I was just looking up the voice actors for english dub anime, and i found out something that i seriously hope is false. Apparently, in the english dub of Naruto, sasori is to be voiced by Johnny Bosch. Bleach fans, can you picture sasori with Ichigo's voice? I sure as hell can't. Maybe Ulquiorra, but definitely not Ichigo. On another note, it may look like i'm superpowering naruto in this chapter, but he just pulled a trick that worked, so don't flame me.

Disclaimer:I can't wait to hear Pein's english dub voice, that'll be a-fucking-mazing!

A fateful decision

It lasted for several seconds, although to Naruto it was so much shorter. When it ended, Sakura moved her head back, her cheeks red. She looked uncertainly at Naruto, as if wondering what she did was ok. Naruto just stared back at her, completely shocked by her action. He had never expected her to do something like that, but he definitely didn't mind. He stifled a small laugh, not even realising that he smiled warmly at her. Sakura was relieved by this, she smiled back, moving closer to Naruto, who put his arms around her. They lay there silently, until Naruto noticed something. Sakura was shivering.

"What's the matter?" he asked, quietly into her ear.

"It's so cold all of a sudden." Sakura replied, shuffling closer to put her own arms around Naruto. She guessed it was because of the heat she'd been experiencing, returning to a normal temperature was quite a shock to her. Naruto understood this and lifted his body slightly, pulling at his quilt. Sakura moved a little too, thinking he was going to put the quilt over her. It was then to her great surprise when she found out that he did not only that, but put them over himself as well. She felt her cheeks redden even more.

"Is it ok to do something like this?" she asked, suddenly nervous again.

"What are we doing?" Naruto countered, "I'm just helping you keep warm. Besides…"

He moved his head beneath hers, his mouth close to her ear.

"I don't think I could let go even if I had to." he whispered, making Sakura tingle. It was a strange thing for Naruto to say, she was happy that he could say such a thing, but nervous about how it sounded. Naruto didn't seem to think anything about it however, she could feel his entire body relax. She smiled again, her cheeks still bright red.

Neither of them noticed that right outside, Sasuke was leaning against the wall, his brow creased.

"Tch."

He turned and left. Suddenly he felt like doing some training.

* * * * *

That was the third time Sakura had slept in Naruto's apartment. It was the second time she'd slept in his bed, and the second time she'd slept in his arms. But this was the first time she'd done both, and it felt completely different than the other times. When the sun rose, its light shining through the window and onto their faces, they awoke at the same time.

Neither of them said anything, they both pretended to still be asleep. Neither of them really wanted to move, it was too peaceful to even think about it.

"SPLASH!"

Both Naruto and Sakura were shocked awake as a jug of water was emptied on their heads. Sakura screamed from shock and Naruto snapped up straight.

"YAKO!" Naruto yelled, jumping out of his bed and pouncing at the young fox, who barked and ran out the room. Naruto got to his feet and chased after him, into the hallway. He lunged for Yako, but the devious fox ran straight through the dog door. Naruto stuck his arm out, desperately trying to grab the kit that was probably well away by now.

Naruto sighed and got to his feet, walking back into his room. Sakura was sitting up in his bed, her hair dripping wet.

"Sorry about that." Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head. He then looked down to Zenko, "Get him."

Zenko barked and ran out the room, chasing his twin brother's scent. When he was gone, Naruto looked back to Sakura, who was now climbing out of his bed.

"You, uh, wanna use my shower?" he offered, suddenly feeling edgy.

"Thanks, but I should probably go home." Sakura replied, brushing a strand of hair out of her face, "Why don't we meet up after that? We could go see Kakashi."

"Oh yeah, Sasuke told me about him." Naruto said, "Is he in hospital?"

"Yeah." Sakura replied, walking over to him, "See you there?"

"Definitely." Naruto replied, grinning, "I'll get Sasuke and bring him along as well."

Sakura smiled at him. She then looked slightly hesitant, before she shocked Naruto by leaning in and kissing him again. She achieved the same result, Naruto's eyes widened at her boldness. She smiled again at him, before turning and leaving. She waved before closing the door, that image staid in Naruto's head for several seconds after she left. He found himself listening out as he heard her footsteps fading away, his own feet rooted to the ground. After about a minute of silence, he straightened his back. He hadn't even realised he'd been leaning, had he lost his balance? He blinked a couple of times, he felt so dazed right now.

He turned and walked into his bathroom, turning on the shower. He undressed and steppe inside immediately, placing his hand on the wall and letting the cool water run down his back. He stared at down at his feet, his head still spinning.

"That's the third time." he thought, "Sure, the first time was an accident, but so far every time that's happened all I've done is stare at her."

"I'm such an idiot." he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. Still, he was amazed that Sakura could do such a thing, he could barely wrap his mind around it himself. He shook his head slowly, smiling to himself. Every time he thought he had their relationship figured out, she surprised him with a forward move. At first he'd thought they'd just be team mates, then he found out she wanted to be his friend. Then once he was used to that, she suddenly became very agitated, wanting nothing to do with him. He'd thought that to be the end, but then she apologised, seeking his forgiveness. Then when he admitted that he liked her, and found out she felt the same, he really felt confused. And now this.

"This stuff is complicated, isn't it?" he wondered, grinning. But it was something he held more precious to him than anything else.

About half an hour later, he was dressed and ready to leave. He glanced back at his room, smirking at Yako who was locked in the "Shiki Fujin", which was more like a small dog carrier with a fake seal taped to the door. It was Yako's equivalent of the "naughty corner", because he couldn't disperse into chakra like Zenko, it was the perfect way to deal wit him when he was over zealous with his tricks. However, he had a sneaking suspicion that Yako enjoyed being inside, because he always pretended to be the Kyubi when he was in it. Fortunately, the excitement of this soon subsided and the little fox would just sulk until Zenko let him back out again.

He left the apartment, locking the door behind him. He walked all of the ten metres to Sasuke's apartment and knocked on his door.

"What's up?" Sasuke asked answering the door. He looked a little more tired than usual, as if he hadn't gotten much sleep.

"We're gonna go see Kakashi." Naruto replied, gesturing behind himself, "You wanna come?"

Sasuke stared at him for a moment, before shrugging.

"I guess." he said, stepping out and locking his door. He turned around and walked beside Naruto, heading for the stairs.

"So anything happen on the mission?" Sasuke asked. Naruto suddenly twitched nervously, causing Sasuke to look at him, "What?"

"I ah… forget to mention this." Naruto replied nervously, "But we kinda… sorta… fought Orochimaru."

…

…

"THWACK!"

"How the hell did you forget something like that?!" Sasuke yelled, hitting Naruto across the back of his head.

"Ow! I was psyched, I learned an A-rank Jutsu!" Naruto said hurriedly. Sasuke sighed, slipping his hands into his pockets.

"So what happened?" he asked, with surprising patience.

"Well, our mission was to find this woman, Tsunade, so she could help with the hospital, Y'know?" Naruto explained, "But then I found out that the real reason was that she was supposed to be the next Hokage, but I thought that was weird because she was an angry gambling alcoholic with debt issues. But then she said she didn't want to be Hokage, and I said Orochimaru's got more pride than her. That made her mad so she mad me fight her. But just as I was about to bust out my new Jutsu, she got all mad at Ero-Sennin for teaching it to me in the first place! See, it turns out she was another of the Sannin and was in the same team as Ero-Sennin and Orochimaru. But then later we found out that she had been meeting with Orochimaru, because he wanted her to heal his arms that got wrecked in his fight with the old man. Tsunade poisoned Ero-Sennin and ran off to meet Orochimaru. So then me, Ero-Sennin and Tsunade's attendant, Shizune, chased after her, and we found her fighting Orochimaru's aid, Kabuto, remember him? But then Kabuto beat Tsunade cos she's afraid of blood and took out Shizune as well. So while Ero-Sennin was fighting Orochimaru I had to fight Kabuto. I kicked his ass with my new Jutsu, but he took me out with his kunai. When I woke up, it was all over."

Naruto finally stopped talking, feeling a little short on breath. He then glanced at Sasuke, who was staring at him brow twitching.

"Aw crap." Naruto thought.

"THWACK!"

* * * * *

"Oh. Hey you guys." Kakashi said, looking up from his book.

"Kaka-sensei, are you feeling better?" Sakura asked, taking a seat next to Kakashi's bed.

"Well, that depends on how long till our next mission." Kakashi replied, with a small laugh.

"Hey, Kaka-sensei, Ero-Sennin taught me the Rasengan!" Naruto said excitedly.

"Wha- really?!" Kakashi asked, a bewildered look on his face, "How are you handling it?"

"It wasn't easy, but I've pretty much mastered it by now!" Naruto said, grinning.

"That's very impressive Naruto." Kakashi replied, "And you, Sasuke? What have you been doing?"

"Mostly training." Sasuke replied, shrugging.

"Ah, that's good to hear." Kakashi said, before growing serious, "Asuma told me that you heard about Itachi."

"It's been dealt with." Sasuke replied, "I don't wanna talk about it."

Kakashi glanced at Naruto, who gave him a reassuring smile.

"I see… well in that case, I won't pry." Kakashi said, winking at Naruto, who grinned again.

"So when do you think you'll be getting out of here?" Sakura asked.

"Well, the doctors have said I'm good to go, so I guess I'll be leaving soon anyway." Kakashi replied, "I'm just hoping I'll be given some time to recuperate before we get back into missions. Luckily because of the state of the village, we'll probably just be getting D-ranks."

"Who said that's lucky?" Naruto grumbled to himself. Sakura and Kakashi both smiled at him, he was as confident as ever now he had his new Jutsu.

"Well, thank you all for coming all this way to see me." Kakashi said, "But I should probably be getting dressed. I'll meet you all tomorrow for some training, so I can get up to date on your abilities, ok?"

"Oh, ok Kaka-sensei!" Sakura replied, getting to her feet. She grabbed Naruto and Sasuke by the arm and dragged them from the room.

"See you later Kaka-sensei!" Naruto called, closing the door. Kakashi smiled and waved, before returning to his book.

Out in the hallway, the three of them had fallen silent, looking around at the doctors and nurses bustling around. Sasuke was the first to turn away, but he didn't make any other movement.

"Hey, Sakura?" he said, "You still want me to help you train?"

"Oh, actually, I was gonna spend some time with Naruto." Sakura replied, an apologetic look on her face. Sasuke paused for a moment, before looking ahead.

"Fine." he said, walking off. Naruto and Sakura watched him leave.

"Is it just me, or is something bothering him?" Sakura asked.

"He's probably just bummed cos he wishes he could have hung around on my mission." Naruto replied, "He's just pissed cos he missed his chance to fight Orochimaru."

"What?!" Sakura exclaimed. Naruto just grinned at her.

"I'll tell you later." he said, not wanting to get into it again, "So what do you wanna do?"

"Well… could we go for a walk?" Sakura asked, "I wanted to talk to you, about yesterday."

"Ok." Naruto replied, wondering which part of yestersay she wanted to talk about.

They left the hospital and headed out for the park, where it would probably be quiet. It was when they were walking among the trees that Sakura finally spoke.

"You know that I had the Kyubi's chakra inside of me." she said.

"Sakura, I'm-" he began.

"Will you stop apologising?" Sakura asked, smiling at him, "This isn't to do with that. I just wanted to talk to you about what Gaara told me."

"You spoke to Gaara?" Naruto asked, "So what did he say?"

"Well… he told me that the Kyubi chakra thing is recurring." Sakura replied, remembering his words, "Even though you took it back in, it'll come back over time."

Naruto stared at her. Did that mean she'd have to go through all that again?

"But I'm not worried about that, because I'll have you here!" Sakura continued, grabbing onto his arm. Naruto smiled, it made him feel a little better that she was able to stay strong at something like that.

"But I wasn't just Gaara. I also met the Kyubi."

Naruto stopped.

"Wait a minute, what?!" he asked, giving her an incredulous stare, "You met who?!"

"I think I have a connection with him now, just like Zenko and Yako." Sakura explained, "At least, that's what I figured out form what Kyubi told me."

That really came as a shock to Naruto. But what was more of a shock to him was that the Kyubi had told him nothing of this. He started walking again, thoughts flying through his head.

"So… the only way for you to get rid of the chakra is if I take it back?" he asked, "Isn't there any other way?"

"Well, Gaara did have an idea, but I don't want to think about it." Sakura replied, "I'd have to somehow send the chakra from myself into another living thing. But the chakra would then burn from the inside it, and kill it! I couldn't do that!"

Sakura's grip on Naruto's arm tightened at the thought. Naruto picked up on this and nodded.

"All right then." he said, "But don't you think you should learn it, in case I'm not around when you need it?"

Sakura couldn't answer that. He had a point, but it was still too terrible to be an option to her. However…

"I was thinking… the Sandaime asked Jiraiya to train me…" she said, "But he hasn't really been able to do that. Do you think you could talk to him for me?"

"Definitely!" Naruto replied, "It'd be great if we both became strong together! I know he seems like a pervy old man, and he is but Ero-Sennin knows what he's doing!"

Sakura smiled to herself. It looked like Naruto really looked up to Jiraiya, despite the Sannin's faults. She wondered if Naruto had grown on Jiraiya as well. She could definitely see those two getting along. She hoped she could have a relationship with a sensei like that. Kakashi was too lax to really make a close bond with his students. She always got the feeling that although he liked being around the sometimes, he much preferred to be around people his own age.

Naruto glanced behind Sakura's head, looking far off to the distance. He then looked back at Sakura, who hadn't noticed his movement.

"So you've been training with Sasuke?" he asked, curiously.

"Yeah, but I don't think it did much good." Sakura replied, running her hand through her hair, "I haven't figured out what I wanna do yet."

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked, cocking his head.

"Well, you know how Shikamaru manipulates his shadow, and Ino has her mind Jutsu? I want something cool and original like that."

"…Sakura? Aren't those Hiden Jutsu?" Naruto asked, frowning at her bemusedly. Sakura blinked before palming her face.

"I'm an idiot." she complained, "But you know what I mean right?"

"Yeah, I get it." Naruto replied, "You wanna stand out?"

"Mm-hm!"

Naruto grinned.

They walked some more, but were pretty quiet. So was the park, not many people were out here today. In fact, it looked like Naruto and Sakura were the only two people there, which kind of made him feel lazy. Sakura glanced at him, but then looked down, her cheeks red.

"What?" Naruto asked, looking at her.

"Oh, nothing!" Sakura replied, smiling nervously." Naruto cocked his head at her.

"O…k." he said, looking ahead again. Something was clearly on her mind, but she didn't want to say. Naruto scanned the area, wondering if it was something she saw. He spotted to his left a man carrying a box of fireworks, walking through the streets to the academy, could that be it?

"Oh yeah, Tsunade's gonna become the Hokage tonight!" he said, "Everyone's gonna be there-"

"That'd be great!" Sakura said brightly. They both stared at each other, Sakura's face flushing.

"Wha?" Naruto asked, confused.

"Oh, it's nothing!" Sakura replied, looking down again, an ashamed expression on her face. Naruto looked from the man to Sakura, wondering what she had been thinking about.

"Do you need a hand?"

"Kinda." Naruto thought. As the Kyubi spoke to him, his eyes widened. Was that it really? He grinned, slipping his arm out of Sakura's grip. Sakura looked at him questioningly, blinking in surprise as he put his arm over her shoulder.

"You want us to both go together?" he asked, smiling. Sakura smiled too, blushing slightly.

"Yes." she replied. Naruto grinned at her.

* * * * *

That evening, just after the sun had set, everyone had gathered in front of the academy. Tsunade was standing on the roof, looking down at all the villagers who had gathered. She was wearing the Hokage's hat, which looked fairly strange on her seeing as it was the only part of the uniform she was wearing.

Down in the crowds, Naruto and Sakura were together, somewhere near the back. Sakura found herself glancing around. She saw no one she recognised, which was always strange. It sometimes felt that she and Naruto were a secret, because no one seemed to know about it. But she let it go and looked up at Tsunade, marvelling at her beauty. It was no wonder she was a role model for kunoichi all over.

"One day, I'm gonna surpass her." she thought, smiling to herself, "I'll be a stronger, even more beautiful kunoichi!"

She smiled to herself as she felt a strange sensation. Was this what Naruto felt every time he wanted to become stronger? Sakura leant over so she could rest her head on Naruto's shoulder, but then jumped back when her cheek was licked. She looked around, thinking Naruto had done that. But it turned out to be Zenko, who was looking up at her, tail wagging. Sakura giggled and petted him. He seemed happier than usual. On Naruto's other shoulder, Yako peered around, grinning a foxy grin at her. Sakura smiled again. Naruto had been right. She doubted she could really get mad at Yako.

"People of Konoha!" Tsunade called out, earning everyone's attention, "My name is Tsunade, and I have been granted the position of Hokage!"

Cheers broke out, roaring through the crowd. Naruto grinned at Sakura, who smiled back.

"These have been tough times for Konoha, but I promise to put every cell in my body to returning it to its former beauty!"

More cheers broke out, even louder than before.

"And so, if you'll accept me, I will set to work immediately, as the Godaime Hokage!"

The crowd roared, just as the first set of fireworks flew up into the sky.

"WOO!" Naruto yelled, punching the air. Sakura laughed at his excitement. However, when he formed a hand sign, she suddenly became worried.

"Forced Henge no Jutsu!" he cried. Both Zenko and Yako jumped off his shoulders, before transforming into replicas of him. They both stood looking at Sakura, who noticed they weren't perfect copies. Zenko's hair was a little thicker than Naruto's hanging off the sides a little due to the extra weight. Yako on the other hand had slightly taller hair, and a grin on his face that Sakura was sure couldn't be wiped off. She smiled at both of them, but soon traded it in for terror as they both ran behind her and lifted her into the air.

"Ah!" she cried from shock. She was now sitting on both their shoulders, taller than anyone in the crowd.

"Ha ha ha!" she giggled, suddenly not so afraid. Naruto grinned up at her, before creating a couple of clones to do the same for him. Then they were both above the crowd, Naruto waving his hands in the air.

The second round of fireworks went off. Lighting up the entire crowd. Naruto grinned as he saw Kiba leaving with Akamaru cowering in his jacket. One point to team fox!

The festivities seemed to go on for hours, but Naruto was noticing that Sakura couldn't. even though she was still waving her arms in the air, just like he was, there were definitely signs of tiredness. Naruto jumped off his clones, making them disappear. He then nodded at Zenko and Yako, who lowered Sakura onto the ground.

"You wanna call it a night?" Naruto asked, talking over the crowd.

"Yeah, I guess!" Sakura replied, her arms hanging limply by her sides.

"You want me to walk you home?" Naruto asked, figuring that was the norm.

"No, that's ok!" Sakura replied, smiling. She reached out and hugged him, Naruto noticed her tired eyes, "I'll see you tomorrow ok?"

"Ok, see ya!" Naruto replied, as Sakura began pushing her way through the crowd. He grinned as she left, before turning around and heading away himself. But he didn't head home, instead he walked into an alleyway and, when he was sure no one was looking, used the Shunshin no Jutsu to disappear.

* * * * *

Most people would have figured the rustling sounds coming from the trees was just the wind. But the fact was, the night was pretty calm. It would appear that only one person knew the truth, and he was seeking out the cause.

Naruto had flanked them perfectly, they all had their backs to him. He hung from the tree branch, studying the four mysterious nin closely. They all wore that same strange rope around their wastes, just like Orochimaru did. But of course, Naruto was well aware of who they were. He'd locked eyes with each of them during the third stage of the Chunin exam.

He slowly raised his hands, or more appropriately, lowered them, to form the hand sign for the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. He didn't get to complete it however, as several kunai flew at him from nowhere, forcing him to dodge.

"It looks like he found us." said one of the nin, a male with grey hair.

"Guess that just goes to show." said a dark skinned male, "Orochimaru knows how to pick 'em."

"Will you two shut you're mouths already?" a red headed female growled.

"Mind your words." an overweight male advised. Naruto sighed with boredom.

"So what do you guys want?" he asked.

"Don't talk down to us dick shit!" the female snarled.

"Tayuya-san." the overweight one said.

"Shut the fuck up!" Tayuya yelled.

"Enough." the grey haired one said, "We do not need to attract unwanted attention."

"What… do… you… guys… want?" Naruto repeated, slowly. The grey haired one sighed, before replying.

"Orochimaru-sama would like to extend an invitation to you." he said, patiently, "He wishes to assist you in a common goal."

Naruto couldn't help himself, he burst out into a fit of laughs. He was soon silenced however, as a hand clamped over his mouth.

"Don't insult us!" the dark skinned one ordered, glaring at Naruto.

"Let him go Kidomaru-san." the grey haired one said.

"You gonna take that Sakon-san?" Kidomaru grunted.

"Remember your manners." the overweight one said. Tayuya pinched the bridge of her nose.

"I swear to god Jirobo." she growled.

"Uh, guys?" Naruto said, reminding them he was there.

"My apologies, Naruto-san." Sakon replied, "As I was saying, Orochimaru-sama wishes to assist you in your goal."

"Uh huh…" Naruto muttered, doubtfully, "And why is that exactly?"

"We know nothing of it." Sakon replied.

"Well, at least he's honest." Naruto thought.

"Last I checked, Orochimaru couldn't even beat old man Hokage." he said, "In fact, the old man ended his own life. And with his arms wrecked, what could he do for me?"

"You have no reason to worry about that." Sakon replied, "Orochimaru-sama's arms are fully healed."

Naruto nearly fell off the branch he was standing on. Orochimaru's arms had been restored?

"Should you really be telling him that?" Jirobo asked, looking at Sakon with a raised brow.

"It's fine Jirobo-san, it doesn't matter that he knows that." Sakon replied, "Besides, I can see it in his eyes. That thirst for power, the power to turn his dreams into a reality. I wonder how he would deal with Juinjutsu?"

"Like I need that!" Naruto butted in, "I can already sense your chakras, there nothing much."

"What did you say?!" Tayuya hissed, glaring at Naruto.

"Settle down Tayuya-san." Sakon said, his patience faltering, "Orochimaru-sama warned us he may be like this. In which case, perhaps a demonstration is in order?"

Naruto's brow creased as Tayuya grinned. Someone as fiery as her looking pleased couldn't be a good thing.

"Alright, tell you what." Naruto said, "Why don't you all come at me, and if you beat me, I'll think about it."

"The four of us against you would only dishonour our names!" Jirobo replied, eyes narrowing, "I think one is more than enough."

"Alright, one of you attack me." Naruto said, shrugging, "Then I'll just attack all of you."

"Insolent pest!" Sakon spat out, patience now gone, "Very well then, if you wish for all of us, then we will oblige!"

They all charged at Naruto simultaneously, who yawned at them. Kidomaru reached him first, swiping at him with a fist. The strike connected, causing Naruto to disappear in a puff of smoke.

"What the?!" Kidomaru exclaimed.

"A Kage Bunshin!" Sakon growled, "Find him!"

"I'm right here!" Naruto yelled, appearing behind them. They all whipped around, ready to block Naruto's attack. He swiped with his hand, which was covered in orange chakra shaped like a claw. Zenko's virus chakra.

The chakra latched onto each of them, crawling over their bodies and enveloping them. Naruto landed on the ground, looking up as they struggled.

"Tell you what, change of plans!" Naruto yelled up at them, "If you can get away before ANBU finds you, then I'll think about it!"

With that, he walked away, ignoring the grunts as the four nin had their chakra infected. It looked like he had some thinking to do.