Insert typical disclaimer about my lack of ownership here.
Hinata was having another one of her dreams. In this one, her Naruto had actually taken her out on a date. He was dressed so nicely and it made him more handsome than she had ever seen him. He took her to her favorite restaurant and talked lovingly all throughout the meal. Afterwards, they went for a walk in a nearby park where she actually was able to tell him how she felt. He told her he felt the same way and the kiss they shared was heavenly. They sat down under the protective leaves of a willow tree and relaxed before falling asleep together in each other's arms.
She started to stir, expecting to awake in her own room. She expected to see the picture she had of her mother before she died and the stuffed fox she kept on a chair. She anticipated hearing her alarm clock but instead heard birds chirping and people murmuring in the background. Her pillow felt warm and she snuggled into it to gain the warmth she felt.
Naruto was a little nervous sitting there with Hinata leaning into his shoulder. After the talk with Sakura and Sasuke, he caught up to her and apologized for the way he acted, practically begging her to go along with him to the ramen stand. When she agreed, he was ecstatic to the point that he hugged her out of instinct, which caused her to faint seconds afterwards. If it wasn't for his reflexes, she would have hit the ground hard. Instead he managed to catch her in his arms and carried her to a nearby bench to attempt to wake her.
A few minutes into his attempts, he realized it wasn't going to work. At that moment, he got rather nervous. It was a warm day so he didn't have his jacket on to use as a pillow for her. Using his lap as a pillow would probably get him slapped a few times or worse. Not wanting to do anything perverted, he decided it was best to hold her around the waist and let her head fall to his shoulder. But when she started to move a few minutes later, his nervousness shot to an all-time high.
'I hope she doesn't hit me.' He thought before shaking his head. 'Nah, she is not like that. I wonder what she will think of me if I tell her the truth. Bah, why am I thinking about that? Live without regrets, right? Best do that now since who knows how much longer I have.'
He turned his head carefully to stare at his friend that was using his shoulder as a pillow. A few strands of hair that normally framed her face had drifted in front of her nose, making it twitch reflexively. Naruto smiled before lightly brushing it back in place with his free hand.
It was at this moment that Hinata started to wake. The feeling of something warm and soft but firm like supple leather caught her attention and she opened her eyes to discover what gave off that comforting feeling. She noticed she was resting on what seemed to be a shoulder and a chest covered by a red shirt was rising and falling with the breaths the person was taking. Blushing slightly at the intimate situation, she cocked her head toward the face of the person she was using as a resting spot. She squeaked and bolted away when she found the smiling face of Naruto gazing back at her.
"N-Naruto-kun." She managed to squeak out as she regained her composure after noticing the compromising situation she was in.
Of course, the blond took the reaction the incorrect way and thought she was upset with him. "Matte! Matte! I didn't do anything! I was just… you see… you passed out and I didn't want to carry you home and I had nothing to use as a pillow. I just figured that my shoulder was better than anything else I could use! Don't hit me!" He said quickly while waving his hands in front of his face in an attempt to dissuade any notions of impropriety or block any hard punches she could throw.
Hinata smiled sweetly at her crush, blushing at the thought of him acting gentlemanly. She had to suppress a giggle at the idea of him not really knowing how to act that way. "It's okay Naruto-kun. I wouldn't hit you for that." She replied jovially.
"Well then, still feel up to grabbing some ramen?" He said, still worried she would say no after what just happened.
'He wants to go grab something to eat with me?? That was real?? Oh my Kami, is this a date? Ok, calm down and breathe.' She thought to herself as she tried to control her feelings, but couldn't prevent the blush from showing on her face when she spoke.
"Hai. I would like to."
Naruto instantly lit up with a face stretching grin. He jumped to his feet and held out his hand. "I don't know about you, but the best ramen is both fresh and warm so we should get going."
She couldn't help herself from blushing more before standing gracefully and accepting his hand. In an instant, he was leading her down the street toward the ramen stands, extolling on the virtues of Kami's most wonderful gift of broth and noodles.
Council Chambers
'I don't think I will ever get used to this.' Chronos surmised as he observed the proceedings developing around him. The Uzumaki clan seat was right next to the Nara clan head, Shika. Every few minutes, the man seemed to just nod off as if there wasn't anything important happening here. It took more out of his self-control not to slap the clan head around than it did when his drill instructor in boot camp made a joke about one of the members of his platoon.
'I wonder what happened to ol' Dick Lay after boot?' he thought as he suppressed the laugh he would let out later. 'At least this keeps me awake. I don't think that Shika had the wrong idea by sleeping though the boring sections of the meeting.'
For the past fifteen minutes, all the council talked about was preparations for the Chuunin exams that would commence in the middle of October. His interest peaked when the proctors were selected and Anko was selected to handle the second exam. Knowing how she handled his training, he expected her test would be a grueling one.
It wasn't the only reason he thought of the snake charmer. He wasn't sure how to approach her about going on a real date. The idea in and of itself brightened his thoughts. When he first met the woman, there was no doubt she was a very attractive woman but she was a bit abrasive. She may have been violent at times but the flirting was so addictive. There was definite attraction and chemistry there but he was at a loss of how best to ask the woman out.
"Let's move on to new business, shall we?" Sarutobi asked calmly nudging the discussion to a different subject. "The mission to Wave Country was a success even though it was mislabeled and subject to misleading information. The client will be sending us payment equivalent to an A-rank mission at a later date."
'I bet if I ask her outright, I would have to dodge many sharp and pointed objects.' Chronos thought, shivering at the notion.
"I see that you sent Uzumaki Chronos on the mission along with Uchiha Sasuke." Danzo stated pointedly. "Not the best of things to do before there were any heirs to their kekkei genkai."
'If I try to be coy or gentlemanly about it, she'd probably laugh at me and tell me to fuck off.' Chronos contemplated before he was nudged by Shika.
"You might want to pay attention to this." The Nara whispered while subtly nodding over to the scene Danzo was making. The Uzumaki looked up in time to see the usually placid look Sarutobi carried replaced by one of contempt.
"Are you questioning my judgment, Danzo?? Chronos was sent for a good reason. He needed practical experience of our operations here and a simple C-rank mission should not have been an issue." The Hokage forcibly stated glaring down at the bandaged man.
"It might be best to invoke the Clan Restoration Act and line up proper brides for Chronos-san and Sasuke-san, especially if our colleague is to be sent out on missions." Homura observed.
Chronos snapped his head over to the elder's seat, trying to burn a hole through the elder with his gaze. "I made this perfectly clear the last time the subject was brought up! You will NOT attempt to do such a thing to Sasuke or myself!"
"We will if you and your youshi continue to end up out on missions constantly." Danzo remarked, sparing a glance toward the aged Hokage. "We will do the same if you and your charge do not find suitable brides on your own in a decent time frame."
"You will stay out of my life permanently or I will beat your ass so badly that you will have to open your mouth to shit!" he vehemently responded, shooting up from his seat.
"That's enough, Chronos-sama." Shika stated lazily as he grasped the Marine's arm and pulled him down to his seat. "I believe you've made your point."
He nodded to his tranquil counterpart before sending a final glare toward the two offending parties of the argument. Sandaime sighed before addressing the situation at hand.
"I don't believe Chronos-sama will be heading out on missions anytime soon with the other things that have happened in the last few weeks. Between the unique happenings during the mission to Wave and the attempted theft of the Forbidden Scroll, there are two major issues that need to be addressed." He informed the council.
The blond haired leader of the Yamanaka clan spoke up. "We have not uncovered any more information on who the spy in the village is. He seemed to cover his tracks well. It is possible he may not even be in the village anymore."
"I don't think it would be wise to take that chance. There must have been a vital reason Orochimaru wanted the scroll." Hiashi stated knowingly.
"Agreed, and it is part of the reason why Chronos-sama is not going to be handling any missions outside of Konoha." Sandaime informed the council knowingly. "I am commissioning three of the clan heads to take up an assignment. Hiashi-sama, I want you, Shika-sama, and Chronos-sama to handle the investigation personally. Find out why Orochimaru wanted the scroll, who the spy is, and start working on contingency plans for the defense of the village."
The Hyuuga elder grimaced slightly at working directly with the newcomer to the council. The history of that clan was one of betrayal as well as sacrifice. For such a vital mission, he felt it should not be handled at any point by such an interloper. "With all due respect, Hokage-sama, I do not see the benefit of having him on the mission. Wouldn't it be best if Yamanaka Inochi handled this instead of one so inexperienced?"
Sarutobi simply nodded as if he already expected that response. "Hn. I would agree at that one point for most missions but for this one, I would prefer an outsider's view of things. His time in Konoha is relatively short and therefore he does not have any presumptions or preconfigured notions about anything that will be discovered. For this mission, I believe that point of view is a necessary one. Any other objections??"
Hiashi resumed his usual cold and stoic mood, keeping his emotions behind a cultivated mask that served him well through many years serving as clan head. After a few moments of silence from the council, the Hokage continued with his agenda, giving a miniscule glance to Chronos who seemed more placid at the moment.
"Since that is settled, there is one more piece of information that needs to be discussed." He stated in a sage-like manner. "Uzumaki Naruto was able to utilize the demon fox's chakra as well as gather some observations about the seal from the inside."
In an instant, those who were staunchly opposed to Naruto's existence started to scream for his immediate execution. Another group, led by Danzo, took it as further proof that the boy's skills were being wasted in normal shinobi life. Full blown arguments started between the usual groups of people.
"Do you see?? I warned you this could happen! Put him down before he loses control or the demon takes him over completely!" Piichi vehemently shrieked.
"If he loses control," Danzo responded with a smug grin on his face. "That wouldn't be an issue if I am allowed to lead his training."
"We shouldn't take that chance." Piichi declared. "Every minute he breathes is another minute that the demon could break free."
"Both of you are acting like fools." Inochi stated while rubbing his temple in attempt to stave off the migraine he knew was coming. "We would be betraying the Yondaime and his wishes by doing that. Placing him with Kakashi was a good idea. Only Jiraiya would have been a better choice but he isn't here right now."
"That goes without saying, Inochi-sama, but Jiraiya-sama's abilities in information gathering are more valuable that any training he could give the boy." Danzo said calmly. "I would be better suited…"
THWAP!!
As soon as the noise echoed through the chamber, all of arguments ceased and every eye cut to Chronos, who had slammed his fist into the table. He stood and started to walk towards Danzo. A cold and calculating voice came out of the man as he spoke to those who gazed at him.
"I believe I will be the one who decides anything about Naruto. If any of you believe you can do otherwise…" The irate father stated as he reached Danzo and leaned in until their faces were barely inches apart. "You will have to fight me first."
They stared each other down watching for any sign of weakness, neither wanting to back away. The tension was palpable as everyone sensed that the two were within moments of exchanging blows.
"Chronos, stand down!"
He turned slightly to find Sarutobi observing him with the appearance of both serenity and strength befitting the strongest and eldest shinobi in the village. Chronos knew self-discipline was needed if they were to be able to direct the council meeting toward what they wanted to happen. Bowing slightly to the Hokage, Chronos gave one last defiant glare at Danzo before marching militarily back to his position and seating himself.
The Hokage gave everyone a couple of seconds to be seated and calmed before continuing what needed to be said. "Now as I was saying before I was interrupted," he emphatically stated, glaring at the culprits of the outburst, "Naruto was able to make some observations about the seal. There is a chamber that links his subconscious mind to the seal in order for Naruto to access the chakra. In that chamber, there were some images of places and objects that the boy described to us."
He paused as he let that information sink in and nods of understanding came from the council members. "Naruto described a vault door that was near the cage where the Kyuubi was being held. From his description, it appears that the physiological changes that will occur to his nervous system due to the Nyuurou Saisei will also affect the seal as well."
"I told you!" Piichi screamed out to the members of the council. "We must kill him now!"
"BE QUIET OR I WILL HAVE YOU REMOVED!!" The Hokage ordered with near murderous intent. The Haruno clan head gasped before recoiling in her seat, afraid to even move lest she soil her robes with defecation. (E/N: Ewww...)
"From reading the scrolls about the Nyuurou Saisei from our clan scrolls," Chronos interjected, "They warn that having a second chakra source when an Uzumaki gains the Shinkeisen could lead to disfigurement or even death. They noted in the scroll that it would be best for a counterbalancing energy source be used during the time of the change."
"If that is the case, then it would be best for the boy to be in the ANBU medical ward that day. They would be best to administer any treatment and in case something were to go wrong, we would have the boy in a confined and concealed place. That would be the best to lessen any panic from the villagers." The stoic and sunglass wearing clan elder of the Aburame, Shibi, stated passively.
"I agree with that idea. It would also be in the best interest to have a seal master and medic nin on hand to help with this counterbalancing force." Inuzuka Tsume, the cunning and vivacious clan elder said with her enlarged canine teeth bared in a grin.
"Agreed." Sarutobi announced quickly. "I will authorize a tracking team to locate Jiraiya-sama and Lady Tsunade and bring them back to the village to be on hand."
Many of the councilmen and women nodded in support of the idea. They knew that the full strength of the village as well as the knowledge those two Sannin had would be indispensable.
At that time, a knock came at the door. Everyone was quiet and the guard at the door opened it quietly and stepped outside. Minutes later, the guard came back with a teapot. "I have checked the pot and it is poison, trap, seal, and explosive free."
The Hokage nodded and took the tea, pouring himself a cup and sipping it contently.
--
Outside of the tower, a young woman made her way back to where she usually was during the day. She felt the prickly sensation of a clone dispersing before she made an absent-minded motion to her left ear. Smiling, knowing that the signal was coming in loud and clear, she listened in on the conversation while moving toward her place of employment her cover identity had.
She knew something was important when she received the message mere moments before she noticed Naruto and his team making their way to Hokage tower. Even though the boy was only supposed to be the mark she tailed, the boy grew on her. How most of the Konoha villagers and elders treated him was disgusting and numerous times she pleaded in messages to the Tsuchikage to let her extract him. The boy's ultimate worth to all of the Elemental Countries warranted his preservation, protection, and training for the trials that would come. Unfortunately, the Tsuchikage was insistent on being patient and helping indirectly.
Originally, the plan was to monitor and keep Naruto safe until time where peaceful ways could be used to contact the leadership of Konoha and warn them of the dangers that were to occur in thirty-eight years' time. But according to the encoded message, that time was now cut in half and patience might not be a virtue worth having.
As she ducked into the back room of the shop and put on her apron, she overheard the conversation pick up again. Knowing she would soon have the information she needed, she made her way out to the front of the stand. When the next two customers walked into the stand, she wondered if she should start believing in karma.
--
"Let's wrap this up, shall we ladies and gentlemen?" Hiashi asked quietly after finishing his cup of tea. Bringing in the tea was a master stroke by Akimichi Chouza after the tensions that came earlier but he wouldn't tell him that. He knew he had a signal to the attendants in the tower established in case refreshments were needed. Turning gluttony into a political asset may have been a shrewd move, but not one worthy of acknowledgment.
"The other thing that was described was an image of a tower near a vast canyon. The canyon was barren and rocky and the tower itself was of a dark metal, with an array of seals inscribed on its surface." Chronos informed the council.
"The only canyon that sounds similar to that one is in Iwa, and it makes up their western border." Tsume growled. "According to lore, nothing and no-one has ever come from the western side of the canyon."
"If that tower was important to the Kyuubi, the Yondaime, or the Shinigami, it would be in our best interest to find out why." Danzo stated with a serene look that barely contained the mirth at the idea of finding something in that tower that could increase Konoha's power. All the better to keep that power away from Iwa and when the Hokage and people that thought like him were gone, Konoha would be on its way to prominence in the Elemental Countries again.
"I would recommend that Mitarashi woman for such a mission." Homura suggested none too subtly.
"Why do you suggest that? She may be decent in infiltration but she is needed for the Chuunin exams. We have no indications how long a fact finding mission such as this will take." Inochi inquired curiously even though he had a good inclination as to the true reason behind sending the former apprentice of Orochimaru.
"As you stated, she is versed in infiltration and a lone agent is better off than a full squad on this type of mission." The elder replied.
"A single person heading anywhere in Iwa probably would disappear. I know we wouldn't want to send off a valuable Jounin to just vanish." The mind-walker replied coolly. "It would be best if at least a pair is sent, preferably ANBU in disguise."
"What about Jiraiya? Maybe he has people in the region that can get the information for us without sending ANBU into the area." Chouza inquired between sips of tea and bites of dango.
Murmurs of agreement and consent came from most of the assembled members. Eventually, it was agreed that the information would be given to Jiraiya by the tracking team assigned to bring him back and if he didn't know enough, then a scouting mission would be assigned. This led to the meeting being adjourned in a relatively peaceful manner.
Chronos sighed after most of the clan heads and elders that portrayed Naruto in such a negative fashion exited the chamber. Knowing that one of those persons would be working closely with him on a project seemed to be a recipe for conflict. Shaking his head, the Uzumaki head stood from his seat and went to handle his next two orders of business: finding a competent and imaginative weapon smith and figuring out how to ask Anko out.
'Probably should find the weapon smith first. Talking to a business man cut and bloodied is not the best way to make an impression.'
Ichiraku's Ramen Stand
On most first dates, a young girl probably would not have tolerated her partner constantly talking, but Hinata didn't mind one bit. Her mind and heart was distracted by the warmth she was receiving from holding the blonde's hand. She could feel both strength and gentleness in his touch as he led her across the threshold of his favorite restaurant.
"Here we are, Hinata-chan. The only restaurant to have the Uzumaki seal of approval; Ichiraku's!" Naruto proclaimed, waving his hand as if he was showing off a rare sight to a road-weary traveler.
Ayame smiled at the boy's bravado as she brought her hand up to her ear to move a stray lock of hair. "Ohayo, Naruto-nisan. I see you brought a friend. Out on a date?" She asked in a playful teasing voice.
Hinata blushed at the spoken words to what she hoped was the reality of the situation. She turned to the object of her unrequited affections and spotted a bit of a blush on his face as he waved his hands dismissively.
"It was just spur of the moment. I was hungry and invited her. So I don't think that makes it a date, does it?" Naruto asked, nervously gulping at the end.
Ayame giggled before recovering for her response. "It just might, Naruto." She stated, winking at the still blushing Hyuuga. "So who is this young woman??"
"This is Hyuuga Hinata, a very good friend of mine. Please neechan, don't tease her."
The waitress smiled warmly. "So this is the girl that you said was an angel when she sang at your party." She remarked before turning to the heiress. "You made quite an impression on him. That next day, he was here for lunch and couldn't stop raving about how you sounded."
Hinata gasped and started poking her fingers together again in a nervous lapse of her self-confidence. "Did y-you really think… I was that good, Naruto-kun?"
The blond boy could only scratch his head before sheepishly responding. "Well… It was very good. I still… want to hear you sing again."
Hinata looked at Naruto as he was swinging his legs while sitting on the stool and fidgeting with a pair of chopsticks. She wanted to reach out to help calm him down or even start singing per his request, but she couldn't summon the courage to do so.
A bit of an awkward silence came over the stand until Ayame broke it. "Do you know what you want to order??"
Instantly, Naruto was brought back for his purpose for being there in the stand. "I know what I would like; one large chicken ramen with extra meat and mushrooms. What about you, Hinata-chan?"
Hinata blushed again after hearing him use that honorific with her name for a second time. A warm smile managed to work its way to the surface. "I want the same except a medium for me please." The waitress smiled and walked back to the kitchen to get the orders going.
As soon as Ayame went back to the kitchen area to give Teuchi the order, Naruto turned to Hinata. She sat demurely on the stool next to him and was glancing around the stand as if trying to commit every inch of the place to memory.
"First time in a ramen stand?" He asked, curious as to why she was observing every detail of the place.
Hinata squeaked slightly when she heard him addressing her. 'Calm down. This is your chance. Talk to him.' She took a couple of breaths before turning to look at him. His head was cocked slightly and the soft tone to his eyes gave off an interested gaze.
"Otousan usually has us eating at home or someplace fancy. I have never eaten ramen before." She replied softly.
"That's a shame. Ramen is very good. I always feel warm inside when I eat ramen, even though it is not as much as I used to eat before."
"How much did you used to eat?"
"Before I met Otousan, I usually ate more than ten bowls." Hinata's eyes widened at the insane amount of food. She was surprised he was not larger than Chouji. "He got me to eat slower and I actually only eat two to three bowls when I am really hungry."
Hinata took a breath before asking a question she hoped would lead to what troubled him earlier. "Was that why you wanted to come over here originally?"
Naruto's shoulders drooped slightly and his voice quieted with his response. "No. Sometimes eating ramen makes me feel better."
Seeing the obvious distress creep its way back into Naruto, Hinata's heart ached. Her Naruto was hurting and she hoped maybe she could help. She turned so she could face him and leaned in closer. "Kurenai-sensei told me it was best to talk about your problems. Maybe I can help?"
"I don't think there would be much anyone can do to help before my birthday comes around." He replied gloomily.
"What's this about?? Sour talk about your birthday?? That isn't the Naruto I know." Ayame replied as she came back out with two bowls of ramen. "I thought you were a fighter."
"How can you fight your own body if it is going to hurt you?" Naruto asked frustratingly as he broke apart his chopsticks and took a bite of noodles without the usual 'Itadakimasu'.
"Ano… Is something going to happen on your birthday that will hurt you, Naruto-kun?" Hinata inquired worriedly.
Naruto nodded and proceeded to explain about his kekkei genkai, the Nyuurou Saisei. He informed them about the physical changes on his thirteenth birthday, but due to a 'defect' it could kill him. He looked at the two and noticed Hinata was moved to tears while Ayame looked depressed while moving a stand of hair behind her right ear.
"Isn't there anything that can be done??" Hinata cried out, worried that her romance was going to be over before it really began.
Naruto lowered his head again. "There is one way. The 'defect'… could be removed." He said, his voice foreboding and uncertain. Hinata tentatively placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Neither of them noticed that Ayame had scribbled something down on her order book.
"You sound like removing it would be bad." The Hyuuga heiress said softly. "I would be there if you needed support."
Naruto raised his head and peered into her pale lavender eyes. Those eyes were filled with caring, concern, and even affection that he couldn't turn away from. He was unsure if he should tell her what the defect really was or how dangerous it could be. Reluctant to risk a friend from learning about something that could make her hate him, he decided to leave that part out for now.
"Arigato, Hinata-chan." He replied with a soft but sad smile. "It just isn't that easy. Removing it is very risky, maybe even more so than the change could be."
"Did you tell Hokage-sama or Chronos-san about it yet?" Ayame asked. Seeing him nod, she continued. "I bet they are working on something now to fix everything. It's only July so there is time."
"I guess so. Arigato, neechan. I needed that."
The waitress playfully ruffled his hair. "It is the least I can do for a future Hokage, right?"
Naruto's eyes lit up as if a fire flamed inside the young Genin. "That's right. I can't die before I become Hokage right??"
The smile on Naruto's face was bright until he felt a hand brushing his hair. Turning to Hinata, he spotted her with a delicate hand straightening his blond locks. Her eyes widened when she realized she was caught and she squeaked. In less than a moment, she pulled her hand back and started twirling her fingers while blushing a red that apples would be jealous of.
"Ano… When is your birthday, Naruto-kun??" Hinata asked hoping to deflect past the embarrassing moment.
Naruto looked around to make sure that no one was paying attention before whispering, "It's in October."
"What did you do for you last birthday?" She asked curiously.
"Not much. I usually train or relax at home for my birthday." Naruto plainly stated. "Why do you ask?"
"I was thinking that… we can have a party this time??" She asked hopefully.
Naruto gasped slightly. 'A party… for me?? She wants to throw a party for me??' The shock of someone other than his new family wanting to celebrate the very notion of him being born hit the blond hard. Even though he was happy on the inside, he could barely mumble out his response. "I'd like that."
He watched as a smile spread across her face that was warm as the morning sun and just as bright. Merely seeing such a kind gesture raised his spirits. 'I definitely need to see that smile more often.'
"Anyways Hinata-chan, you haven't said anything about your sensei or your training. How has that been?" he sincerely asked as he dug back into the bowl of ramen before it got cold.
Ayame shook her head at the two. Maybe Hinata would be the one to help fill Naruto's heart. She frowned slightly before placing a happy face back on. The waitress followed along with their conversation as they talked about the training and missions they did. Thirty minutes and two bowls of ramen later, the pair stood up with Naruto paying, leaving behind a generous tip as well. She thanked the two and waived goodbye as they turned to walk away.
"She is a nice lady. I can see why you like eating there." Hinata said softly as they walked down the street back toward the Hokage Tower.
"Hai. But I mostly eat there for the ramen. It's the best!" Naruto replied after punching his fist in the air.
On the wind, the two heard a screech of a bird and turned to the noise. They spotted a red-feathered falcon circling above the ramen stand before flying off in the distance.
"Interesting bird. I've never seen one of those before." Naruto stated while watching it fly off to the horizon to the North.
"Neither have I. Maybe we will see it again, Naruto-kun."
"Yeah, you're probably right." He replied before starting towards the tower again. Neither of them paid much attention to where the falcon was flying off to or the small puff of smoke that came from behind the ramen stand.
(A/N): For every one of you that has followed this story from the beginning, I appreciate and thank every one of you. I have placed a poll on my profile for oner specific purpose. I want to know which story my readers like me most to decide how best to spend my literary efforts. Other than that, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. Feel free to review and tell me what you liked or didn't like.