Naruto: Karaoke...it just HAD to be Karaoke.
Neokenshin: And what's wrong with that! You did it last year...and you were a girl in a green chinese dress!
Naruto: Yeah, but that was an alternate storyline and it was a one shot! Plus everyone knows Kasumi doesn't have radioactive cooking!
Kasumi: What's this about my cooking!(looks very angry right now)
Naruto: Uh, well, uh...
Neokenshin: Geez, I thought you guys would be more worried that I'm posting what could be the "next to last" chapter of this story.
The entire New Life Cast: YOU'RE WHAT!!!!!
Tenten: You mean we're that close already???
Haku: I thought we had more time!
Hinata: We gotta get ready for the sequel! Oh man, new costumes, new skills, new hairstyles...why all of this so suddenly!
Neokenshin: Well it was bound to happen. But hey, remember, Sequels are a brand new story with so much more to add.
Naruto: He's right about that. Well let's get this party started. As always, NK and RasenganFin don't own Naruto, and Dragon Man 180 holds the rights to Akemi.
Neokenshin and RasenganFin: Merry Christmas you guys!
Neokenshin: Oh yeah...everyone thank RasenganFin too. He's gonna let us keep Himawari, Haru, and Mika for the Sequel.
RasenganFin: Yup that...wait a minute, I'm WHAT!!!
Neokenshin: Finally got you back for when you ate the quesadillas last time! But still, Merry Christmas dude!
A/N: For anyone that has read the crossover in RasenganFin's story Hinata's Guardian, you'll see that he has already posted the Karaoke Party in his first half of the cross. Since he didn't like some of the songs, he left them out, plus his final song was different than the one I chose. So my story has the EXTENDED version of the Karaoke Party, which is also why this chapter is a little bit longer. You'll get to see what the characters say when each group performs, the full lyrics of the songs(including parts where one or two characters do added vocals) and such. And for Dragon Man 180...there will be cute kitsune girls in Santa outfits. I know that was one thing you will probably love...especially when you see the four teenage kitsune and their outfits!
Holiday Wars 2, Part 4: Karaoke Catastrophe…well not really!
The days passed and Christmas Eve soon came to Konoha. All the shopping had been done and the dojo was fully decorated for the family party, with three thrones for the two Kyuubi and Arashi. Since they would be doing a royal type theme, everyone came dressed in their nicest clothes. Back in the house, everyone was finishing up the final touches for their karaoke performance.
"Ok are we ready to do this?" Kasumi asked as she made sure her tiara was straight.
"Well considering that the dojo is packed and everyone is waiting, I'd say we are." K. Haku said.
"So how are we going out there now?" K. Naruto asked as he straightened the family katana on his back. His official royal wear was white shinobi garb with golden trim bound with a golden sash, and golden armguards and leg guards. He wore a golden scarf and wore a golden hitai-ate with a Kitsune symbol. "I mean all this sounds really confusing."
"Oh come on Naruto, it's not that bad." Natsumi replied. Since this was Natsumi's first royal function, she wore a white and gold kimono and tiara, similar to Kasumi. "Honestly I'm gonna have fun tonight!"
"Yeah it's gonna be a blast! Especially the song we're doing!" Shiori added. Her kimono was like Natsumi's except it was Red and Silver. She didn't wear a tiara because she preferred to go as an Uchiha clan member instead of a Kitsune clan member.
"Yeesh, don't remind us!" K. Sasuke said. He also chose to represent the Uchiha by donning a formal Uchiha kimono.
"Ok everyone, let's go out there and get this party started!" Hinata said.
"Wait one more thing!" Akane said. "Hinata, if you don't mind."
"Oh yeah, that's right! It is the first night she's formally introduced." Hinata said, straightening Himawari's tiara. She handed Himawari to Kasumi since Hima was the official Seventh Princess of the Kitsune.
"Now we're good to go. Come on everyone!" Arashi said.
The three Uchiha, Naruto, Hinata, and Haku all went out to the dojo and took their seats at the Uchiha table. The rest of the of the Konoha 16 and the Sand Trio were there along with their families. The jounin even had the night off so they were all able to come as well.
Tsunade stepped up to the center stage to get things started. For once she had actually worn her full Hokage robes for the occasion. The lights dimmed as everyone began to quiet down.
"Good evening everyone! I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season so far. I know we hit a rough spot earlier, but our Will of Fire was too strong and we came together to protect our home and the spirit of Christmas." Tsunade began. "Tonight is a very special night. The honorable Kitsune Clan has put together this magnificent party for all of us to celebrate this wonderful holiday. And now it is my pleasure and my honor to introduce the Royal Family of the Kitsune Clan."
The crowd began to applaud as the Kitsune all made their way to the Dojo. Arashi, Akane, and Keisei led the group and took their seats upon the three thrones. K. Naruto stood beside Arashi while the girls all sat in front of the thrones. After they were all seated, Akane rose to greet everyone.
"Hokage-sama, I thank you for that warm welcome and introduction." Akane said, nodding to Tsunade. "To all those who have come, I thank you and welcome you to our holiday party. I hope that each of you will have a wonderful time this evening as we celebrate the festive holiday of Christmas." She paused as the crowd cheered and continued. "Tonight we have been blessed to have numerous guests join us. This year we are honored to have the sons and daughter of the Kazekage join us from Suna." A light shone on Temari, Gaara, and Kankuro to acknowledge them. "This year we are also blessed to have some extremely special guests. These guests are similar to my own daughter Kasumi, as they are not originally from this world." Everyone was surprised to hear there were more people from another world like Kasumi, but none were scared in any way. "The first you see to my left. I would like to introduce you to Keisei-sama, the Kyuubi no Kitsune. Yes, you are looking upon two Kyuubi no Kitsune."
"So that's the Kyuubi of the elder Hinata's world." Hiashi thought to himself. "Quite a very beautiful lady I might add."
"Also her son, daughter, and their friends have graced us as well. Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki, Sasuke, Sakura, and Haru Uchiha, and Haku and Mika Inuzuka have come as well." Akane continued. The spotlight shone on the Uchiha table, allowing everyone to see the guests from another world.
"There's another Naruto!" Iruka thought.
"Sakura's married to Sasuke and has a kid!" Sakura's mother thought.
"I married Haku!" Kiba thought to himself.
"And finally it is with honor, that I introduce the newest member of the Kitsune Royal Family. This little kit is the pride and joy of Naruto and Hinata, and it was only fitting that she receives the blessing of our clan. Everyone I would like to introduce to you, the Seventh Princess of the Kitsune Clan, Himawari Uzumaki." Akane said, as the spotlight shone on Kasumi and Himawari. A wave of 'ooh' and 'ahh' swept the crown as they saw the small Kitsune Princess. Naruto even heard someone in the back yell "She's absolutely adorable Naruto!" Those words brought so much joy to him as everyone looked upon his daughter.
"Whew, glad that's over. I always hate doing this extended royal stuff. Besides you guys came to have fun, and that's what we're doing." Akane said.
"So let the party begin!" K. Naruto screamed.
Cheers were heard all around as everyone began to have fun enjoying all kinds of foods and games during the night. Even some of the other Genin had shown off their skills to the crowd. Kankuro wowed everyone with an amazing puppet show, while Tenten's weapon demonstration got lots of applause. Soon after everyone had eaten, it was time for the main performance of the night.
"Ok everyone now here's the big performance of tonight's party. Tonight a few of the kids will be performing karaoke for everyone!" Akane said. "First up is a special group of five boys who decided to do a song to kick off the holidays. Please welcome Kitsune Naruto, Kitsune Sasuke, Neji, Chouji, and Gaara."
Everyone cheered as the five came up on stage. They were all wearing khaki pants and red and green sweaters with Christmas trees on them. Of course their girlfriends and fiancées were all cheering the most.
"Ok well, we didn't really know what to do, so we picked a song that was done back in Kasumi's old world." K. Naruto said. "Hope you like it."
The boys all stood in a line as the music turned on. What really surprised everyone was the fact that they were dancing as well…and they were good!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by N-Sync
(Neji)
Merry
Christmas and Happy Holidays
(All
five)
Merry
Christmas, Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
(Chouji)
We've
been waiting all year for this night
And the snow is glistening on
the trees outside
And all the stockings are hung by the
fireside
Waiting for Santa to arrive
"Holy
cow, Chouji can really sing!" Shikamaru said.
"What made you think he couldn't!" asked Shikamaru's father, Shikaku.
"Nothing at all. My own best friend still continues to surprise me." Shikamaru replied.
(Sasuke)
And
all the love will show
'Cause
everybody knows
It's Christmastime and
All the kids will
see
The gifts under the tree
It's the best time of the year for
the family
"We love you Sasuke-kun!" Kasumi, Ino, Sakura, K. Sakura, and Kin all screamed as they entered 'fangirl mode'. It was the holidays, so Kasumi let the "Sasuke Uchiha Fan Club" let out their former fangirl for a bit. She was having too much fun anyway. Especially after she saw the huge signs saying "Merry Christmas from the Sasuke Uchiha Fan Club" that Ino and K. Sakura were waving around.
(All
Five)
It's
a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
From the floor to
the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime is here
And
with the blessings from above
God sends you his love
And
everybody's okay
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Merry
Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
(Gaara)
Bells
are ringing
It's time to scream and shout (scream and shout)
And
everybody's playing cause school's out
Celebrating this special
time we share
Happiness cause love is in the air
"Since
when could Gaara sing like that!" Kankuro asked.
"He's
always been like that. We just never paid attention because everyone
was afraid of him being a homicidal freak!" Temari replied. "It's
just like you being able to play bass guitar and me being able to
play keyboard."
"Ok
I guess," replied Kankuro.
"Yeah
yeah." Temari quickly shrugged off Kankuro while she continued to
cheer for her youngest brother. "You go little brother!"
(Neji)
And
all the love will show
'Cause everybody knows
It's
Christmastime and
All the kids will see
The gifts under the
tree
It's the best time of the year for the family
"No
way! Neji can get that high up!" K. Haku said.
"Even I'm surprised! I didn't know he had it in him!" said Tenten. "That sneaky devil!"
"Well I don't care! I love it!" K. Haku said before she screamed "I love you
Neji-kun!!"
(All
Five)
It's a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
From
the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime
is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his
love
And everything's okay
Merry Christmas, Happy
Holidays
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy
Holidays
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Merry
Christmas
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
(Naruto)
No
matter what your holiday
It's a time to celebrate
And put your
worries
aside (worries aside)
And open up your mind
(open up
your mind)
See the world right by your side
It's Christmastime
(All
Five)
Merry
Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Merry
Christmas Happy Holidays
(Naruto)
Sing it everybody!
Merry Christmas,
(Naruto)
Come on now!
Merry
Christmas,
(Naruto)
Lemme hear ya!
Merry
Christmas
Happy Holidays
"That's
my Naru-chan!" K. Hinata squealed.
"I
taught him that! That's all me right there!" Natsumi said, trying
to boost her own ego.
(All
Five)
It's a wonderful feeling
Feel the love in the room
From
the floor to the ceiling
It's that time of year
Christmastime
is here
And with the blessings from above
God sends you his
love
And everything's okay
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Merry
Christmas Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Merry
Christmas Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,
Merry
Christmas Happy Holidays
The song ended and the crowd was going crazy. It was just the first song, but what had everyone was the singing talent that the five boys had. Of course this also meant they were immediately glomped by their respective girlfriends/fiancées.
"Whoa! Rabid Fangirls!" said K. Naruto as he got glomped by K. Hinata. "Ok so I take it you liked the song?"
"Oh my gosh Naruto, I never knew you could sing like that!" K. Hinata said.
"Neji your voice is beautiful! I can't believe you can get that high up!" K. Haku said.
"Well it was for you five." Neji replied as he sat up.
"Panda-chan that was unbelievable!" Kin said, giving Gaara a kiss on the cheek.
"Anything for you, my Desert Rose." Gaara replied with a smile.
"Now can we get up so we can let everyone else perform?" K. Sasuke asked.
"Oh, uh yeah." Kasumi replied as she helped K. Sasuke up.
They all went and took their seats as Arashi went up to introduce the next group. "Ok this next group decided they would be the first of the three girl groups we have performing tonight. Being four of the most elegant ladies in Konoha, they even gave themselves a group name. Please welcome Akane, Mikoto, Tsunade, and Keisei…they are the girls of FoxFire!"
"Huh? What are they gonna do?" Naruto asked as he saw four teenage Kitsune girls take the stage. "Wait a minute…is that…"
"Keisei-sama?!" Hinata and Haku said together.
"Oka-san?!" K. Naruto, K. Sasuke, Kasumi, K. Haku, Akemi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura screamed.
"Kyuubi-kouhi? No way!" Momoko said in astonishment.
"And is that…" K. Naruto asked.
"HOKAGE-SAMA!!!!" Everyone else in the room screamed.
"And are those my clothes????" Kasumi said in even bigger shock. She remembered a few days back when Akane was raiding her closed, but she didn't know that it was for this.
"Holy cow…they are absolutely hot!" Neji, Chouji, K. Naruto, Kiba, K. Sasuke, and Gaara all said together.
"Ok girls, let's really turn up the heat!" Akane said into the microphone. With a flick of their wrist, the four Kitsune teenagers pulled out four headset microphones, giving them full freedom of their hands. "That's better. Kick it Kiba!" she said with a wink.
"Okay." Kiba said, slightly panting like a dog.
Real Emotion-English Version By Koda Kumi from Final Fantasy X-2
(All
Four)
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
I can hear you
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
(Akane)
Far
beyond the hazy borders of my heart
I
could see a place that's something like this
Every
now and then I don't know what to do
Still
I know that I can never go back
"She's so cute…but she's my mom! But she's cute! But she's still my mom! But she's still so cute!...BUT SHE'S MY MOM!!!!!" K. Naruto kept thinking to himself. He put himself in a state of confusion because he didn't know what to think anymore!
(Mikoto)
But
the things I've seen in those hazy dreams
Can't
compare to what I'm seeing now
Everything's
so different
That
it brings me to my knees
"That can't be Oka-san! I mean she's like…wow!" Sasuke and K. Sasuke thought at the same time.
(All
Four)
And
though I know the world of real emotion has surrounded me
I
won't give in to it
Now
I know that forward is the only way my heart can go
I
hear your voice calling out to me:
"You'll
never be alone"
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
I can hear you
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
(Tsunade)
I
don't plan on looking back on my old life
I
don't ever plan to rely on you
Even
if by chance everything should go wrong
You'd
come anyway and try to save me
"Boy
Tsunade-sama is a bombshell! Wonder if she'd stay like that for a
date." Kiba thought to himself.
"Don't
tell me Kiba is getting the idea of asking Tsunade-sama out." Shino
thought as he looked at Kiba. "Though I must say she is quite
beautiful. I'll have to make my move before he does."
(Keisei)
Though
from time to time it's an upward climb
All
I know is that I must believe
'Cause
the truth I'm seeking
Always
was inside of me
"Boy she knows how to have fun." Naruto thought. "Maybe too much fun! I knew I shouldn't have put that dance floor in my mindscape for her."
(All
Four)
And
when I find the world of real emotion has surrounded me
The
many things that you taught me then
Will
always be enough to get me through the pain
Because
of you I am strong enough to know I'm not alone
The four immediately started into a perfectly choreographed dance as their outfits changed. All four were now wearing red skirts with white trim, red and white sleeveless tops, long white boots, a red choker, and had red ribbons in their hair...in other words a new age version of the female santa suit. This caused the eyes of everyone to widen…and caused the mouths of every teenage boy in the house to drop.
"No
way. They are just too good!" Kasumi said.
"I
still can't believe they did this!" Tenten added.
"It's
official, those girls know how to have a party!" K. Haku said.
"You
think they could teach us those moves?" K. Hinata asked.
"I'd
hope so! Those four have skills!" K. Sakura said.
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
I can hear you
And
if I find the real world of emotion has surrounded me
And
I can't go on
You
are there the moment that I close my eyes to comfort me
We
are connected for all of time
I'll
never be...
And
though I know the world of real emotion has surrounded me
I
won't give in to it
Now
I know that forward is the only way my heart can go
I
hear your voice calling out to me:
"You'll
never be alone"
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
I
can hear you
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
What
can I do for you?
I can hear you
I
can hear you
After their performance, the entire crowd was speechless for a second before they broke into a massive roar of cheers. Of course they went and sat down by all the kids, only to have them stare for a good second.
"Hina-chan, please do me a favor?" K. Naruto asked.
"What's that Naru-chan?" asked K. Hinata as she looked at him strangely.
"Please slap me so I'll stop trying to stare at Oka-san!" K. Naruto said as he tried to quit looking at his neo-teenage mother.
"Am I really that cute Naruto-kun?" Akane said with a cute smile.
"For Kami's sake, please don't do that!" K. Naruto said, as he banged his head on the table.
"That was just unbelievable! You guys were…well, wow!" K. Sasuke said, also trying to keep his eyes off his mother as well. He soon got a sharp slap from Shiori.
"Hey that's our mother you're staring at!" Shiori scolded.
"Well if you were me you'd be trying to stop doing the same thing!" K. Sasuke retorted.
"I am you!" screamed Shiori, as she slapped K. Sasuke again to make sure he wasn't going to stare again.
"Please teach us those dance moves!" Ino and K. Sakura cried as they were bowing on all fours, pleading for the Godaime to teach them.
"We'll see about it." Tsunade replied with a sly smile. "Maybe…"
"So I guess this is one of the things you had planned to have some fun, huh?" Naruto asked.
"Of course. Being stuck inside you for that long means I have a lot of catching up to do." Keisei replied.
"Oka-san, can I ask you one thing?" Kasumi asked.
"Of course Kasumi-chan. What is it?" Akane replied.
"Why couldn't you have raided Haku's closet!" Kasumi whined.
"Kasumi, she did. That outfit Tsunade-sama was wearing is mine. I let you borrow it a while back, remember." K. Haku said.
"Oh, guess I forgot." Kasumi said in embarrassment.
"Ok…well our next group up is dedicating this song to the guys that are special to them. Please welcome Kasumi, Hinata, Kitsune Hinata, Haku, and Kitsune Haku to the stage!" Arashi said.
"Come on girls, let's see if we can keep the heat going!" Hinata replied as the five took the stage.
"Ok this goes out to the craziest bunch of guys ever. And even though one of them couldn't be here, he knows there's someone that loves him here tonight." K. Hinata said." But before we start, we need a change of wardrobe."
With a quick hand sign, the five girls dispelled a genjutsu to reveal their new outfits. They were all dressed in red and white Santa outfits with matching skirts and hats.
"Am I still too cute now Naruto?" Akane asked.
"Yeah but no offense Oka-san, Hinata it way cuter!" K. Naruto said after seeing his fiancée in her new outfit.
"Then that's just what we wanted!" Akane replied. She just looked at her son, watching him stare at his fiancee. All the while she was thinking, "Yeah you've definitely been hanging around your father and his crazy sensei too much."
All I want for Christmas by Mariah Carey
(Hinata)
I
don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I
don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I
just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my
wish come true
All I want for Christmas
Is you...
"Hear
that Hima-chan. That's mommy up there!" Keisei said to her
granddaughter.
"Yay!
Mommy!" Himawari said in excitement.
(Kasumi
and K. Hinata)
I
don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I
don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I
don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa
Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just
want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish
come true
"Dude
we have the two greatest girls in the world!" K. Sasuke said.
"You
said it bro! I wouldn't give her up for anything!" K. Naruto
replied.
(All
Five)
All
I want for Christmas
Is you...
You baby
(Haku
and K. Haku)
I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even
wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the
mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for
Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer
click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so
tight
What more can I do
"Thank
you Haku-chan…for meaning so much to me." Neji thought to
himself.
"You
know, I bet that other Kiba is thinking of you right now Haku-san."
Kiba thought.
Back in the Older Naruto's world, Kiba was making his way back to Konoha when he inadvertently sneezed. "Wow, guess Haku-chan is thinking about me. I wonder how she and Mika-chan are doing this holiday. I know they'll be happy to see me when I finally get back home."
(All Five)
Baby all I want for Christmas
Is you...
You...
(Hinata and
Haku)
All
the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of
children's
Laughter fills the air
(Kasumi,
K. Haku, and K. Hinata)
And
everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa
won't you bring me
the one I really need
Won't you please bring
my baby to me...
"You
two better turn it on when you go back up there." Neji whispered.
"Don't
worry, they'll know just how we feel when we do our second song."
K. Sasuke said.
"Yeah, we're gonna have them crying their hearts out." K. Naruto added.
(All
Five)
Oh
I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I
just wanna see baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just
want you for my own
More that you could ever know
Make my wish
come true
Baby all I want for Christmas
Is you.
All I want for Christmas is you baby
"Mommy!" Himawari cheered after seeing Hinata perform on stage.
"Did you hear mommy sing, princess!" Hinata said, taking Himawari into her hands.
"Yep!" Himawari replied with a kiss.
"Hina-chan you were wonderful!" K. Naruto said, embracing his Kitsune love.
"You too Kasumi. That was amazing." K. Sasuke said.
"Well if we got nothing else for Christmas, we'd be happy with you boys." Kasumi replied.
"Then there is no better gift for us to receive than your love." Neji said.
"Getting soft Neji-kun?" K. Haku asked.
"Not at all. Just merely stating the truth." Neji said, as Akane got back on stage.
"Girls that was amazing!" Akane said as the applause died down. "Well our next group is doing a little something different. These six have come together to a special song. Please welcome Temari on keyboard, Kankuro on bass guitar, Tenten on vocals, Tayuya on flute, Shikamaru on drums, and Kin on bells."
"Thank you Akane-sama." Temari said, putting a wireless headset microphone on. Kin did the same as she checked to see if her bells were in tune. "Well, we weren't really sure what we were going to do, but Kin and Tayuya knew a song and they wanted us to sing it, and I was able to come up with the keyboard music while Shika-kun and Kankuro wanted to drums and bass for it so here it goes."
Tenten made her way to the front with the mike in hand. "Well, here we go," she thought to herself.
1000 Words (extended version) by Sweetbox from Final Fantasy X-2
(Tenten)
I
know that you're hiding things
Using
gentle words to shelter me
Your
words were like a dream
But
dreams could never fool me
Not
that easily
I
acted so distant then
Didn't
say goodbye before you left
But
I was listening
You'll
fight your battles far from me
Far
too easily
"Save
your tears cause I'll come back"
I
could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door
But
still I swore
To
hide the pain when I turn back the pages
Shouting
might have been the answer
What
if I'd cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart
But
now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart
(Tenten,
Kin, and Temari)
Though
a thousand words
Have
never been spoken
They'll
fly to you
Crossing
over the time and distance holding you
Suspended
on silver wings
And
a thousand words
One
thousand confessions
Will
cradle you
Making
all of the pain you feel seem far away
They'll
hold you forever
(Tenten)
The
dream isn't over yet
Though
I often say I can't forget
I
still relive that day
"You've
been there with me all the way"
I
still hear you say
"Wait
for me I'll write you letters"
I
could see how you stammered with your eyes to the floor
But
still I swore to hide the doubt
When
I turn back the pages
Anger
might have been the answer
What
if I'd hung my head and said that I couldn't wait
But
now I'm strong enough to know it's not too late
As Tenten continued to sing, she could see all of the couples move closer to each other. Tayuya was right when she told her that this song would do that. Although Tenten felt a small emptiness in herself…because she wanted to feel the same feeling as well.
(Tenten,
Temari, and Kin)
Cause
a thousand words
Call
out through the ages
They'll
fly to you
Even
though we can't see I know they're reaching you
Suspended
on silver wings
Oh
a thousand words
One
thousand embraces
Will
cradle you
Making
all of your weary days seem far away
They'll
hold you forever
"Such
youthful passion burns within her." Gai said with tears in his eyes, upon hearing his
student. "Her fire roars brightly!"
"For
once Gai…that actually makes sense." Kakashi replied.
"Hard
to believe…just a year and a half ago they were all brand new genin
with untapped talent, and look at them now. Not only have they made a
name for themselves as shinobi, but they've also discovered new
talents as well." Asuma said.
"It's
really amazing to see them, and see what they've done." Kurenai
added. "And who knows what those kids will accomplish in the future."
Oh
a thousand words
(Tenten)
One thousand words
Have
never been spoken
(Tenten)
Oh yeah…
They'll
fly to you
They'll
carry you home
(Tenten)
Carry you home
And
back into my arms
Suspended
on silver wings
(Tenten)
On Silver Wings!
And
a thousand words
(Tenten)
Ohh!
Call
out through the ages
(Tenten)
Call through the ages!
They'll
cradle you
(Tenten)
Oh Yeah!
Turning
all of the lonely years to only days
(Tenten)
Only days…
They'll
hold you forever
(Tenten)
Ohh…
A
thousand words…
When the song ended, the entire room was standing to cheer. No one had ever heard Tenten sing so passionately. Although one girl knew exactly how she felt.
"Don't worry Ten-chan. He's out there waiting for you, and you'll find him soon. I know you will." Kasumi thought to herself. She knew that Tenten always felt a little bad because she didn't have someone special in her life like all the other girls did.
"Ok now that deserves extra cheers! Everyone give them another round!" Akane said as she got back on stage. The cheers roared once again to the group.
"Tenten, that was awesome!" Temari whispered.
"Yeah you sounded great!" Kin added.
"Thanks guys. That really means a lot." Tenten said, secretly wiping a small tear from her eye.
The group left the stage as Akane was preparing to announce the next group. "Well we have two more performances left. Before we continue on, I want to give some special thanks tonight. Kiba, Lee, and Shino volunteered to help with the lights and music for tonight, and we wouldn't have been able to perform without them. Thanks guys!"
"It is my pleasure to ensure everyone's youthful flame burns brightly tonight!" Lee called out.
"Glad to help Akane-sama!" Kiba said from behind the stereo system. Shino simply nodded.
"Now for our next group. These girls decided to take their song into high gear. They also figured that it would be a little difficult to introduce them separately, so they agreed on a unique name. Please welcome Ino and the Cherry Blossoms!" Akane said.
Sakura, K. Sakura, and Ino quickly took the stage as everyone applauded. "Well, you guys are probably wondering why we came up with that name." Ino said. "The main reason is because, well we have two Sakuras but since they're both human, we couldn't call one of them a Kitsune. So they both liked the idea of the Cherry Blossoms."
"But enough of that, it's time to party!" Sakura said. "Hit it Kiba!"
CANDY (UFO Mix)
by Riyu Kosaka and NAOKI (it's an English remix of a DDR song)
(Ino)
Sweet
lover, yeah yeah yeah
(doo doo doo...)
La la la forever
Dream,
let your heart and mind go free
And maybe we'll discover the
things
That we've never seen before
Love song, this melody
will linger on
And these words are beauty
I'll sing tenderly
once more
(Ino, Sakura, and K.
Sakura)
Everyday and everywhere
Stay with me, together we'll
be
Let's fall in love
This melody inside
Is always singing
to you
Everyday and everytime
A love so sweet, forever
we'll sing
This harmony
A melody so right I'll always
Keep
it in my heart
(la la la... ooh yeah)
(K. Sakura)
Stay,
close your eyes and drift away
I promise I won't make you wait
For
everything your heart commands
Our song, the music plays all
night long
And I love you truly
So I take you by the hand
(Ino, Sakura, and
K. Sakura)
Everyday and everywhere
Stay with me, together we'll
be
Let's fall in love
This melody inside
Is always singing
to you
Everyday and everytime
A love so sweet, forever
we'll sing
This harmony
A melody so right you'll always
Keep
it in your heart
(Sakura)
Melody,
yeah
This melody
Sweet lover, yeah yeah yeah
Ooh yeah
(Sakura, Ino, and K.
Sakura)
Everyday and everywhere, yeah
Stay with me, together
we'll be
Let's fall in love
This melody inside
Is always
singing to you
Everyday and everytime
A love so sweet,
forever we'll sing
This harmony
A melody so right, I'll always
Sing it to you
Everyday and everywhere, yeah
Sing a
song of lovers again
Just come with me
Keep going to the
end
See beautiful rainbows
Everyday and everytime
A love
so deep forever we'll sing
This harmony
Eternal love will be
the rhythm within my heart
"Awesome job Sakura-chan!" Kasumi screamed.
"You guys rock!" K. Haku added.
"That was Ino and the Cherry Blossoms everyone!" Akane said as the three left the stage under the applause. "Well we've come to our final group for the night. These four thought long and hard about what song they wanted to do, and to who they want to dedicate it to. Before I introduce them, I want to say how wonderful it is to have all of our friends and family here tonight. This has truly been a wonderful Christmas Eve. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!" She was just about to finish the introduction, when Momoko came up and whispered something into her ear. "You sure?" Momoko nodded in agreement then quickly left. "Ok, well the last act is now five instead of four. Please welcome Naruto, Kitsune Naruto, Sasuke, Kitsune Sasuke, and my oh so loveable Arashi!"
"I wouldn't leave the stage just yet Akane." Arashi said, taking hold of her hand. "Before we start, would Sakura Uchiha, Hinata Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuuga, and Kasumi Uzumaki please come to the stage?"
"Uh ok." Kasumi said, as she and the other four girls followed.
"The reason why we want you up here is because this song is for each of you…to know just how much you mean us." Arashi said.
"No matter what we do, even if it's absolutely stupid, you're still there for us." K. Naruto said, taking K. Hinata's hand.
"You've been that light that's pulled us out of the darkness." K. Sasuke said, following suit with Kasumi.
"And we want each of you to know just how much we love you." Sasuke said.
"Not only do we love you, but we also cherish you…and the love you have given each of us." Naruto said.
"That's why we're giving you this gift for Christmas." Arashi said, forming a few quick hand seals. In a puff of smoke now stood a teenage boy of about 14 years…that almost looked exactly like K. Naruto's twin brother. Of course since Akane was still in her teenage form…this just added to the romantic effect. Before the music started, Arashi quickly whispered something in Akane's ear, "You're not the only one who wanted to have some fun as a teenager."
"Otou-san's a teenager too?" K. Haku thought to herself. "He looks just like Naruto's twin brother!"
The lights dimmed and the music began. All of the girls on stage could tell that the boys were serious if a song like this was being played.
I do by 98 Degrees
(Arashi)
I
do, I do
(Naruto
and K. Naruto)
All
I am, all I'll be
Everything in this world
All that I'll ever
need
Is in your eyes
Shining at me
When you smile I can
feel
All my passion unfolding
Your hand brushes mine
And a
thousand sensations
Seduce me 'cause I
"Naruto,
I love you too." Hinata said silently, only letting him see her
lips move while he danced with her.
"Naru-chan…"
K. Hinata said, before K. Naruto placed his finger on her mouth. He
just nodded with a smile and let the music keep going.
(All
five)
I
do cherish you
For the rest of my life
You don't have to think
twice
I will love you still
From the depths of my soul
It's
beyond my control
I've waited so long to say this to you
If
you're asking do I love you this much
I do
(Sasuke
and K. Sasuke)
In my world, before you
I lived outside my
emotions
Didn't know where I was going
'Til that day I found
you
How you opened my life
To a new paradise
In a world torn
by change
Still with all of my heart
'Til my dying day
"Sasuke…"
Sakura said as she began to cry.
"Thank
you Sasuke-kun." Kasumi said, as K. Sasuke smiled and wiped the tears from her
eyes.
(All
five)
I
do cherish you
(Naruto
and Sasuke) I cherish you my baby, this much I know is true
For
the rest of my life
You don't have to think twice
I will love
you still
(K.
Naruto and K. Sasuke) I will always love you baby, this much I love
is you
From the depths of my soul
It's beyond my control
I've
waited so long to say this to you
If you're asking do I love you
this much
(Arashi)
Yes
I do, I do
(Naruto,
K. Naruto, Sasuke, and K. Sasuke) I really love you, I really love
you
If
you're asking do I love you this much
(All
Five)
Baby
I do cherish you
(Naruto
and Sasuke) I cherish you my baby, this much I know is true
From
the depths of my soul
It's beyond my control
I've waited so
long to say this to you
If
you're asking do I love you this much
(Arashi)
Baby
I do
I
do…
"I love you Akane-chan…always and forever." Arashi said quietly, as the music ended.
"I love you too Arashi-kun!" Akane replied in tears.
"Till the end of time…" K. Sasuke said.
"Till the end of time…" Kasumi replied as she cried heavily into his shoulders. "And you didn't have to do this you big dork! You know I love songs like this!"
"But that made it all the better Kasumi-chan." K. Sasuke replied as he held on to a crying Kasumi.
The other three girls couldn't say anything as they were too busy crying over the heartfelt song their loves sung for them. Of course it also had all the other couples teary eyed as well.
"Merry Christmas Hina-chan." K. Naruto whispered.
"Merry Christmas to you too Naru-chan!" K. Hinata cried.
"Mommy crying?" Himawari asked, when she saw Hinata in tears.
"Yes she is Hima-chan. But she's not sad, she's very happy. She's happy that she has someone like your daddy to take care of you and her." Keisei replied.
With the end of the last song, everyone took their leave and headed back to their homes. The clean up was simple since K. Naruto and Naruto simply summoned 20 clones each to get the cleanup done in about 10 minutes. They all decided to turn in for the night, especially since Team Illumina knew a certain shinobi would be making his rounds tonight. Everyone was soundly asleep…except for one young Kitsune.
"Guess I'd see you eventually if I stayed up." Kasumi said, as she saw Santa appear before her.
"Well seeing as how you know how the run works." Santa replied. "I can also tell you had something on your mind. Want to tell me about it while helping me unload all these gifts?"
"Are you sure? I mean don't you have more stops?" Kasumi asked as she began to set presents down under the tree.
"Of course not. This is my last stop for the night." Santa said. "Now tell me, what troubles you."
"Well, tonight at the Christmas party, Sasuke serenaded me with the most wonderful song ever. I could tell just how much he cared for me in his words." Kasumi said. "But what has me worried is that…in the fight against Shadow Sasuke…what if I don't make it out? What if he loses me in that battle? It would absolutely destroy him."
"You know, he felt the same way back in Houtei while you were searching for Yukina." Santa said. "He felt bad because it was Shadow Sasuke that attacked, and if he had never survived at the Valley of the End, the attack wouldn't have happened."
"He really said that?" Kasumi asked.
"He did. I asked him what you would have done if he had died that day. He said that you could have used the resurrection jutsu that you used on Naruto, but then he corrected himself." Santa said. "He told me that knowing you Kasumi, you would have instantly taken your own life just to be with him in the next life."
"Yeah, he's right. I was so messed up on that mission, and when I had to watch that fight, I was ready to die just so he'd be alive." Kasumi said. "Sometimes I wonder if having him become an Illumina Knight only made things more dangerous for him."
"Kasumi, you should know. The path you've chosen isn't an easy one. But you have friends that support you, a family that loves you, and Sasuke, who would give up everything to protect you. You were given this second chance for a reason, and from what I can tell, it's paying off in the long run." Santa said.
"I guess you're right. I mean it was really tough growing up alone. With no family and only a few friends…Sasuke lived that same life for a while." Kasumi said.
"And you were the one that brought him out of that loneliness." Santa said. "Let me tell you, if you had never been brought to this world so many things would have changed. Hinata would have never become friends with you, and she would have never gained the confidence she has now. Sasuke would have let the pain of loss consume him, and he would have ended up with Orochimaru. Akemi would have never survived the attack on her village, and she wouldn't be here to this day. Haku would have never realized that she's a human and not a weapon. So you see Kasumi, so many people believe in you and what you have done. All of them support you, just as you do the same for them. And I know each one would be willing to give up their own life to save your own just as you would do for them."
"You're right. They all would." Kasumi said.
"So no more feeling down ok." Santa said, handing Kasumi one of the two glasses of milk that had been left. "Besides, it's Christmas anyway, and not many kids get to have a heart to heart talk with the real Santa."
"Yeah that's true." Kasumi said. "To Christmas."
"To Christmas." Santa replied as he and Kasumi toasted their glasses. "That's some good milk."
"Yeah, Oka-san added…" Kasumi said as she began to feel sleepy. "Some vanilla…" She soon fell forward into Santa's arms, completely asleep.
"The perks of being Santa. She never even saw me add Yukina's special sugar that helps elves fall asleep. And Kasumi is definitely one elf that needs lots of rest. She pushes herself way too hard." Santa said, as he used Shunshin to swiftly move into Kasumi's room. He placed the sleeping Kitsune girl back into her bed and tucked her in. "You're destined for so much Kasumi. I know you will do so much good in this world." Leaving a small note by her bed, he was back downstairs in a flash, setting out the last of the gifts, and then he vanished without a trace.
Morning soon came to the Uzumaki mansion, of course Naruto, K. Naruto, Natsumi, and Arashi were the first ones up. Of course this meant that everyone else had to hear them come banging on the doors to wake them up. No one wanted to wake up so Arashi figured it was time to use the traditional method.
"Ok do we have the water!" Arashi asked.
"Now are you sure they won't kill us?" Naruto questioned. He wondered if splashing Hinata with cold water really would wake her up without her being ticked off.
"We did it to them last year. As long as the water is warm it's ok." Natsumi said.
"Hey you weren't even around last year!" K. Naruto said.
"Whatever. Let's just do this ok!" Natsumi said. "Ready when you are Otou-san."
"Ok, on three…one…two…" Arashi said before he was about to open the door to their bedroom.
"Um Arashi, I don't think it's going to work this year." Akane said behind him.
"Akane-chan! Uh, what are you doing up? I thought you were still sleep!" Arashi said nervously.
"Arashi, after what happened last year, do you really think I'm going to let you splash me again?" Akane said with arms crossed.
"Darn, I guess not." Arashi said, feeling let down that his morning Christmas wakeup call didn't work.
"Now I said you weren't going to splash me. I never said anything about getting everyone else up." Akane replied as she pulled her own bucket out.
"You are one crafty vixen!" Arashi replied with a small kiss.
"I know. Only one rule though. Don't splash Keisei-chan, Haku-chan, or Kasumi-chan. Himawari slept with Keisei chan last night, Mika-chan is with Haku, and Kasumi was up late last night talking to a very good friend of hers." Akane replied.
"Wait, are we talking about your Haku, or my Haku?" Naruto asked.
"Your Haku, Naruto-kun." Akane said. "Ok, my Naruto, you go wake up our Haku, Natsumi will wake up Akemi, Naruto has Hinata, Arashi will take Momo-chan, and I'll get Kin and Tayuya."
"Will do!" Everyone else replied. They all lined up at their respective doors and got ready for the holiday wake up.
"Ok on three…" Akane said, secretly making some quick hand signs with her free hand. "One…two…"
"THREE!" Everyone screamed as they rushed into their rooms. "MERRY CHRIST…mas???"
"Hey what happened to the water?" Arashi asked.
"Yeah, these are paper snowflakes!" K. Naruto said.
"Mmm, Naruto-kun…why am I covered in paper snowflakes?" Hinata asked as she slowly woke up.
"Uh well you see…um…Merry Christmas dear." Naruto said, kissing his loving wife, who pulled Naruto into an intense kissing-fest.
"So you guys tried the water thing again this year?" K. Haku asked as she got her robe.
"Why didn't it work?" Natsumi asked. "It was supposed to work! Oka-san! Why didn't it work?"
"Hey I said you could splash everyone…I just didn't say what you could splash them with." Akane chuckled.
"Akane-chan/Oka-san/Akane-sama!" Arashi, K. Naruto, Natsumi, and Naruto all cried.
"Merry Christmas you guys. Now let's go get some tea made for everyone." Akane said as she directed everyone downstairs. Within minutes everyone had woken up, except for Kasumi, and headed downstairs to see all of the presents that had been left for them.
"Whoa! Talk about a good haul this year!" Naruto said in excitement.
"Look at you, 18 years old, and you still act like you're 10!" Hinata said.
"Hey when it's Christmas, you can do stuff like that!" Naruto said. "Especially when I give you your present this year."
In less than a second Hinata was replaced with a chibi-kitsune version of herself. "Yay! Yay! What did you get me, what did you get me!" asked the Chibi Hinata while skipping around her husband.
"And who's acting like a 10 year old?" Naruto asked.
Returning to her normal self, "It's like you said, when it's Christmas, you can do stuff like that." Hinata replied.
"So who wants some Kitsune holiday tea and cookies!" Akane asked as she and Keisei came out of the kitchen with the snacks.
"Ahh now this is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas." Arashi said, taking a cup.
"Not really Arashi." Akane said, as there was a knock on the door. "Now it's a wonderful way to celebrate."
"So who could that be at our door?" Arashi asked, already knowing who it was.
"Like you have to ask?" Akane said. Of course the Uchiha, Hyuuga's, K. Sakura, Gaara, Tsunade, and Shizune were at the door, all loaded with gifts of their own for everyone.
"Ok dude, NOW it's a good haul this year." K. Naruto told his older counterpart.
"No argue with that!" Naruto replied. "Now get them in here so the carnage can begin!"
"That's Naruto for you. Always a kid at heart." Sasuke said, setting down some gifts.
"Oh whatever! You were the first one up this morning!" Sakura replied.
"You mean he was up before you were Sasuke?" K. Naruto asked his Kitsune brother.
"Yeah, by about 5 seconds." K. Sasuke replied. "Hey, where's Kasumi-chan?"
"Oh she's still upstairs asleep. You wanna go wake her up Sasuke?" Akane said.
"Sure." K. Sasuke said as he headed to Kasumi's room.
"Ok ok, while he's doing that, we should begin the ritual." Arashi said. "I've already told Naruto and Sasuke so they can help us."
"What ritual?" Keisei asked, wondering just what kind of insanity Arashi had planned.
"Well since the morning wakeup call didn't go as planned, we now get to do the ceremonial, pre-gift sorting ritual!" Arashi said. "Come on boys…and Natsumi-chan…let's do it!"
"Now wait Arashi, there might be some fragile stuff in there!" Akane warned.
"Akane-chan, I'm a professional. Plus I should know there's some breakable stuff in there, because that's what one of your gifts is." Arashi replied, taking hold of the first gift.
"Oh ok…wait, what do you mean one of…"
"KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!" Natsumi, Naruto, and K. Naruto all yelled, creating three clones each. They directed each of the clones to various areas around the living room where everyone was sitting.
"We're in position Otou-san!" K. Naruto said.
"Then let the ritual begin!" Arashi said, taking hold of the first gift. "Naruto, catch!" Arashi threw the first gift to one of the four Naruto clones. It looked at the tag for half a second, and with a "Nope" he quickly threw it to one of Natsumi's clones. The pattern continued until one of K. Naruto's clones got it. He looked at the tag and saw that it belonged to Kin, who he happened to be standing by. "Here ya go Kin-chan," he said, gently handing her the gift.
"Wow, thanks Naruto." Kin replied.
"Hey Naruto, got a double here!" Sasuke said, throwing two gifts at once.
"Keep 'em coming!" Naruto said, as he juggled the two gifts before sending them out.
"Hiashi, how are we looking!" Arashi asked.
"Absolutely flawless my friend!" Hiashi replied. He had his Byakugan activated and checked any gifts that looked breakable. The whole time those gifts were being juggled they looked like they were riding on a pocket of air. Not one single thing got broken during the whole show.
"Ok here we go! The last gift!" Arashi said. He saved one gift with Akane's name on it since he had his own way of finishing. Everyone saw all of the clones, and the real Naruto, Natsumi, and K. Naruto take out a small piece of paper and set it at the floor. The clones were dispelled, and they all sat down ready for the big finish.
"What is he doing?" Keisei asked.
"He does it every year. He always saves the gift he gets for me last so he can show off…"
"Here we go!" Arashi said, throwing the gift to where one of the Natsumi clones had been standing. "Uh oh, no one there to get it! Unless…HIRAISHIN NO JUTSU!"
"He shows off the Hiraishin?" Keisei said.
"Every year. He's the biggest kid in the world when it comes to this day." Akane said, as Arashi was moving around the living room in a flash. "And when he finishes it, he always ends up sitting…"
"Right next to my Akane-hime." Arashi said, as he sat down on the couch. He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek as her gift landed perfectly in his lap. "The ritual is finished!"
"That has to be the weirdest thing I've ever seen on Christmas!" Gaara thought to himself.
"Shall we begin the frenzy?" Natsumi asked. She was ready to rip open her gifts, since it was technically her first Christmas as well.
"Sasuke and Kasumi should be down in a second. We'll let them get in on it too." Arashi said.
Meanwhile, during all that insanity with the gift ritual…
"You know, this is always my favorite way of waking her up." K. Sasuke thought as he looked upon his sleeping princess. "She always says she looks awful in the mornings too." He lowered down and placed his lips upon her own, causing her to feel the warmth of his kiss. When he released, her eyes slowly opened to look upon K. Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun?" Kasumi said slowly.
"Merry Christmas, Kasumi-chan." K. Sasuke replied as she sat up.
"How did I…not again!" said Kasumi as she covered her face with her pillow, suddenly realizing how she ended up back in her bed. "Next time I go back to Houtei, I'm gonna find out how to counter that sleeping stuff."
"Sleeping…so, you stayed up and waited for Santa last night, huh?" asked K. Sasuke.
"Yeah, I had something on my mind, but it's ok now." Kasumi replied as she got out of bed. "I guess everyone is up now and Otou-san is probably starting the ritual. Sometimes I wonder if this family ever does anything normal?"
"Well considering last night we saw both of our mothers, the Godaime Hokage, and an alternate dimension Kyuubi no Kitsune as Kitsune teenagers singing a pop song…and then the Yondaime Hokage as a teenager serenading Akane-sama, then I would say no to that question." K. Sasuke said.
"Yeah, you're right about that." Kasumi replied as she jumped out of her bed. "Well I don't know about you, but I'm ready to open some presents. I'll race you downstairs."
"Oh don't think you're going to beat me! When it comes to presents, I'll be the first one to get to them!" K. Sasuke said, taking off towards the stairs at full speed.
"I've never lost a race to the presents an I won't lose this year!" Kasumi said, taking off after him.
Back downstairs…
"Ok just what are those two…" K. Naruto complained as he waited for his brother and sister.
"You gotta be faster than that if you're gonna win Kasumi-chan!" K. Sasuke teased.
"Hey I'm in pajamas and house slippers! Give me a break here!" Kasumi replied as the two entered the living room. "Oh, uh hey, Merry Christmas everyone."
"Yeah yeah, we know! Now get over here so we can start the frenzy!" Naruto and K. Naruto said together.
"Ok everyone, you know the rules!" Arashi said, of course confusing the alternate dimension group.
"Um Arashi-sama, what rules?" Hinata asked.
"Oh I forgot to tell you guys. Ok, the rules are this. All of us open one gift at the same time, however we do it ninja style. You see how well you can get your gift out of the wrapping, while keeping the wrapping in tact." Arashi said.
"In other words, get your gift out and have the box looking like it was never even touched as fast as you can." Natsumi said.
"The person that comes closest to having their gift look untouched gets one point. After we finish the person with the most points gets to be the one to get the first slice of my homemade Kitsune Chocolate log!" Akane said.
"And trust me, the first slice is ALWAYS the best one!" K. Naruto said.
"I know. That's why I'm going for my 3rd title this year!" Kasumi said.
"Not this time Kasumi-chan! You're going down!" K. Hinata said as she prepared to open her first gift.
"Ok everyone…LET THE FRENZY BEGIN!" Arashi said.
The Frenzy had to be one of the most insane sights ever seen in a Konoha household. In a matter of 3 minutes, over 100 gifts had been completely opened with piles of boxes all stacked up in front of each person. Of course Naruto and his group loved the tradition and they figured they would have the same one next year back home. While everyone was enjoying gifts ranging from new ninja tools, to new outfits, to new CDs, electronics, and games, Arashi was busy counting the boxes. Of course the babies didn't know HOW to open presents, so Akane and Keisei took the liberty of helping them. Himawari was showered with toys and clothes, whenever the girls saw a dress she looked adorable I they HAD to steal her and dress her up. Haru meanwhile had the time of his life with an old fashioned Ball-in-a-cup, the littlest Uchiha always managed to get it in, which surprised everyone, especially Tsunade. She just thought he had a really good streak of luck, but the kid just kept going.
"Ok, well let's see here…it looks like Kasumi-chan is in the lead with 6 points…but what's this! The two time defending Frenzy champion just got dethroned!" Arashi said.
"No way! By who!" Kasumi exclaimed, since her title as Frenzy champion was up in the air.
"I present to you, this year's new Frenzy Champion…all the way from Suna…Gaara!" Arashi said, holding up Gaara's hand.
"GAARA!" Everyone exclaimed.
"But how!" Kasumi asked.
"When you have a hobby like glassmaking, you gotta be real precise with your movements." Gaara said, holding up a box that looked like it had never even been touched. "And I must say I love the sweater that was in here Kin-chan."
"You're welcome Panda-chan!" Kin said with a smile.
"Looks like he gets the first piece of the chocolate log." Akane said as she headed to the kitchen.
"Um before you go do that, we have a couple more gifts…namely for our friends from another world." K. Hinata said.
"Really? Well, we did the same thing for you guys!" Hinata replied. "Though ours probably won't be as good since we really didn't know what to give you guys."
"It's no big!" K. Sakura said as she bounced Haru on her knee. "Besides, I already got my gift from you guys, and it's the affection of this cutie right here!" She tickled Haru's nose, causing the baby Uchiha to laugh in glee.
"Ok then, well how about I start." Naruto said, handing K. Naruto a small box.
"Hmm, wonder what this is?" K. Naruto asked. He opened the box to reveal a small book with a seal lock. "A diary?"
"Nope. Let's just say you'll find out what's in it on your wedding night." Naruto said. "Also I set that seal so only Akane-sama can open it, until she give you permission to open it. That way Ero-sennin won't get a hold of it and use it for his perverted books."
"Uh, ok." K. Naruto said, immediately turning as red as Akane's tails. K. Hinata was just the same way!
"Don't mind him. But trust me, you'll love every moment of it." Hinata whispered to K. Hinata, causing her to blush even more.
"O-oh I g-g-guess so." K. Hinata stuttered. That was the first time she had done that in over 5 years.
"Did she just stutter?" K. Sakura, Shiori, Natsumi, and K. Haku all asked at the same time.
"Ok I worked way too hard to get rid of that stutter! We can't have that now! Next gift please!" Kasumi said.
"This one's from me. I think you guys will really like it." Hinata said, handing a gift to K. Hinata.
"Thank you so much." K. Hinata said as her stutter left. She unwrapped the gift to find a DVD titled 'Himawari's first year'.
"I know you will like it. It's all of Himawari's first moments. Her first words minus THE very first Naruto stole her that morning, first birthday, first steps, just something to remember your 'daughter in another world'." Hinata said.
"I love it! Thank you so much!" K. Hinata exclaimed. "We should watch it as soon as we finish opening gifts."
"That's exactly what I was thinking." Hinata thought to herself as K. Hinata put the DVD in the player. "Well, guess I didn't have to go demonic to make everyone watch the movie."
"Ok well, this one's for my counterpart, per se." Haku said, handing K. Haku a wrapped scroll. "I think you will definitely like this."
"Hmm, a new jutsu." K. Haku said, unrolling the scroll.
"What's it called Haku-chan?" Neji asked.
"Hyoton: Touketsu Hasai (Ice Release: Cryogenic Crushing)" K. Haku read. "It says this jutsu is designed to entrap someone in a prison of unbreakable ice. That person is put into a state of cryogenic freezing, completely preserved and immobile until the jutsu is released by the user."
"I just created it not long ago." Haku said. "I think it would compliment your Ice Illumina Power quite well, and I also know you are starting some more extensive medical training to go along with your previous hunter nin training. This jutsu can also be used to transport heavily injured shinobi without having to worry if they're going to survive the trip. Simply freeze them with this and they'll be perfectly fine until they can get to medical attention. It can also be used as a guilt-free assassination technique, after freezing you then crush the target, but be sure to practice the transport BEFORE the crushing otherwise you'll end up with a lot of casualties."
"Thank you Haku, this will really help me out in the long run." K. Haku said.
"Just make sure to work up your chakra reserves. It takes a lot of chakra to use this jutsu." Haku said.
"This is for you dude." Sasuke said, handing K. Sasuke a small box.
"Thanks man." K. Sasuke said, opening the gift to reveal a Konoha hitai-ate with a slash through it.
"It's Itachi's. After I won our fight, I realized that it was just a hollow victory. It took me some time, but I learned that I wasn't fighting for my revenge…but I was fighting for my family. I was fighting for the ones who helped bring me out of the darkness I was in, and I remembered that you suffered the same loss, only you lost your Itachi." Sasuke said. "I want you have that, always knowing that you should never fight for revenge, and instead fight for the ones you love, the ones you want to give your life to protect."
"You know, we have to be the two luckiest Uchiha in the universe…with girls like Kasumi and Sakura, I have a feeling we'll never forget that." K. Sasuke said.
"You better not, or I'll knock you from here to Suna in one shot!" Sakura said, clenching her fist.
"And be glad that you didn't get the one with super strength!" Sasuke whispered.
"I wouldn't say that! Mine can fire blasts of Light! And if she trains enough with Tsunade-sama like all the rest of the girls, she'll have something close to that super strength as well" K. Sasuke replied.
"Very funny." Kasumi said. "Well since you guys got us this, we kinda feel bad now because we might have gone a little overboard."
"Oh come on, it's not that bad." Naruto said, before he saw K. Naruto, K. Sasuke, K. Hinata, K. Haku, K. Sakura, Kasumi, and Akane all holding gifts.
"Yeah it is." K. Hinata replied. "Ok Naru-chan, you go first."
"Well actually this is from both me and Otou-san. We figure since you never really got to meet your version of the Yondaime, we kinda figured he'd want you to have something like this." K. Naruto said, handing over the wrapped present.
"So it's not a copy of Ero-sennin's new book?" Naruto said, as he unwrapped his present, only to stare in shock at what he saw.
"Since you're looking like that, then your answer is no." Arashi said. "Plus since I hear you have the Instant Transmission ability in conjunction to the Hiraishin, we figure that your world needed a new Yellow Flash."
"This is just…I mean…I cannot believe…" Naruto said, holding up a white cloak with red flame trim. He immediately put it on and everyone loved how he looked.
"Now that's what the future Rokudaime and new Yellow Flash needs to look like!" Hinata said, marveling in her husband's new look, secretly hoping he'll use that in their midnight role-playing.
"Not only that, but I even included a new set of kunai. I didn't put the seals on it, since you've probably modified the seals in your own style, but the kunai are reinforced with Kitsune Chakra. They are designed to work with your own chakra, making it so you use nearly none of your own chakra. Not only that but with those kunai, your Hiraishin range is increased by well over 1000 meters." Arashi replied.
"You just don't know how much this means to me. It's like he was the one really giving me this gift." Naruto said.
"Well I know that he's always looking down at you, absolutely proud of what you've become." Arashi said, patting Naruto on the shoulder.
"Ok my turn." K. Hinata said. "This first one was pretty hard to get a hold of, but Otou-san said it was ok. He also figured that your Neji might like learning it as well." She handed Hinata a wrapped scroll with the Hyuuga clan symbol. "Go ahead and open it."
Knowing it was a Hyuuga blood seal, Hinata bit her thumb and swiped it across, releasing the seal. When she read the scroll she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"This jutsu…we lost the scroll to this jutsu ages ago!" Hinata said.
"Then think of it as a way to help make your Hyuuga clan even stronger." Hiashi replied.
"Just make sure you're absolutely perfect on the chakra release. Last time I did the Hakke Hazangeki (Eight Trigrams Mountain Crusher), I burned the living daylights out of my hand." Neji said.
"Yeah, but you really put the hurt on that Kidomaru freak!" K. Haku replied.
"That was only the first part!" K. Hinata said. "Here's the second."
"Ok, what could this be?" Hinata unwrapped the gift to reveal the most beautiful kimono she had ever seen in her life. "This is so beautiful! The craftsmanship is unparalleled!"
"Of course. It was made by my personal seamstresses and tailored to your every measurement. After you got here, I sent one of my messengers with your size and they had it made within a day." Akane said. "Also that thing is worth about 1/3 of the necklace that Tsunade-sama gave Naruto."
"It's THAT expensive!" Hinata exclaimed.
"So is what you're gonna be wearing underneath it!" Kasumi said, as Hinata pulled out a brand new red and white lingerie set. Of course this caused all the boys in the room to let out a nice wolf whistle.
"That one's from all the girls. I also had that hand tailored. Not only that, but the thread is designed to adjust to every single change in your body type, meaning it will fit you perfectly every single time. And it will probably feel like you're literally wearing clouds too, since it is made from the finest silk made in the Kitsune Village." Akane said.
"Hey Hina-chan, wanna go try it on now! I can help!" Naruto said while hugging her REALLY close, as well having THE gleam in his eye.
"Down boy!" Hinata said, calming him down. "If you're good, you may get something."
"Yes Ma'am!" Naruto replied with a huge smile.
"He is so LUCKY!" K. Naruto, K. Sasuke, Neji, Sasuke and Arashi all thought.
"He is so WHIPPED!" Kasumi, K. Hinata, K. Sakura, K. Haku, Kin, Tayuya, Sakura, and Haku all thought.
"Ok well since you gave me something, it's time I return the favor." K. Sasuke said, handing over a nicely sized gift. "It's from both me and Oka-san."
"I'm sure it's very nice." Sasuke said, opening the box to reveal a picture of himself and Mikoto. "This was just taken a few days ago!"
"I know how much you miss your mother, but this will always remind you that you have one always thinking about you." Mikoto said. "You've been through a lot, but you know you can always come home. It's a mother's job to be there for her son."
"Not only that, but we also want you to have these Fuuma Shuriken. It's one of the many Family Heirlooms, and we think it would be good for you to have it as your own." K. Sasuke said, holding up two engraved shuriken.
"Sasuke, they're beautiful! We have to put these up over the fireplace!" Sakura said.
"Along with this picture as well." Sasuke replied.
"Plus we figure…why not throw in some family fire jutsu to teach Haru when he gets older." Mikoto said.
"If he's just like his father, he'll be quite the fire user." Sakura said. 'I better get more fire extinguishers.'
"You're not out of it as well." Mikoto said. "Technically you ARE an Uchiha, so that's why we got you these." She handed over three scrolls and a book. "This is a recipe book of all my favorite recipes. I expect my grandson to grow up eating a healthy diet."
"Of course Oka-san." Sakura replied. "But what's up with the scrolls?"
"Well like I said, you are an Uchiha now, so it's time you learn some Uchiha jutsu. One is a simple Uchiha genjutsu, while the other is…" Mikoto said while Sakura was reading the OTHER scroll.
"The Tsukiyomi! But don't you need the Mangekyo Sharingan to do that!" Sakura exclaimed.
"You do, but see you now possess faint traces of the Uchiha Bloodline. In the absolute rare case, you could awaken the Sharingan, but like I said, that is extremely rare. That's why I had been working on a weaker version of Tsukiyomi that doesn't need the Mangekyo." Mikoto said. "Add this to your genjutsu arsenal, and you'll even have Kurenai going crazy."
"I'll get right on that!" Sakura said.
"As for you Haku-san, I guess I should trade secrets." K. Haku replied, as she handed over a scroll and a small box. "Since you gave me your new jutsu, I figured I'd give you mine. It's called Hyoton: Tsubame Fubuki (Ice Release: Swallow Snow Storm)"
"Thanks Haku-chan." Haku replied. "But what's up with the gloves and senbon?"
"Tenten helped me with that. Those gloves and senbon are infused with my Ice Illumina Power. It should help amplify your own Hyoton abilities, and help you use less chakra as well. Also those senbon are much more sharp and precise than normal senbon. You can focus your chakra in them, and once they hit a target, that target will have its temperature drop, effectively slowing it down." Haku said. "Also Kiba told me to give you this scroll on advanced tracking for you to use with Shikuru."
"Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts." Haku replied. Shikuru simply replied by rubbing up against K. Haku's legs in appreciation.
"Ok, since we've spoiled you guys, and the kids all got toys and everything, we have something else. But these are specifically for the kids." Kasumi said. "Hinata, I think Hiashi-sama wants to give you this one personally."
"Really Otou-san?" Hinata asked.
"That I do Hinata. Since the last time you were here I found out about how you did not want Himawari to have to worry about all the pressure of a prestigious clan such as the Hyuuga, which is why you chose for her not to be given the Byakugan." Hiashi said, handing over two scrolls to Hinata. "However upon seeing how well you have cared for and raised Himawari, I only see it fit to give you this. Though she does not possess our Kekkei Genkai, she is still a Hyuuga."
"How to do basic Juuken without the need of the Byakugan." Hinata read. She looked over the extremely detailed scroll and could not believe how much work was put into developing this ability.
"I personally developed and perfected these basic techniques. This should allow Himawari to strike using the basics of the Juuken. She will never be able to perform our advanced techniques without the Byakugan, but at least she will still be able to fight like her father and mother combined. I have also included some special chakra seals that will aid her in this training." Hiashi said, noting the other scroll.
"Otou-san, thank you so much! My family will be so happy over all the new things that are coming back to our clan." Hinata said.
"Now as for my little grandson…we have some special things for him." Mikoto said. "Though I'll let Sakura go first."
"Well my mom said that since she was the cutest thing she had ever seen, and that he is also a Haruno, he may develop an Inner Persona like I did." K. Sakura said. "That's why she wanted me to give you some basic genjutsu scrolls for him to learn, plus a scroll to help him train with that persona if he does develop one."
"Thanks Sakura-chan! Make sure to tell your mom, I mean my, I mean our mom, that I really appreciate it!" Sakura said.
"Now as for the Uchiha half of his gift, I have some scrolls to help him unlock his Sharingan much faster." Mikoto said. "These are designed to have him using Sharingan within 2 years of starting the training."
"He can learn that fast!" Sakura asked.
"Yes. With the possibility of him developing an Inner Personality, that can actually accelerate his learning ability, and that's how he can learn how to use Sharingan so quickly, just make sure you don't start training him until he's at least 5 years old." Mikoto said.
"Just like a grandmother to spoil her grandson." Sasuke said.
"And you better remember that too! I'll spoil him rotten if I want to!" Mikoto said as she picked up her 'grandson' and started playing with him.
"Well I really wasn't sure what to get Mika, and Kiba was the same way, so the two of us just decided that this jutsu would be ok for her." K. Haku said, handing over a scroll to Haku.
"It's ok. You didn't have to get her anything." Haku said, reading the scroll. She soon started laughing over reading it and had everyone wondering what was going on.
"Uh Haku, what's so funny?" Naruto asked.
"This jutsu…Mika-chan will love it!" Haku said, handing Naruto the scroll. When he read it he just shook his head.
"Snow Cone no Jutsu…definitely a perfect jutsu for a kid with an ice bloodline." Naruto said.
"It will come in handy." Haku said. "Especially during the summer months. I think I'll have Tenten seal some vials of flavored syrup for Mika when she uses it."
"Well I for one can say that this has been the best Christmas any of us have ever had." Keisei said. "It was so wonderful spending it with such close family and friends."
"That's how we always celebrate." Akane said. "Not only that, but you never opened your gift."
"My gift? But Akane-chan, you didn't have to." Keisei said.
"Oh nonsense." Akane said, taking hold of Himawari from Keisei. "Now open it up."
"Oh…ok." Keisei said, unwrapping the small gift. Inside were seven tickets. "These tickets are for…"
"Those are for the Sand Palace Resort and Spa! That's THE most exclusive resort in the Five Shinobi Nations! It's said that you literally have to be head of one of the most prestigious clans, or even a Kage to get reservations!" Sakura exclaimed. "But how did you know we had one of those!"
"I figured that our worlds are very similar. Plus Naruto told me about how he wanted to take Hinata someday." Akane said. "I called in, had the tickets rushed here, and there you have it. They are completely authentic, so there's no questioning them either. After being cramped up inside Naruto for so long, you need a place where they will pamper you."
"Hmm, I wonder how well this place is?" Keisei asked.
"Well considering it's for you, Hinata, Haku, Sakura, Ino, Karin, and Tsunade…all seven of you will have a good solid week to experience it." Akane said.
"Especially if you get a massage by Raoul!" Kasumi said.
Sasuke and Naruto turned to each other, "Raoul????? Who's Raoul??"
"Oh god, he has to be the greatest masseuse EVER! His fingers are like magic!" K. Hinata said.
"Last time we went, I had a massage by him and I swear, the moment his fingers touched my back, my whole body melted like butter!" K. Sakura said.
"Oh and don't forget he is one perfectly cut piece of beef! Just looking at his ripped chest and abs! Oh man you could run a piece of coal over those and get a diamond in seconds!" K. Haku said.
"And what do we look like?" K. Naruto asked. "Chopped liver?"
"Naruto my boy, there's one thing you gotta learn about girls. Even though they love you to death, there will always be ONE man on this planet that they will fantasize and drool over. It's ok, because we get one girl like that too." Naruto said.
"Uh ok. So how about we go ahead and get to the next part of this holiday?" K. Naruto asked.
"And what would that be Naru-chan?" K. Hinata asked.
"The food! I'm hungry as who knows what!" K. Naruto said, as everyone began to laugh.
"Oh my gosh! I almost forgot!" Hinata suddenly remembered. "I have one last gift for Naruto."
"One more gift?" Naruto questioned.
"I can't wait to see his face when he gets this one!" Kasumi thought to herself.
"Ok Kasumi, something tells me you know what this is all about." Akane said.
"I do. And I'm not saying one word!" Kasumi replied.
"So what did you get me?" Naruto asked.
"Well…the thing is…I can't give you your gift right now. As a matter of fact you won't be getting it until around early August." Hinata said softly.
"Then why did you say I had another gift from you?" Naruto asked. Of course only him and K. Naruto were completely clueless as to what she meant. Even the huge grins appearing on all the girls' faces still didn't clue them in.
"I still don't know what she's talking about man." K. Naruto said.
"Yeah, I'm stumped as well." Naruto replied.
"Ok, Naruto answer this question…right now it's December. She said you're getting your gift in August. So how many months apart is that?" Sakura asked.
"Hmm, lets see…" Naruto said as he started counting out the months on his fingers. "Carry the 2, add 1…"
"Naruto, it's 9." Sasuke said nonchalantly.
"Yeah, 9! That's it. I knew that." Naruto said.
"Now here's the second question. What's the one thing that is going to take Hinata 9 months to get to you?" Haku asked.
"Hmm, well…" Naruto said as he started to think.
"Dude! It's a 9 month supply of free ramen!" K. Naruto replied.
"Yeah! That's it! I knew it was something good." Naruto said. Everyone else just groaned, as they couldn't believe how dense the two Narutos were. So to speed things along…and to save the two Narutos from any more embarrassment, he decided to tell them what it was.
"Uh, boys I hate to say this, but Hinata's gift isn't a 9 month supply of ramen." Arashi said with subtlety.
"Then what is it?" Naruto asked.
"She's pregnant Naruto. You're gonna have your second kid in about 8 months." Arashi replied.
"Ohh, that's what it is." K. Naruto said.
"Whew! I thought it was something major like she was…" Naruto said before he paused to take in all of the information.
"Here it comes." Arashi said, backing away from the two Narutos.
"HINATA'S PREGNANT!!!" Naruto and K. Naruto screamed, before K. Naruto passed out.
"Well she did say it would have Naruto hit the floor." Kasumi thought. "Too bad it was our Naruto."
"Oh my Kami! Hinata you're wonderful!" Naruto yelled while hugging his wife. Soon he put her back down and kissed her fiercely, after the kiss he snatched Hima and danced around the room with her.
"Your gonna have a little brother or sister Hima-chan." Naruto said holding his daughter up in the air.
"YAY MOMMY!!!!" Himawari yelled.
"Wait a minute, why did my Naruto pass out?" K. Hinata asked.
"Even though they are from two different dimensions, they're still the same person. Your Naruto probably took the shock a little more." Keisei replied. "Now you need to get off your feet Hinata. I want my second grandchild to be very healthy!"
"Come one now, it's not that major. I'm only one month pregnant. I can still take care of myself. I don't look like Sakura when we got back last time." Hinata said.
"HEY!!!!" Sakura yelled.
"Stubborn, just like her mother." Hiashi said. "Now what are we going to do about K. Naruto??"
"Wait 'till Akane and Keisei have dinner ready. That'll snap him out of it." Arashi said, looking down at his unconscious son. "Come on Hiashi, I say we celebrate with a tall glass of egg nog."
"I think I'll take you up on that offer, my friend." Hiashi replied.
After several glasses of egg nog shared between the male population of the Clan heads, Naruto started bragging about how he used an old Hyuuga by-law to make Neji Clan head in his Dimension, then remembering THAT was his present to this Neji.
"NEJI!!!! GET IN HERE!!!!!" Naruto yelled.
"What is it Naruto?" Neji asked.
"How would you like to get your greatest burden lifted?" Naruto asked.
"Wha?" Neji replied.
"Naruto, what are you talking about?" asked K. Haku.
"Haku, do you remember what I did for Tayuya the last time we were here?" Naruto asked as he took out the Master Sword.
"Yeah, you destroyed the cursed seal on her." K. Haku replied. "But what does that have to do with Neji-kun?"
"Take off your headband." Naruto instructed and Neji followed. But neither K. Haku nor Naruto was expecting the sight before them.
"Wait a minute…I thought…" Naruto questioned.
"Oh yeah, this. Well you see, it was my Christmas Gift from Hiashi-sama…and an extra gift for Haku-chan." Neji said, as he showed that he no longer bore the Caged Bird Seal.
"So it's gone! It's really gone!" asked K. Haku.
"It sure is Haku-chan. I never have to worry about the Caged Bird seal ever again." Neji replied.
"Does this mean you're now a member of the Main Family?" Naruto asked.
"Not yet. Hiashi-sama is working on secretly having me inducted into the Main Family, since Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama have discussed their plans of transferring the title of Clan Heir to me." Neji said. "But I didn't get out of this without another seal however."
"What other seal?" K. Haku asked.
"This one." K. Hinata said, rolling up her sleeve to reveal a seal that looked just like the Hyuuga clan symbol just below her shoulder. Neji and Hanabi both did the same and revealed the same seal. "See I came to Otou-san with the idea of removing Neji's seal since he was practically in the Main Family from all the time he spends with me. However the Council was against it, because of their old fashioned traditions and whatnot."
"So Hinata-sama…" Neji said.
"Chan! I told you, you're in line to become heir, so you don't need to be so formal with me or Hanabi-chan!" K. Hinata replied.
"I'm sorry, I'm still not used to it yet." Neji said. "As I was saying, Hinata-sa…chan came up with the idea of using a seal that would cause the Byakugan to seal at death, but remove the forced control of the Caged Bird seal."
"Otou-san loved the idea, since every Hyuuga could be branded with the seal, and there would be no one who is better than the other. It was the first step in Hina-nee-chan's plan to unify the clan!" Hanabi added.
"So, we decided to be the first ones to try out this new seal. Otou-san secretly removed Neji's Caged Bird seal, and had him keep his hitai-ate on to make the Council think nothing had happened." K. Hinata said. "So as of now Haku-chan, Neji no longer has to worry about being killed by the Caged Bird seal and you never have to worry about that ever again."
"Hinata-chan, thank you so much! You don't know how much it worried me every day knowing that he could be killed at any time." K. Haku cried as she hugged her Kitsune friend and sister.
"It's ok. Now can you ease up? I think your bloodline is kicking in because I'm starting to get really cold!" K. Hinata said.
"Oh, uh sorry about that." K. Haku pulled away, regaining her composure.
"So much for that idea." Naruto said, resheathing the Master Sword. "Oh well, I'm off to play with Hima-chan before dinner. Wait before I forget, what's this new seal called anyway?"
"It's called the Hyuuga Seal of Unification." K. Hinata replied. "We are ONE family, united together."
"You know something...I think my Neji might like that idea," said Naruto as he walked toward the living room. "Seal of Unification...I like that a lot!"
After Christmas, Naruto and his family and friends headed back to their own dimension, wishing their friends well, and wishing them success against Shadow Sasuke. Speaking of which, the same day the alternate Naruto left, Team Illumina received an ultimatum from Shadow Sasuke. He was calling them out for one last battle, and even had directions to one of Orochimaru's abandoned bases as the location for the battle. Upon reading this, Tsunade immediately took Team Illumina off the active roster so they could prepare for this fight. She and Akane also made a trip to the Kitsune Village for some needed medical herbs and supplies for Team Illumina.
January 12…3 days before Kasumi's 14th birthday, she noticed that after her most recent training session, she felt weaker than normal. With Tsunade and Akane not scheduled to return until the next day, she asked Shizune if she could figure anything out.
"So any idea on why I'm feeling like this Shizune?" Kasumi asked.
"Hmm, well I've checked your blood pressure, heart rate, and have given you a basic checkup and you seem fine. It might just be that you're really tense about your upcoming fight." Shizune said, taking out a sterile needle and syringe. "But just to make sure, let me do a blood test, and that should be it."
"Ok. I just hope it's nothing serious." Kasumi replied as Shizune rubbed a sterile cotton swab on her arm.
"This should be enough." Shizune said as she drew a small amount of blood. "I'll run some quick tests to see if you have any kind of viruses. I don't see why you would, since your immune system is a lot stronger than a normal human's."
"Guess it's due to all the orange juice I drink every day." Kasumi laughed.
"Guess you're right." Shizune said. "I'll be back in a bit."
Shizune left the exam room and went down to one of the labs where she began her test. Everything checked out normal until she noticed a very weird strain of virus in the blood sample. She quickly checked Tsunade's scrolls on viruses, and found nothing, so she tried Akane's scrolls, since they were more detailed on viruses that could attack those with demonic blood. Unfortunately she found the information on the virus…and it was the worst possible information in the world.
"Kasumi…I…I don't know how to say this…" Shizune said with a grim look.
"Shizune, what's wrong? Did you find out what's wrong with me?" Kasumi asked.
"I did. You have a virus…" Shizune started.
"A virus? What kind?" Kasumi said in a more serious tone.
"It's called the East Kumo Virus." Shizune said. "I checked Akane-sama's scrolls and found it. Only thing though, is it says that the virus is a blood borne virus, and that the virus was eradicated years ago. So I don't know how you could have gotten it, unless…"
"No, no, Sasuke and I haven't even done something like that. I mean I'm sure I couldn't have gotten it on a mission or…" Kasumi said, suddenly remembering the last battle with Shadow Sasuke. She was hit by one of his flying senbon. "I know who did this to me."
"Who?" Shizune asked.
"It was Shadow Sasuke. On the mission before Christmas, I was the only one hit with one of his senbon. I don't know how he did it, but somehow he and Orochimaru must have re-created this virus in an attempt to get rid of us without is knowing it." Kasumi said.
"Well he did a good job! This is not a virus you really want!" Shizune said.
"Is it bad? Is it contagious?" Kasumi asked frantically.
"Contagious, no. Bad…yes." Shizune said.
"How bad?" Kasumi asked.
"Kasumi…" Shizune said. She swallowed hard to clear the lump in her throat, as she was about to finish her statement. "The virus…is terminal." When she uttered that last word, Kasumi instantly turned as white as a sheet.
"Terminal? You mean…I'm going to die?" Kasumi asked meekly. "How long do I have left?"
"Well, when I saw the strain in your blood sample, it was very developed. The scrolls say you're in the final stage of the virus. You've got about…3 days to live." Shizune said, immediately hugging the Kitsune girl. "Kasumi I'm so sorry!"
"I'm…going to die?" Kasumi said as Shizune continued crying. "How am I going to tell everyone?"
"I…I don't know!" Shizune said.
"Shizune, you have to promise me something. I don't care if they torture you…do NOT tell anyone. I want to be the ones to tell them." Kasumi said.
"But I have…" Shizune said.
"Shizune, please!" Kasumi pleaded. "If I'm going to die, then make it a dying girl's last wish! Please!"
"Alright Kasumi, I won't tell anyone." Shizune said.
"Ok, I know what I have to do." Kasumi said, as she headed out of the exam room. "Shizune, thank you…for everything."
"You're welcome Kasumi." Shizune said to the departing Kitsune girl.
Kasumi quickly left the hospital and headed home. She knew that there was only one thing left for her to do…she had to take on Shadow Sasuke now, or die trying. Heck she was going to die anyway, so it wasn't really a suicide mission. "I knew the moment everyone else became Illumina Knights, something like this would happen. I've already exposed their lives to way too much. Well, if I can make it so that none of them have to die, then I'll fight to my dying breath," she told herself.
Night came quickly and Kasumi had finished preparing all of her tools and supplies she would need for the next day. She straightened her hair, and tried lot hold her composure as she tilted the camera on her computer down in order to record a message to everyone. Once she finished, she noticed everyone else was asleep, so she made her way downstairs to the kitchen to get some extra energy treats, and the map to Orochimaru's abandoned base, then took her leave from the place she called home for so long.
The next morning came around and everyone was getting ready for training. Akane and Tsunade had returned and were working on the new medical supplies that the team would need. As everyone else had arrived at the training field, Hinata noticed that Kasumi hadn't arrived. Since she was usually the first one to get to practice, she knew something was wrong. When she got back to the Uzumaki mansion, she asked Momoko if Kasumi was home. Momoko told her that she hadn't seen Kasumi all morning and figured she might still be upstairs.
"Kasumi-chan? You didn't oversleep did you?" Hinata asked as she entered Kasumi's room. When she saw no one was inside, she started to get a little worried. "Ok if she's not here then where could she be? And why is her hitai-ate still here as well?" Hinata walked over to the desk to notice Kasumi's hitai-ate, and her laptop was still in her room. What really puzzled her was the scrolling text on the screen. "Please watch. What does she mean by please watch?" Still confused, Hinata rubbed her finger on the touch pad and brought up the main screen on Kasumi's computer. The video player was already loaded with a video so Hinata figured that's what Kasumi wanted someone to watch. She played the video and wondered why Kasumi would leave a message like this. Everything seemed ok, until she found out the reason why Kasumi was missing.
"Naru-chan, come in!" Hinata quickly said into her communicator.
"Hina-chan, what's wrong?" Naruto asked.
"Get everyone back to your house immediately! I know where Kasumi-chan is!" Hinata said.
"Well where is she?" Naruto asked.
"I'll tell you when you get here. But please hurry! She may be in some serious trouble!" Hinata replied in shock.
"Ok, we're on our way. We'll stop by and pick up Baa-chan and Oka-san as well." Naruto replied as he cut off communications.
Within 10 minutes, the remaining members of Team Illumina were in the living room waiting for Hinata's explanation.
"Ok Hinata-san, just where is Kasumi?" Neji asked.
"Watch this. You'll know where she is." Hinata said, playing the video. After it ended, everyone couldn't speak over hearing the news.
"This makes no sense! I mean she's NEVER done anything this stupid!" Arashi said in frustration.
"She said it wasn't a suicide mission, but that's exactly what she's walking into!" Naruto said.
"I know Naru-chan, but she told us there's nothing we can do to stop her!" Hinata said.
"Oh yes there is. We're going after her…and Shadow Sasuke. It's time we end this right now!" Naruto screamed. "Team Illumina, meet at the gates in 10 minutes ready to move."
"Naruto, I can't allow you to do that! Not yet!" Tsunade said as she tried to stop him.
"Tsunade-baa-chan…" Naruto said in a serious voice. "This time…you can't stop us."
"And why is that?" Tsunade replied, getting quite upset at his tone. That was when she noticed all of them transform and remove their hitai-ate.
"Because we're not fighting as Konoha shinobi." Naruto said, laying his hitai-ate on the table. "We're fighting as the Illumina Knights. Now gear up and move out!" Everyone responded as the 8 remaining knights took off to gear up. Within 10 minutes they were all at the gate ready to leave when Sakura ran into the group.
"Hey guys, what's going on?" Sakura asked. "And where's Kasumi-chan?"
"Kasumi-s left the village and we're going after her." Ino said.
"Why are you doing that?" Sakura questioned.
"Because she went after Shadow Sasuke alone…" Sasuke said.
"She WHAT!" screamed Sakura. "Why would she do something so stupid?"
"She has her reasons." Naruto replied.
"And that would be??" Sakura asked.
"Sakura…" Naruto said with a grim look on his face just before he and the rest of the Illumina Knights took off. "Kasumi's dying."
Ok this has to be the LONGEST combined arc I've ever done for this story. The total of all 4 parts went well over 125 pages! But I guess that since it's almost the end...I gotta make things bigger.
As you all know my next chapter will be the final battle with Shadow Sasuke. With Kasumi's life in the balance, I plan to make the next chapter possibly the most intense chapter I have ever written. I mean I'm pulling every single attack out of the Illumina Knights arsenal for this. And there will even be some references to some earlier events that happened in this story...some even going as far back as Chapter 1!!! Not only that but in the next chapter...yes I am doing this...I am finally revealing the true identity of the Shadow Knight. That person will be returning to Konoha with the real Shadow Gem and take their place in the team, thus fully completing Team Illumina. Right now everyone thinks it's Shikamaru...but I still want more opinions on who everyone thinks the Shadow Knight is!
After that I will probably do an Epilogue chapter to finish everything off for the main storyline, and then do the Movie Chapter. After that...I'll be working on Kasumi's Dream, and probably my Naruto/Sky Girls story until the Manga gets a little further. Then...I'll bring out the sequel everyone's been waiting for.
And now with this being the next to last chapter or so, it's time. If you've been keeping up with the past 3 chapters, you know what the Shadow Knight's attacks are. Now I shall complete that list by revealing the true Shadow Bankai!
Lvl 4 Bankai-Dark Nova-With the power of Bankai, the Shadow Knight can draw upon any one of the other 8 Illumina Knight's powers, and enhance them to an even more powerful level, but only one element at a time. For example, the Shadow Knight draws upon Hinata's Water Illumina Power. The Shadow Knight will then have access to her Aqua Ball, Aqua Shield, and Hydro Storm techniques, and the power of those attacks are enhanced greatly. The Shadow Knight's version of Hydro Storm is almost on par with Hinata's Tidal Blast, but doesn't quite reach that level of power.
With the addition of Kasumi's Rainbow Dance Bankai, she and the Shadow Knight can now perform their unique dual technique,
Light and Dark Bankai Special-Rainbow Nova-With Kasumi's ability to use all 8 Elements, and the Shadow Knight able to strengthen these elements, the two can channel all of their Illumina Power into the remaining 8 Knights, supercharging all of their abilities for a limited time. With this new Supercharge, two Illumina Knights could easily hold their own against a Bijuu for a limited amount of time.
That's all for now. I want to say to all my readers, thank you for a wonderful year, and all the wonderful reviews you've given my story. I'm gonna try my hardest to make sure this story hits 400 reviews before it's finally concluded. Always remember, Read and Review.
From Our families to yours, may you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Years! See you in 2008!!!!
Neokenshin and the cast of A New Life in A New Land
RasenganFin and the cast of Hinata's Guardian
