Chapter Forty-Seven

The leather shell of the heavy punching bag sounded wet slaps as Hinata drove fist after fist into its unyielding mass. Since the day she started the academy, it had been a ritual her father forced on her every morning– a hundred punches each hand, a hundred heel-hand strikes, and hundred hammer-fist strikes. The first time she had done it, her hands were torn and bloody by the end, and she was crying. At first, she thought it was father being cruel, making her do something so clearly painful, until he rubbed her hands in a healing ointment the Hyūga Clan used to heal such injuries. The warmup routine had been a tradition for the main branch of the family going back several generations, and she was merely the latest addition to that tradition he had explained. Despite not wanting to do it, she knew how important it was to Father, she grinned and bore the brunt of it until it became automatic.

As Hinata changed to heel-hand strikes, her mind wandered to the thought of forcing her son or daughter to endure the same tradition someday. On one hand, it was an incredibly taxing affair for a five-year-old, bordering on traumatic. On the other hand, it taught her strength and discipline at an impossibly young age; furthermore, it taught her about overcoming painful challenges. When Naruto began training her, he had drilled alongside her, reminding her how strong she was every morning for doing such a hellish drill.

So much had changed since then. After the duel with Hanabi, Mom began midwifing on a part-time basis along with her own shinobi training. Hanabi was a true little sister again. Mom also took a keen new interest in her girls' education. She had taken both Hanabi and Hinata along to a birth as part of having the talk. Like childbirth and being clan leader, all good things it seemed, came with sometimes painful consequences; but sometimes painful things could lead to new joy. Being in a relationship was no exception.

Hinata paused between movements, feeling the throbbing in her hands. Her eyes wandered to the telephone in the far corner. 0715 and still nothing. Kushina had come over early to train with Mom, Hanabi, and Konohamaru; not wanting to brood in her room, Hinata had joined them in the training room. Come on, Naruto, what's wrong? Kushina assured her that the plan for Naruto's birthday was still a go, but that had been almost a half hour ago. Hinata turned her attention back to the bag, dispersing her frustration with a solid hammer-fist blow. It's okay, he's just sleeping in; he's been exhausted since we got back!

Her friendship-turned-relationship with Naruto over the years had been fraught with alternating tidal waves of elation and frustration. After surviving Part II of the exam, Naruto went back into his shell like he had when he was first struggling with his dyslexia. He didn't avoid her, but he just didn't open to her like he had in the wonderful first two months of being boyfriend and girlfriend. Even when he asked her to drop out of the exam, she had at least been able to extract what was bothering him. But now, she had a better chance of extracting the sand from this bag than she did extracting from Naruto what was bugging him. "All you have to do is ask," Kurama spoke in her head.

Something in Nine-Tails' voice suggested his intentions were far from altruistic. Nevertheless, curiosity got the better of her Kyuubi? Hinata began pounding the bag again so as not to alert the others that she was talking to Nine-Tails. Mom especially was still not comfortable with her making efforts to bond with the tailed-beast.

"No duh, it's me!" he laughed. "You worry too much! All you have to do is reach out with your chakra right this second, and you'll have your answer to 'he loves me, or he loves me not!'" Kyuubi's laughter wasn't exactly sinister, but she didn't fully trust him, either. "What are you afraid of?"

Okay, why not? Hinata stretched out with her feelings, her chakra reaching out toward Naruto as she continued to pound the bag. Deep down, Hinata still worried that Naruto would wake one morning and not feel the same way about her. Worse than dying, it was a nightmare that haunted her like a yokai hiding in the shadows.

When she felt herself link to him, she could feel his confusion and his excitement as her heart raced to match his. What the… Hinata had her answer before she could the complete the thought. Naruto was dreaming about her! A sudden massive surge of excitement caused Hinata to bring her hammer fist down with enough force to crack the bag's shell, its sandy contents spilling on the floor.

Kyuubi's laugher filled her head, and she could sense him rolling on his back as he chuckled. You naughty fox!

"What can I say, it gets old watching the two of you mope," Nine-Tails replied.

Why, I didn't know you cared. Hinata breathed several deep breathes as she stared down at the ruined bag, separating her link from Naruto. Her lips curled. He does love me.

"Hinata, are you all right?" Mom raced toward her, as did Kushina.

"Yes, Mom," she sighed, "I'm fine." Hinata pulled her hand away from the bag. "I guess I just got a bit over-excited," she lied. At least, she still knew Naruto was still thinking about her, perhaps more than he let on.

Kushina probably noticed Hinata's thoughts plain as day, "Don't worry, Hinata, I'm sure he'll call soon." Hinata's heart nearly jumped from her chest when the phone's ringing split the tension in the air.

"I got it," Mom grinned as she strolled over and picked up the receiver. "Hello," the wide fox grin gave away that it was, indeed, Naruto. "Oh yes," Mom's smile peaked, "one moment." She held out the phone toward Hinata and mouthed, "It's him!"

Hinata didn't remember running to the phone but soon it was up to her ear, and she was nervously tapping her fingers, "Naruto! Happy birthday!" she exclaimed as her cheeks turned pink. Mom, Kushina, Konohamaru, and Hanabi were all staring.

"Hey thanks!" he sounded positively radiant, not even a hint of the glum team leader who survived by the skin of his teeth, "Um, Hinata… I…" his voice trailed off, clearly nervous. Come on, boy, don't get cold feet now!

"Yes?" she said hopefully. Her index fingers still tapped nervously.

"W-would you like to go to the movies tonight? On a date?"

On a date! The plan was to ask him to the movies and then lure him Ichiraku's afterward. Hinata felt her chest constrict on her thundering heart. Don't faint, say yes! Don't faint, say yes! DON'T FAINT SAY YES! "YES!" she shouted, "I'd love to!" Like a seal on her chakra being released, she felt more alive in this moment than ever.

"That's great, Hinata!" She could almost see Naruto bouncing with excitement. Kushina and Mom exchanged a high-five. "So, what would you like to see tonight?"

"Umm… ugh," she stammered, "Well, what is at the movies, Naruto?" Being so wound up, Hinata forgot what was even at the movies, much less what the times were."

"Let's see," she heard the crinkling of a newspaper, "There's The Drunken Shinobi, Operation: Raptor, The Hidden Fortress, House – that's a scary film, I'd rather skip if you don't mind." Hinata knew the listings, all action films, hardly date material. "Oh, and there is another one, The Little Ningyo Princess."

"That animated one that just came out?" Hinata never expected Naruto to pick a cutesy Princes flick.

"Yeah, I heard it was really good – cute but also funny. You interested?"

"When is the show?" she giggled with delight. She had to suppress further laughter as Mom, Kushina, Konohamaru, and Hanabi all pretended to be reeling in fish on invisible fishing poles.

"1705 is tonight's showing."

"Pick me up at 1600," she paused to stick her mock scowl at the misfit onlookers, "Let's take a walk in the park before the movie, and we can get Ichiraku's after the movie. Sound good?"

"OOOOOOHHH!" Everyone ogled.

"Believe it! I'll see you then, Hinata!" Naruto called back, not hearing or not caring about the background commentary.

"Happy birthday, Naruto, I'll see you soon!"

As she hung up the receiver, "Well?" Kushina held her palms up.

"Come on, details!" Konohmaru demanded.

"Yeah, big sister, you plan on smooching with him under a tree before or after the movie?" Hanabi jabbed playfully.

"Hanabi!" she crossed her arms, "A lady does not discuss such things!"

"Yes," Mom said, "But a lady does need to look presentable," she took Hinata by the hand, "for her first date, and red knuckles and broken nails are definitely not in fashion."

Kushina rubbed her chin and grinned, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Mani-pedi, light lunch, and a quick trip to the Haruno family's store?" Akemi suggested.

"The Haruno family's store?" Hinata asked.

"We'll explain on the way," Kushina winked. "Konohamaru," she turned to the young boy.

"Yes, Ma'am," he snapped to attention crisply.

"The mission is a go; you know your part!" Kushina gave him a thumbs up.

"Believe it!" Konohamaru winked, "Come on, Hanabi," he took Hanabi by the hand, "We got work to do!"

Hinata felt an unexpected hand on her back. She turned to see Sakura. "Sakura?"

"Come on, princess," she winked, "let's get you ready!"

The market district bustled like a beehive as Naruto walked along side his dad. After breakfast, Dad had taken him clothes shopping. Naruto now wore a pair of sharply pressed black slacks, a dressy but functional pair of leather boots, a black short-sleeve collared shirt, and a dark-forest green cable-knit sweater. Naruto also carried his field jacket over his shoulder; it was supposed to be near freezing later tonight. "So, did I explain everything?" Dad asked.

"I think so, but the whole 'If she says no' thing…'" Naruto started.

"Just remember, if she says 'No, I don't want to, or stop,' it's over." Minato raised his right index finger.

"I get that part, Dad," Naruto grinned, "but where did the 'Don't touch me there, asshole! Go to hell!' come from?" Naruto chuckled as he quoted his father most likely paraphrasing a rejection Grandpa Jiraiya had received once upon a time.

Dad coughed under his breath, "Let's just say, your grandfather didn't always have a good relationship with Tsunade," he paused to look over his shoulder before turning back to Naruto, "or most other women for that matter!" Dad laughed.

"Dad, aren't I a bit young to know this?" Naruto asked. "I mean they teach it in school, but I wasn't paying that much attention."

"Son," Dad sighed, "I didn't' have a chance to have this conversation with my father, my real father."

Dad never talked about Naruto's real grandfather, and Naruto never asked. "Dad, what was he like? Mom only talks about Great Grandma Mito, and never about her own parents. Where did we come from?"

Dad paused, clearly pained. "Son, I…" Dad's blue eyes stared into Naruto's, "… you know the history of the Land of Whirlpools. She's the only confirmed survivor, although I'm sure there are more," Dad shook his head, "she was sent away to live here when she was very young, after being bound to Nine-Tails. She never saw her parents again."

Naruto almost cried. He opened his mouth to stop dad, but he persisted, "My father, I know loved me, as I'm sure he would have loved you, son." Minato patted him on the back as they slowed their leisurely stroll.

"Dad, this morning you said you could have sent me away when I was a baby. Is that why you didn't?" Naruto asked.

"Part of it," Dad shrugged, "having come so damn close to losing you and everything I cared about, I couldn't imagine surviving only to lose you to something stupid. I didn't want you to become the latest orphan in a family of orphans."

"Dad, you've done a good job, especially with how busy you are," Naruto squeezed Dad's arm.

"You think so?" Dad seemed genuinely surprised.

"Dad, I have an amazing life because you are in it," Naruto smiled, "When are you going to stop blaming yourself for a near-miss?"

"Maybe, after we someday know what happened that night," Dad shook his head, "Maybe then I'll finally sleep normally on the night of your birthday." Dad paused to look at his watch, and smiled, "All right, enough flapping our gums, it's almost time!" They picked up the pace to the Hyūga Compound.

As usual, the gate guards greeted them with stone faces, and as usual, they were admitted without incident. Unusual was Neji greeting them in the entryway. "Minato, Naruto!" Neji greeted warmly with a bow.

"Neji," Naruto bowed, hoping he was making a good impression. Please don't cut my head off… or anything else!

"Neji," Dad also bowed, "It's a pleasure to see you, as always."

"Lord Hokage," Neji smiled, "may I borrow Naruto for a short while? Hinata is still getting ready."

"That is up to Naruto," Dad answered, putting his hand on Naruto's shoulder, "Being thirteen, he has the right to make pretty much every decision by himself, now."

"I'll go with you, Neji," Naruto smirked. I know where this is going.

"Good luck, son," Dad grinned, "remember what we talked about."

Neji walked Naruto into the compound to a chamber he had never seen before. Like most of the rooms, the décor was traditional – bare wood and white panels made to look like old paper walls. Upon the walls were racks upon racks of weapons: fighting sticks, quarterstaffs, kunai, shuriken, yari, naginata, wakizashi, katana, and a few other truly exotic beauties Naruto had trouble identifying. In the middle of the room sat Hiashi Hyūga. Initially, he paid Naruto no heed; he was intently focused on cleaning the blade of a particularly ornate katana. Content with his work, Hiashi finally acknowledged their presence, "Ah, Naruto, Neji." He gestured to the boys to set beside him.

Naruto swallowed his heart back down in his throat. If he was planning on killing me, he would have done so already. Stay cool. Naruto discretely rubbed his sweaty palms on his slacks in hopes of disguising the fact that he was anything but cool. As he sat next to Lord Hiashi, Neji sat on his other side, essentially trapping him. "Lord Hyūga, that's a beautiful katana." Naruto hoped the compliment might diffuse some of his tension.

"You like it?" He ran a polishing cloth over it again. "It's been in my family since the Warring States Period. It is the personal weapon of the Hyūga Clan leader. When Hinata turns thirteen in two months, it becomes hers; she'll be the youngest person to hold it."

Think! Say something intelligent! "Fascinating, that's a really interesting bit of history I didn't know about your clan, sir." Naruto stumbled, hoping his voice didn't crack.

If Hiashi reacted, he didn't show it. "Everyday, my father would have my brother and I come in here to clean and maintain these weapons," he gestured to the room around them, "to teach us discipline and responsibility."

"Lord Hiashi, I… I mean… if you're worried, I…" Naruto stumbled.

"Naruto," Hiashi sheathed the blade, "I have a special request of you."

"Yes, sir," Naruto squeaked, glad that the blade was put away.

"My daughter cares for you, and you care for her, correct?" Hiashi's smoky Byakugan locked onto him.

Panic gripped Naruto, "Sir, I care for Hinata deeply, if this is about me respecting her, I promise I will. F-Father just gave me the talk, and I know what not to do. I-I…"

Neji snorted in laughter, and even the stone-face Hyūga Clan patriarch had to crack a grin. "Actually that wasn't what I was getting at," his grin widened slightly, "at least not entirely. No, Naruto, your parents raised you well, and despite your questionable grandfather of sorts, I do trust you to respect Hinata."

"You do?" Naruto was dumbfounded, wonder why the sudden sword display.

"Yes, I had once even suggested to your father that we arrange a marriage between you and Hinata someday," he shrugged, "Your father suggested we let things happen without forcing the issue."

"I, uh, I didn't know," Naruto stammered over his words. He wanted us to be married. While Hiashi treated him with respect, there was always the lingering presence of Naruto being a clan outsider.

"I'm not surprised. As for my request," he held up the sheathed sword, "in a few months, this blade will be presented to Hinata. Traditionally, it is the role of the former clan leader to present it to the new clan leader. However, I want you to present it to her on her thirteenth birthday."

"Me?" Naruto shook with surprise. Neji, too, seemed to shake from the suggestion.

"Yes, Naruto. You would have to take over responsibility for its maintenance in the meantime, coming to here to maintain it at least once a week until it was time to give it to Hinata."

"I'm honored, but… why me?" Naruto asked.

"Naruto," Hiashi held out the sword by its scabbard, "you've done more to put this in her hands than I ever did. If I had listened to my early instincts, Hinata would have been disinherited in favor of Hanabi a long time ago, but there was something about how much stronger she seemed, how much taller she walked when you were nearby." He stared at Naruto intently, "Do you remember a promise I forced on you when you were only five?"

Naruto nodded, "I remember, you asked me to train her well or I'd answer to you. It was when Aunt Akemi was first diagnosed with cancer."

"You've trained her well," Hiashi nodded, "and now you are answering for it."

"I would be honored." Naruto bowed his head

"Naruto, Neji, Father?" Hinata's soft voice came from the doorway. Naruto looked up to see her; she was gorgeous.

Hinata looked in the mirror one last time as she straightened the midnight purple silk dress that Mom, Kushina, and Sakura helped her pick out. The knee-length dress hugged her without being constricting with a complimentary black and purple silk obi tied at the waist. A pair of black leggings completed the look, a guard against the cold as much as a guard against a stray breeze. "Relax, you look gorgeous," Sakura said as she added a minor flourish – a simple pink flower to Hinata's hair.

"I can't believe I'm really going on a date with him," Hinata sighed dreamily.

"Believe it!" Kushina mimicked Naruto's mannerisms, complete with thumbs up. They all laughed. "All right," Mom said, "I think we're as good as can be," she handed Hinata a simple black purse. "You kids enjoy the movie, and we'll see you at Ichiraku's afterwards."

The walk down the hallway to the main entrance caused goosebumps to crawl down Hinata's arms. Get a grip! You've been out with him how many times? This is no different! It's just his birthday, and you're going to the movies. Hinata's mind wandered to them sitting in back row, arm in arm in the dark. Head out of the gutter! As she approached the entryway, she heard Dad and Naruto's voices coming from the armory. The armory! Please, father, don't threaten to kill him!

Hinata picked up her pace, racing through the door, "Naruto, Neji, Father?" she called out in mild confusion. They were seated on a bench, dad holding a sheathed sword.

"H-Hinata," Naruto stared at her with his mouth hanging open slightly, "Am-am I underdressed?" he stammered.

"No, silly," she blushed. He was dressed smartly, especially considering he practically lived in his mission gear. He wasn't dressed for a wedding, but he did look ready for an evening at the movies. Speaking of which… Hinata quickly checked her watch – 1630. Damn, getting ready took a lot longer than expected! "We'd better get moving, or else we'll be late."

Naruto checked his watch, "Yikes," he got up from the bench. Turning to her father Naruto said, "I accept that responsibility we talked about, see you tomorrow for it?"

Father nodded, "You kids have fun!"

Naruto walked arm in arm with Hinata, enjoying just having time with her as they approached the theater. Sadly, there wasn't time to walk through the park on the way there. There was so much he wanted to talk about, and he wanted to apologize for being so distant the last few weeks. "Here we are," he said. He and Dad had picked up the tickets earlier, so, they were able to go straight in. As they walked past the ticket taker, the aroma of the theater's concession stand caused his stomach to growl. "Um," he said mildly embarrassed, "You want anything for the movie?" He gestured toward the array of goodies.

"It's your big day, birthday boy," she smiled, "Anything you want, I'll share, but I'll for sure split a soda with you." Naruto selected a medium popcorn, a large soda, and a pack of mini cinnamon rolls the attendant had just pulled out of the oven. It might be his birthday, but she was his date.

They carried the goodies to the theater and sat down in one of the back rows in time for the coming attractions to start. "You're too good to me, you know that?" she said, spotting the cinnamon rolls.

"What good is a birthday celebration if you can't share it?" Naruto asked, feeding her one of the small treats. The lights dimmed and the movie started. Naruto noted how empty the theater was tonight – only a few other families with children dotted the rows. For all intents and purposes, it was just the two of them here in the dark.

At first, there was the awkward decision of how to split their armrest. They settled for her arm on top of his. The movie, as expected, was actually pretty good – a lot of catch songs, anthropomorphic sea creatures, and a silly romance between a Ningyo princess and a young prince.

Of course, Naruto had a hard time focusing on the plot when Hinata began snuggling into his arm about twenty minutes into the movie. At first, he didn't know how to react as his heart began running away in his chest. Dude, she's clearly not looking for personal space! Naruto slid his arm around her, hugging her into him. She was resting her head on his shoulder, and his fingers were gently tracing through her hair. When the time for the prince and the princess to kiss came up on screen, he and Hinata couldn't resist a chance to see if they could do a better job. We totally win!

When the lights came up after the movie, Naruto couldn't help but feel disappointed. An hour and a half of heaven, and now it was over. For at least a short while, he had been free of being a shinobi and was just a boyfriend spending his birthday with his girlfriend. A quick check of his watch told him it was 1840. "We still have some time," he said, "You up for that walk before we go to Ichiraku's?"

Hinata beamed, "I'd love to!"

Outside the theater, the air turned cool, and there was a light mist of rain. Hinata shivered, and Naruto instinctively took his jacket off and put it over her shoulders, "Thanks," she smiled her cute smile. The walked through the darkened park hugging one another side by side. The only illumination was the dim light of stone lanterns. "Naruto," Hinata sounded nervous, "is something wrong?"

"What do you mean?" I thought the date was going well!

"Well, you've barely said a word to me this whole time. I-I didn't know if you were enjoying yourself."

"Hinata," he chuckled, "You worry too much as always." He hugged her close as they stopped. "Having you here was the greatest birthday gift I could have asked for! I thought words would spoil the occasion" As they pulled back slightly, he admired her haunting level of beauty in the dim light. "H-Hinata…"

"Y-Yes?"

"May I kiss you?" he asked as his heart thundered in his throat.

"You're my boyfriend, it's not like you have to ask," she whispered with a nervous smile.

"I know," Naruto slowly pulled her closer, "it's just that," his words cut off as his lips brushed over hers. She was cold; he hugged her close, careful not to break contact as she snaked her arms around his shoulders. He traced his fingers along the back of her neck and her cheek. Not knowing what was possessing him, he gently began sucking at her bottom lip.

Hinata shivered but did not pull back. She replied in kind, closing her eyes. Her kiss had him addicted and he wanted more. He gently parted her lips with his kiss, testing the limit as his tongue caressed over hers. Hinata initially retreated. Crap! Way to go, genius!

Before he could pull back in disappointment, she clamped him in a bear hug and her return kiss invaded him desperately, almost causing him to stumble. Try as they might, the hunger for air overcame the desire to stay locked together forever. As they released, their panting breathes turned to steam in the cool night air. Naruto wanted to apologize for being so closed off recently, and he knew it was now or never, "I love you, Hinata Hyūga!"

Her eyes peeled wide at the simple words. They had shared them before, but never aloud. "I love you, too, Naruto!" she kissed him again briefly, before resting her head on his shoulder. He could feel moist tears joining the raindrops. "I thought," she said breathlessly, "this was supposed to be your happy birthday!"

"It is," he laughed, "I've never been happier." He ran his fingers through her silk hair. "When this business with the exam is all over, Hinata, I want to spend more time with you."

"I'd love nothing more," she sighed, "but Naruto, we need to get going," she said nervously.

"Why?" he laughed.

"You're parents are meeting us for dinner; they might wonder what we're doing if we don't get there soon."

"Point taken," he said as they turned in the direction of Ichiraku's holding hands the whole journey. As they arrived, his heart sank – the place was packed to the rafters. "Hinata, I don't think we can get in!"

"Well," she fidgeted, "We could ask what the wait is."

"Probably two hours at this rate," he sighed, "but sure." They crossed the street. While he'd miss Ichiraku's Naruto didn't let it get him down. He was still high as a kite from kissing Hinata and finally telling her in person that he loved her. He pulled back the curtain to the smell the rich aroma of ramen.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" the wall of sound nearly knocked him backwards out of the entrance. Behind the counter, Teuchi, his parents, Kakashi, Kurenai, Jiraiya, Hiashi, Akemi, and Tsunade stood. In front, all his friends, including the Sand Siblings stood. Naruto was amazed so many people could fit in such a tiny shop.

He turned to Hinata, blushing with a smile, "You!" he pointed a finger in mock-scowl.

"Guilty as charged," she giggled.

"I'll guess I'll have to punish you," he said as he drew her in for a kiss. A chorus of howls and whistles rose up. Happy birthday indeed.

Kushina looked in on her son, now asleep with a giant smile on his face. She would only have one, but one was enough. "Good night son," she closed the door.

As she walked downstairs, Minato stood near the dining table, his face bright and smiling. "So, not bad, eh?" he asked.

"Minato," she felt a tiny ember of fire burning in her, "you and I need to have a serious chat about our boy," her voice began simmering.

"Ummm… what do you mean," he asked nervously.

"Don't play coy with me! You saw that kiss they had at the restaurant! He's turning into a raging bundle of teenage hormones!"

"He's only been a teenager for less than twenty-four hours, what do you mean?" he raised his hands as if trying to keep an angry lioness at bay.

"What do I mean?" she scowled, her hair dancing life angry fire, "It all starts with a kiss, you fiend!" She shot a finger at him angrily, "Pretty soon they'll be making out on the couch! And then he's going to get the wandering hands, and she won't stop him, either!"

Minato soon joined in her fire, "And pretty soon they'll be screwing on the dining table, ruining dinner, and they'll have the audacity to go to Ichiraku's afterwards and not invite us!"

"EXACTLY!" she shouted. Wait a minute… "Wait, how did you know I was going to say that?" she asked, confusion overwhelming her passion.

"We have been married a while," he chuckled before turning his gaze to the dining table, full of mischief, "And if you remember, I'm pretty sure that's where we made Naruto." Minato began turning red with laughter.

Kushina turned pink with the memory of what they had done on the dinner table that night – the same dinner table they had shared family meals and entertained guest at for years since. For that matter, even the living room couch where she had consoled, nursed, read, and relaxed on for years could tell more than a few naughty tales. "You, perv, are giving him the sex talk when he wakes up, and you're not charming your way out if it, either!" she scolded, raising and index finger.

"Already taken care of," Minato smiled.

"You what?" she asked skeptically.

"We had a father-son day, and he had one of those dreams this morning. I kind of figured it was as good a time as any to explain things after that."

"You didn't give him Jiraiya's version, right?"

"Jiraiya's version was how much to pay, hon, I didn't think that was appropriate!" He laughed, and she joined in with him. "Now come on, sit with me on the couch, we need to have a serious talk, ourselves!"

What could he possibly need to talk about? She joined him nervously as he sat down. "So?"

"Well," he pulled out an envelope with the Hokage's seal and the education board's address in the corner, "I have news good and bad."

"Ah shit, Konohamaru's stunt didn't get the boards approval?"

"There was some consternation about letting an academy student use such unorthodox tactics, yes," he grinned

"So, give it to me, no sugar coating," she said as she flopped back into the cushions.

"I thought you liked sugar," he grinned wider as he leaned over her.

"Wait," she cocked up an eyebrow, "I thought you said you had bad news?"

"Yes, you're going to have a mountain of paperwork to get your students registered officially and get them set up for testing.

Wait! That means! "I am a Jonin-Sensei again!" she heaved.

"And the good news is, you can boast that you're the only Jonin-Sensei who has ever made out with the Hokage!" He planted a passionate, drugging kiss on her mouth. Fiend!

Author's note: Hey everyone, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and thanks for reading. Stay safe wherever you are in the world, and I'll see you in a week.

-Adam