A/N: Thank you all so much for your input. I'm really glad you're all my fans. Its because of all of your reviews that I keep writing. So thank you all. Anyway, here's another chapter for you all.

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Beginning of the End

The air was heavy with rain. February had fallen on the Land of Fire. Deep in the forests, Pain and Kisame had arranged their camp. The attack on Konoha was imminent. Sasuke and his team sat high in the treetops. Sasuke was sitting Indian style, arms crossed. Deep in thought, he envisioned what he was about to experience. Itachi, watch over me. I'm going to do this for you, Mom and Dad. And then, finally, I'll be able to rest in peace with you all. Sasuke opened his dark eyes, swept his robe behind him and then he hopped down off the tree and made his way to the lake, where Naruto and Hinata had been married almost a year ago. Sasuke bent and picked a stone up off the floor. He closed his eyes once more and he smiled a rare, true smile. If I can skip it all the way across, let it be a sign that I'll be accepted back into Konoha once this is all over. With that, Sasuke drew back his arm and he let the stone fly. It skipped across the lake and careened into a tree on the other side. Sasuke's smile widened and he heard Karin's voice calling for him. He turned and he cast his now serious face on her. Together, they walked back to their cabin in the woods, where they would await the signal, tomorrow.

Naruto awoke on February 13th like any other day. He did not awaken in his own home however. The Uzumaki family had temporarily relocated to a safe haven in the forest. None save for Tsunade and Kakashi knew where they were. They were hidden deep in the woods under a special Genjutsu. Naruto rose to his feet, kissed Hinata's cheek as she slept and he made his way down to river that fed the special lake. He stripped his clothes off and he sank into the running water, letting it run over his body. He knew that they only had a few hours left before all hell would break loose in the village. Tsunade had been informed about the letter from Sasuke and she had made it clear that if he lived, she would work to lift the S Class criminal status and the bounty on his head. The civilians in the village had been relocated as well.

Naruto heard a rustling from his flank and he cast a glance to see Hinata emerge from the bushes, her hair down and tangled. Naruto cast a smile and he looked at her. First thing in the morning and she still looked beautiful. Hinata stripped her clothes off as well and she slid into the water with her husband. They kissed and they embraced each other. Hinata broke the silence, still holding onto Naruto.

"This could be the last time we get to hold each other Naruto."

The young man closed his eyes and he contemplated that. He shook his head and he gently bit Hinata's neck, causing the young Hyuga to squeak. His lips brushed hers and he shook his head.

"We'll have all the time in the world to do this; after we protect our children and the village. I won't anyone in our family die. Not you, not Hanabi, not our children or Mom. We'll be a happy family, together."

Hinata nodded gently and she stroked Naruto's cheek.

"You are the bravest, strongest man I know Naruto Uzumaki. I'm glad you're my husband and the father of my children."

Naruto laughed, but then he nodded.

"I know. And you're incredible Hina. Let's get back to the house. We have to feed the twins."

They stood up, dressed and made their way back to the home they were using and they were greeted by a sleepy-eyed Hanabi. She was holding her niece and nephew.

"Make them stop crying. I'm trying to sleep."

Naruto patted the young girl on her head and she brushed his hand away playfully.

"Go back to bed Hanabi. We'll handle it from here."

Naruto took his son in his arms and he rocked the child gently. He was looking up at his father and he opened his mouth to speak.

"Daddy… Food…"

Naruto smiled and he chuckled. Both of his children were talking more now. Hinata took her daughter and she rocked her. They had prepared formula for the babies and they ate happily. Kushina was already awake, making breakfast for the family. Kushina seemed to be taking the relocation well, despite being forced to be recluse while the attack was happening. She was to stay with Hanabi and the twins.

Soon after the twins had eaten and were asleep once more, Kushina had served breakfast. She had fried eggs along with bacon and sausage. They ate in silence. No one spoke. Naruto glanced at the clock and he sighed.

"Late breakfast. Its already noon. Just 24 hours."

Kushina nodded silently and she didn't look up from her plate. She seemed to be lost in thought. Hinata ate her meal and she rose from the table without a word. She washed her plate and she went out onto the lawn. Naruto, with his enhanced hearing, heard noises like vomiting. He finished his food and he went out front with her.

"Hina? You're pregnant again aren't you?"

Hinata looked up at the sky and she took Naruto's hand.

"Yes, I am. I'm about a week in. I had Sakura test me just in case. But I don't care. We have to defend our family. I will fight with you tomorrow, and I will protect our children. I'm not letting anyone or anything hurt my children."

Naruto nodded.

"I know hime. We'll protect them together. Pain will have to get through me before he can get to you and our children."

Hinata kissed her husband and she laid their hands over their unborn child.

"Promise me that we'll be able to get through this and that no one will hurt our children."

Naruto returned her kiss and he cupped her flat stomach.

"I promise you. On the name of the Fourth Hokage, I swear it."

A cold wind blew through the forest, and it chilled Naruto to his very soul. Instinctively, he looked around. Something wasn't right. Just then, the ground started to shake. Smoke was rising from the north. Without thinking, Naruto and Hinata ran inside their house and made sure everyone was ok. The babies were still asleep. Kushina pointed in the direction of the smoke.

"Isn't that the direction of Konoha?"

Naruto gasped.

"What the hell? Its too early!"

Naruto took off at full speed, with Hinata right behind him. They reached the village gates and they stopped at what they had seen. The village was covered in water. Standing on the ruins of the Hokage Residence was Kisame Hoshigaki. Naruto cast his gaze around and he heard a scream. Naruto cast his eyes and he seen Choji Akimichi and Kakashi facing off against Pain. He looked at his wife and he sighed. Hinata stepped forward and she assumed her battle stance, that of the Gentle Fist.

"Naruto, I'll stop this one. You go after Pain."

She was going to fight Kisame.

TO BE CONTINUED…