be okay while I'm gone?" he asked her.
"I've offered for her to stay with Shizune and me at my house til you get back." said Tsunade. "Both of us will keep her safe and comfortable." she told him.
Minato smiled brightly. "Naruto's in for a real surprise when he comes home." he said.
[At An Inn On The Road]
It was the evening now and everyone was currently at an Inn they planned on staying during the trip. Naruto and the boys were all washing up before bed in the men's side of the bathhouse and talking to pass the time. After about an hour or two of talking training and missions or what not, Choji decides to change the subject.
"Hey Naruto, can I ask you something?" asked the Akimichi boy to the Hokage's son.
"Sure, what's on your mind?" he asked back.
"Are things going okay between you and Temari?" he asked him. "I mean, I have no idea how it must feel to be forced into an arranged marriage." he confessed.
Since he asked, all the other boys were a little curious now of Naruto's relationship with the former Suna girl. Naruto smiled brightly and leaned forward with his elbows on his lap.
"Things are actually going great between us." he answered. "Temari and I go out on dates like movies and dinners and such, we spend hours talking all the time, we have fights from time to time but hey, my Parents fight too so that's normal." he told them.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say the you've gotten quite close to one another." said Neji.
"It would be interesting to say the least, if two people who were forced into an arrange marriage actually did fall in love." said Lee.
"Do you love her?" asked Shikamaru.
"Why do you all wanna know?" Naruto asked with a brow raised.
Choji and Kiba burst into laughter at Naruto's reaction to Shikamaru's question.
"You love her man admit it!" said Kiba teasing Naruto who blushed a bit then smiled. "I knew it! You're in love with Temari." he boasted to his friend.
Naruto kept on being teased about it by the other guys while Sasuke sat off to the side, drying himself off.
On the opposite side of the wall that separated the men from the ladies, all the girls had just finished bathing and were now drying off and getting dressed into their nighttime wear. Temari had just clipped her bra on while she was talking with Tenten when Ino walked up with an all too familiar grin on her face.
"Temari?" asked the young Yamanaka girl to the Kazekage's daughter.
Temari raised a brow at the suspicious look on the younger blondes face. "Yes?" she asked, now putting on her nightgown.
"Do you love Naruto?" she asked plainly and smiled brightly as Temari turned a bright shade of hot pink.
"W-W-What?" she asked back.
Ino's smile grew only more mischievous from Temari's reaction to the question she asked her. "I asked, do you love Naruto?" she asked again.
Temari noticed that all the other girls were watching her now as they too were curious. Finally, she let out a gentle sigh and smiled. "Naruto and I have gotten very close to one another yes." she replied. "I think he's a wonderful man and I'm very happy that our villages have brought us both together." she told him.
"But that's not what I asked you." said Ino. "I've seen the both of you from time to time. I've seen how you two act on your dates and I've seen how you look at him and how he looks at you. You have to admit it, you love him don't you?" he asked.
Temari tried her best to keep her composure but Ino read it all over her face. "Wow, look at that blush." said Sakura. "You're in love with him Temari and you know it."
There was some giggling between Sakura and Ino but Tenten interrupted. "Hey come guys, leave her alone now." she said. "Temari's relationship with Naruto isn't something to be made fun of or for our entertainment." she said which convinced Sakura and Ino to finally back off.
Temari smiled at the brunette who helped her out of that. "I appreciate that Tenten." said the older blonde. "I don't understand why they think it's a joke that my Fiancee and I are getting closer." she told her.
"Not a problem." replied Tenten.
Temari looked down for a second then back up to Tenten. "Can I ask you something?" she asked her.
"I don't mind, sure." replied Tenten.
"I was wondering if you'll be my Maiden of Honor for my Wedding." said Temari.
Tenten was actually a bit surprised by that. "You want me to be you're Maiden of Honor?" she asked back. "Why would you wanna ask me?"
Temari smirked. "I haven't a ton of friends in Konoha and I actually do enjoy your company the most. Sakura's very nice and all, but I want to ask you because we have a bit more of a history together. It just seems fitting, y'know?" she asked.
Tenten smiled from her friend's request. "I would be honored to be your Maiden of Honor." she told her.
"I hope you mean that." replied Temari, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Once you say yes, there's no going back." she told her.
"I'll be there." she told her back.
"Good." Temari replied.
In the room where all the boys would be staying, Naruto asked Kiba off to the side so they could speak in private. "What's up man?" the Inuzuka boy asked.
"I wanted to ask you something." Naruto told him. "Something very important." he added.
"Oh?" replied Kiba.
"I wanted to ask if you'll be my Best Man for my Wedding." Naruto told him.
Kiba was quite surprised by that. "You're asking me?" he replied.
"You're one of my oldest friends from when we were very little." Naruto told him. "Next to Sasuke, I've known you longer than anyone else among us and I'd be really happy if you'd say yes." he told him.
"Well, why haven't you asked Sasuke then?" Kiba asked him. "He's your Teammate so I would have thought he'd be the first you'd ask." he said plainly.
Naruto had a bit of a disappointed look before answering. "Actually, I've already asked Sasuke and he said no." he replied.
"What? Why would he refuse?" Kiba asked with a brow raised.
"He didn't really give me a reason. He just said he's not interested in doing it." Naruto explained.
"Well I can't understand why he'd refuse, I would have considered it an Honor." he told him.
"Yeah, I don't wanna sound like I'm only asking you as a back up Kiba, but the only other people to ask are you, Bushy Brow or Neji." he told him.
Kiba smiled and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto, I'd be honored to be your Best Man." Kiba told him.
Naruto smiled back. "Thanks Kiba, I knew I could count on you." he replied.
"Now come on." said Kiba turning back to the room where they'll be staying that night. "We're all just about ready to go and get something to eat." he told him.
Naruto nodded and followed his friend back to meet back up with the rest of the guys. A couple of hours later, when everyone had their fill, Naruto excused himself to head to the restroom. Once he'd finished, he was a little surprised to find Temari waiting for him just outside the dinning room. She had a smile on her face which by now, Naruto knew she wanted something from him.
"Temari? Is everything alright?" he asked. "You look like you want something from me." he told his bride.
Temari smiled and walked forward, standing just a foot apart from him. "I just wanted to see you before we called it a night." she told him. "Dinner is about finished and soon we'll be heading off to bed. We gotta get up early tomorrow because we're gonna have to travel twice as far as today to cover enough ground before we set up camp." she explained.
Naruto smiled. "Well, I'm happy for a chance to speak with you sure." he told her. It was then he smiled brighter. "Or was talking not the only thing you had on your mind?" he asked her.
Temari blushed a bit before looking away then back to him with a smirk. "I was hoping for one of your very special "Good Nights" before we go to bed." she told him. "Lately, you've been getting very good at it and I'd love to have one before bed." she said with a sultry smile.
Naruto shrgged his shoulders as Temari placed her hands on his chest and gently backed him up against the wall. "Gee Temari, do I have to?" he asked her playfully.
Temari giggled and leaned in til their faces were only inches apart. "Yes you do little Mr. Yes you do." she replied and then closed the gap with a kiss.
Naruto and Temari kissed gently at first, with Temari's hands to Naruto's left and right on the wall behind him while he held her close to him. Then the kiss picked up a bit more when he felt her tongue tapping his teeth, awaiting permission to enter. Naruto granted her entry by opening his mouth a bit more and felt her warm slippery tongue enter past his teeth. Temari smiled into the kiss as well when she felt his tongue enter and begin to explore her mouth as well. Soon, Temari brought her hands closer till she held his face in her hands while she felt his hands run up and down her form. The two would swivel their tongues around within one another's mouths till finally, both parted to catch their breaths, with a small stream of saliva still connecting their lips.
Temari gently stroked his cheeks and he held her close as they gazed into one another's eyes blissfully. "You're only getting better and better at this." she told him.
"Speak for yourself Temari." replied Naruto. "Part of me is a afraid I'll be up all night long thinking about this kiss while the other part wants to." he told her.
Temari chuckled and parted from her groom. "I need to get to bed, I'll see you in the morning." she said with a wink and turning to head to her room with the girls.
Naruto smiled and watched as she swayed her hips while she left. "G'night." he said with his eyes still focused on her rear end.
Both Naruto and Temari would sleep soundly that night with many romantic dreams and fantasies.
[Elsewhere]
In a cave on the edges of the Land of Fire, a single figure sat outside and waited, sitting in a lotus position. It was then a hawk flew up to her to which she extended her wrist for it to perch. Her hands and wrists were clad in steel arm guards and clawed gloves which shined in the pale light of the moon.
"What news?" she asked her pet from under her hood.
Behind her, her team leader walked up once he noticed the hawk they were waiting on. "Mikaa?" he asked.
Under her hood, the woman with the hawk smiled. "The targets have left Konoha earlier today." she replied. "They're en route to Sunagakure." she told him.
Her boss smiled wickedly from the news. "Then tomorrow they die." he said with a sneer.
[Author's Notes] Like I mentioned earlier, I'm changing the writing style to my newest one. This one had proven to be the most popular so I'm gonna work with this one from here on out. Furthermore, I also plan on rewriting and replacing all the previous chapters with the same writing style as this one. Before anyone thinks it's not something to reread once it's done, bear in mind two things. First of all, I plan on adding extra content that wasn' there before to make ths story seem even more unpredictable. Secondly, I'm going to drastically change the first three chapters entirely. I'm doing this because of some constructive criticism I've gotten from my readers in the past regarding em and personally, I've realized that the beginning of the story was simply lazy, lazy writing on my part and it has to change for the better.
I've already got some ideas on how I'll change the beginning but I'm always open to hearing what you the readers have in mind. I'm only interested in writing a story for everyone's enjoyment.
Lastly, I'm soooooooo very sorry for taking so long with the update, it's just these last few months, especially the holidays have been a pain in my ass. But those are behind me now and I should be able to continue the story unimpeded. I may take some time in between chapters sure, but I won't give up on my story, I promise you all.
As always, thank you all so much for reading my stories and please leave either a review or a PM on what you'll think as I really enjoy reading what you all have to say.
This is Dragon1990 hoping you'll all have a wonderful day.