A/N: Hey everyone. I know this chapter was really late but my father was in the hospital for almost two weeks and is now in rehab. Finding time and energy to write was a little difficult. So please understand that the chapters will be slow coming out for a while.
Thanks Marchgirl
Contingency Plans
Tsunade kissed his cheek and smiled. Most men looked like little boys when they slept and Iruka was no exception. She covered him with the sheet and blanket, the nights were growing colder. "Sleep well Iruka." Quietly she cut off the light and left the bedroom. It took only a few minutes to clean up in the kitchen then she locked up and left. She shivered and pulled her jacket tighter around her. "Time to switch to the lined one I guess." Tsunade sighed and headed home quickly.
She arrived home with goose bumps everywhere. "I think it's going to get cold early this year. I need a hot bath!" Tsunade slipped out of her shoes and put on some warm slippers then made her way to her bedroom.
"Hey, ready for a bath?" Jiraiya greeted her when she opened the door. He was wearing a loose robe, his hair down holding out a hand for her.
"Jiraiya…" Tsunade smiled and took his hand. "You're okay?" She asked since she hadn't seen him since he'd left her office.
"Yeah." He smiled and pulled her behind him into the bathroom where a hot bath waited. Jiraiya undressed her then helped her into the tub. In moments he was sitting behind her and they cuddled together. "I went and got tipsy, talked to Hiashi then he and I got drunk. Hanabi found us passed out, got us sobered up then sent me home. I think she's a little mad at me for getting her father drunk." Jiraiya chuckled remembering the little girl giving him what for. "So how'd it go with Iruka? I can't imagine he took it any better." He brought his hands up to massage her shoulders.
"No, not exactly. He was ready to kill them. Luckily he was injured so I was able to stop him from storming out of the house." Tsuande said stroking her hands over his thighs.
"Injured? Did you hit him?" Jiraiya let out a laugh.
"No! His new trainer set up a match for him with Guy. Lord that man knows no restraint! He fractured two of Iruka's bones. I healed them but they were still sore enough to slow him down. Still if I hadn't been able to tell him our ideas to protect Naruto, especially the one Shikamaru came up with; I think Iruka would have gone after Kurota." Tsuande turned so she could see Jiraiya's face. "I'm pretty sure we can keep them from telling Naruto but Jiraiya, when do we tell him?" Worry made little lines around her eyes and mouth.
Jiraiya was already shaking his head. He wrapped his hands around her waist pulling her closer and tightening his thighs about her. "I don't know but we can't wait much longer." He lowered his head to kiss her forehead then just held her.
Takeshi opened the door to Sasuke's home removed his shoes then headed for the kitchen. "Morning." He said to his brother then went to the sink to wash his hands.
"Morning. Ayame's great, the fish she brought over yesterday smells pretty good." Sasuke said as he stood over the grill.
"It does. I told her she didn't have to do the shopping for us but since we're training so much, she wants to help out." Takeshi said quickly putting on the soup. "So what are we going to do about Shikamaru's warning?" They hadn't talked about it nor shared their thoughts on the matter. Shikamaru after informing them of the situation had stayed for a little while to help with the training. As they were about to grab dinner and talk, Lee had shown up saying that Iruka need their help. Sasuke and Takeshi had held their tongues when they'd seen Iruka's injuries plus the fact that he acted the same as always like nothing was wrong. When they learned Tsunade wanted to talk with him, the boys decided to wait.
Sasuke turned the fish. "Huh, some warning. Shikamaru didn't tell us all of it, I know he didn't!" He was getting angry just thinking about it. "And why did we hear this warning from Shikamaru and not our pa- Naruto's parents?" He growled and kicked the cabinet in front of him. He wasn't angry about thinking of Tsunade and Iruka as parents, that was becoming second nature to think of them as that but it was the fact that they were keeping secrets.
Takeshi felt Sasuke's anger. "Yeah but I'm guessing Iruka – Dad hadn't been told yet. That's probably why Mama T was going to see him. But I get the feeling that if Shikamaru hadn't spoken up, we wouldn't know anything." Moving stiffly, Takeshi got out the bowls and checked on the rice. "The rice is ready." He said before going back to stir the soup. Absently Takeshi looked out the window to the lake. Its blue color reminded him of Naruto's eyes.
"The fact that Shikamaru would only say that the Daimyo wanted the Jinchuriki to stay in the Fire Nation and that they were willing to say or do whatever it took to make him stay worries me Sasuke. Just what could they say to make Naruto stay and how far would they go to keep him here?" Golden eyes looked back and met black ones.
Sasuke shook his head. "Lies? Threaten people he loves – us. Maybe they'll try to lock him up! Damn bastards!" He spit out the words then focused on the fish not wanting to waste good food by burning it. Takeshi too turned back to their food and they worked silently to get breakfast on the table.
"Itadakimasu." The boys ate while the food was hot. It wasn't until their plates and bowls were empty that they spoke again.
"We think Naruto will stay, so do Mama T and Dad. He wants a home for Hinata. You've made this land ours Sasuke but Naruto could still want to start fresh somewhere else. I'd like for him to stay too, I think he's ready but I won't pressure him to do it." Frustration at the situation rolled off of Takeshi in waves.
"Nor I." Sasuke played with his chopsticks. "Despite what the former leaders of this village did to my family, I want to stay. I feel like I belong here again thanks to Naruto. And then there's Seiko." A small smile appeared on his face and the mood lightened some. "But being with Naruto, our brother feels most like home. So we go where he goes." Sasuke shrugged.
Takeshi wore a large smiled. "Well said and I agree. So we continue renovations on the district but be prepared to leave at a moment's notice." He began stacking the dishes.
"Or maybe we just won't come back at all." Sasuke said quietly as he began running water in the sink. "We'll go last. The Chunin exam will take a little while anyway, we'll just time it so we'll be the last ones to go to the Land of the Moon. Naruto's not supposed to make his decision until he returns but we'll ask while we're still there. If Konoha is still home then fine, if not we'll just sail away or fly off leaving everything and everyone behind." He shut off the water and began to seriously wash the dishes.
At his side, Takeshi started drying them. Both were thinking of the women and friends they would have to leave behind not to mention Naruto's parents, Jiraiya, Kakashi and Anko. Since they didn't have all the facts and there was no guarantee that they would be told, they couldn't risk returning to the village. Should Naruto want to go, they couldn't come back. It meant a lifetime away from the ones they loved.
With the kitchen clean it was time to go. Sasuke was training on his on that day after he met with Tazuna and Satoshi. Each builder was heading home soon but they would help the Sasuke and Takeshi start rebuilding the district.
"Thanks for the clones. We'll get all the lumber ready for the new fence in no time." Sasuke looked at the all the Takeshi who grinned at him and gave him thumbs up or some other positive signs.
"Sure. Is twenty enough? If not just let me know and I'll send more." Takeshi laughed at his clones some of whom were playing Jaken. "Come on guys, outside." The group trooped out of the house. "We'll talk to Dad tonight and hopefully he'll tell us what Shikamaru couldn't." Suspicions flared up ugly inside him at the thought of people he trusted hiding important information from them. Then another painful thought occurred to him. "Sasuke, what about Sakura? She's devoted to Naruto and us. Will we take off and leave her behind? She'd be devastated." Takeshi gripped his sword hilt imagining his sister's pain.
Sasuke looked down at the street for a moment then lifted his head to stare up at his brother. "I know. I know it will all but kill her but Takeshi, unlike us Sakura has always had a family. She's got parents that love her, this is her home. Sakura's never really felt lost, like the world was out to get her or that people totally ignored her existence." While all this was true, Sasuke still knew that if they had to leave her, it would be painful for all of them. "And there's Lee. She's in love and Lee would do anything for her." He rubbed a hand over his face. "We shouldn't take her. Sakura's become an excellent shinobi and I trust her to keep up and fight with us but she's not -."
"Synched with us." Takeshi finished for him. They weren't using that connection right now but still some thoughts were just plain obvious to the other. "If we got into trouble, we can easily read each other's minds, find each other, help each other but Sakura can't. If for some reason we got separated and Sakura was left on her own…" He sighed already feeling the loss of his sister even though they knew not what was going to happen. The brothers stood there dreading that possible outcome.
A faint noise reached their ears and Sasuke looked to Takeshi whose keen sight was scanning the distance. "They're here?"
"Yeah. Guess I should be heading off." Takeshi took a step then stopped. "We should step up our training even more now Sasuke. We each have new powers but they're still raw and we just have to -."
"Do better. Yeah I know. It will be up to us to take care of each other. We won't be able to count on Konoha for anything. We will do what we have to do, we don't have a choice." Sasuke held out a hand then clasped his brother's tightly for a moment before they headed for the gate.
All parties arrived about the same time that morning. Each side was wary of the other and no pleasantries were exchanged. Again the shinobi were seated at one end of the table while the Daimyo's representatives were at the other end. For a few moments all they did was look at each other before the young lord cleared his throat.
"Lady Tsunade, may I start?" Kaname asked respectfully.
Tsunade looked at him wondering if their speculation had been correct. Were Kaname and Botan the ones to prevent Naruto learning the truth prematurely? "Of course my lord, go ahead." She sat back in her chair and waved a hand at him to start.
Kaname looked to his sister who nodded then he linked his fingers. "We understand that Naruto is unsure that he can continue to live here after his painful upbringing but it is true that not only does Konoha needs him but the rest of the Fire Nation as well." He took a deep breath. "Botan and I talked much of yesterday and we believe that we have come up with an ideal proposition that we would like you and Naruto to consider. It may not be perfect but in essence it would give Naruto what he needs and resolve our concerns about him leaving the Fire Nation." Where before there was some reserve to Kaname's mood, now his eyes flashed with excitement.
Tsunade and Jiraiya looked at each other. Yes the Daimyo's children could prove to be allies but what were they proposing and could it really be as good as Kaname made it sound? "Okay but we too have come up with a suggestion that we'd like you to consider. Like you said, it's not perfect but it could work but please tell us your idea first." Tsuande kept her tone civil not letting her curiosity show.
Kaname raised his eyebrows curiously but only nodded then with another look at his sister began to explain. "As you know we live in the capital and the Daimyo is…allowed much land. Botan and I have our own estate separate from the palace itself." He stopped when Botan cupped her hand over his elbow.
"My lady, they could live with us!" The words burst from the girl's lips. "In our home or they could build their own and it's the capital! As large as Konoha is, there is simply much more to do there – shops, restaurants and tons of entertainment. And the best part is that no one there knows Naruto's secret! Yes we know about it but we all know how to keep a secret. Naruto would never learn of his heritage from us." Botan finished more sedately for she did not want to see that young man hurt. She'd only gotten to spend moments with him but Botan already cared about his well-being.
Kaname nodded. "That's true and of course Naruto would still be a ninja. We would in no way interfere with his training, more than likely Father would encourage it. And he could still go on missions for Konoha and the Daimyo." He placed a hand over Botan's. "But Lady Tsunade, what matters most is that Naruto could have a better life. He could live with no expectations or hate or fear thrown at him on a daily basis. Also no physical or verbal abuse. Lord Hiashi, Master Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade from all you've told us, this move to the capital could be the answer for Naruto." He spoke urgently the excitement there just under the surface.
"Lord Kaname is right. This solves it all and it would keep you from having to tell Naruto anything. He would never have to know that the Yondaime is his father. All of you are quite worried about his reaction but with him living in the capital the chances of him ever learning the truth are reduced to near zero." Kurota added his opinion. Now that he'd had time to think, his original idea to tell Naruto the truth seemed too risky. Learning of his lord and lady's idea had settled his mind greatly. When they returned home, he was planning to praise the children to their father.
The Sannin and Lord Hiashi were somewhat shocked because overall the idea was a good one. Naruto would be safe in the capital and relatively close by. He would have a degree of anonymity there as well. Plus Tsunade could remain Hokage without needing to find a replacement. But there was still room for pause because they weren't too sure about never telling Naruto the truth.
"What of Sasuke, Takeshi and possibly Sakura? They are all very close to Naruto. If they wish to join him?" Shikaku asked for he doubted those children would want to be separated.
Kaname and Botan looked at each other then at Kurota and they all nodded at each other. "As we stated, we have the land, all are more than welcome to live with us." Botan told them.
"While the Daimyo has mostly soldiers and samurai, he is well protected and Naruto would be too." Ibiki commented as he remembered the few times he'd been to the capital.
Tsunade nodded at Ibiki as she covered her mouth, her mind racing. Li was watching her, all of them closely. Apparently the idea had given them much to think about but he hadn't forgotten what she'd said earlier. "My lady, you said you had an idea too. Will you tell us what it is?" He asked politely.
"Oh yes. Umm Shikaku could you please explain it?" Tsunade asked of the Jonin commander. She templed her fingers under her chin wondering which solution Naruto would like best. Her son was unpredictable most times so there was no real way to guess. One thing was clear to her though, Naruto should know the truth about Minato and Kushina. A raised voice made her focus on the meeting again.
"You are sure?" Kurota demanded skeptically. "Naruto would come back just like that?" He snapped his fingers and was shaking his head in disbelief.
"Well not that damned quick but yes! As fast as possible, Naruto would get back here and risk all to save those he cared about." Jiraiya scowled at Kurota. "Naruto never goes back on his word. Ever. I'm sure you can figure out why a person saying they'd do what they said they would is so damn important to him. Like the sun rises in the sky, you can count on Naruto to keep his promises." He said in a more quiet tone.
"Yes Naruto would come. There are many people he cares about now. Naruto won't let them be harmed." Hiashi added.
"So it still remains Naruto's decision. Either he moves to the capital or takes off on his own to return when we need him." Ibiki's arms were crossed as he spoke. Those were the choices on the table but there was still one more no one had said. Naruto and Hinata might just choose to never come back.
Kurota looked down into his tea. "Well I have to say I much prefer their solution." He looked up at the teenagers. "But if Naruto should choose the other option I won't object and I don't think the Daimyo will either as long as we hear from him on a regular basis. We would have to know his whereabouts as much as possible. I'm afraid this is not negotiable." Kurota said firmly meeting the gazes of the Sannin.
Jiraiya pushed back from the table angrily and crossed his legs. "I'll tell you now that if you watch him as well, that will be a mistake! But I get it, you want him to report in to be sure he hasn't run off to join the enemy correct?" He stared back at Kurota as the man nodded then Jiraiya leaned forward again. "You do remember don't you? If Naruto wants to make his own way in the world, Tsunade, Iruka and I are going with him – as well as his brothers and a few more shinobi. That is not negotiable either!" Now he slapped the table.
Kurota, Li and even the teens froze for a moment for they had each forgotten that. All had been so concerned with keeping Naruto in the Fire Nation that any other concerns had been allowed to slip their minds. And it wasn't only finding a new Hokage but there was still the matter of the new council. There was a collective sigh from the Daimyo's people.
"Before we tackle that, are we agreed on Naruto's choices? And just when will learn of his decision? I am sure the Daimyo would like a definite answer as soon as possible." Li took the initiative and spoke up quickly before switching topics.
"Oh! We'd like to be here when Naruto makes his choice. I think if Kaname and I tell him about life in the capital then maybe we could convince him to come with us. Even if he chooses the other option we'd like to spend a little time with him and Hinata. We truly do wish to be good friends with them." Botan told them all with a smile.
"That is if we are free Sister. Like with Naruto, much more is expected of us these days." Kaname said with a frown, his eyes going hard. He had his schooling, his own military training, his diplomatic training and now his father wished him to begin looking for a suitable mate.
"Yes…of course." Botan answered slowly for she had practically the same duties as Kaname. But she was more of an object to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Tsunade looked to Jiraiya then over to Hiashi and they all nodded at each other. "We are agreed Li. Naruto promised to reveal his plans when he returns. We'll present him with these options the moment he's back in Konoha." She looked at Kaname and Botan. "I'll send you a letter the week before he's due back. That should give you enough notice to come back if you are able. Alright?" Tsuande gave them a soft smile which they returned.
Ibiki glanced over at Shikaku. This was actually their second meeting this morning. They'd had a pre-dawn chat about all of this and though their actions could ultimately land them in trouble, they were going to do whatever it took to make Minato's son happy.
"Very good, now may we hear about the candidates you've chosen for Hokage and for the council?" Kurota asked and pulled out a pen and scroll to make his own notes.
Tsunade grimaced and tapped her fingers on the table. She had kept those names under wraps and had only really discussed them with Naruto. In truth she had wanted to keep it that way until after she knew where things stood with her son. Tsunade looked up and found that her shinobi were watching her closely and she blinked. Maybe this is a good opportunity to get some feedback from the people whose lives would be most affected by her decision. "Well as for council members…"
Kakashi stretched his arms over his head and yawned. In such a beautiful setting, one either wanted to be playing or sleeping. He chuckled to himself then ducked as Talon streaked over his head.
"Hey watch it! Silly bird." Kakashi said with affection as he reached up a hand to check to make sure that he still had hair. When Talon circled back to him he held out his arm for the hawk to land on. "So are you bored? Naruto and Hinata are resting so you came out to play with me hmm?" He asked and ran a finger down Talon's breast as the hawk stared at him unblinkingly.
Kakashi was pleased to see Talon looking so healthy. When he'd chosen the hawk, he'd still been fairly small but enthusiastic about flying and eating and playing – a lot like Naruto. Now Talon was twice as big, not only that but the hawk loved Naruto absolutely and the same could be said of Naruto. "Want to play a game Tal?" He asked but went on the alert when some nearby foliage rustled. Kakashi jerked his arm sending Talon flying and palmed a kunai. "This is private property! Identify yourself!" He demanded.
"It's just a couple of love birds." Naruto announced as he pushed a huge leaf out of his way. "Whoa!" He stumbled as he made a grab for Talon as the hawk fluttered about his head grabbing at his hair.
"Hi Kakashi!" Hinata greeted him as she appeared behind her playful men. Laughing at their silliness she walked forward and hugged him. "Sorry you're having to watch over us in this paradise." She looked up at him fondly.
Kakashi was very pleased that Hinata was hugging him. He mainly had a close relationship with Naruto and the other boys so this was unexpected but quite nice. Kakashi held her close to his side and looked down at her. "Hi to you too and don't worry about me. I don't mind looking out for my niece and nephew, especially here in paradise!" He grinned then both turned when Naruto laughed loudly.
"Gotcha!" He gently held Talon by one leg as the hawk hovered in the air. Talon tilted his head then folded his wings and let himself fall. Naruto moved quickly as Talon dropped and caught him. He cradled Talon against his chest grinning. "Now what featherhead?" He tickled his son and laughed as Talon squirmed.
"Look at you. Does this mean I'm going to have start my special training soon?" Kakashi asked then laughed when both Naruto and Hinata looked at him curiously. "My training on how to take care of babies!"
Hinata blushed and Naruto rolled his eyes. "No not yet! We're being careful but give us a year or two and we'll definitely come calling on Uncle Kakashi." Naruto warned as he pointed at him. He tapped Talon on his beak then tossed him into the sky only for Talon fly back and land on his shoulder.
"Deal! So what are you guys doing out and about? I thought you were staying in for a day or two." Kakashi placed a hand on Hinata's head. "Everything okay?"
"We're fine but you guys will be leaving soon right? We wanted to spend some time with you two before you left. Naruto thought we should go into town for dinner." Hinata smiled excitedly up at him.
Kakashi laughed. "It's your honeymoon you should want to only be with each other! Don't worry about me and Anko." Again he hugged Hinata to him, these kids were too cute.
Naruto moved to stand before Kakashi. He was pleased to notice that his sensei didn't stand so tall over him anymore. While not eye to eye, Naruto found he stood on level with Kakashi's chin. "What can I say – Hinata and I love our family and like spending time with them." He shrugged carefully mindful of Talon.
There was warmth around his heart at hearing those words. Kakashi reached out and pulled Naruto under his other arm until he held the couple on either side of him. "And I'm a man who is pleased to be thought of as your family. Okay let's head over to the house so I can change and we'll go have dinner." Kakashi didn't let them go and the three humans and one hawk laughed and talked on the way to the guest house.
~mg~
Anko was uncharacteristically shy around Hinata and Naruto when they showed up with Kakashi. The older couple quickly changed clothes into something a bit more casual for their dinner date. Discreetly followed by four of the island's ninja, they walked into town enjoying the mild weather. No sooner than they neared the shops and restaurants did Hinata become infatuated.
"Naruto, can we shop a little before dinner? Please?" Hinata hugged his arm then leaned up on tiptoe to kiss the corner of his mouth.
Naruto just laughed. "Like I didn't know this was coming! Luckily I happened to win some money during my bachelor party." Naruto thanked Jiraiya for whenever the old perv was around, it seemed he couldn't lose. "I think I can hold out for an hour, that enough time? Us guys will just hang out." He happily accepted his wife's kisses as they arranged to meet at the restaurant then watched as she tugged Anko behind her.
Kakashi watched them for a moment before looking to Naruto. "Is that all about shopping or is Hinata up to something?" He was worried that Hinata might upset the delicate balance he'd achieved with Anko.
Naruto looked up at him. "Probably both. Since Sakura told her about the shops, Hinata's been dying to see them and she'll probably use the time to see what's going on with Anko. Don't look so worried, Hinata's a really good listener and she gives good advice too." He put his hands in the pockets of his linen pants and wandered down the crowded sidewalk.
Kakashi looked back for the girls but they were already inside a shop so he quickly caught up to Naruto. "Anko doesn't know how to act. I understand how she feels. All of a sudden there are all these people in your life that you care about and depend on you – it can be overwhelming." He brought up a hand to scratch his head.
"Tell me about it!" Naruto shook his head. "Been there done that but I survived and I think Anko will too. And you aren't doing so bad yourself Uncle. Maybe Hinata can set Anko on the right path." Naruto shrugged. He'd let his wife handle things, he had enough trouble with his own emotions.
Kakashi felt a little silly for having the obvious pointed out to him. Naruto was right; they'd all pretty much been alone and had suddenly found themselves with more and more people to care about. Anko said she wanted these relationships so it was probable that Hinata would give Anko the clues she needed to make things work. Kakashi dropped a hand onto Naruto's head. "I trust Hinata. So what are we going to do for an hour while they shop?" He looked around curiously.
Naruto looked up at his sensei speculatively. "Actually I'd like to pick your mind about something."
Kakashi stilled. Naruto looked and sounded serious. "About what?"
"How best to handle and defeat a genjutsu user or should I say master. That is what Itachi is isn't he?" Naruto scratched his chin thoughtfully.
Kakashi's mouth sort of dropped open. That was the last thing he expected Naruto to ask about - Itachi and during his honeymoon no less. "Why now?" Kakashi asked bemused.
"Because when my wonderful honeymoon is over, we're going to rescue our big brother." Naruto said simply and smiled.
~mg~
Hinata twirled around in the skirt set she was trying on and nodded pleased with how it moved with her. She decided to buy it and have it sent back to the palace. She looked up as Anko entered the dressing room with some short sets. Hinata was glad to see that Anko had relaxed and gotten into the spirit of shopping. She sort of felt bad about possibly making Anko upset but she and Kakashi would be gone soon and it would be weeks before she saw them again.
"For many years the only things I truly wanted was my family happy and Naruto." Hinata said softly as she changed into another outfit. "When Naruto and I finally started spending time together I was ecstatic but my father wasn't. I was scared to death I'd have to choose between them - my family or my Naruto. We were blessed that did not happen. Now my biggest worry is the Akatsuki or some other enemy taking my love away from me." Hinata pulled her hair out of the collar of the blouse she had on and looked into the mirror. Anko was watching her. "And then there's the possibility that Naruto will want to leave Konoha. I could still lose my family but at least I got to be happy with them again and that's worth being separated from them. Well not really but Naruto's my husband and I think I'd die without him." Hinata laughed a little for it sounded so dramatic but she knew her life would be colorless without her husband. She nodded at the pantsuit she now wore, decided this too was a keeper and began to change again.
"And you know, I'll still have some family - Sasuke and Takeshi with me so it won't be so bad and of course Naruto and I will start a family of our own. But you know what Anko?" Hinata turned to look at the older woman. "Having someone you love and the people they love - all those relationships become so very precious that it scares me to death!" Hinata's eyes went wide and she held a hand over her heart.
Anko stood with her skirt and bra on while holding several clothes on racks close to her body. "Why? Why are you so scared?" She whispered watching Hinata closely.
"Because at any time I could lose them. We could fight and never speak to each other or heaven forbid they're killed." Hinata shivered and closed her eyes. "I've seen Naruto near death too many times and my heart stops when I remember them." Hinata backed up until there was a wall behind her to hold her up.
Anko took a deep breath or tried but it got stuck in her throat. "So why do you stay? If it scares you so bad, why don't you just take off?" She croaked.
Hinata blinked then sighed. "Because he's worth it. They all are. I'd rather have them in my life for a short while loving them than rather not having them at all. It will hurt so desperately to lose any of them but," Here Hinata smiled. "I'll have loved and we'll all know that we've loved each other so they'll be no regrets, not a one." Hinata went to Anko and took the clothes from her then gave her a tight hug. "Many people are alone by choice or circumstance and are too used to being alone or too scared to take a chance. I think the chance is worth the risk Anko." Hinata whispered in Anko's ear.
Anko remained silent for a while but she held on tight to the younger woman. "...I don't know how to act Hinata. I've never been happy like this before!" She admitted.
Hinata smiled and pulled back to look in Anko's eyes. "So the reason you've been acting extra outrageous is because you're so happy? Oh Anko!" She laughed a little then hugged her again. "Listen you know intimate details of Kakashi and Sasuke's lives but you really shouldn't voice them for everyone to hear. Some things you just share with family okay? I understand that you don't get how to act and are used to doing and saying whatever but think before you speak or you could easily push them away. They love you Anko but if you continue to hurt or embarrass them, they'll walk away. Everybody's got pride and if you continually walk over that person's pride then that could be the end of everything. Okay?" Hinata smiled and cupped Anko's cheek.
Anko sighed heavily and nodded then leaned her head against Hinata's. "This loving business is damn confusing!" She lifted her head surprised when Hinata laughed and laughed. Soon Anko joined in.
Hinata wiped happy tears from her face. "It is but we're almost out of time! Come on let's hurry. We can finish shopping tomorrow!" Hinata promised with glee in her eyes. She was planning on spoiling herself.
Itachi waited outside. The sun shone brightly but it did not lighten his heart. For a very long time he'd been able to cut off all of his feelings and live more or less like a machine but ever since coming across Konoha's shinobi fighting against Danzo - his cold detachment from life was no longer effective.
He took a step then stopped. The grass beneath his feet was dying, only patches of green remained. Looking around the trees were in the same state. Leaves were changing colors and the breeze was cooler. Itachi hoped he was in the same state as nature - on the verge of death heading into a long winter but unlike nature, he wanted nothing to do with spring. At Sasuke's hands, Itachi wanted to die.
"But what are you doing little brother? You should be training! You call Naruto brother, how could you let him go off on a honeymoon? Dammit - at this rate, we're all going to die and HE will win!" Itachi clenched his hands within his long sleeves.
"Smells like death in there!" Kisame said as he exited the bounty office. "But I have to say this bounty hunter business pays fairly well. Maybe I'll do some bounties on the side." Kisame wiped at his mouth and nose as if trying to physically remove the smell of death. "So what now? We've each caught two bounties. That's more than Pain asked for. Wanna go look for that other beast?" Samehada swung around picking up leaves and moving them along.
Itachi made his voice sound calm and slightly amused. "Didn't that last bounty give you enough of a workout?" It had been hard not to laugh as Kisame chased after his bounty.
"Oh shut the hell up!" Kisame was embarrassed. It wasn't that he'd had a difficult opponent but a crafty one. He'd led Kisame on a merry chase using asinine disguises and creating false leads. The blue skinned ninja had fallen for all of them. When he'd finally caught the guy and learned he was little more than a teenager and that he wouldn't collect the bounty if he killed the kid, he'd ranted the whole way to the bounty office. "You could have told me." Kisame grumbled for he knew that Itachi had known from the start what was happening.
Itachi gave him a tiny smile. "You said you didn't want my help remember? I simply did as you asked and watched that child out smart you." Now he had to look away or Kisame would see the humor reflected in his eyes. Though his attitude was more relaxed around his partner, he'd never laughed or joked with Kisame before and now was not the time to start.
"Hmph! Whatever. So are we going hunting or not?" Kisame let Samehada drop heavily onto his shoulder.
Itachi lost his smile as he considered Kisame's suggestion. He had no desire to further the 'ultimate' plan. In fact, things had gone too far. The Akatsuki had been proven to be stronger than he'd expected. Never had he dreamed the hidden villages would have been so lax against them. In some ways, peace was at fault. No group of missing S-class nins should have prospered such as they had.
But of course now his purpose was to warn Sasuke and Konoha of their impending doom. Maybe if we take down yet another Jinchuriki they will finally get it through their heads to get stronger before the battle for the Nine-Tails begins. Little brother - Sasuke I don't think you could stand to lose any more family. Wake up dammit!
"Yes, let's go hunting." Itachi said turning into the wind. "Perhaps we can find more worthy prey for you as well." He taunted Kisame.
"Yeah, yeah laugh it up Uchiha." Kisame said with a small measure of heat. It wasn't because of the taunting but because of that smile. He'd been hoping for more. It was hard to have a partner who rarely talked or even rarer still laughed with him. Kisame joined Itachi until their steps matched. Despite the lack of feelings, out of all the Akatsuki, he would have no one else as his partner. Itachi was just that good.
She wasn't stupid, scared to death yes but stupid no. It had been five years since she'd run away from home, not that she'd considered that place her home. No that place was nothing to her, at least not since she'd been turned into a Jinchuriki.
In any case she'd been on the move ever since never staying in one place for too long and those long stretches of time alone with her Bijuu had been spent training. She knew she had to be ready for when the Akatsuki came looking for her. Already the cloaked nins had been seen fairly frequently moving across the five countries with very little resistance.
These days she stayed near towns or villages with the hopes that if she came across them, all they would see was another villager. It had killed her to dye her hair black and wear drab clothes but it allowed her a measure of safety so she dealt with it. Still it was like living with an invisible noose around her neck.
Right now she sat in a tea shop resting. It was still early in the morning and she'd only just arrived after traveling part of the night to get there. She knew she'd have to look for work so that she could afford a place to stay but currently all she wanted to was sit and not think about nothing.
Just then two ninjas from Konoha walked in. Automatically she dropped her eyes though she wore contacts to hide their bright color. Carefully she picked up her cup and sipped at her tea as the two Chunin sat down at a nearby table.
"That wedding sure was something else. Naruto is a lucky man." The eldest Chunin said. He was about thirty.
"Hmm, it's about time too. That kid sure has suffered enough. ...I wish I could say I wasn't one of the ones that hurt him. But I was a stupid kid and picking on him seemed like the thing to do at the time. I feel like I have to make it up to him somehow - if he stays." Said the other Chunin who was in his early twenties.
"Yeah while I never touched him, I didn't help him either. But Naruto is...why didn't I see it?" The older man asked softly more of himself than his partner.
"See what? You know something I don't - a lot of you do but you aren't speaking about it. Is it like the decree?" He was about to say more when suddenly the younger man gasped as his partner grabbed him by the collar and all but pulled him over the table.
"IDIOT! Keep your voice down!" The man whispered harshly. "What goes on inside of Konoha - stays in Konoha!" The older man pushed the younger back into his chair with disgust. "I'm putting this in the report."
"What? Don't, please!" The younger man begged then dropped his head when he saw his partner was serious. "Damn." He sighed and gratefully accepted the tea when it was served. "Lady Tsunade is going to rip me a new one isn't she?"
"Naruto is her son, what do you think?" The older man said drily. "Drink your tea; we're still on a mission you know."
"Yes sir."
The young woman didn't react in any way while the conversation had been going on nor when the two ninjas left. Actually the older man had been overly cautious. No one but her had heard their conversation and she'd only heard it because of her acute hearing.
Konoha. They've got a Jinchuriki too, someone just like me. I haven't heard that he or she has been captured yet nor the one in the Kumogakure. Perhaps I should go stay in one of those villages it might be safer than being on my own. If I could make contact with one of the others we could fight together after all we have the same enemy. But if that doesn't happen then at least I'll be forewarned when the Akatsuki comes after them and I'll make my escape.
Having made a decision, the woman stood and paid her bill. First she would need to make a little money, after that she would go to Konoha. She was already in the Land of Fire so it made sense to go to there first.
Fu formerly of Takigakure and the Jinchuriki of the Kabutomushi stepped out into the sunshine and pulled her cloak tighter about her body. She looked for the Konoha nins but they were long gone. Fu shrugged then turned left. She'd passed an employment agency on the way into town, she start there looking for a job.
Kakashi spent thirty minutes of that hour trying to talk Naruto out of going after Itachi but it didn't work. He spent the second thirty minutes trying to get Naruto to tell him what they knew about Itachi but again Naruto wouldn't speak on it.
"Ask Sasuke. Tell him it's time or better yet, I'll tell him to tell you. It's what he wants anyway. Sasuke's been parted from his family for far too long. Not only do they need each other but we need Itachi as well. He has valuable information on the Akatsuki and the man behind it all. We get Itachi, we get the low down on those guys and then we'll be more prepared to take those bastards on! I know there's still a lot of training we need to do before we're ready to face the Akatsuki and hopefully we'll get that time but we are not going to wait any longer than this precious time that I get to have with my wife. We have five whole weeks of happiness, loving and playing. Our parents gave this to us. Our brothers sent us with their best wishes. In return we will do everything in our power to save all our lives and that starts with bringing Itachi home." Naruto had sat forward over the table top talking earnestly to Kakashi but as he finished he sat back and lifted a hand. Hinata was there.
"Exactly." Hinata answered with a serious look at Kakashi before she smiled down at her husband. "Missed you!" Hinata then kissed him like they'd been parted for days instead of a mere hour.
"Hey, what's going on?" Anko asked as she walked by the kissing teens around the table to Kakashi. She couldn't resist leaning down and hugging him before sitting at his side.
Kakashi looked at Anko and could tell something had happened. She looked calm but excited too as well as a little scared. "Hey, you okay?" He reached over and took her hand.
Anko took a deep breath then smiled. "I will be but you look frustrated. You guys arguing about something?" She looked up as the couple finally parted.
"My nephew is a stubborn ass!" Kakashi growled as he put his elbow on the table then placed his chin in his hand. "They want to save Itachi the moment they get home." He muttered as Naruto helped Hinata to sit down.
Anko opened her mouth but Hinata lightly cleared her throat and she shut it again with a frown. Anko looked from Hinata to Naruto to Kakashi then sat back in her chair. A moment later she looked back at Naruto. "Is this what Sasuke wants?"
Naruto raised his eyebrows. "It is and he'll tell you both what happened back in Ishita when you get home. Despite Itachi belonging to the Akatsuki, he is still loyal to Konoha." Naruto said firmly.
Now Kakashi was thoroughly confused. "Then why do you want to know how to defeat him? If he is loyal, why doesn't he just come back?" He dropped his hand to the table making the glasses jump and tremble.
"Sasuke will tell you." Was all Naruto would say. He turned to look at Hinata. "Hungry? The menu looks great and the waiter said there's a club not too far from here. We can go dancing if you want after." His blue eyes traced over Hinata's face and he smiled.
"Okay! That sounds great. I'm starved. We only shopped for an hour but I worked up an appetite! What shall we get?" Hinata took the menu from the table and leaned towards her husband so they could see it together.
Kakashi growled then looked over at Anko. "Itachi was one of the best at age thirteen, he's in his early twenties now and though I've fought against him, I doubt he's shown all his power! What they want to do seems impossible!" He huffed angrily.
Anko still held his hand. "True but they won't be facing him alone. Surely Lady Tsunade will send a troop of ninjas to back them up and none of the boys will be fighting alone. They're stronger together and stronger still with us behind them. We just need to…give them the tools to make this happen. It's for Sasuke Kakashi." She took a deep breath and nodded to herself.
"Okay what's going on? You're not angry? You're not going to forbid Sasuke to go?" Kakashi frowned and tilted his head at her. "You're being reasonable!" He said surprised.
Anko smirked at him then looked over at Hinata and found her and Naruto watching them curiously. "Yes I am and no I won't forbid him and I'm not angry. I'm scared for him, for all of them but…if it makes Sasuke happy, how can we say no?" Again she checked with Hinata who nodded. "Listen Kakashi, I love you and Sasuke." Anko smiled and took a deep breath. "I'm happy. You made me happy!" She laughed and pulled his hand up between her breasts. "I want us together, all of us. If that means rescuing Sasuke's brother then let's do it!" Anko now bent her head to kiss his hand.
He was shocked to say the least and he blinked. "Anko…wow. I…love you too." He opened his hand and cupped her cheek lovingly. "What did you girls talk about?" Kakashi looked over at Hinata with a smile then shook his head. "Okay fine, I'll tell you what I know about fighting someone who's an expert at genjutsu but I want the full story this time. Tell Sasuke that!" Kakashi said sternly to Naruto.
"He knows, he was listening and he said he loves you too Anko." He laughed as the Jonin blushed. "Can we eat now? Waiter!" Naruto lifted a hand.
Kakashi pulled Anko over for a kiss wondering just what it was that being around Naruto that people and situations turned out for the better. Yes there were generally hurdles to cross but in the end, everyone was left smiling.
Yugao felt somewhat nervous around Iruka. It wasn't just her sudden attraction to him but when she'd arrived this morning, he was all business. In the short time they'd spent together, he'd always managed to make her laugh or smile. There had no playfulness in him or smiles this day. It worried her.
She'd worked hard to come up with ten different scenarios for him to solve. In half he was on a mission to infiltrate the enemies' village or camp and in the other half he had to root out the enemy from within Konoha or his own camp. Yugao at first had to prompt him several times to be more thorough and to consider every angle until he focused on the job at hand. Actually it was after he'd stared at a photo of Hinata and Naruto that his plans became more efficient. It wasn't only that they were more efficient but more deadly too. Iruka had allowed a few of the enemy to remain alive as prisoners and killed the others in a horribly graphic, torture-like fashion.
It was as lunchtime rolled around when the fake mission plans were completed that Yugao just decided to ask what was wrong. Iruka had moved away from the kitchen table and eased down onto his sofa. He turned sideways then stretched out with a sigh. "I think I'll rest for a while Yugao. That was all we were doing today right? My boys will be over in a few hours so I'll take it easy until then. What's the schedule for tomorrow?" Iruka didn't look at her but out the window as if waiting for someone to come home.
"Yeah that's all for today. Are you sure you'll be okay to start physical training again?" Yugao rolled up the scrolls and followed Iruka back into the living area.
"Mmm, I'm a little stiff but Tsunade's the best healer around. I may visit the hot springs to loosen up before tomorrow." Iruka stretched and stifled a yawn.
"How about some sparing? Just you and I then we'll see what happens from there." Yugao stood over Iruka who nodded to her plan. "Iruka…may I ask why you're so – distracted? Don't get me wrong, all your solutions were excellent but your mind really isn't here. Did something happen?" Yuga sat down on the coffee table.
"No…at least nothing's happened yet." Iruka said darkly then shook his head. "Sorry if I haven't given this the attention it deserves. I've only got the rest of the week to my act together before my exam. I'll do better tomorrow." He smiled up at her but it wasn't a happy smile.
Yugao studied him then sighed and closed her eyes. "Something to do with Naruto I suppose. There is much talk going on about him." Yugao gasped as her wrist was gripped. "No! Nothing harmful or malicious! In fact much of it is hush-hush. It's only that many ninja are saying his name and looking sad or shamed or regretful. It's…curious since they were all so happy for Naruto at his wedding." Yugao said thoughtfully and shook her wrist when Iruka slowly let her go.
Iruka blinked. "Sorry. Naruto…" He scrubbed his hands over his face then looked back at Yugao. "I apologize for grabbing you like that; it's been a long morning. Could you leave me alone now? I'm not good company." Iruka was polite but firm.
Yugao studied him. Iruka was worried about something and she wanted to help but she wasn't a close friend and didn't have his confidence. "Of course. I'll come over in the morning and pick you up. Have a good day Iruka." Yugao stood. She found herself wanting to stroke away his frown lines but she turned abruptly and left the house quietly. She'd only gone a few steps when a tall, white-haired man blocked her path. "Oh Master Jiraiya!" Yugao quickly bowed.
"What's that? Oh it's a pretty lady exiting from Iruka's house! You must be Yugao." Jiraiya said cheerfully looking the woman up and down. "Pretty cruel of you to put him up against Guy. Even I can't stand to fight that guy!" The Sannin shook his jaw remembering Guy's foot crashing into it.
Yugao blushed. It was obvious that it was going to be a long time before she lived that down. "Yes Master, I made a huge mistake. I'll take better care of Iruka from now on." Yugao promised.
Jiraiya blinked because he of course heard something different in her innocence words. "I believe you will! You take good care of our Iruka." And keep him away from Tsunade! "Leaving so soon? What's Iruka thinking letting you run off?" He looked towards the house.
"Oh we're finished for the day. He's taking it easy – he's stiff from his injuries. He talked about going up to the hot springs." Yugao stepped back as Jiraiya lit up. The old man clapped his hands and looked excited.
"That's a great idea! Let's all go!" Jiraiya invited as he looked Yugao over again picturing her without her clothes. A committed man he was but seeing naked female flesh would always be a treat!
"Umm no thank you! I should go now. Nice to meet you Master!" Yugao bowed quickly then took off at a light jog.
"Mmm now I know what Tsunade was talking about. She's a fine female and she'd look good beside Iruka." Jiraiya said to himself as he watched Yugao's backside. "But for now, I'll get teacher out of the house and up to the springs. Ah…good times." He said with a grin thinking of all the research that he'd conducted there in the past. "Yo, let's go look at some half-naked women!" He burst into the house.
~mg~
Iruka was in much better spirits, body and soul by the time evening arrived. He was in the kitchen preparing dinner when there was a knock then a voice. "Dad! We're here!"
Iruka had to smile. It wasn't Naruto's voice but still it made him feel good. "Come on back and help me!" He answered and heard the boys go to the bathroom first to wash their hands before trooping back down the hall.
Takeshi entered first and began setting the table. Sasuke took over making the tea and rice. In just fifteen minutes they were sitting down to dinner. All three were close to starving so conversation was reduced to pass the whatever it was they needed to satisfy their hunger.
Iruka sighed, after two servings he was feeling better. He helped himself to a third and was glad he'd cooked so much food for there was not going to be any leftovers. "So how was your training today?"
Takeshi too was putting more rice in his bowl and Sasuke's mouth was full so he answered first. "Good. Sai and I have become a good team in a very short time. We're thinking of asking the other Chunins to fight with us to give us some variety since we'll be up against Genin from other villages with unknown jutsus. The more thrown at us now, the better prepared we'll be." Takeshi answered and there was a light in his eyes as if he was looking forward to the challenge.
"Good idea, I was just thinking about that but you might want to ask some of the Jonin and Lord Hiashi too. He's got great defenses, hard to break through." Sasuke said after a sip of tea.
"You'd better ask Hiashi soon. He, Hanabi, Ryo and Ko will be going next to watch over Naruto." Iruka added then wondered at the look that passed between them. "Sasuke?"
"I think I've got a handle on the Amaterasu. My range is small right now but that will get better with time." Sasuke spoke quickly showing excitement.
"No problems putting it out?" Takeshi asked softly.
Now Sasuke frowned. "Lots at first. It took me two hours to put it out!" He sounded disgusted with himself. "I thought about giving up for the day but I didn't. I spent half the afternoon working on it. It's all good now, just need to increase the range." Sasuke smiled at Takeshi. "Thanks by the way. With my increased chakra, I didn't get tired out at all." It was nice not having to worry about using up all his chakra so quickly.
Takeshi grinned and nodded. "What about the Tsukuyomi?"
Another frown. "Easy on animals but I need a human to practice on. Think Mama T will let me try it on some prisoners?" Sasuke directed his question to Iruka.
Iruka blinked. Sasuke hadn't had his new powers for very long but he was quickly mastering them. He shrugged. "I don't see why not. All she can say is no." Iruka went back to his food.
"And you? What did you do today? I'm sure Mama T told you to take it easy." Takeshi said looking Iruka over.
Iruka looked up and found not only Takeshi's eyes assessing his body but the Sharingan as well. "What's the verdict?" He laughed.
"Chakra's good and strong, moving like it's supposed to. TK?" Sasuke glanced at Takeshi.
"Heh TK!" The eldest brother laughed at the nickname. "Color's good and the bruises he had are gone." Takeshi answered then began to whistle.
Iruka frowned. "Now what are you doing?" He could feel tingling in his body.
"Is it working?" Sasuke leaned closer to Takeshi, eyes bright.
Takeshi nodded and returned his brother's look. In another minute he stopped and took a drink of tea. "You're fine Dad. All bones are perfectly healthy, good muscle tone and no clots in your blood. Mama T does good work as always." He grinned at Iruka.
Iruka had held out his arms to look at them and his body as the whistle had seemingly penetrated his body. "What was that? You whistle and know what's going on inside my body?" It felt weird knowing that a whistle could 'see' inside his body.
"Yep! Should come in handy on stubborn brothers or silly Dads as well as enemies in finding their weaknesses." Takeshi just laughed when Sasuke shoved him.
Iruka shook his head in wonder, they just kept evolving. "Umm…yeah we took it easy today." He explained what Yugao had him doing. "Then Jiraiya came by and took me up to the hot springs. Even though he's got Tsunade now, peeping is still his favorite pastime! So I'm good, don't worry about me." It was useless to say that but that's what you tell the people who love you.
Each man finished his meal then began to clean the kitchen. It was as they moved to the living room that Sasuke thought it was time to see what Iruka knew.
"Is Naruto safe from the Daimyo? Nothing will stop him from leaving if Naruto wants to go. Nothing." Sasuke said bluntly. He was on his feet leaning against the wall next to a window.
Iruka had been about to cross his legs and his foot dropped heavily to the floor. "How'd you find out about that? Tsunade only told me last night!"
"Someone warned us, said we needed to be ready for anything. Just what would the Daimyo do to force Naruto to stay?" Takeshi was seated but on the edge of the sofa staring at Iruka.
Iruka's mind was racing. They knew what was going on but didn't. He had to be sure they didn't find out more than they did right now. He nodded. "It's true; the Daimyo does not wish to lose the Jinchuriki. Wait!" He said as Takeshi surged to his feet and Sasuke growled angrily. "That's what the Daimyo sees Naruto as and I guess if I was the leader of a country, I'd hate to lose such a powerful ally too. But luckily Lord Kaname and Lady Botan consider Naruto to be a human and a friend. Neither would allow overly strict restrictions or hurtful actions to be committed against Naruto. Come on boys, sit down." Iruka gestured for them to sit on the sofa.
Sasuke moved to sit stiffly beside his brother. "Are you saying the situation has been resolved? And the Daimyo's kids know that Naruto has the Nine-Tails?" He couldn't seem to relax his hands, both were fisted.
"Yes to both questions. I told you Jiraiya stopped by today? That was his main reason for coming, to tell me what had been decided." Iruka could see both still didn't look happy. Naruto's brothers were suspicious and for good reason.
"It's not fair Dad. He's so happy right now! Why does he have to come home to people making demands on what he wants to do with his life?" Takeshi yelled and threw his long hair over his shoulder angrily.
"It's not fair and I agree with you but this is the life we chose as shinobi. As much as we may hate it, our lives are not completely our own. We have people we report to and have sworn to obey." Iruka had to take a deep breath for this was the very first time that he held such hatred for restrictions he'd never let bother him before.
Takeshi too had to take several deep breaths. "So? What's been decided for us? Our fates are linked to Naruto's." He looked at Sasuke who nodded.
Iruka got up to make more tea after he finished explaining what would happen when Naruto returned home. Naruto's brothers sat as still as statues on the couch, he assumed silently discussing what they'd been told. He knew it would be a mistake to think they wouldn't have a plan of their own should Naruto not like either of the choices presented to him. Iruka made a mental note to meet with Tsunade tomorrow. They needed to rein in the boys or at least get them to include them in their plan. The best way to help Naruto was together.
Worried, Iruka looked in on the boys. Neither had moved a muscle. Takeshi sat straight and tall on the sofa with both his arms and legs crossed staring at the wall. Sasuke was leaning over, arms braced on his knees staring down at the floor.
They're not terrible choices.
I don't care, he shouldn't have to make a choice!
No he shouldn't. So we plan on not coming back? We go to the land of the Moon with the intention on never returning to Konoha?
Yeah but Naruto won't want to leave Mama T and Iruka behind, the old man either.
Of course not and they'll probably be watched when we don't come back. Sasuke we'll need a second plan to get them out of the village. Hopefully we can come up with something on our own without involving anyone else. No need to get our friends in trouble with the Daimyo.
I know, we'll think of something. What will we tell Dad?
Nothing, at least about the plan. This crap has made us angry so we'll just go with that. ...Maybe we should also spend a little time with Lord Kaname and Lady Botan and find out for ourselves if their intentions are true.
Got it Takeshi. "Thanks." Sasuke said as he accepted the cup of hot tea.
"You guys okay?" Iruka said as he sat on the other side of Sasuke instead of taking his former seat.
"Hell no! Naruto's life is his own. He doesn't deserve to be treated as if he was a freaking commodity!" Sasuke almost spilled his tea as he gestured angrily.
"Sasuke's right but I think it says something that they're willing to give Naruto a choice. Dad, what if we come up with something better?" Takeshi asked suddenly as he leaned forward to look at Iruka.
"Well we hadn't thought of that but if you do, tell Tsunade. Yeah, think about it boys. Maybe you'll come up with a better alternative!" Iruka was pleased that Takeshi was putting his anger aside and thinking about ways to save Naruto. And if he and Sasuke were doing that then maybe they wouldn't act out of hand, he hoped. All three brooded for almost an hour as darkness fell outside. The silence was heavy and uncomfortable until a question was posed.
"Want some help tomorrow?" Sasuke asked out of the blue.
Iruka looked at him. "Me? But what about your own training?" Sasuke and Takeshi had been catching him off guard all evening.
"Takeshi is going to be training with other people so why can't I help you and that woman is Anbu right? She should be hard to beat; it'll be good training for me too." While all this was true, he wanted to be close to Iruka in case anything else came up.
"Good idea and you can keep him from getting hurt again. Naruto will have our heads if we don't look after you!" Takeshi found a smile for Iruka.
Iruka chuckled. "Her name is Yugao and sure you can join us Sasuke. Hell maybe we can have a free-for-all before everything starts next week. Without Guy of course!" He winced painfully.
"Of course!" The boys said laughing. Even though they were having a good time together, each of them were thinking hard on how best to protect the youngest one of them.
"Got any popcorn? There's this movie coming on I want to see. Channel 21. It's on in like ten minutes." Sasuke told them as he headed for the kitchen.
"You just ate!" Iruka complained then groaned. "I thought the human stomach was hundreds of miles away but he left you guys to take over for him!" Iruka said as he got up to turn on the TV.
"We didn't want you to miss Naruto so we're filling in. Just make a whole snack tray Sasuke!" Takeshi called out as he stretched out his legs.
"Like hell! You want something you better come get it yourself!" Sasuke yelled back.
Iruka chuckled and shook his head. Family was aggravating but fun too.