Here's number 5 of the Reviewer Chapters. And today is one of my favs, pink love rocks and another of the first reviewer chapter reviewers, Kasch, formerly Flameburst.

RS: Yeah! It's plr! I like her.

Plr: Thanks!

Kach: T'sup?

Arashen: (Begins to fidget) Ummmm....... I.......

Plr: ARASHEN! (Glomps onto him)

AKAI: EVERY TIME! EVERY SINGLE TIME! DARN FANGIRLS WON'T LEAVE MY MAN ALONE! (Tries to pry plr off)

LR: Arashen....... why don't you ever dodge?

Arashen's She's too fast, even for me.

Kasch: So, LR. I have to ask, will Gandalf ever return in the fanfic?

LR: Afraid not. He appeared in the beginning, then returned home.

KASCH: WHAT! WHY WON'T HE RETURN! (Begins to heat up, before turning into a giant creature made of flames) KASCH ANGRY! (Launches fireball at LR)

LR: CRAP! (Dodges.)

DNHLR: We'll take care of him! (All the LR personalities lead Kasch away, as he keeps hurling fireballs at them).

Plr: I'm not letting go, so there! (Sticks tongue out at Akai, who growls, as she continues to try and pry her off with a crowbar)

LR: (Looks up at the sky) Maybe I should go on vacation? No, then everyone else would trash the place.

Chapter 20

Truth of the Hyuuga Clan

Part II

Naruto sighed, as his eyes opened, to see the golden leaves of his mind scape's Mallorn Tree. He turned his head, to see Kyuubi sitting nearby, watching him.

"Hey there. How long was I out?" He groaned, as he slowly sat up. Kyuubi sighed.

"Three weeks. And that's not even the worse news." Naruto looked at him questioningly, as Kyuubi continued. "Well, using that attack, powered by Illuvatar, caused massive internal damage. I managed to heal you up, but..... wel, you lost about fifty years from your life span. Physically, you're twelve. Mentally, you're a twelve year old with the knowledge of an eighty year old. But concerning your life force, your 62 years old."

Naruto shrugged. "Well...... that's not bad. I still have a few thousand years. Still, I don't think I'll be pulling that kind of attack off soon, even if it was the only way to kill a pair of Zombie Hokage's, and live." He stood up, looking around. "Anything else I should know about?"

"Well, your girlfriend hasn't left your side." Kyuubi said with a chuckle and smirk. Naruto's cheeks became redder, but he just smiled back.

"Laugh all you want. It doesn't embarrass me." He looked around again. "I guess I should stop making her worry, shouldn't I?"

Kyuubi nodded. "Go to her. But we need to up your training in controlling my power. The sooner you can, the better you can handle the more powerful attacks, like that one." Naruto nodded, before disappearing.

In the physical world, Naruto slowly opened his eyes, before groaning. He was I his least favorite place: the hospital. He sighed, as his eyes adjusted to the white lighting of the room. As the room came into focus, he looked around, and stopped, smiling at the sight before him.

Hinata was asleep, curled up in a chair next to his bed, with a blanket covering her. Naruto thought she had never looked more peaceful. Slowly, he sat up, scooting back so he could rest his lower back against his pillow. Then he cleared his throat.

HInata was startled by the sound, and woke up. She yawned, and stretched, before she realized what had awakened her. Her eyes immediatley fell on naruto, who gave her a grin.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty." He said with a huge smile.

"NARUTO!" She yelled, as she rushed over, and hugged him. He hugged her back, smiling into her shoulder. She pulled back from him, and smiled. He smiled back, until the unexpected happened.

Her face became angry, and she popped him on the head. "BAKA! What were you thinking! You scared me to death!" She yelled. Naruto rubbed his head, glaring up at her.

"You know, it's not a good idea to bop someone on the head, when they just woke up from a mini coma." He said. Hinata just glared back.

"You almost died! What were you thinking!" She yelled back, as tears started to stream from her eyes. Naruto sighed, as he pulled her back to him.

"I'm sorry, Hinata-chan. I.... I was just protecting someone precious. Ojii-san was the only family I had for a long time, and.... I couldn't lose him." As Hinata looked up at him, he smiled. "Just like I can't lose you either."

Hinata smiled, and gently sat up, and kissed the top of his head. Then she learned down, and kissed him on the lips. He returned it, his arms circling her back, as her arms linked around his neck. He sighed happily, as he pulled away. "That's a great thing to wake up to."

Hinata giggled, before pulling away. "How are you feeling?"

Naruto moved each of his limbs." I'm feeling good. Maybe I can get out of here right now." He started to get up, only for hinata to push him back down.

"I don't think so. Not until you've been checked over by a doctor. If you like, I'll go get one." Naruto nodded, and Hinata left. He sighed, leaning his head back.

I'm so bored. He thought.

Hokage's Tower

Sarutobi sat at his desk looking over the reports coming in to him. The invasion had gone well for Konoha. There were few civilian casualties, mostly those who had tried to stand up to the invading shinobi. Their shinobi force had suffered about twenty shinobi dead, another three who were permanently crippled. And then, there was a report from the leader of the warriors who had come to their aid. Fifty Rohirrim had fallen in combat. Sarutobi remembered his meeting with the man in charge of Naruto's allies.

Flashback

Sarutobi nodded to the mounted warriors, who nodded back, as he dismounted. "You're the leader of this village?" The man asked, as he moved forward.

"I am Hiruzen Sarutobi, Hokage of this village."

"Good to meet you. I'm Faorl, son of Folir, Chief Marshall of Rohan."

Sarutobi bowed. "Your aid was much appreciated."

Faorl merely waved it off. "Anything to help the Wizard out. May I request permission for me and my men to rest here in the village, until I've talked with young Naruto?"

Sarutobi nodded. "As long as you and your men do not cause a problem, you are welcome."

Flashback Ends

Turning to the reports on enemy casualties, Sarutobi sighed. Both Suna and Oto had taken heavy losses. Konoha's counter attack in the arena, and Rohan's forces dealing with the main army had caught the invaders off guard, and many had fallen. Those who hadn't retreated back to their villages. All, ready, Konoha's terms for Suna's surrender had been sent. Sarutobi sighed, as he closed his eyes.

I'm too old, to keep doing this. He opened his eyes, when Jiraiya came in. "There you are."

Jiraiya nodded. "You called, sensei?"

"Yes. I think I all ready know your answer, but I'm going to ask anyways. What would you think of being the next Hokage?"

JIraiya stood there, then shook his head. "No way. Being stuck doing that paperwork, and cutting into my research time? Besides, you need me out there, so I can contact my spy network." Then he grew a perverse grin. "Although, I could order all the kunoichi to-."

"NO!" Sarutobi yelled. As he calmed down, he pulled his hat over his eyes. "Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that I like your book so much, you probably would be banned from the village."

Jiraiya just smirked. "So, I guess that just leaves here, huh?" Sarutobi nodded, and Jiraiya just sighed. "She won't want to come back."

"Which is why you'll be taking Naruto with you. I'm sure he can convince her. He seems to have a knack for changing people for the better." Jiraiya just nodded.

"Right. When that gaki wakes up, we'll be off. Oh by the way. I think you'll enjoy this." He placed a book on the table, before leaving. Sarutobi's eyes lit up, before opening the book.

Thank Kami that man grew up the way he did. Sarutobi thought, as he let out a small giggle after reading the first paragraph.

Training Ground #21

The training ground was peaceful, for the most part. Suddenly, there was a crackle of energy, and then a yell, followed by an explosion. The smoke cleared, to show Sasuke standing in front of a boulder with two large holes in it, one of them still smoking. Kakashi just nodded.

"Not bad. I'd say you're limited to about two a day though. Any more, and you'd die." He looked at Sasuke who panted heavily. Suddenly, Kiba, who was training near by with Akamaru, spoke up.

"Hey, how come I don't get to learn a cool technique like that?" He yelled. Kakashi just sighed.

"Kiba, the only reason I taught Sasuke that move was because he is a lightning affinity, just like me. The Chidori is an A-ranked Assassination jutsu, which requires high speed. Not only that, but it needs the Sharingan, to eliminate the tunnel vision one gets while using it. Besides, I taught you a couple of jutsus, didn't I?"

Kiba just nodded, before turning away, and getting back to work on the pair of earth style jutsus, to which he was attuned to. Strangely enough, Sakura was as well. But Kakashi hadn't taught her any yet, because she was still working on her chakra capacity.

Kakashi turned, and looked at Sasuke. Truth be told, he would rather have kept from teaching Sasuke this move, seeing how the boy was turning out, mentally. Physically, he was an excellent shinobi. Mentally..... he was like Orochimaru. Always seeking power, no matter the cost. But Sasuke had pestered him to teach him a powerful jutsu, and despite his better judgement, Kakashi relented.

Sasuke mentally growled, as he looked at the destroyed boulder. This is good. This new move, it's powerful. I'm not to Naruto's level yet, but soon..... I will be. And then, I can achieve my dream.

If you will have your wish...... THEN GIVE ME MINE! A deep voice echoed through Sasuke's head, and he immediately looked around. Ever since he had gotten the curse mark, something had happened. His dreams were filled with a giant flaming eye, that spoke that message. And whenever he thought about killing Itachi, that voice echoed through his thoughts. He shook his head, before leaning against the rock, and looking at Kakashi.

"What else can I learn?"

"Not today. You've exhausted your chakra. Go rest for a bit, and we'll pick up training again tomorrow." Sasuke growled in annoyance, but nodded, and left.

Whatever that voice is..... maybe I should listen to it, if it leads me to power. Sasuke thought, as he left.

Hospital

"C'mon, Naruto. Take the medicine, and then you can get out of here." Lily said, as she held up a bowl full of sickly green looking goop. Naruto gagged at the smell of it.

"What is that?" He asked. Lily just shrugged.

"Some home remedies thrown together. Please, just try it? The doctors said you can leave afterwards." Lily gave him a puppy dog pout, and Hinata giggled at the sight of Naruto sighing in surrender. He took the bowl, and sipped it. His eyes widened, and then he gulped the whole thing down, much to Lily's jy, and Hinata's amazement.

"Lily, that tasted great!" Naruto yelled. He sprang up from bed, grabbed a change of clothes, and disappeared behind a changing screen. Lily smirked at Hinata, who sighed, and handed over a 300 ryo note. Naruto emerged after changing, and smiled at the two girls.

"Well, shall we get going?" He asked, offering them both an arm. They both giggled, and accepted, and naruto walked out of the Hospital with them.

Almost instantly, a Hyuuga Branch Member approached them. "Naruto-san! Naruto-san!" Naruto stopped, allowing the Hyuuga to catch up. He bowed to all three of them. "Hiashi-sama, and the Elders, wish to speak with you tomorrow, at one. They also request you there as well, Hinata-sama."

Hinata and Naruto nodded, before the Hyuuga left. Naruto sighed, as he lowered his head. "Probably want to talk to me about they way I hurt Neji. I am sorry about that, Hina-chan." He said to her. She smiled, and hugged him.

"Don't worry. He's all ready being taken care of." Naruto just smiled.

"So, now what?"

"Well, you could say hi to your old friend." A deep voice sounded behind him. He turned, to see a tall man with long brown hair, wearing steel scaled armor, and carrying an ornate, open faced helmet with a nose guard designed like a horse, and a long plume of white horse hair coming off the top.

(A/N: Imagine Eomer's armor, but with someone else in it.)

The man had a strong, rugged face, with a brown beard, and brown eyes that seemed full of laughter. Naruto smiled.

"Faorl! How have you been!?" He shouted, shaking the man's hand. Faorl just smiled.

"Things have been good. Especailly with that little brawl you gave us a few weeks ago." Naruto just laughed, before turning to Hinata.

"Faorl, I want you to meet one of my teammates, and..... well, actually my new girlfriend, Hinata Hyuuga. Hinata-chan, this is Faorl, son of Folir, Chief Marshall of Rohan." Faorl held his hand out, and Hinata shook it.

"Nice to meet you. I'm hoping the boy is treating you right." Hinata just nodded happily. Faorl then turned to Lily.

"It's good to see you too. I'm sure my daughter Thina will be happy to see you." Lily just nodded excitedly. Faorl turned back to Naruto, with a serious look.

"Naruto, I do have a favor to ask. He lost some good men fighting against those invaders, and your..... Hokage, right? He let us bury them in their own special area of the cemetery here. I was wondering if..... if you would sing them a funeral song, to ease their passage."

Naruto sobered, as he nodded. "I will. They made a sacrifice for this village, because of me. I could do no less for them. I will do that this evening, as the sun sets."

Faorl nodded, before smiling, and looking around. "I have to say, this village is interesting. Although the beer here could do with a pick me up. I out drank some crazy woman who challenged me. Didn't even feel anything from that sake." He said with a smirk, before walking off. Naruto just smiled at the thought.

"So, what do you want to do? Personally, I could really go for some food right now." They all laughed, as they headed off.

That evening, at the Graveyard.

Naruto, Elroth, Faorl, and his ranking commanders respectfully gathered at the graves of the Rohirrim who had fallen in combat. All were dressed in their armor, while Naruto and Elroth were dressed in black clothes of mourning. As the sun slowly began to fade over the horizon, Naruto began to sing a slow, mournful song.

"Ilu Illuvatar en kare eidan a firimoin, (The Father made the World for Elves and Mortals)

ar antarota mannar Valion: numessier. (And he gave it into the hands of the Lord. They are in the West.)

Toi aina, mana, meldielto- enga morion. (They are holy, blessed, and beloved, save the Dark One)

talantie. Morgtoh Mardello lende: marie. (He is fallen. Morgoth has gone from the Earth: it is good)

En karielto eldain Isil, hildin Ur-anar. (For the Elves they made the Moon, but for Men, the red Sun)

Toi irimar. Ilyain antalto annar lestanen (which are beautiful. To all they gave in measure the gifts)

Iluvataren. Ilu vanya, fanya, eari (of Iluvatar. The World is fair, the sky, the seas,)

i-mar, ar ilqa imen. Irima ye Numenor. ( the earth, and all that is in them. Lovely is Numenor)

Nan uye sere indo-ninya simen, ullume, (But my hearth resteth not here forever)

ten si ye tyelma, yeva tyel ar I narqelion, (for here is ending, and there will be an end and the Fading)

ire ilqa yeva notina, hostainieva, yallume, (when all is counted, and all numbered at last)

ananta uva tare farea, ufarea! (but yet it will not be enough, not enough!)

Man tare antava nin Iluvatar, Iluvatar (What will the Father, O Father give me,)

enyare tar I tyel, ire Anarinya qeluva?"(In that day beyond the end, when my Sun faileth?)

As Naruto's voice ended, the sun dipped beyond the horizon, as the last of the sun light faded. All present bowed their heads, saying a final farewell, before dispersing. Naruto held up a small group of white petals, Simbelmyne, and placed them on the grave markers.

"Fare well....... sons of Rohan. May the Valar watch over you." With that, he left.

(A/N: Thanks to Dragon Noir for finding that song)

The Next Day, Hyuuga Compound

Naruto sat outside the Council room of the Hyuuga compound. Next to him, Hinata was glancing at him, somewhat nervously. He gave her a smile, and her nerves disappeared. Eventually, the door opened, and a Branch Member bowed to them both. "The Elders will see you now."

Naruto and Hinata entered, and bowed to the Elders, and Hiashi. They returned the bows, as Naruto and Hinata sat down. One of the Elders spoke up.

"Naruto-san, the reason we called you here today is concerning the bet you made with Hiashi-sama." Naruto immediately stiffened.

"What about it? Hiashi-sama and I made a bet, and I won. What else is there to talk about?" The Elders, except Hinata's grandmother, glared at him.

"This wager was made without the knowledge, or consent of the Hyuuga Elders." One said.

"This is a matter concerning our clan." Another spoke.

"So, because the bet was made in such a fashion, we do not consider ourselves held to it. Hinata will be branded, and placed in the Branch Family of the Hyuuga Clan." The first Elder said. Naruto was barely able to keep his KI from flaring.

"We had an agreement. If you renege on our bet, the word of the Hyuuga Clan will be worthless."

"This was an internal affair. The village will understand. Hinata will be branded, and-."

"No." A voice came from the doorway. Everyone turned, to see Neji standing there, leaning heavily on the support of Tenten, and a crutch. The Elders immediately stood in anger.

"You have no right to be here! Leave at once!"

"Hiashi-sama, you must know the truth behind what is going on! The Elders-!" Neji was cut short, as he screamed in pain and started to fall over, clutching his head where the Seal was. One of the Elders still was holding it activated, when a blade suddenly appeared at his throat He fearfully looked down the curved blade, until his eyes stopped on Hinata, who was in her armor.

"You will release him." Hinata said softly, but deadly. The Elder immediately complied, before Hinata removed the sword from his throat. Neji slowly got back up, breathing heavily.

"I..... I have..... information...... on the Elders." He managed to pant out. Hiashi merely nodded, and after regaining his breath, Neji continued.

"The Elders came to me, before the chuunin exams. They told me about how they did not believe Hinata-sama was right to be the future Head of the Clan. So, they asked me to use a kunai covered in a special toxin, that would prevent Hinata-sama from using her Byakugan. Then, they told me they would ensure that I would either face Hinata-sama in the Finals, or the preliminaries, if there were any. They told me to either kill her, cripple her, or defeat her in such a way, that she would be considered weak." He lowered his head in shame. "They preyed upon my hatred of the Main Family, along with the promise of removing my seal. Even still, I was curious of their actions, and I did research into their motives."

The Elders were about to protest, when they were silenced by Hiashi, his mother, and Hinata. Neji continued.

"Ever since the founding of our clan, certain members had traits similar to Hinata-sama. The Elders of the clan at the time that these unique Hyuuga's arise always dealt with the situation. They had these individuals branded, placed in thye Branch Family, and eventually, they were poisoned in a way that made it seem like they died of illness."

Hiashi gaped for a few moments, then turned to the Elders. "Is this true?" When none of them answered, Hiashi stood up. "IS THIS TRUE!?" He shouted.

The Elders looked at each other, before one stood up arrogantly. "Yes, it is true, Hiashi-sama. The Elders have been acting in the best interest of the clan for all these years."

"Best interest!?" Hiashi's mother said, standing up. "By killing our clansmen?!"

"To protect the genetic purity of the clan. These freaks, these abnormalities, do not belong, and should be dealt with." Another Elder said. Suddenly, he stiffened, before his head slid from his body, and hit the ground, followed by his headless corpse. Everyone turned to see Hinata standing there, her eyes hidden in shadow, and her blade dripping with blood.

"Freaks. Abnormalities." She whispered. "Is that what you see me as? You cannot stand for change, or anything that threatens the way of life that keeps you in power." she slowly looked up, and for the first time in anyone's memory, those lavender eyes were filled with rage. "So many people, whose only crime was to be different, wiped out. Why? WHY?!" She yelled. The Elders backed away from her, as she raised her sword. But a hand on her shoulder made her lower it, and she turned to see Naruto. Slowly, she dropped the sword, and fell into his embrace, crying. Naruto just held her, as the armor disappeared.

Hiashi snapped his fingers, and five Main branch family guards arrived. "All these Elders are to be detained, until I can deal punishment to them. In no way are they to be in any contact with anyone, without my permission." The guards nodded, and took all the Elders, except Hiashi's mother, away.

Naruto held Hinata tightly, as he she cried. Eventually, he looked up at Neji who stood there, his head down. Hiashi came over to Neji, and sighed, as he looked the boy over.

"Neji..... what you did was a deliberate attack against the Main Family. However, because you were under orders from the Elders, and because you confessed, I will mitigate your punishment, to a point. From now on, until I deem otherwise, you will be banished from the Hyuuga Clan, and Compound, until such time as I deem you have atoned for your actions."

Neji just nodded, before looking up at Hinata and Naruto. "Hinata-sama?"

Hinata stiffened, as Neji continued. "I do not expect forgiveness from you, not for what I did to you. But please, at least know this....... I am truly sorry for what I did. I was a coward, blaming you, and anybody else, for what happened to my father. I am truly sorry for what I did." He slowly turned, and began making his way away from them all. Tenten stood there, and then followed him.

Naruto looked down at hinata, who was just looking at his chest. Then she slowly pulled away from naruto, before turning to Hiashi, who had his head bowed. She looked at him for a moment, before looking at her Grandmother. "I'm going to be leaving the clan compound for a while. And when I feel that I can deal with...... with this clan again, I will return. But for now, I can't be here. I just can't." With that, she left. Hiashi stood there, tears beginning to fall from his eyes. Naruto sighed, before bowing to them both.

"Don't worry. I'll look after her." With that, he headed after Hinata. He found her in her room, packing several items into a bag.

"Where will you go?" He asked softly. Hinata shrugged.

"I thought I would ask Kurenai-sensei first." She said, putting several clothes into another bag. Naruto stopped her for a moment, and she just leaned into him.

"You could come stay with me, if you wanted." Naruto felt Hinata smile into his chest, before pulling back.

"Thank you, but..... no. I don't want to cause you any trouble right now." Naruto just nodded, and hinata continued her packing. When she finished, she smiled at him, as he picked one of the bags up. With that, they headed off.

As they reached the entrance, a panicked shout of "Nee-chan!" came behind them. They both turned, to see Hanabi running up to them.

"Nee-chan! Where are you going?" Hinata sighed, as she looked down.

"I'm sorry, imouto, but....... I've learned some terrible things about the clan. I...... I just need some time away from here. Until I can come to terms with what I've learned." She smiled, and hugged Hanabi. "I'll be back. And you can come see me."

Hanabi cried into Hinata, who just held her. "I'm going to miss you, nee-chan."

Hinata held her close. "I'll be back, imouto. Don't worry." She whispered. Hanabi nodded, before pulling away. Hinata gave her a smile, before leaving with Naruto.

They were a few blocks away from Kurenai's home, when Jiraiya popped up in front of them. "There you are. Naruto, me and you are heading somewhere tomorrow."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Jiraiya sighed. "We're going on a mission. Sarutobi-sensei plans to retire, and we're going looking for his replacement. We're leaving tomorrow, early."

Naruto slowly nodded, before shaking his head. "Wait. I'm not going anywhere without Hinata-chan." Hinata blushed, while Jiraiya palmed his face.

"Kid, we don't have time for your romances. You can't bring your girlfriend along."

Naruto glared up at him. "Well, while that was a thought, and a reason why I want her to come along, the truth is, Hinata-chan is under my tutelage. And this is the perfect opportunity to test some of her skills and abilities. She's coming along as my student first, my girlfriend second." Naruto kept looking at him, and Jiraiya sighed.

"Fine. She can come along. She just better not get in the way."

"Of what, you're research?" He retorted. Hinata gently placed a hand on his arm.

"Naruto-kun, I think you should be more respectful. He is a sannin." She said. Naruto gave her a credulous look.

"Hinata-chan, he may be a sannin, but he is also the self proclaimed 'Super-Pervert', the writer of Icha Icha Paradise, and would gladly peak on you in a hot spring first chance he got. Not only that, but he's my godfather, and wasn't around for most of my life, especially when I needed him most."

Hinata glared at Jiraiya, who sweat dropped. "Gaki, I said I'm sorry about that, didn't I? Besides, I'm working on making things up."

Naruto just snorted. "Well, when you've paid me back for nine years of being alone as the village scapegoat, then we can talk. We'll see you tomorrow, Jiraiya-sama." With that, he and Hinata moved onward. Jiraiya just lowered his head, and sighed.

Minato, I'm so sorry.

Hinata looked at Naruto. "Is he really your godfather?"

Naruto nodded. "He was my father's sensei, and they made him my godfather around the same time they decided on what my name would be. It was actually inspired by the name of the main character in the one book of his that wasn't smut." He sighed, as he looked down. "I'll probably forgive him eventually. But for now...... I just feel like he needs to work to earn my respect on that level. He is a highly skilled ninja, and I respect him for that."

Hinata just nodded. "I understand And I think you're right." With that, they arrived at Kurenai's apartment. Hinata went to the door, and knocked. A few minute's later, Kurenai appeared at the door, wearing a regular t-shirt and pants.

"Naruto, Hinata. What can I do for you two?" She said with a smile. Then she spotted the bags. "Did I miss something?"

Hinata sighed. "Kurenai-sensei, would it trouble you if I stayed with you for a while? I've had some...... problems with my clan, and need to get away from them for a while."

Kurenai just nodded, and both Naruto and Hinata came in. Kurenai showed them an extra room in her apartment. It was a cozy place, and Hinata felt happy. She dropped her bags on the bed, and smiled. "This place is great."

Naruto nodded. "Kurenai-sensei, me and Hinata are going to be leaving the village tomorrow, for a mission with Jiraiya-sama." Kurenai raised an eyebrow.

"I trust you'll protect Hinata from Jiraiya?" The red eyed genjutsu jounin knew about Jiraiya's reputation. Naruto just smirked.

"You might want to reverse that. Jiraiya-sama may be a sannin, but angry women seem to always overpower him." Kurenai and Hinata just laughed. Naruto joined them. As their mirth settled, Kurenai adopted her stern sensei mode.

"I do expect the two of you to keep training while out there. I don't want you to come back, and have lost some of your edge."

They both nodded, and Kurenai pushed Naruto out of the room. "Now, we'll get Hinata settled in, and after I've changed, we'll go get Shino, and train one last time, before you leave." Naruto just smirked, as he waited in the living room.

A half hour later, Kurenai emerged from her room, and smiled at seeing Hinata and Naruto sitting on her couch, holding hands, talking, and occasionally kissing. "All right. Let's get going, you two."

They headed off, looking for their other teammate, to enjoy their last day together for some time.

Next Morning, Main Gate

Naruto, Hinata, and Elroth were waiting by the gate, when Jiraiya came over to them. "Okay, I agreed for her to come along. But why is he here?"

Naruto looked at Elroth. "He's just here to see us off. He's not coming with us." Jiraiya just nodded

"Well, let's get going." He headed off. Naruto looked at Elroth who nodded. Naruto smiled, before he and Hinata followed behind Jiraiya.

Elsewhere, two figures in black cloaks, with red clouds looked over the village from a hill.

"So, the village survived. They did much better then expected, considering the situation."

The other figure, one with a bandage wrapped object on his back, looked at the shorter figure. "Feeling nostalgic for your old home?"

The first figure raised his head enough, to reveal a pair of red eyes with three black tomoe's in them. "Let's just get the job done."

LR: Hold him for a few more seconds! (Rapidly going through hand signs, before unleashing massive water blast on Kasch. He returns to normal).

Kach: uhhhhh, sorry about that.

LR: Yeah. I think we should end things now.

Akai: (standing between plr and Arashen) Will you leave him alone!?

Plr: (starting to cry) I-I'm sorry. I just.... I just really think he's cool.

Arashen: (comes out from behind Akai, and hugs plr) Hey, it's okay. Don't worry about.

Plr: (smiling) Really?

Arashen: (nods) Sure. Hey, how about you and me, we be friends. Sound cool?

Plr: Yeah! Sure!

LR: Well, that's all for now. Join us next time for srobertson, and Heavenhawk