Author's Note: This chapter brings an end to the original story line. As I stated in the previous chapter I'll be keeping this under one title for the time being, though that may change at some point. I intend to write a story arc centering on characters still in Konoha and then one on Naruto and his compatriots. Then it will be time for his return home. I hope you all continue to enjoy the story.

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Naruto slowly opened his eyes. He felt tired, but there wasn't any pain. He was in his bed. It took him a moment to realize he wasn't alone. He had an angel there with him. There was Hinata-chan asleep on top of his blankets. She was wearing her usual black shirt and pants and looked so beautiful and peaceful at the moment just lying there. He turned a little onto his side, careful not to disturb her. He just wanted to look at her face. She really was his angel, his one sweet kind girl. He loved her so much and wondered how he could ever have deserved someone like her. He thought about what Sasuke had said to him. That he had killed the girl he loved to gain power. How could anyone possibly value power over a loved one? Power was worthless if you had no one you wanted to protect. Slowly and carefully he leaned in close to her. With his lips he placed a gentle kiss on hers. He watched as those beautiful pale eyes fluttered open. She smiled and he knew everything was fine.

"Naruto-kun you're awake!" She said excitedly and leaned forward to put her arms around him. "I'm so glad."

He got his arms out from underneath the blankets and hugged her too. "Thank you Hinata-chan."

"For what?" She didn't stop hugging him.

"For loving me."

She gave him an odd look. "Naruto-kun I've always loved you and I always will."

He smiled. "I know Hinata-chan. I love you too." He leaned in and they kissed. He knew that this was temporary. He knew that all too soon this perfect moment would have to end and the world would intrude into their lives once more. He knew that. So he held her just a little tighter, kissed her just a little more, and treasured this perfect moment.

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Despite his pleas Hinata-chan had eventually gone to tell everyone he was awake. Alysa came bounding in to hug him and tell him she was glad her niisan was awake. Grand uncle Saishu also came in along with Haku. He soon learned he'd been asleep for two days. They also handed him a small mirror to show him a rectangular scar that was on his forehead. That had made him unhappy! Especially when they told him it would be permanent, Tsunade had already said so. When Hinata mentioned she thought it gave him more, 'character' he felt a little better. It was not long before his mom arrived with Tsunade and Jiraiya. Kushina immediately rushed to her son's side to embrace him and cover his face with kisses. Even as she did so Tsunade kindly but firmly cleared the room until only she, Kushina, and Jiraiya were left with him. With the door closed she cast a minor jutsu to prevent any eavesdropping. They took seats around his bed while he sat up in it. They had a great many things they would need to talk about.

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"What is the last thing you remember?" Tsunade asked.

"Fire," Naruto gulped. It was not a memory he liked. "I remember Sasuke burning me and pain, unbelievable pain." He thought he heard his mother mutter some words he knew she didn't use.

"You don't remember anything else?" Tsunade asked.

Naruto shook his head. "Nope, the next thing I remember was waking up here." He looked at his godmother. "So what happened? How did I survive?" The three of them shared a nervous look. "What? What happened?"

"We'll tell you in a little while Naruto-kun. But there are other things I'd like to ask you first." Tsunade stated.

"Godmother, while we were fighting Sasuke told me he killed Sakura. Did he really?"

A sad look entered Tsunade's eyes and she nodded. "Yes he did. He deliberately murdered her prior to meeting you. He actually left behind a letter stating his intentions to kill the two of you and taking the full responsibility for it." She sighed. "We don't know why."

"He said he killed her to get power. He had a more powerful version of the sharingan, he called it the mangekyo sharingan." Naruto frowned fiercely. "If it hadn't been for that I would have crushed him. As it was, it made him a whole lot more powerful. He said the only way to get it was to suffer a terrible grief and loss; so he killed her to get the power he needed to kill me."

"Funny how Riyuki never mentioned that." Kushina said darkly.

"I think I'll have him pay me a visit and see if I can jog his memory." Tsunade said. She looked at Naruto and took a deep breath. She was not eager to begin.

Naruto knew his godmother well. She never had trouble speaking her mind. He saw the looks on his mom and pervy granddad. "Something really bad happened didn't it?" He asked in a quiet tone.

Kushina got up from her chair and sat on his bed next to him. She draped a comforting arm around his shoulders. "Yes it did Naruto-kun. But try to remember that what happened was not your fault."

A sudden panic filled him. "Mom whenever you say that it always has something to do with the Kyuubi."

Kushina slowly nodded. "It does son."

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They calmly explained to him just what had happened. The more they told him the more upset they could see him getting.

"I lost control of the Kyuubi?" He sounded frightened.

Jiraiya spoke up for the first time. "Kid, if that had happened none of us would be here right now." The truth in those words bit hard. "That seal your dad placed on you has weakened a bit but it's not about to break. The Kyuubi cannot break free while it remains intact. The four tailed form that was unleashed was a manifestation of the Kyuubi's and all things considered a relatively weak one. The pain and rage you felt from Sasuke nearly burning to death must have been enough for you to bring it forth. You all ready know that your anger brings out the red chakra cloak. Well this was an extension of that but to a far greater degree."

He looked at Jiraiya. "But I wasn't in control was I?"

"A part of you was." Jiraiya tried to sound comforting.

"And a part of me wasn't. The Kyuubi got at least a little control didn't he?" Jiraiya nodded. "And the whole village saw it?"

"Not the whole village." Tsunade answered. "But most of the shinobi saw it, yes."

Naruto shut his eyes feeling tired and beaten. "And they all hate me again don't they?"

"No! They don't hate you Naruto-kun!" Kushina hugged him tight. "But a lot of them are worried."

Tsunade decided there was no avoiding it. "Naruto I held an emergency meeting of the Council and many of them were concerned about you."

"What you mean is they were afraid I'd lose control, of the Kyuubi again." Naruto said morosely.

"Something like that." Tsunade said. "Naruto, it was clear to me that if something wasn't done to assuage their fears that they would never support you as my successor. So I decided to send you on an extended training mission with Jiraiya."

"A training mission?"

Jiraiya smiled. "It'll be great kid! I intend to teach you everything I know. I consider you my heir Naruto, just like I did your father. When we get back you'll have all my knowledge. And while we're at it we'll also train you to have greater self and emotional control."

Naruto thought about it and slowly nodded. "That sounds good Jiraiya-sensei; you know how much I love learning new jutsus. Will we be back in time for the New Year?" Once again the three of them shared an uneasy look. "What? We'll be gone longer than that?"

"Naruto, it's going to take awhile to teach you everything."

Naruto began to feel a little worried. "How long would it take?"

"Two and a half years."

"What?! You want me to leave for two and a half years? Can't we at least spend some of that time here in the village?"

Jiraiya shook his head. "No Naruto, I know that seems like a very long time but for the amount of information I intend to impart on you it really isn't. This time will be a unique one in your life and I want you to have as much instruction and new experience as possible. Coming back to the village would interrupt it, and besides I want you to have the maximum impact when you do finally return."

"Forget it! I won't go!" He crossed his arms and sounded like an upset thirteen year old.

"I'm sorry Naruto, but you can consider this an order from the Hokage." Tsunade said.

He looked at her not believing it. "Godmother you want to send me away?"

She shook her head. "No, when Jiraiya first requested this I told him absolutely not. But unfortunately with what has happened it's the best option we have. If you want to reach your dream Naruto you have to do this."

"I can still be Hokage without leaving for so long." A thought occurred to him. "If it's a mission what rank are you assigning it?"

"In general all training missions are considered C-rank." Tsunade said.

He smiled. "Well I have the right to refuse any assignment rank below S-rank, so I'm refusing to go!" He heard his mother sigh.

"Son you have to go."

He craned his neck to look at his mother's sadden face. "Mom…"

"Oh Naruto-kun!" She squeezed him tight and began to cry. "Oh son you know how much I love you! You know I'll miss you every second you're away from me! I don't want you to leave me son, not for an hour, not for a minute! But you have to do this! I want you to have your dream no matter what and this is the best way."

He saw his mom's tears and felt an ache in his chest. "All right mom," he said in a small voice. "If you really think this is best I'll go."

"I do Naruto-kun, I really do."

He slowly nodded. He thought about everything he would be leaving behind. "Mom before I go there is one thing I have to do first."

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He is so handsome! She really did think his scar only gave him more character. And she thought the dark blue kimono he wore looked very good on him. She could not remember the last time she had seen him wear a kimono. He and his mother were both wearing them which was odd. Normally they were reserved for formal occasions. Kushina had simply called her father and asked to come over and meet with them. She was even more surprised to see a slight grin on her father's face.

"It's not really a surprise." Hiashi said under his breath.

"What father?" Hinata asked.

He looked down and actually smiled at her. When was the last time he'd done that? "You'll see Hinata."

Naruto's eyes never left her and he had one of his huge and happy smiles. She was standing beside her father. He came over to her and took both of her hands into his. Even after all this time she still felt her heart speed up a little at his touch. "How are you Naruto-kun?"

"Scared, nervous, happy, and excited all at once." He chuckled a bit.

"Is something special going on?"

He nodded. "Yeah you could say that Hinata-chan. To begin with I'm going to be leaving the village for two and a half years."

She suddenly felt her heart sink into the floor. He's leaving me? For that long?! "Naruto-kun, you're going away for two and a half years?" She could hear her voice cracking. She was the heir of the Hyuga clan and she was expected to deal with all things with an air of calm and serenity. But even with her father standing there she found that some things were too much. He was her strength and her courage, he always had been. Since their first kiss he had become even more than that; he'd become her heart. Though she knew her father would be upset she couldn't help it as she felt hot tears slide down her cheek. "Oh Naruto-kun I can't be without you for that long!" She wrapped her arms about him and pressed her face into his chest. Even if her father disapproved she needed this. Needed to feel him in her arms and to feel his arms protectively around her. To her surprise her father never said a word as Naruto and whispered comfortingly to her. After a few minutes she finally felt strong enough to let go of him and stand apart. His hands found hers again.

"It'll be all right Hinata-chan." He said in a gentle and tender voice.

"How? How am I supposed to bear not seeing you for so long?"

He leaned in and kissed her. "The same way I will, by knowing that I love you and that I will see you again."

She slowly nodded. Nothing could make this all right, but his words made it a little better. Maybe she would be able to find a way to bear it. "I love you so much Naruto-kun. I'll try and be strong while I wait for you."

A mischievous little grin touched his lips. "So you'll wait for me?"

"Of course I will!! How could you even doubt that for a second?"

A guilty look crossed his face as he saw how upset his teasing had made her. "I never doubted Hinata-chan, I was joking I'm sorry."

"Baka! This isn't a time for jokes!" She suddenly seemed to remember that her father was standing there. She looked up at him apologetically. "I am sorry for being so emotional father." Strangely he did not seem to be upset.

"That is all right daughter; I think you will be more emotional in a moment."

"I don't understand." Hinata was feeling as though everyone knew something that she did not. Naruto abruptly seemed nervous. He was looking at his mother who was standing there just smiling.

"Mom, are you supposed to ask this or should I?"

"Well son you're doing such a fine job so far why don't you ask?"

Nodding he turned to Hiashi and gave him a very deep and respectful bow. "Hiashi-san, I love Hinata-chan with all of my heart. She is more precious to me than my own life. I would always do everything possible to make sure that she was happy and secure. I would treasure her and place her before all else in my life." He took a deep breath. "Hiashi-san, I formally ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

Hinata gasped and did something she had promised herself she would never do again. She fainted.

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When she came to a moment later she was lying on a couch with Naruto sitting next to her. "You all right Hinata-chan?"

She immediately sat up and squeezed him tight. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"She seems fine." Kushina commented with a little laugh.

Hiashi nodded. He still had a slight grin but was feeling the need to be serious. "Hinata."

She looked up at her father and prayed that he had only good things to say. "Yes father?"

"As you have heard I have received a formal request for marriage from the heir of the Namikaze clan. This has long been the match that your mother and I hoped for. As such I have given my blessing." Hinata's heart soared. "However," he said seriously and she felt a twinge of fear. "If you marry him you will no longer be eligible to lead this clan. You will never be the Hyuga clan head. You must choose. I know it will be difficult…"

"I renounce my position as heir! I want to be with Naruto-kun!"

Kushina laughed. "I guess it's not so difficult." She looked down at them happily. May you have all the happiness that Minato and I shared. And may you have it for many long years to come. "Naruto-kun, isn't there something you want to give her?"

Smiling he reached into his kimono and pulled it out. "This is for you Hinata-chan, it's the engagement ring my dad gave my mom."

She gasped and looked towards Kushina. "I can't possibly…"

"Don't be silly Hinata-chan, it was my idea for Naruto to give it to you."

"Thank you so much I'll treasure it." Naruto tried slipping it onto her ring finger only to find it was far too large. Hinata simply took the ring from him. "I'll get a gold chain and I'll wear it around my neck until it fits."

He laughed. "Good so we'll both have necklaces."

"Well children we will need to sign the marriage contracts and perform the betrothal ceremony." Hiashi said. "Let us take care of all of this now and then the two of you shall be formally betrothed."

Taking her hand Naruto walked close by her side. She was at once very happy and yet sad as well. This was what she had always dreamed of, to be with Naruto-kun as his wife. Now she knew her dream would come true one day. But he was still leaving. She gathered her strength. She knew she would miss him terribly, that she would ache to see him and hear the sound of his voice. But she would be strong for him. She would train hard to become stronger and be the sort of woman who would always be able to help him when he needed her.

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An ANBU captain stood before her in her office. "You wanted to see me Hokage-sama?"

Tsunade nodded. "I did. Please remove your mask Tenzo." Nodding he did so. "I have a very special mission for you. One that only you can perform." She shook her head a bit. "One that I am afraid will take you away from this village for years."

He bowed to her. "Hokage-sama, all ANBU are the personal weapons of the Hokage. Whatever mission you feel I am needed for I will accept and perform to the best of my abilities."

"I don't doubt it. Were you present for the events that took place two days ago in the Forest of Death?"

"Hai."

"If things had ended differently I would have ordered you to use your Mokuton ability to suppress the Kyuubi's chakra. As you are the only one in the village to be blessed with my grandfather's ability you are the only one who could deal with an unexpected emergency. Namikaze Naruto will be traveling with Jiraiya and one other for two and a half years. You are to accompany them. Your mission is to protect Naruto and if necessary to suppress the Kyuubi's chakra."

He nodded. "I understand."

"Since you'll be away from the village for such an extended period of time you won't be acting as ANBU. You'll be assigned as a regular Jonin. I'm issuing you the cover name of Yamato for the mission."

"Yamato?" He mulled it over. "Hmmm, I like it."

"Any questions?"

"No, Hokage–sama."

She nodded. "You're dismissed; you'll be leaving tomorrow morning at eight."

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The party was a last minute thing. Tsunade had decided to keep Naruto's departure quiet. He would leave and sometime later it would become known. That was felt to be safest. As such only a few people were invited, those who Naruto cared for and wanted to say goodbye to.

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"I can't believe your going to be away for that long!" Kiba said and Akamaru barked in complaint as well.

Naruto sighed. "It's not like I really want to go, but everyone thinks it's for the best."

Kiba took a quick look around to make sure that none of the older folks were looking at them. He quickly took out a sliver flask and unscrewed the top. "Naruto," he spoke in a hushed and nervous tone. "Have a drink with me! We'll celebrate your engagement and wish for a safe journey."

Naruto shook his head but took the flask. "You trying to corrupt me?"

"Hey it's a special occasion. Now hurry up before your mom spots us!"

He laughed and took a quick swig. He made a face and handed it back. "Oh that's nasty!"

Kiba took a drink and made a similar face. "Yuck, it really is!"

Naruto laughed. "I'm going to miss you Kiba."

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"Here!" Kakashi proudly handed him a familiar looking orange covered book. His eyes darted about on the look out for Kushina and Tsunade. "A long journey is always better when you have good reading material."

"Everybody's trying to corrupt me tonight." He took the book and hid it. "You know I don't like this stuff."

Kakashi shrugged. "You're getting older maybe it'll grow on you." Kakashi gave him one of his rare serious looks. "Listen Naruto, there is something I want to tell you before you go. I don't normally say this, but I want you to know I am very proud of you. You are the best otouto, and the best teammate anyone could ever ask for. I know that if sensei were alive he'd be just as proud of you as I am."

With a wide smile he gave Kakashi a big hug. "Thanks niisan! No one could ever ask for a better older brother or sensei."

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"But why do you have to go niisan?" Alysa said.

"Because I am a ninja and this is a mission."

"But I thought the Hokage liked you! Why is she sending you away for so long?"

He smiled at her sadly. "Imouto, you know I am the Kyuubi's container. This mission has something to do with that."

She looked up at him sadly but with some understanding. They hadn't known each other for that long but she had come to think the world of him. "I'll really miss you niisan."

"I'll miss you too imouto and I promise that I'll play with you again when I come back."

She smiled. "Can I braid your hair again?"

"Uhm… we'll see."

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"Checkmate." He looked at the lazy ninja suspiciously. "Did you let me win?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "Maybe, so you and Hinata are really engaged?"

"We sure are."

Shikamaru smirked. "Worried someone might take your place?"

"Nope, I just realized that there was no one else I would ever love as much as her and no one else I wanted to spend my life with. I just wanted it to be official before I left. I wanted her to know that I was ready to make a lifelong commitment to her."

Shikamaru shook his head. "You know Naruto you've let her have too much control over you. Man it's troublesome when you let a woman have that much power."

Temari came over and took a hold of his arm. "Come on lazy I like this song, dance with me."

"But…"

"Now!" She hauled him to his feet and dragged him to the dance floor.

Naruto watched with a smile on his face. "Lucky guy."

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Lee sat by himself. He'd come to support his friend and say goodbye. He did not feel much like celebrating. Sakura's funeral had been that morning.

"I am very sorry Lee I know what she meant to you."

Lee turned to him and bowed. "Naruto-san, you avenged her death, and for that I thank you. For that and much else I will always be in your debt. But, if you do not mind, I think I will go home now."

"Sure," he had trouble with what to say. "Lee, I truly believe that time will help. Time really does heal all wounds." Though there are sometimes scars.

Lee didn't really believe that but bowed again anyway as he left. "Arigato, Naruto-san, I wish you a safe journey and return."

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Near the hallway entrance Kushina and Saishu watched as the newly engaged couple danced. "How can I be so happy and upset at the same time?" Kushina asked.

Saishu put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I believe it's called being a parent."

She nodded. "Thank you again uncle for agreeing to accompany him."

"It is both my pleasure and my honor. I will protect him with my life."

Kushina let out a sigh. "He's my little boy, it's hard to think he will be 15 when I see him again, and he'll be married not long after that."

Saishu nodded. "Given what our lives are ninja should marry as soon as possible."

"Hinata's birthday is December 27th, they will likely marry the following spring." She shook her head. "Well at least there will be plenty of time to plan the wedding." They watched in silence for awhile as Hinata and Naruto danced together, oblivious to everything except one another.

He heard his niece mutter something beneath her breath. "I'm sorry?"

She looked at him with a cheerless set. "I said it's not fair. Naruto has suffered hatred for something that was never his fault. He alone has born a terrible burden for the sake of this village, for which many have tried to murder him. Despite that his love for Konoha and its people has never wavered. He has fought for them, killed for them, risked everything for them, and how do they thank him? They force him to leave. It's not fair."

He looked at her sternly. "No Kushina it's not, but the world is rarely fair, especially not to we who are ninja. You know this. Take the joy you can and try to leave the sorrow behind. Enjoy the sunlight while you can, for night comes."

She nodded, that was good advice. For ninjas especially the night could come with surprising swiftness.

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"Pardon me, but might I have a dance with the handsome young man?"

Naruto and Hinata were surprised to see Kushina standing there smiling at them. Hinata laughed. "I don't mind, unlike Ino I'm sure you'll give him back to me."

Kushina stepped forward and began to dance with her son. "I am very happy for you my son."

He gave her a huge smile. That smile that he'd always had even as a little child. And in that smile she felt the sunlight's warmth. "Thanks mom."

They danced for a single song and she hoped that the light would last until she could see him again.

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It was late and all the visitors had gone home except for one. Hinata would be staying in a guest room at Namikaze, she wanted to have every minute with Naruto that she could. Though it was dark out and a bit cold they were in their favorite spot; on a little bench in the rose garden.

"The roses have all died." Hinata said a bit sadly.

Naruto shook his head. "They haven't died Hinata-chan, more like they've gone away." He gently touched her cheek. "But they'll be back."

Looking at him she nodded. "I know, but I miss them."

They came together and kissed, and the night did not seem so cold or dark.

XXXXXXXXXX

It was 8 a.m. Jiraiya, Naruto, Yamato, and Saishu were packed and ready to leave. Only Tsunade, Kushina, and Hinata were there to see them go. Everyone else had said their final goodbye.

"You had better keep your promise you old pervert." Tsunade said sharply.

"Oh? And what promise was that? I've been known to make a lot of promises to a lot of women." Jiraiya smiled.

She crossed her arms beneath her ample bosom and glared at him dangerously. "You said if I agreed to let him be apprenticed to you you'd stop that vile research of yours while you were with him."

"I did say that." He agreed amicably. "And then you said no until the Council basically forced you to it so… ow! Ow! Ow! Let go of my air you crazy harpy!"

"You listen to me you dried up prune of a man! If my godson comes back here and starts peeping into bath houses I will find you, snap every bone in your body, heal you, and snap them again! Do you understand me you annoying pervert?" She finally let go of his ear.

"Yeah got it." He rubbed his ear. Millions of beautiful women in this world and I have to fall in love with her? I must be insane!

"Goodbye Naruto-kun, write to me whenever you can!" Kushina gave her son a last hug.

"I will mom I promise. I'll write you too Hinata-chan."

"You had better!" She hugged him fiercely and gave him a last kiss. "I'll be here waiting for you when you come back Naruto-kun."

"Good, because you know I am coming back."

"It's time kid." Jiraiya said.

With a last wave Naruto turned and began the long journey out of the village. For most of his life he had hungered to travel outside Konoha's walls. Perhaps it was proof that kami had a sense of humor. His wish was granted and he was to be given all the exotic landscapes he could ever hope for, at a time when he wanted more than anything to stay.

Though it was hard the three women who watched him go managed to resist their urge to cry. They all wanted his last view of home to be of the smiles of three women who loved him. Watching him go they held back their tears, and hoped he would return again.