AN: Rated M for a reason - sexual content.

Testing and The Storm

"Four summoning scrolls?" Naruto asked curiously as Kakashi placed them in his hand. "Why so many?" He looked back at Hinata who shrugged. "Okay then, here goes." They were out by the pool today. It had already been five days and now it was time for Anko and Kakashi to leave but first they had to summon the new protectors.

Hinata's mouth popped open then she let out a delighted laugh. "HANABI!" She ran towards her little sister.

"SISTER!" Hanabi's pale eyes were wide as she looked around but she too ran to her big sister. She squealed as her sister picked her up and held her tight.

Naruto was grinning from ear to ear. "Okay so I bet I can guess who is next." He laid out the next scroll and out came just who he thought. Naruto just stood back and gestured to the two chattering sisters.

"Naruto hello! Please bring the others while I greet my little girl." Hiashi smiled at his son-in-law then crossed the few feet to Hinata and did much as she had to Hanabi and lifted her off her feet.

"Will do. And next is…" Naruto opened the next. "Hey! And finally…yep, it's Ko! The family's all here safe and sound. How's it going guys?" Naruto welcomed the siblings with hugs.

"Lord Naruto! You are well?" Ko asked then accepted the hug.

"What? You do not have to call me that!" Naruto stood between them smiling. "It's just Naruto and welcome to paradise!" He clapped them both on the shoulders and turned them to face the beach.

"NARUTO!" Hanabi yelled and tackled Naruto or tried to but he ran from her.

"Oh no, it's a crazed Chibi chasing me! Help!" Naruto circled the pool with a laughing Hanabi chasing him until he abruptly turned around, scooped her up and jumped in the pool.

"You know, that looks like fun. Go ahead Father!" Hinata grinned mischievously and pushed her father into the pool.

"Hina-!" Hiashi looked surprised before sank beneath the surface of the water.

"Got it!" Anko laughed. "His expression was priceless." She had her camera out to capture her last moments on the island.

Laughing, Kakashi went to greet the other two Hyugas. "Hey guys, let me give you the rundown on this place. Want some breakfast?" He gestured to a table laden with food.

It was a half hour later before Naruto and the others got out of the pool. Hinata and Naruto simply changed clothes then provided robes for Hanabi and Hiashi. The four joined the rest of them outside.

"Feeling refreshed?" Anko asked with a huge smile as she toasted Hiashi with her coffee cup.

Hiashi bowed to her. "Actually yes I am. Is there tea?" He took a seat then stared out at the beach and ocean. "It's so beautiful here. Thank you daughter." He smiled up at Hinata as she handed him his tea cup.

"So where's Neji, I'm surprised he didn't come with you guys." Naruto made room for Hanabi as she sat on his lap and poured herself some juice.

"Brother is testing to be a Jonin and asked that you guys wish him luck!" Hanabi said excitedly.

"It's been a year already?" Kakashi asked. Lady Tsunade had forbidden any of the Chunin from increasing their rank as punishment for hiding the truth about Ino's actions against Naruto. "Well if anybody is Jonin material, that kid is. I doubt he needs luck but it's his." Kakashi also lifted his cup to salute Neji.

"To Brother!" Hinata and Naruto said together grinning. "So what are your orders? Sasuke didn't say anything about summoning you back so I'm guessing Mama's sending you two on a mission." Naruto said smiling as Hanabi happily began to eat.

"We'll be escorting some diplomat back to the mainland." Anko said with a roll of her eyes for it sounded totally boring.

Naruto looked at Kakashi who was smiling. "So it's a mission filled with danger and possible assassins. Yep totally boring, right sensei?" It was the same type of mission they'd been on when they first came to the Land of the Moon.

"You know it Naruto!" And they laughed. "Our ship leaves this afternoon but we should go meet our clients and check things out soon. Anko and I will take Ko and Ryo to meet the island's ninja but we'll be back to say goodbye." Kakashi stood then. "I'm going to miss this place. Anko, guys let's get a move on." He bowed to Hiashi then led the others away.

"So anything going on at home? We check in with Sasuke and Takeshi every so often but they haven't mentioned any of the mundane details." Hinata said as she handed some fruit to Hanabi.

"I'll let your sister fill you in on what's going on with your friends. It looks as if you two have gotten some sun." Hiashi said looking at them. Naruto was turning brown and Hinata even had a light tan. "How about you show us where we'll be staying and then introduce us to our hosts?" Hiashi would like to meet the people who have so graciously opened their home to them.

"Father I want to go explore! And where's Talon?" Hanabi complained gently as she searched the skies.

"Hanabi, we will do what is right and then we will explore." Hiashi said sternly to his youngest child then smiled when she pouted.

"Father is right. Besides we haven't seen much of Hikaru either. Don't worry Chibi, we'll have lots of time to explore and play." Naruto said hugging her waist.

"And shop! Hanabi you won't believe all the nice clothes they have here!" Hinata's eyes lit up.

Naruto put Hanabi down then scooted closer to Hiashi. "I've learned something new about your little girl. I never saw a sign of it before we came here but in one short week there's no doubt." Naruto sighed heavily and patted Hiashi's forearm. His eyes were heavy as he looked at his frowning father-in-law. "Hinata is a shop-a-holic."

Hiashi had been scared and a little thrilled when Naruto moved closer to him. He was scared that something was wrong with his daughter and thrilled that possibly she was pregnant. He was not expecting shop-a-holic! Hiashi's mouth dropped open then he started to laugh. "So the trait finally shows itself! Hinata gets that from her mother! Naruto my son, you'll just have to put her on an allowance!" This time he patted Naruto's back in sympathy as the boy slumped onto the table.

"Men! They just don't get it Hanabi." Hinata grumbled as she watched her husband and father talk over strategies to rein in her new obsession.

Yugao rushed Iruka with a kunai in hand. His eyes met hers briefly before their kunai crashed against each other. She gasped as suddenly Iruka stepped forward taking a shallow cut to his shoulder. The next thing she knew a strong thigh was between hers and fist hit her jaw. Yugao fell back and saw stars. She rolled then squatted to shake her brains back in place. Yugao was about to jump up to prevent Iruka from finishing her off when another person showed up.

"My turn!" Sakura yelled as she threw a punch at Iruka who desperately ducked to avoid being knocked into the next century. She growled when she missed then spat as Iruka punched her in the stomach instead.

"Not this time Sakura!" Iruka yelled. "I'd cover my eyes if I were you!" Smiling he tossed a few pellets her way then ran just before they exploded to blind anyone in a five feet radius. Iruka turn back as soon as the flash died down to see Yugao back on her feet. "Shall we continue?"

"Oh yeah, my turn to knock you on your ass!" Yugao yelled then did a series of flips the last one she extended her right leg and aimed it at Iruka's head.

~mg~

"Sakura!" Lee yelled and tried to run to her but a sword blocked his path. "…Right! You are my opponent Takeshi!" Lee was glad his friend had stopped him for Sakura would have been upset if he'd run to her rescue in this battle. He pulled out two kunai and faced off. "Now, where were we? YAAAAH!" Lee charged.

Takeshi liked fighting Lee for it was a challenge. With Lee he didn't use any ninjutsu only taijutsu and his skills with his sword. Yes Lee had overwhelming stamina but he was no slouch in that area either. Takeshi could feel his smile as his blade aimed for Lee's throat.

~mg~

It was the free-for-all Iruka had talked about. Everyone was there including some their former sensei and other Jonins. Training ground 7 was full of people fighting each other. The very next day Iruka and Neji would be testing to become Jonin and the Chunin exams would be starting but today was the day to let off a little steam, have some fun and show off.

Sai jumped back to avoid Kiba's claws. Using his tanto he caught those deadly claws forcing Kiba to bend down to meet his rising knee. Sai laughed as Kiba fell back then dashed away pulling out his scroll and brush. Quickly drawn, some snakes slithered off the paper.

"Nu-uh!" Asuma grinned and slashed the inked snakes with sharp blades of wind preventing Genma from getting his feet tangled up. He wasn't participating as fully as the rest but was still able to join the group and either help out or cause trouble wherever he saw fit. It was fun. "Whoa!" Asuma jumped back as Sakura punched the ground making it explode before him. "Bring it girl!" Asuma yelled as he produced more wind to send the dirt, rocks and debris right back at her.

~mg~

Shino found himself between Seiko and Choji. He stood with his hands in his pockets as the two closed in on him. He was curious about Seiko's fighting skills but wary of Choji for though his friend was big, he was quick.

"Watch out for him, Shino's insects will drain all your chakra away." Choji warned. He'd decided to treat Seiko like a little sister and was trying to look out for her.

"Don't worry about me, I can handle myself." Seiko told Choji. She had mixed feelings about him. He was nice and seemed to really care for her sister. That was okay but it was when he treated her like he knew who she was when he didn't that it got on her nerves. She wasn't Ino and did not want to be treated like her just because they shared the same face.

Shino took the opportunity to send a swarm of insects at Choji's head. As his friend was swatting and trying to avoid them, Shino turned to Seiko. "Shall we?" He held his arms up in preparation for hand to hand combat.

Seiko grinned and nodded. She released the blades in her gauntlets and blinked when the Aburame lifted the back of his coat to pull out a wide sword which soon became two. Seiko was surprised. "No bugs for me?"

Shino let a small smile show on his face. "No not this time. Till first blood?" The weight was heavy in his hands but he was beginning to get used to it and there was no time like to present to test how much he'd learned.

"Oh yes – first blood!" Seiko attacked thinking she was going to like Shino.

~mg~

Shikamaru pushed himself up from the ground eyeing Guy hatefully. The man's Leaf Hurricane had sent him into a tree. They'd tried to keep him out of this but somebody – Lee had spilled the beans and Guy had shown up. He was just thinking of a series of attacks to neutralize Guy when the landscape changed. Suddenly it was a swamp and Guy was sinking into quicksand. Shikamaru laughed as Guy started yelling. "Thanks Sasuke!" He looked around for the Uchiha and saw him swinging by on a vine. "Oh brother." Shikamaru reached behind him and brought out a trench knife. His eyes tracked Sasuke's shadow then he threw the knife. "Got ya!" He made Sasuke let go of his vine and drop to the ground to face him.

"If you want a fight, you'll have to release me." Sasuke said smiling at his friend. And even if Shikamaru didn't, Sasuke was prepared to use more genjutsu to get Shikamaru to free him.

"I know and I will. Ready?" Shikamaru returned the smile then released the jutsu. He pulled out his short sword as Sasuke reached for the hilt of his. "You need more practice – too slow!" Shikamaru said scoring a slice on Sasuke's stomach.

Sasuke hissed. "You owe Black Saber some blood for that comment. I think I'll collect it now!" His sword was gripped in his hands. He showed Shikamaru that while he was a little slow unsheathing his sword, his mastery over how quickly he could move it was nothing to sneer at.

"Oh shit." Shikamaru said as he went on the defensive.

~mg~

Neji gave an exaggerated yawn as he easily blocked the senbon sent to him by Genma. "Are you taking it easy on me on purpose? If this keeps up I shall fall asleep Genma." He tilted his head and smiled.

"Brat." Genma said with a smile but he wasn't upset. He'd sent way too many senbon Neji's way and thanks to Naruto, though his weapons lay on the ground, he was not empty handed.

"How about I liven things up boys? TWIN RISING DRAGONS!" Tenten grinned as both men looked up at her in alarm as she began to throw hundreds of weapons at them.

Neji instantly moved and used a kunai to block everything that came his way. He cursed as his all-seeing eyes saw a wicked grin on Genma's face.

"Sorry kids but I ain't going down that easily!" Genma said quickly jumping to avoid Tenten's onslaught. While in motion he used the puppet technique on his senbon and began to make pincushions out of Tenten and Neji.

The battle went on for almost four hours. Genjutsu, taijutsu, ninjutsu, kekkei genkai, nature chakra and weapons rolled over the training ground. Injuries were given and received. At times they were allies and at other times they were enemies. Everyone gave as good as they got.

Sasuke pushed to his feet and wobbled over to Iruka. "Dad, you okay?" He dropped to his knees.

"Yeah. Hey Takeshi don't!" Iruka yelled as a few tear drops fell onto his head. He hadn't seen the young man sneak up behind him as he sat on the ground. But it was too late. The phoenix tears soaked into his scalp and the effect was instantaneous. All bruises and cuts were healed and he wasn't even tired anymore. Iruka turned to scowl up at him. "What did I tell you about that?" He asked angrily.

"Uh-uh." Takeshi ignored him them turned to Sasuke who just shrugged and sat still as his tears fell. "There. Quit yelling Dad. My tears have taken away all your aches and pain. You'll be right as rain tomorrow for your exam. Even with normal healing, you wouldn't be at hundred percent so just shut up already!" Takeshi was a little angry that Iruka didn't want his help. Before sitting down he helped some of the others with fairly serious injuries. That done, he sat on the other side of Sasuke looking out at the pock marked land.

"Dad he just wants to help so let him. I thought you wanted to pass the Jonin exam." Sasuke said reasonably then took a deep breath feeling as good as he had that morning when he woke up. His brother's tears were great and none of them abused Takeshi by asking for healing each time they got hurt training. But at times like these when the tears actually meant something, Iruka shouldn't give him a hard time about it.

"Thanks Takeshi. I won't slow you down at all tomorrow." Sai said as he joined them. "I shall sleep well tonight without worry of failure. Do you heal yourself with the tears as well?" Sai pulled out his scroll and brush and began drawing the scene around him wanting a visual record of this day.

Takeshi smiled at Sai and lay down until he was propped up on one elbow, Sasuke behind him. "No, like Naruto my wounds will heal themselves and after some sleep I'll be ready to go tomorrow though I doubt I'll sleep well. Too nervous!" Takeshi made it sound like a joke but he was nervous. He could fail and in turn fail not only Sai who'd been doing this all his life but his brothers as well who were counting on him to pass.

Iruka felt like a heel as he stared at Takeshi's long hair. It was silly to keep protesting the boy's help. He'd refused Takeshi's tears time and again not wanting to use him and yes it was embarrassing to have a grown man cry over him but today he should have accepted the tears gratefully for Takeshi was right. He scooted forward and laid a hand on Takeshi's dark head. "I'm sorry and thank you, your tears are exactly what I needed."

"You're so damn stubborn Dad." Takeshi said without looking back at Iruka but he closed his eyes at the heavy hand no his head. Most people at his age would be angry to be treated like a child but he savored it, these small moments when he felt the love of a parent.

Iruka grinned and patted Takeshi's head. "I know but thankfully you love me anyway." He sat with his back to Takeshi's so they were leaning against each other with Sasuke beside him. "Don't be too nervous TK. You're ready. In a very short time, you've proven yourself to be a worthy ninja. Don't let the other teams dictate your actions and you'll be fine." He leaned back heavily against Takeshi silently telling him that he had his back.

Takeshi took a deep breath. "We'll try. Thanks Dad."

"What about you Iruka, nervous?" Asuma asked smiling. He'd missed hanging out with his friends and the kids though they were young adults now rather than small Genin.

"In one word – yes!" He groaned and threw back his head to look up at the sky. "But thanks to all my kids, Anko and Yugao I believe I'm ready for it." Iruka threw and an arm over Sasuke's shoulder. "Guess we'll know by tomorrow evening huh Neji?" He looked over to the teen.

"That's so unfair! How come the Jonin test can be completed in a day and we had to endure a week in the Forest of Death! And that was just the first time! Our second exam took over a month to prepare for then we had to travel to the capital and fight those S-class nins! You've got it easy Iruka-sense." Kiba groused and crossed his arms.

"Kiba…" Asuma shook his head. "Iruka is a seasoned ninja just like you are now. There's no reason for a Chunin to have an extended exam to become Jonin. Genin are just kids with a lot to prove – strength, stamina, cunning, technique and most of all responsibility. I'm surprised your mother hasn't talked about this with you. It's no easy task being a Jonin. The exam is nothing compared with the real missions you'll be handed." He was leaning back against a tree and absently reaching for a cigarette as he thought of how his life had changed when he'd become Jonin.

"Are you going smoke your gum?" Shikamaru teased for though Asuma still carried his lighter all he had in his pockets were several packets of gum.

"Shut up!" Asuma laughed as he put the lighter away then popped some gum in his mouth.

"Well that's true enough." Genma chimed in. "Not only has your strength improved Iruka but you've worked hard to come up with your own unique skill which is very important when fighting other Jonin. Actually I think you'll breeze through the exam. After dealing with kids and all the pranks they come up, facing off against three Jonin should be child's play!" Personally, Genma thought the more dangerous job was being a teacher.

Yugao blinked at that comment. "You may be right! Of course the Jonin will be trying to kill you unlike your students." She smiled then looked to Neji who'd remained silent. "How do you think you'll do?" Yugao asked gently. She was new to this group of friends and was feeling her way around gently.

Neji smiled. He and Tenten were next to each other, her arm against his. "I'll pass. I've trained extensively with Uncle, several of my cousins who are Jonin, my team and Guy-sensei." He rolled his eyes when he said Guy's name. "Of course I believe I was ready last year to become a Jonin but since then, the battles we've been in, those have helped me too. There's nothing like the realities of battle to make you aware of just how hard it is to be a ninja. I've gotten stronger with my skills but the knowledge of what to do and when to do it is just as important." He'd taken Tenten's hand and looked into her eyes as he spoke then looked over at Iruka. "We will both pass, we have much to protect don't we Iruka-sensei?" Neji still wore as smile.

Iruka nodded and returned the smile. "We do. We do indeed." He tightened his arm around Sasuke and reached back a hand to pat Takeshi's shoulder.

Seiko blinked in surprise as Sasuke looked at her as Iruka spoke. She felt herself warm under his gaze but she returned his smile with a shy one. Her blush only deepened as Iruka laughed when he caught their exchange.

"Anybody hungry?" Iruka asked and got several loud yeses. "Choji why don't you chose and make it someplace big enough for all of us, okay?" He playfully used his surrogate sons as props to push himself up.

Choji clapped his heavy hands together. "No problem! I know just the place." He stood as well glancing at Seiko. Of course it made him think of Ino and he wished he could invite her to go with them but he knew that would be a bad idea. Choji sighed wistfully.

The first two days they were in each other's company constantly. Thankfully Lord Hiashi came prepared to spend some money for his girls had a grand shopping spree. Naruto put his foot down and demanded that they do something for all of them and so they began to visit all the amusement and water parks they could find. At night they cruised the casinos and went to the shows. By the third day they were wore out and luckily it rained so the couple excused themselves for some alone time.

Talon was awake first thing as was his parents but there was no sunrise that morning. They breakfasted together like they normally did then went back to bed to snuggle.

"Sweetheart?" Naruto asked as he stroked her hair.

Hinata was lying with her head on his stomach. "Hmm?" She tickled his belly button and grinned as his tummy jumped.

"I need to train. I'm feeling guilty knowing that my brothers are home working their asses off. Will you get upset if I train for a couple of hours every day? It doesn't have to be me personally all the time. I can use clones but I need to get ready…to save Itachi." Naruto waited for Hinata to speak. He knew she shared his feelings for wanting to save their older brother but this was also their honeymoon.

Hinata took a deep breath, kissed his navel then turned to look up at him smiling. "Even when we don't use the synch we think alike Naruto. So far all I've done is admire my new fans at least you've gone through a few drills with your sword. Shall we start our training in earnest my husband?" Hinata inched up his body.

Naruto laughed then leaned forward to kiss her. "My beautiful wife, yes lets and thank you." He framed her face to kiss her once more. "How about some warm-up exercises, some sparring then weapons?" Naruto was getting excited just thinking about it.

Hinata giggled for she'd suddenly had an idea. "Naruto we made a deal once didn't we, to spar only in our underwear? We can have a little fun too can't we?" Her eyes looked over her husband who was still gloriously nude. She never got tired of staring at his hard body.

Naruto fell back onto the pillows laughing. "Naughty girl! Yes we did agree to do that." He sat up eyes bright. "Wear the sheer panties you got when we got married. Yeah, yeah the pink ones with the little ribbons around the waistband!" Naruto grinned. He'd watched his wife sort her bras and panties one day and had admired that pair especially.

Now it was Hinata's turn to laugh to know that Naruto had been paying attention to her panties. "Sure but you'll have to wear these!" She crawled off the bed and to the drawer where Naruto's briefs were. Hinata pulled out an orange pair of briefs. She held them up then twirled them around her finger.

"What? I can't fit in those! Hinata those are too small!" Naruto was shocked. He looked down at himself then at the tiny orange briefs. "Sweetheart either pick another pair or I'll just spar nude." He shook his head thinking of how uncomfortable the briefs would be.

She giggled some more then shook a finger at him. "If you get to pick my panties, I get to pick your briefs. Plus this is spandex lover – all of you will fit!" This time Hinata looked down at him admiring her husband's manhood.

Naruto was skeptical but he kept his mouth shut. He knew she wouldn't be convinced until he tried them on. "Do I have to wear them right now?" He asked hoping to postpone putting them on as long as possible.

Hinata tilted her head at him knowing exactly what he was doing. "No, I can wait but let's do the sparing last and give ourselves something to look forward to. Come on, let's wash up!" She turned and headed for the bathroom, Naruto's briefs still twirling about her finger.

~mg~

Both wore new clothes, shorts and T-shirts as they went down to the second level. Naruto carried his sword and Hinata carried her fans in her arms. Talon flew down and settled himself on a chair to watch.

As they began stretching both realized how much they'd been neglecting their bodies and decided to do some tai chi as well as a few other disciplines before using their weapons. Finally as the sweat covered their bodies and with their muscles burning slightly they separated.

Hinata flicked her wrists opening the fans. She held them crossed over her chest eyes closed as she visualized the moves she wanted to make. The fans held weapons but were also weapons themselves and so she would first practice using the fans to hurt/slice her enemy then learn to accurately throw the blades in the fans to immobilize or kill her foes.

Naruto stared at Kyuubi carved into the sheath. On this side, his Bijuu was poised to attack. He still hadn't named his sword. He planned to but a suitable name just hadn't occurred to him yet. Slowly Naruto withdrew the blade. It was such a deadly sound when you thought about it. Carefully he placed the sheath down and looked out the balcony window. The rain poured down and in the distance a storm was brewing. Naruto smiled briefly wondering if the storm would come to the island. He and Hinata had yet been able to make love in a storm. Naruto glanced at his wife as she moved and spun trying out moves to use with her new weapons. "My turn." He whispered.

It had been a long time since he'd learned the basics of using a sword. There had been a class at the academy but he hadn't been any good at it then and had given up the sword to concentrate on his ninjutsu. But since coming to the Land of the Moon, he'd asked the captain of Mirchiru's samurai guard to allow him to train with his men upon occasion. Naruto learned that he'd forgotten much and had tons more to learn but still any instruction was better than trying to learn on his own. Now he gripped his blade with two hands and began his drills.

The morning leeched away into afternoon and the rain became a drizzle along with some fog. Hinata was breathing hard as she landed and slid her left leg behind her, her right bent. The fan in her right hand made a sweeping circular motion before her while her other fan came up before her face showing only her lavender eyes. She nodded pleased. The fans felt familiar in her hands now. Hinata was growing comfortable with their weight. Snapping the fans closed she looked over at her husband.

Naruto was intent and moving deliberately through each movement. His muscles were tight and shining with sweat. Naruto's blue eyes saw an invisible enemy and he was determined to maim and kill him. Finishing a move, he stopped and held his sword directly before him. Naruto took several deep breaths. "HA!" With that exclamation he went through the moves one more time only faster spinning, slashing and cutting and thrusting his blade at all possible angles. He made a breeze around him as he went through the routine. Naruto thrust forward and stopped abruptly. "Dammit!" He cursed and swung his blade angrily.

"What's wrong baby?" Hinata hurried over to him. "You looked good." She watched as he silently stared at himself in the steel then sheathed the sword. "Naruto?"

"I'm okay." He took a deep breath then turned to pull her into his arms. "I can picture Takeshi in my mind, see how perfectly he moves then I feel how I'm moving and I suck! I know I can't match my brother's skill and years of experience and it's damn frustrating!" Naruto yelled then buried his face in Hinata's hair.

Hinata smiled softly and stood on tiptoe getting as close as she could to him. "You share blood and minds but you are still you Naruto and so is Takeshi. You need to find your own sword style baby and not try to model yourself after your brother." Hinata hugged him tight. It was adorable that he thought he wasn't as good as his brother but Hinata had watched and in a very short time Naruto had learned some complicated moves. Her husband wasn't a master swordsman but he was no novice either.

"Hmph…yeah whatever." Naruto sighed and let some of the tension flow out of him. He breathed in his wife's scent and hugged her closer. "Think that storm will come back?" Naruto kissed her ear.

"We can hope!" She too had seen the lightning over the sea. "How about some lunch before we spar? We'll probably need the energy. I'm going to work you hard!" Hinata pulled back to look up at him and her grin matched his.

"Oh yeah?" Naruto asked as he picked her up and headed for the stairs. "Well if we get that storm sweetheart, it's going to be you who gets worked hard. I doubt you'll be able to walk afterwards. And you know I can do it!" He took the stairs two at a time with a very male grin on his face.

She shivered remembering what happened right before they got married. Naruto had loved her so much that she'd had no strength in her legs. "Promises, promises!" Hinata held on tight and hoped to relive that experience.

Ayame slipped into the house. She and her father had just closed the ramen stand and she'd come to spend the night with Takeshi. His Chunin exam began in the morning and it may be a week or more before she would see him again. The house was dark and she wondered if he was already sleeping.

Over the last two weeks she'd been here often and was still getting used to the home. It was still hard knowing that people had died possibly inside the house that her boyfriend was living in. Ayame couldn't understand how Sasuke was able to live in the same house his parents had died in; it gave her chills just thinking about it. She was glad that Takeshi planned on building his own home, well if Naruto chose to stay.

"Ayame, come on upstairs." Takeshi called down to her.

"Oh!" She jumped for his voice had scared her. There were dim lights placed here and there throughout the house so one could find their way without cutting on the overhead lights. Takeshi had done that for her since he knew that the complete darkness frightened her. It wasn't the darkness so much but the possible ghosts of the people who had died that unnerved her. Takeshi had even suggested moving back to his old apartment if she was too uncomfortable here. Ayame hadn't let him, that would have been asking too much and so they'd tried to make this place as comfortable as possible. "Coming!"

Takeshi waited in bed. He'd seen her leave Ichiraku's fifteen minutes ago. He didn't necessarily like her leaving the stand alone when it was dark like this but she didn't want to give up her independence and despite not being a ninja, Ayame knew enough to take care of herself but he still watched over her when he could. Once she'd reached the district, he'd climbed into bed and watched a little TV. "Hey beautiful lady." He smiled as she stepped into the bedroom.

Ayame laughed. "Let me shower and then tell me that!" She moved over to the bed to kiss him. Takeshi sat with the sheet covering him but she knew he was naked beneath it and his hair was loose hanging over his shoulder in a dark waterfall. He was irresistible.

Takeshi cupped her face gratefully accepting her soft lips. "Hmm…if you want…a shower…go now…before I pull you…into bed…with me!" He said between kisses. Takeshi let one hand drop to the buttons on her shirt.

"Stop that!" Ayame giggled and slapped at his hand. "Fifteen minutes!" She pulled away and backed towards the bathroom blowing him a kiss.

Takeshi let her go still smiling and looked back at the TV. It was showing an anime he'd just begun watching over the last few weeks. Between training and worrying about what was going to happen with Naruto, it came down to Ayame and anime to take his mind off things. Neither he nor Sasuke had come up with anything better that what was already on the table.

He knew what true freedom was for he'd lived it for most of his lifetime but it had been lonely too. To be free and not have anyone to share it with was almost like a nonexistence. It was only since coming to Konoha and gaining family and friends that he'd found a new freedom but at the same time found his life restricted by becoming a ninja. Takeshi laughed ruefully for life was such a contradiction. He was relieved to hear the shower cut off because soon he would be with Ayame and she would take him away from all his worries.

~mg~

Takeshi held Ayame close to him. They'd just made love and neither had quite caught their breath yet. He took another deep breath and settled deeper into the bed.

Ayame yawned sleepily. "Will you sleep? I can make some tea. Hinata left some that would help you." She lifted her head to blink up at him.

He smiled, they knew him well. "Thanks but no, no tea. So Hinata was worried about me even before she left? I do miss my sister." Takeshi linked his fingers with Ayame's and pictured Hinata's kind face.

"Don't you talk to them every day?" Ayame snuggled closer to his hard body.

"No Sasuke and I agreed to leave them alone as much as possible. We usually let Naruto initiate any contact. We're able to maintain a constant synch but it's like a door. We can close it and open when we want to and we sort of knock when we want to talk. But still Hinata knew I'd be nervous enough about tomorrow to make sure I had some of her special tea." Takeshi let one hand slide over her silky hair. He really loved it when she wore it down. "You girls sharing secrets about us guys?"

Ayame kissed his chest. "Yep! We girls got to stick together. You do the same with Sasuke and Naruto so why should we?"

Takeshi just hummed and was silent. He'd gotten used to seeing Ayame every day and having her in his bed most nights. He had family now but he was just starting to realize that his family wouldn't be complete without Ayame. He couldn't picture his life without her smiling face. He stilled. How can I leave Ayame behind? How can I take her with me? These thoughts erased all his concerns about the Chunin exam.

"What's wrong?" Ayame was alerted in how his body which had been relaxed before was suddenly tense. "Is Naruto okay? Sasuke?" She pulled away to look down at him.

One dim light in the hall just barely reached into the bedroom. Takeshi could see her fright, her concern and love. "I'm just shocked to realize just how much I love you Ayame. I've got to go a whole week without seeing you and touching you. Come back to me." Takeshi let go of his tension and gently pulled her down to him.

She blushed in the darkness. Love had come so unexpectedly between them and she too had already begun to miss him when she remembered just how long the exam was. "I love you too Takeshi. Hold me, hold me all night long!" Ayame lay down on top of him fitting their bodies together.

"I'll hold on to you forever." Takeshi promised taking her lips.

~mg~

Takeshi held Ayame's hand as they plus Sasuke left the district. Iruka soon joined them and Takeshi tenderly accepted Ayame's kiss of good luck. As she walked off Sai showed up.

"Dad I'll stay close to home so I won't be hard to find once your exam is over. I want to know as soon as possible okay?" Sasuke told him as he looked Iruka over. He was in good shape and outfitted for battle. He wore a larger pouch around his leg, two more pouches at his back and his vest seemed to be carrying scrolls or something. "You look ready." He grinned.

"Let's hope I am. I only want to do this once. Good luck guys." Iruka shook hands with Sai then hugged Takeshi. As he pulled away he noticed Takeshi's look of determination. "Looks like you got rid of your nerves."

"...Yeah, yeah I did. Ayame helped with that." He smiled. "Good luck Dad. Look here comes Yugao. Guess she wanted to see you off. We should get going too. Walk with us Sasuke?" Takeshi asked and saw his brother look at him curiously. Yugao greeted the men and wished Takeshi and Sai luck before the groups separated.

"Remember this test is deadly. It's all about your ninja abilities and strategy. The Jonin will stop just short of killing you but the fact is that they are trying to kill you - don't forget that!" Yugao grabbed his sleeve as she stressed this point.

Iruka blinked then grinned. "You're worried about me! Thanks Yugao." He took her hand and squeezed then kept it as they continued on to Hokage Headquarters. "Believe me I haven't forgotten that this is killed or be killed. But I keep remembering when Kabuto came after me and Naruto. That was...bad. Actually one of the worst battles I've ever been in because it involved my son. I handled that maybe not as well as I could have but thanks to you I've improved and this time all I have to worry about is myself. I can do this Yugao! Trust me." Iruka stopped before the building and gave her a self assured smile.

She tingled all over. He impressed her. Iruka's confidence, his smile, his masculinity - everything about him appealed to her. "I do. You'll come back to me a Jonin." She stated then blushed.

Iruka's mouth dropped open. It wasn't something he expected her to say and not in the way she'd said it. Yugao's tone was that of a lover's to her man. It implied that she didn't want just her student to succeed but for her man to come back to her loving arms after a battle. "Yugao...I will come back to you and we'll talk okay?" He realized that he still held her hand and smiled to himself. Unconsciously he'd wanted to be close to her and so had kept her at his side. "Yeah, I think we've got some talking to do and maybe...more." Iruka looked into her eyes as he drew her closer. When she didn't pull back he gently placed a kiss at the corner of her mouth. "Lot's more." Iruka said as he backed slowly away then jumped when Izumo cleared his throat. "Uh, I gotta go. Tsunade's waiting for me. Umm, the district - check in with Sasuke. I'll be heading over there afterwards. Later Yugao." Iruka backed away grinning at her then slapped Izumo on the arm and ran up the steps feeling really good.

~mg~

Sai walked beside them in silence. Takeshi had excused himself saying he needed to talk to Sasuke for a moment. Both of them were frowning slightly and he wondered what was going on.

Sasuke I love Ayame and last night I came to conclusion that I don't want to live without her. Somehow, if we leave, I've got to find a way to come back for her! Takeshi reached out hand and put it on Sasuke's shoulder.

Sasuke looked up at him, stared into those bird-like eyes and saw in them what Naruto held in his eyes for Hinata. He nodded. Okay. We'll find a way to make it happen. I've got to have my brothers happy. He smiled as Takeshi let out a pent up breath.

"Thanks Sasuke now I can concentrate on this exam." Takeshi squeezed Sasuke's shoulder then looked to Sai with a smile. "I'm counting on you partner."

"Nothing to worry about Takeshi, I've got your back." He gave the taller a man one of his happy smiles. "I'm looking forward to this actually! Can't wait to prove myself." Sai knew he was well-trained but passing this exam would mean that he was officially one of them.

"Me too!" Takeshi laughed as that occurred to him. "Passing this test proves I'm a true ninja and not just riding my brothers' coattails. Look Shikamaru and Choji are here too." He pushed Sai ahead of him and hung back for a moment with Sasuke.

"No contact remember? Well unless it's an emergency." Takeshi said firmly. "Sai and I have to do this on our own with no help from my brothers." There was a flutter of wings in his stomach.

"Deal. You still planning not to use your lady's chakra? Naruto had to; of course that was to save me and Sakura." Sasuke nodded understanding but he would miss talking to Takeshi. He'd be on his own so to speak while the exam was going on and with Naruto away.

"No, not unless I have to. Kind of want to do this without her help either but if its life or death I will. When you guys are celebrating the new Jonin tonight, drink some for me okay?" Takeshi grinned. The two of them hugged briefly just as Sakura showed up.

"Good luck Takeshi!" Sakura waved to him as they entered the building then turned to Sasuke. "Okay I've waited long enough, tell me what the hell is going on with Naruto." Sakura's smile disappeared as she faced Sasuke with her hand on her hips.

Sasuke suddenly wished he was facing some unknown enemy instead of his pink-haired sister. He looked around for Shikamaru wondering if he had spilled the beans but the guy had already slipped away. "Dammit." He muttered then snatched up Sakura's hand and pulled her after him so they could have a more private conversation.

Tsunade walked with him to the gate. The Jonin exam was conducted outside of the village in the nearby forest and mountains. Neji was going out of another gate for his own Jonin exam but Tsunade wanted a few moments with Iruka. She held his arm as they walked. There really wasn't much to say. Nothing had changed on the Naruto front; they were all biding their time until he returned from his honeymoon. Tsunade thought of offering Iruka advice but he looked ready and she didn't want to say anything that would put him off his game and so she just held onto his muscled arm and walked at his side.

"Do I report back to you when I'm done?" Iruka asked her. He'd laid his hand over hers warmly.

"You don't have to. I'll receive a report from the Jonin first then on the following day you'll report to me for your certificate or to discuss whether or not you'll be taking the exam again. But I'm sure it will be the former. Good luck Iruka." Tsunade cupped his cheek then lightly kissed his mouth.

"Thanks Tsunade." Iruka took a deep breath and gave her a quick hug. "I'll be going to the district when I'm done. See you there?" He gave her a crooked smile touched her soft cheek when she nodded then purposefully walked out of the small gate facing the forest.

She instinctively wanted to call him back but her mouth never opened. Tsunade watched the gate close behind him then turned on her heel and went back to her office where her work waited on her. Silently she sent her love and support to Iruka.

~mg~

Iruka kept to the trees. All of his senses were alert for signs of danger. He'd been given a scroll that needed protecting. Also there was a child who had been kidnapped. Ideally he needed to bring back the child or kill him to protect a clan's kekkei genkai. Keeping the scroll safe was the easy part but the child…well that was where his skills and judgment were called into play. Jonin even more than Chunin had to make moral judgments – who lived, who died and just who got killed all for the sake of the mission.

Iruka stopped suddenly and crouched low on a tree branch. A scent had come to him. It was freshly cut wood or the scent of tree sap. There was a trap somewhere nearby. He paused for just a moment then made a decision. Removing five shuriken he tossed them out all around him. Behind!

A spray of senbon embedded themselves in the trunk of the tree he was in and Iruka dashed forward. Now the enemy knew his general location. He'd made the decision to get them to come to him.

The terrain changed and Iruka lost his footing as the world turned on its side. He fell to the earth then had to roll to escape the kunai aimed at his head. "KAI!" Iruka yelled as he came up on one knee and almost simultaneously, "SCATTERSHOT!" Iruka didn't stay to watch what happened to the female Jonin but fled back up and into the trees. He spent a few minutes putting some distance between them before stopping to assess what happened.

"Gone of course but…" Iruka nodded when he saw blood. He'd injured the woman and unless they had a healer among them, at least one of his enemies wouldn't be able to fight full strength. "Okay, time to make a few traps of my own." He said reaching into a pocket.

~mg~

"Damn, I'm glad that was only a test, Ibiki's one scary bastard. His reputation is well earned." Takeshi massaged the back of his neck. Ibiki had been chosen once again as proctor for the first part of the Chunin exam and he'd tried to psyche them out with his mind games.

"Yes, he is formidable but we have much to thank him for as well. The number moving on to the second stage has been greatly reduced. Only fifteen teams out of the forty that started out remain. I know we agreed not to kill outright but we should aim at incapacitating a few of the teams. For everyone who is eliminated, the greater chance we'll make it to the finals." Sai commented as they walked in the general direction of the Forest of Death.

Takeshi was nodding as he saw the gated area before them. "True and yes we should. Most of them are looking at us as the easy prey since there're only two of us but little do they know how dangerous drawing and whistling can be." He grinned down at Sai and patted his shoulder.

Sai grinned as well and nodded. "I understand. Maybe I'll do a few drawings as you fill out our paperwork?" The proctor was passing out slips saying they were entering this exam knowing they could die and that Konoha was not liable.

"I'd be happy to." Takeshi said as Sai sat down on the ground and with a smile dipped his brush in ink.

While one signed the slips, the other drew and they both listened to the rules. In five days they had to reach the center of the forest with two scrolls and there was only one absolute rule – don't open the scrolls. Papers signed, drawings done the pair went to their gate and waited anxiously for it to open.

They ran swiftly and in as straight a line as they could until they could no longer see the gate nor anybody else. Sunlight was blocked from the over-sized trees and insect sounds seemed to come from everywhere. Though it was fall, there was humidity within this dark place. It didn't take long for a film of sweat to cover their skin or for their breathing to become slightly labored.

Neither spoke as they sat down beneath a fallen tree. Takeshi stretched out on his back, arms behind his head. The scroll felt heavy against his hip as his sharp eyes tracked two teams moving in on them.

"So many snakes around here. Didn't Naruto say he got swallowed by one?" Sai asked softly as he flipped through his sketch pad.

"He did and Sasuke too back at Ishita." Takeshi chuckled. "I'll try not to let it happen to me. That's one experience the three of us don't have to share!" He saw the Kusa ninjas split up as the Iwa ninjas hovered in the background watching and waiting for their chance. Raising a hand to cover his yawn Takeshi spoke softly. "Release them – one is coming from above and two from either side."

Sai focused his chakra and laid his scroll down so that the snakes could flow from the paper and into the thick grass. Takeshi stretched then sat up just someone dropped down from a high limb. Another ninja burst from the foliage and even as that was happening the grass around them began to grow with amazing speed twining and circling around their limbs trapping them in place.

"CRIPPLING SOUND!" Takeshi yelled out giving Sai time enough to plug his ears as he fought the moving grass. He was up on his feet whistling and using his sword to chop at the grass.

Sai was humming fiercely as he too chopped at the grass before impaling the ninja who'd fallen from the sky with a couple of kunai. His snakes not hampered by the growing grasses quickly caught and held the other two Kusa ninjas. Sai shivered as Takeshi stopped whistling and went into motion tanto at the ready.

Takeshi raced through the still tall grass at towards the Iwa ninjas. He made two clones and the three of them separated for the attack. Sword drawn, Takeshi had his enemies within his sight until…

"EARTHEN CORRIDOR!" An Iwa ninja yelled and the earth rose up to enclose the man and his clones on all sides. They'd cut him off from his teammate and trapped the man who could put them down with just a whistle.

Sai turned to face two Iwa ninja heading his way but he couldn't go on the attack since an exploding tag attached to a kunai landed at his feet. "Dammit!"

Neji had orders to infiltrate a small camp, locate and kill a traitor then take back some stolen scrolls the traitor had given to the enemy as well as bring back information on who the enemy was and their plans. He moved on swift feet the moment he'd been free to act. Facing three no four Jonin – one was a traitor was no easy task. Neji was sure there would be a genjutsu user among his enemies. His Byakugan was weak against a skilled user.

Neji's had already found the camp. It had been hidden fairly well for normal eyes but then his eyes weren't normal. It was strange that no genjutsu was used to help camouflage the small area or none that he could detect. Neji guessed that meant they would more than likely use physical attacks to keep him from entering it.

He noticed a few traps and slowed his pace searching for the people who'd built the traps but he noticed no one. Neji thought it was also curious that the camp was stationed so close to the river, within a hundred yards. Most would not do this unless they were sure it was safe to do so. "More than likely another trap for me." Neji whispered to himself. He would stay far away from the water.

The biggest problem at the moment was where were the Jonin? He'd located the camp and could clearly see the stolen documents inside a tent but could not tell from where he was if any of the other documents hidden in a travel pouch was the information he needed. He just might have to forcefully retrieve that information. Neji tensed at the thought of torture but would do it if the situation called for it.

Not willing to wait for them to make the first move, Neji used the trees to get closer to the small camp. It wasn't only his eyesight but his instincts that save him. The camp was only partly real, the rest an illusion. He'd dropped to the ground to inch ever closer to what he'd believed to be the enemy camp when his toes touched nothing. There was a spike filled hole below.

Neji sprang backwards then had to do a series of jumps and flips to evade the kunai and shuriken thrown at him. The missives were coming so quickly that he didn't have time to mount a counter attack. All he could do was evade.

The Byakugan was active and he could now see two of the people sending weapons his way and he could also see that they were herding him towards the water. "Not good." And no sooner than the words were spoken that...

"RIVER WATER SHOCKWAVE!"

Neji watched in horror as water rose from the river and began to swirl high into the air. He'd already drawn his own kunai to block the weapons being thrown at him but still that was all he could do as the water reached a towering height then erupted like a volcano. He risked getting stabbed in the back as he turned to run. Neji tried but with no success to outrun the water that chased after him. He took a deep breath as his feet were swept from under him and he sank under the freezing cold torrent.

Sakura followed him home where he picked up some wood, a hammer and nails and proceeded to work on the new fence. Sasuke told her what he knew as he worked forcing himself to concentrate on the fence so he wouldn't get upset.

Sakura was silent for a long time as she watched Sasuke work. She'd handed him nails when he'd needed them but for the most part she'd just watched with a slight frown on her face as he'd explained.

Finally she adjusted her headband and looked up at the sky. "The capital or swearing to return when he's needed...two choices, at least they're giving him choices." Sakura still chose not to look at Sasuke but instead looked at nothing at all. "I like the idea of knowing where he is too. The capital would be the best place for them I think."

Sasuke had paused when she'd begun to speak but in hearing her words he went back to hammering. He guessed he wasn't overly surprised but to hear her say that was...disappointing.

Sakura watched Sasuke's back. He was tense and it wasn't because of the work he was doing, it was because of her words. She sighed feeling lonely.

Their synch left her out and since the wedding she'd seen little or nothing of Sasuke and Takeshi. Both of them had been busy with their training and she with Lady Hokage when she wasn't with Lee. She was losing them or at least that's how it felt.

This news only intensified that feeling because she'd only learned of it when she'd come across Neji, Tenten and Shikamaru outside of Hokage Headquarters. They hadn't seen her but Shikamaru had thought that Neji had a right to know that the Daimyo was trying to decide Naruto and Hinata's futures and to be prepared for things to possibly go wrong.

Sakura was very aware that Naruto had good reason to leave Konoha and it was his right to live wherever he chose but because of who he was that wasn't possible. It wasn't that she wanted him on lock and key, every move watched and ordered about like a puppet or something but this way she would still have them in her life. Sakura wanted to be with them but what about her own family and Lee. Naruto wasn't alone anymore and he was married. Sakura didn't have to give up the things or the life she wanted for him to be happy. It was a selfish way to think and she felt guilty about it but nevertheless it was true too.

Sasuke stopped hammering and checked out his handy work. Things were going well if slowly. He missed Takeshi's clones and their friends were helping out when they could but not even one whole section had been completed yet.

"No matter what anyone thinks, the decision is still Naruto's. Even Hinata says that. Takeshi and I will support him in that Sakura. Even if that decision isn't one the Daimyo's offering." Sasuke turned to look at her his face solemn and serious.

Sakura blinked several times then bowed her head. "...Yeah I kinda figured that." She let out a shaky breath. "You'll have to take of each other and let me know how you're doing from time to time okay Sasuke?" A few tears slid down her face as she smiled weakly at Sasuke.

"Sakura." He put down the hammer and moved to hug her. "Yeah, we will. We'll find a way to keep in touch." Sasuke hugged her tight knowing he'd truly miss her if they ended up leaving her behind.

They'd hugged for several long moments when a cough interrupted them. Seiko in tight purple long pants with a black short skirt over it and matching purple shirt and black jacket stood staring at them curiously. "Excuse me."

Sasuke looked up and smiled then looked back to Sakura. He wiped away her tears then kissed her cheek. "Hey Seiko, all done at the shop? I'm afraid I haven't gotten as much done as I'd hoped. Me and Sakura have been talking." He stepped back and held out a hand for the black haired Kunoichi. Sasuke pulled Seiko closer until he could kiss her.

Seiko blushed but put her hands on his shoulders and accepted his soft kiss of hello. One hand came up to cup his head and hold his cheek close to hers before letting him pull back. Seiko's eyes caressed his face. "Yes, Momma's taken over now and so I'm free the rest of the day." Finally she looked up at the fence. "I can help."

Sasuke felt the chill of the day receded as he stared at Seiko. "Yeah you are pretty handy. Let's finish this stack of wood then we can hit the dojo and I'll cook some lunch for us." He linked their fingers then turned back to Sakura who's eyes had gone wide at this exchange. "You want to stick around? There's enough food, Ayame's making sure we have enough. I do believe that will be our next sister!" Sasuke laughed.

Sakura again dropped her head and shook it. She'd obviously been missing a lot. She knew Ayame and Takeshi were in love but if Takeshi was thinking marriage, this was news to her. And this intimacy between Sasuke and Seiko made her wonder if they'd become lovers. "Um no thank you. I've got to meet Shizune at the hospital in a little while, I should get going. I'll see you later." Sakura started to back away.

"Oh check back by this evening. We'll planning a small party for Dad - Iruka. He'll be a Jonin." Sasuke grinned, his voice utterly confident.

Sakura gasped for it had completely slipped her mind and she'd just seen him yesterday! She couldn't believe how much time she'd been spending away from everyone. Iruka was testing to be a Jonin today and to hear Sasuke call Iruka Dad was totally weird.

"That's right! Yes I'll come back. Should I bring anything?" Sakura decided right then and there to do better. She'd been slipping back to her old ways and with the possibility of Naruto and everyone taking off, she should really spend as much time with them as possible.

Seiko answered this question. She wasn't friendly but she did manage polite for she still really didn't care much for Sakura.

"No that's alright. I've already talked with Lady Tsunade. Ayame and Tenten have helped me plan things out. All you have to is come and congratulate Iruka." Seiko gave her a small smile.

"...Oh okay. Then I'll do that thanks Seiko. See you tonight then." Sakura waved then headed off. In some ways it seemed as if Seiko was trying to take her place. She was there for Sasuke possibly his lover and planning things for her family, interacting with her friends. It hurt but at the same time Sakura knew some of the blame was hers.

Sakura glanced over her shoulder to Sasuke standing behind Seiko playfully showing her how to hammer a nail. It occurred to her that if Takeshi was really serious about Ayame, he wouldn't leave her behind. It was also possible Sasuke felt the same about Seiko and she felt a stab through her heart. "...Lee and I could go with them...maybe." Sakura hurried through the village just as her thoughts were racing through her mind about what to do and why she wanted to do it. Did she want to follow them because of Seiko or rather if she followed them then it should be about Naruto. Sakura was very confused.

Neither could stop grinning at the other. It was funny but sexy at the same time. Hinata stood facing her husband wearing only her wedding ring, sheer pink panties and her weapons pouch around her thigh. Naruto wore the same except for tight orange spandex briefs. His wife had been right, he'd fit inside the miniscule underwear - for now.

"I don't know about this sweetheart." Naruto said staring at her pouting breasts. He didn't feel like sparing anymore, no making love was on his mind right now.

Hinata giggled then bit her lip as she looked Naruto over. She'd never allow him to wear shorts that skimpy out in public but alone with her was perfect. "Yeah I know but…" She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. When she opened her eyes the lust was gone from them. "My husband we need to improve our fighting skills don't we?" Hinata moved into the Gentle Fist stance.

Naruto gave a small sigh because she was right. They would play but they still needed to train. "Okay then." He answered and copied her stance then moved in for a hit. His palm smacked loudly against her shoulder. "Not too hard?" Naruto had drastically pulled his punch so as to not hurt her or leave a mark.

Hinata was surprised that he'd managed to hit her so cleanly. She hadn't been prepared. Hinata wiggled her shoulder because it stung. "A little less force please and very well done but don't expect it to happen again!" Hinata warned before she attacked his flat tummy.

Naruto hunched over reflexively. "One to one my nearly naked wife." He acknowledged her hit with a grin. "Let's do this!" He felt excitement. It was her, the challenge and the adrenaline. This was going to be fun.

They managed almost three hours of constant fighting. Of course there was some playful touching and neither could ignore the fact that all they were wearing was underwear. Naruto found his briefs had turned into a thong as he moved and kicked. It was a little uncomfortable but his wife seemed to like it so he endured it and it helped that Hinata's tiny panties had done the same thing.

Sometimes it was a fierce battle at other times they found they moved the same or came up with a combination move and did their best to perfect it for future use. They'd worked up a sweat and closed out the outside world focusing only on each other until a bright flash of light followed by a boom of thunder had them both jumping.

Hinata's heart was beating quickly as her lavender gaze turned towards the open windows. The sky was gray and black. Lightning danced along the rolling clouds giving light to the dark afternoon as well as threatening powerful strikes to anyone and anything on the ground. Trees bent forwards and back as harsh winds cut across the island. She breathed in the damp air as rain fell indeterminately on the beach. She pressed a hand over heart as anticipation filled it. "Talon? Are you safe baby?" Hinata asked aloud.

"He's with Hanabi and Hikaru in the palace." Naruto answered as he closed his eyes and breathed in the scents of the storm. He wasn't in a bad place emotionally. He wasn't depressed or scared or lonely. In the past Naruto had longed for a storm to share his jagged emotions with. Naruto opened his blue eyes to stare at his wife. Her skin was glistening with sweat and flushed from their movements but it was her eyes that captured him. Hinata glowed with excitement and Naruto laughed. "Race you!" Naruto yelled and beat a track for the stairs.

Hinata laughed and followed him enjoying the sight. Her favorite pair of buns framed in orange! She made up her mind to buy some thongs for Naruto so he could wear them just for her. Hinata entered their bedroom to see Naruto bending over taking off the tiny briefs then snatching a long pair of shorts and quickly stepping into them.

Hinata took the time to find a waterproof knapsack and put a change of clothes inside for both of them and some towels. She looked up when Naruto stood beside her with a dress in his hands. "Perfect baby." All she did was lift her arms and Naruto put it on her. Hinata shook it out to cover her bare body. "Ready." She reached up to stroke his strong jaw.

Naruto held her hand against him as the building shook with the force of the thunder. "It's going to be wild, you sure? With the lights out and windows open, we can still make love and enjoy the storm." He wanted to be out in it but he also didn't want Hinata scared or hurt.

"Wild with you? I can handle it. Come on Naruto, we've waited so long for this! Let's make our storm even more wild than nature's!" Hinata was all but bouncing as she thought of Naruto inside her as lightning flashed and thunder threatened to deafen them.

His eyes brightened with her words and he loved her more when his dreams were hers and hers were his. Just as Naruto pulled her close for a savage kiss, the lights flickered making them laugh. He kissed her quickly then moved away to gather a few more things then stuffed them in the knapsack. Soon they were running down the stairs, slipping on sandals and still laughing ran out into the storm.

~mg~

Lord Hiashi chuckled as he watched them head for the forest. He'd been expecting that since storm appeared over the ocean that morning. He'd also called off the island's ninja and told Ko and Ryo that when the kids left the house to give them plenty of room and to specifically NOT watch them, just make sure the couple wasn't disturbed. "An affinity for storms, well you two, enjoy yourselves." Hiashi moved to couch with his tea then picked up a book to read.

~mg~

Instantly they were soaked and as they ran, the lightning had them jumping from time to time but neither stopped moving. Hinata's excellent eyesight guided their steps and Naruto's strong body got them through the wind.

They had a destination in mind having chosen it that first week. It was one of those secret gardens that you read about in fairy tales but one existed right there on the island and not too far away.

Naruto couldn't see much but he knew they were there even before Hinata told him so. Even during a violent storm the place felt...unreal, mystical. Tall palm trees surrounded a small open field. Wild, exotic flowers of every type grew here and there a delight to the eyes and nose but the scent of rain and ozone filled their noses now.

Wait here a moment. Naruto told Hinata and helped her hold onto a tree. He took the knapsack from her then moved about the field picking up palm leaves. When he felt he had enough Naruto moved to the center, laid the leaves down then stepped on them to keep them from blowing away again. Now for some wind of my own.

It had been a while since he'd used his nature chakra but it came back to him easily. Naruto smiled as wind swirled on his palms. In moments his own wind was holding back nature's allowing him to finish his preparations.

Hinata blinked as she watched Naruto create his own 'eye of the storm.' Next he quickly laid out the leaves then opened the bag and pull out comforter, four stakes and a hammer. Hinata smiled as her husband made a bed for them. Just as his jutsu wore out, he stood and held out a hand for her.

Without a word she joined him and laughingly they stripped each other, tied the knapsack to one of the stakes and held each other. Lightning struck nearby sending shivers through them.

Sweetheart? Naruto looked at her with concern.

Stop worrying, we'll be fine. Hinata stroked his hard back thrilled to be where she was and about to do something they'd only imagined till now. Her hands slid with the rain down his back and over his ass which she'd been admiring not so long ago. Hinata squeezed and plumped his cheeks and tapped them lightly. She rubbed her body against his wanting to please him and herself. With that thought, Hinata kissed a taunt nipple then sank to her knees.

No wait! Hinata... Naruto had planned on doing this together but his wife was going to love him first and he swallowed rain as he threw back his head when she took him in her mouth. He shook in her embrace for one hand still played over his bottom while the other had slipped between his legs to hold and roll his heavy sack. Her tongue lapped at the head of his penis and dipped teasingly into the hole making his hips jerk. Rain sluiced into her mouth and Hinata moved it around in her mouth assaulting him with even more pleasure. And then, and then she began to suck and squeeze and tease until Naruto could think no more.

Thunder boomed around them intensifying their love and lust for each other. Naruto held fistfuls of Hinata's hair and he yelled his pleasure into the wind as he came.

Hinata was there as he sank to his knees and held her. She held his trembling body in her arms glorious with the knowledge that she'd loved him well during their storm.

Your turn. Naruto said as he lifted sated and yet excited eyes to her lovely face. Gently but firmly he pushed Hinata down onto her back. Naruto licked and sipped the rain from her breasts and nipples. He made little swirls in the water on her tummy then stroked down her thighs and on his way back up, opened them wide.

Another flash of lightning let him see her pink inner flesh and smiling; Naruto lay down, cupped her bottom and chased after the rain that entered his wife's body.

Hinata tossed her head this way and that as she tried to breathe. The air around them was electrified and made her skin tingle. Naruto was already able to drive her insane with just his touch alone but now...she felt like a live wire and his tongue inside her was going to make her explode.

Naruto could feel what was happening to her and he was already aching to be inside her but first this. He held her thighs open with his shoulders and lifted his head a little to her trembling clit. Naruto licked it fiercely, sucked it deeply then inserted two fingers inside Hinata.

NARUTO! NARUTO! NA-RU-TOOOO! Hinata screamed in her mind as she jerked her hips up forcing him to take more, give her even more pleasure. Her thighs ached as she squeezed him mercilessly. Hinata cupped her breasts as one of the greatest orgasms she'd ever had took hold of her.

When she was able to think again Hinata shivered for her husband was still licking her as if he couldn't get enough of her taste. Come to me Naruto, be inside me baby. Hinata invited. When Naruto raised his head the hunger in his eyes shocked then pleased her. Though only moments ago sated, her lust returned full force.

I can't seem to get enough of you! I want to be inside but also... Naruto lowered his head to once again taste her.

A shiver racked her body from head to toe as another orgasm hit her from that brief touch. Hinata clutched at his shoulders and pulled. Finally his mouth left her wet flesh and though she missed it, Hinata knew what was coming would be even better.

There had been a lull in the storm as Hinata recovered from her first climax but suddenly the rain picked up again and it pounded their naked bodies. Naruto moved to cover Hinata protecting her from the worst of it. It was hard to breathe and yet neither thought of trying to get out of the rain.

Hinata held him in one hand her thumb stroking the hard head of his penis loving the silky feel of him. She placed him at her entrance and sighed as her nether lips clung to him.

Naruto swallowed hard. He was braced on one arm his other hand cupping a heavy breast. Blinking he met Hinata's eyes and pushed forward gently bringing just the head inside her and stopped.

Hinata lifted her hips but Naruto wouldn't come fully into her. Her eyes widened as she realized he was waiting for something. She could feel her body clinging to him, sucking trying to pull him deeper and Hinata wanted to scream at him. It was torture waiting to be one with him but she could tell it was just as hard on him.

It started an eternity later but was really only a moment or two. Several bright flashes of lightning and just a slight rolling of thunder but it got louder and closer to them.

Naruto smiled down at her during the constant lightning making it almost like a sunny day. Now my love we are one with the storm! And he surged deeply into his wife.

YES WE - ARE! Hinata returned the smile, gasping as she arched up to meet him.

They mated without worry or thought. He loved her and she loved him. Leaves and petals blew across their skin as the couple rolled over the blanket. Wind forced Hinata down unto her husband's body then lifted her again and tickled their intimate places.

The storm raged for hours and so Hinata and Naruto loved for just as long. They were the storm.

Hey everyone, I hope you liked this chapter. I'd like to ask a favor. My friend Leaf Ranger and his family are going through a difficult time so please if you would pray for them. Any kind thoughts and hopes sent his way would be much appreciated thanks.

Marchgirl