Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters as they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.The author of the cover image is indy-riquez from DeviantArt. You can check the link for the original image in my profile.

Chapter 32: A Heart To Heart

The Hokage's footsteps thundered through the hall of the last hospital floor as Tsunade made her way to a particular room in a hurry. She had just gotten word that Team Seven had arrived with Naruto. Apparently, the mission had been a success but Naruto was in bad shape so he had been sent here to Konoha's main hospital as soon as he arrived. Still, Tsunade wanted to confirm Naruto's status herself.

The Sannin turned a corner and made her way to the first door on the right, ignoring a nervous Yugao guarding the entrance before she went in. Inside the room, Tsunade found Team Seven along with the Iwa girl, all gathered around Naruto's bed while Sakura and a couple of nurses were treating the unconscious boy.

All the people present turned to look at their leader as soon as she entered the hospital room. Kurotsuchi and Sai were expecting some kind of reprimand right away, but instead, Tsunade ignored them and went over to Naruto at once.

''Sakura, how is he?!'' Asked Tsunade with urgency.

Sakura passed her glowing hand back and forth over Naruto's body as she answered. ''We have stabilized him, Tsunade-Shishou. He just needs plenty of rest''

Nevertheless, Tsunade didn't seem convinced. ''Out of the way'' Ordered the Sannin as she pushed her student and the two other nurses away before she also coated her hand with Chakra to scan over Naruto's body with it just as Sakura had been doing.

For the next couple of minutes, everyone stared silently at the Hokage while she kept checking Naruto over with a frown, deep in focus.

Finally, Tsunade let out a sigh of relief after she confirmed that Naruto was indeed fine now, save for how dirty he was. She would have never forgiven herself if Naruto had died because of an oversight she made. ''Keep him under observation just to make sure nothing bad happens to him'' Said Tsunade to the nurses. Tsunade wished that she could stay all day herself with the boy but she still she had some other matters to attend to now that the most urgent task was done.

After that, Tsunade turned to look at Kurotsuchi, who had been standing silently watching Naruto's treatment anxiously.

The Hokage shot the girl an icy glare as she slowly walked to her. ''I believe I told you that you weren't allowed to go on the mission''

''You did say that, yes'' Said Kurotsuchi calmly, not letting herself be intimidated by the Hokage but also trying to not sound or act insolently.

''Then, why have I been informed that you arrived at the village gates with Team Seven, and without the ANBU I assigned to keep an eye on you no less?'' Questioned Tsunade with a murderous edge in her voice. Glaring straight into Kurotsuchi's pink eyes.

The tomboy seemed to think carefully what she was about to say, but in the end she settled for taking a deep breath before answering truthfully. ''That's because...because I disobeyed and went with them anyway'' Kurotsuchi wasn't going to bullshit her way out of this. Lying would make things worse for her.

Tsunade gave the girl an incredulous look. The nerve of the girl to say so uncaringly to her face that she deliberately ignored her orders. She was a prisoner from their nation's worst enemy. Tsunade wasn't going to tolerate the girl acting like she owned the place! The Hokage's eyes lit up in fury and she was about to explode when someone else spoke up.

''It's my fault too, Hokage-Sama''

Everyone turned to look at Sai in surprise.

''Say what?'' Asked Tsunade dangerously.

''I'm the one who exchanged places with Kurotsuchi-San so she could go'' Said Sai. ''Please, if you are going to blame someone for this blame me''

Kurotsuchi looked at Sai in astonishment, she had never expected him to try and fault himself in her stead. Sakura apparently had similar thoughts considering the look she was giving the boy too.

Tsunade turned her chilly gaze to Sai. ''I knew that we couldn't trust Danzo's men. Fine, if you so wish you can share a cell with the girl'' If Danzo wanted his toy back he would have to go pick him up himself.

''Please, Tsunade-Shishou reconsider!'' Said Sakura. ''I'm sure that Kurotsuchi-San did what she did because she was worried for-''

''Quiet!'' Thundered Tsunade, Shutting the pinkette up. ''I didn't ask for your opinion, Sakura'' She couldn't believe that Sakura of all people was talking back to her. Tsunade was normally very lenient with her Shinobi but she wouldn't tolerate them blatantly disobeying orders, and as far as the Iwa girl is concerned Tsunade had already been overly generous to her. Kurotsuchi should have thought twice about the consequences of her actions before throwing Tsunade's and Konoha's hospitality into the trash.

''If I may, Hogake-Sama'' Interrupted Kakashi. ''Kurotsuchi was of great help in the mission. She is the one who retrieved Naruto and killed an Akatsuki member single-handedly''

''You too, Kakashi?'' Asked Tsunade in shock. ''Don't tell me you are going to defend her too''

''She could have used her stunt to escape, but not only did she not, but she also risked her life to bring Naruto back'' Said Kakashi.

''So I should drop the issue just because she didn't run away at the first chance she got?'' Asked Tsunade incredulously.

''What I'm saying is that without Kurotsuchi's help Naruto wouldn't be here right now. With all due respect, I think that hurling her into a cell is a bit harsh considering her contributions'' Said Kakashi. ''So I ask, does the punishment fit the crime?''

Everyone stared at Kakashi in awe. It was strange to see him question authority.

Tsunade sighed in frustration as she massaged her temple. She couldn't just let the girl get away with this, but Kakashi did bring out good points. Incarcerating the girl for breaking the rules to help Naruto from a bad situation- a situation Tsunade put him in- seemed overly harsh. ''What am I going to do with you all?'' Muttered the Hokage. It seemed that Team Seven was dead set on making her grow white hairs.

''Hokage-Sama'' Said Kurotsuchi, at last, causing everyone to look at her. She was glad for Team Seven's help, she really was, but she had to try and get out of this herself. She didn't want Naruto to wake up to all his friends in a cell because of her.

''I know that you don't like me'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''And I would be lying if I said you were my favorite person in the world''

Tsunade frowned at the rather rude remark. The girl better be getting somewhere with that comment or she was just making things worse for herself.

''And you can doubt and call bullshit on everything I say'' Continued Kurotsuchi. ''But if there is just one thing that you can bet anything that I'm being truthful is when I say that I care about Naruto. He has helped me more times than I can count, he is always there for me when I need him, even when I don't need him. He is the most selfless and kind person I now. He is wonderful''

Tsunade's face actually softened just a bit at Kurotsuchi's confession, but she still didn't know what Kurotsuchi was getting at.

''He is a friend to me, the best friend I've ever had in fact'' Kurotsuchi continued. ''I would do anything in my power to help him just as he has helped me. I would even risk my life. Yes, I disobeyed and I would do it again. I would do it as many times as necessary if it meant helping Naruto. If I end up rotting in a cell for this at least I know I did it for the right person'' Finished Kurotsuchi with a fierce look in her pink eyes, showing her determination.

Tsunade widened her eyes momentarily as she was reminded of someone as she looked at the girl: of herself. The manner in which Kurotsuchi spoke of Naruto, the way her eyes lit up as she praised him, and the unfaltering resolve as she stood by him. Tsunade was familiar with that, she had been the same way with...Dan.

Tsunade stared agape at the girl, her shock reflected in her eyes. This couldn't be, it wasn't possible...except that it was, it was entirely possible. It wasn't farfetched to think that Kurotsuchi and Naruto were in lo-...

Kurotsuchi and Team Seven looked at the Hokage in wonder. The Sannin just kept staring at the Iwa girl without not speaking a word and it was starting to get weird.

After several seconds, Tsunade shook her head as if to clear her mind. After that, she went back to stare hardly at Kurotsuchi, making the girl and Team Seven tense up in anticipation of the Hokage's verdict, and after that strange reaction of hers who knew what she would do.

Tsunade's gaze bore into Kurotsuchi's own, making the girl nervous but she still didn't back down.

The awkward silence continued for a bit before Tsunade finally broke it. ''You really are insolent'' commented Tsunade, looking at Kurotsuchi straight in the eye.

Finally, the Hokage gave a deep sigh. ''Let me know when Naruto wakes up. I'll be in my office'' Said Tsunade.

The rest of the people present looked at the Hokage with incredulity. That wasn't what they had expected to hear.

Kurotsuchi wasn't satisfied with that answer. ''So, does this mean that-''

''It means...'' Interrupted Tsunade. ''That you are safe. For now. But this is the last time I tolerate something like this''

Kurotsuchi felt relief wash over her. She was ready to go to jail for Naruto but it was good to know that she wouldn't have to talk to him again through prison bars.

''However, you and I need to have a talk, girl'' Said Tsunade.

Kurotsuchi frowned. A talk? she wondered was was it about.

''But that will be later. I can't deal with this crap right now'' Added Tsunade as she massaged her temple yet again. Then she turned around and was on her way out when she glanced back at them once more. ''Good job in bringing NAruto back'' Finished the Hokage before she left.

Yugao saw the Hokage come out of the hospital room before she went over to her leader at once to try and explain herself. ''Hokage-Sama, I'm sorry about the girl. I should have been more careful and not fall for her tricks. I'll accept any punishment you-''

Yugao was silenced by a hand motion from the Hokage, telling her that it was enough. The ANBU woman stared nerve-wrecked at the Sannin as Tsunade directed her gaze at her.

''Lose the girl again and I'll not just demote you and your entire squad, but you'll be doing D-ranks for life too'' Said Tsunade.

Yugao rapidly got on one knee in respect to the village leader. ''Of course, Hokage-Sama. I'll not fail you this time''

Tsunade simply nodded at the ANBU before walking away without another word, leaving Yugao to wonder what was wrong with the Hokage.

''I need a drink. Or ten'' thought Tsunade as she made her way out of the hospital. She didn't think she would get much work done today.

Back in the room, Kurotsuchi and the rest of Team Seven didn't know what to think of the Hokage's reaction, it certainly hadn't been standard.

Now that they were done with that, Kurotsuchi turned to look at Team Seven.

''What were you guys thinking?!'' Asked the exalted Kurotsuchi, catching everyone else by off-guard.

''What is it?'' Asked Sai.

''Why did you guys take the blame with me?!'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''That was stupid!'' What would Naruto have thought if he had woken up just to find his entire team screwed because of her?

''Shinobi who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash'' Said Kakashi reassuringly. After seeing his Team working together to help a comrade he couldn't just stand by without doing something.

Kurotsuchi seemed surprised to hear that. ''You really consider me a comrade?''

''Of course'' Said Sakura with a smile. ''You might not be from Konoha, but you are a member of Team Seven, at least to us''

''Just as Sakura-San says'' Added Sai. ''As a team, we have to look out for one another''

Kurotsuchi stared in wonder at Team Seven while they smiled at her. Soon, Kurotsuchi found herself returning their smile. ''Stupid Konoha ninjas'' Muttered Kurotsuchi jokingly under her breath. Yeah, they might be Konoha Shinobi, but they were her friends, that was clear now to Kurotsuchi. It seemed that Naruto wasn't the only good thing she had found while she was tangled in this political mess.

''Well, I think I better get going'' Said Kakashi. ''I still have to write the report of our mission''

''Let me help'' Said Sai. ''After all, I haven't contributed anything to the mission. The least I can do is help with the paperwork''

''Thank you Sai, I appreciate it'' Said Kakashi. ''Then, we'll see you girls around'' Finished Kakashi as he and Sai left with a wave of their hand.

''Farewell, guys'' Sakura waved back.

''See you around'' Said Kurotsuchi.

And with that, both Kakashi and Sai left the room.

Now that they were left alone, Sakura addressed Kurotsuchi. ''Well, I'm staying. I already work at the hospital when I'm not on missions. So I better keep an eye on Naruto from time to time while I'm here''

Kurotsuchi nodded in understanding. ''By the way, Sakura''

Sakura raised an eyebrow at Kurotsuchi. ''Yes?''

''Can I...stay here with Naruto?'' Asked Kurotsuchi with a slight blush on her cheeks.

Sakura smiled at the tomboy. It was sweet that she wanted to stay with him. Sakura was sure that it would mean a lot to Naruto. ''Of course. You can stay by his side. Tell me if anything is wrong''

''Thanks, Sakura'' Said Kurotsuchi gratefully.

The pink-haired medic shot Kurotsuchi one last friendly smile before she walked out of the room, probably to get more serum for Naruto.

With Sakura gone, Kurotsuchi was left alone in the room with the boy. After that, she went over to Naruto's bed. She grabbed a nearby chair and placed it just beside the blond before she sat down.

Kurotsuchi watched Naruto sleep peacefully, and despite being happy that he was back safe and sound, she still couldn't help but feel guilty that he had gotten hurt in the first place.

She leaned towards Naruto, slowly using the back of her gloved hand to brush off a stray hair from Naruto's forehead. ''I'm sorry'' whispered the girl as she proceeded to caress his cheek tenderly. She knew that the right thing to do was to distance herself from him, for their villages sakes, but now she realized that she couldn't, she simply couldn't ignore these feelings, she had tried and it didn't work. If her village didn't like it, fine, she simply wouldn't let them find out. At the end of the day it was her business and her business alone who she was in love with.

She would always love her village, but it was unfair that they got to say who she could and couldn't love. All her life she had done what her village had wanted her to do and she had done it without a second thought, but now It was time to do what her heart told her to do even if her people didn't approve, she had earned it as far as she was concerned.

She contemplated the sleeping boy in front of her and she grasped his hand with her own as she promised that she would make things right.

''I won't leave your side again, Naruto''


Naruto opened his eyes to face a white roof above him. Considering the strong smell of cleaning products, so strong that almost burned his nose, and the white room he was in, he concluded that he was in the hospital.

''How did I get here?'' Wondered the blond silently. The last thing he remembered was that sadistic asshole using him as target practice.

With a groan, he sat up straight. He still felt sore but luckily almost all his wounds seemed to have closed. Also, he noted that the nurses had to have cleaned him up since the last time he had been conscious he was covered in blood and now his skin was spotless.

He inspected himself to find that he was wearing a blue T-shirt and he lifted the covers to see that he had blue shorts on. At least he was completely covered up, which was good.

Then, Naruto widened his eyes in shock as he finally noticed that he wasn't alone. Kurotsuchi was asleep beside him, her torso slung on the edge of the mattress while she sat on a chair at the side of the bed. She was resting her head on her arms as she snored lightly.

Naruto was frozen at finding Kurotsuchi with him. She had been avoiding him for a while now, and to find her at his side was a surprise, a pleasant one, but a surprise nonetheless.

Naruto smiled warmly at the figure of the sleeping girl. How he had missed her. He wasn't sure if she was over whatever got her mad at him in the first place but he hoped that she being with him right now was a good signal. But even if she hadn't forgiven him he would do everything he could to fix things between them. After realizing what he felt for her he vowed to be with her and make her happy. It was pathetic that it had taken a near-death experience to realize how he really felt about this girl, but now that he did he was going to enjoy every moment with her.

After a couple of minutes, Naruto finally decided that Kurotsuchi looked rather uncomfortable sleeping like that, so he slowly put his hand on her back and shook her gently.

Kurotsuchi stirred slightly before she opened her eyes. She sat up and rubbed her face before her eyes fell on Naruto and a wide grin plastered on her face.

''Naruto, you are awake!'' Exclaimed the girl in joy.

''Yep! I'm up and-oof!'' Naruto was interrupted as the girl enveloped him into a tight hug. ''Kurotsuchi...I'm still...ouch...sore...''

''sorry!'' Said Kurotsuchi flustered as she let go of the blond.

''No problem. I'm happy to see you too'' Said Naruto with a smile.

''Here. Drink'' Said Kurotsuchi as she poured him a glass of water before handing it to him.

''Thanks'' Responded the blond as he proceeded to gulp the liquid down. He gave a satisfied sigh, he had been thirsty as hell.

''How are you feeling?'' Asked Kurotsuchi with concern.

''Better than before that's for sure. Those bastards were sadists'' Said Naruto before he widened his eyes at remembering the Akatsuki. ''that's right! What happened to those assholes?!''

''They are dead. Good riddance'' Said Kurotsuchi with contempt.

''Dead? How?'' Asked Naruto. They had been strong, he didn't want to think of any more of his friends dying trying to save him.

''We tracked them down'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''We fought them. Honestly, it's a pretty long story. I'll tell you the details later''

''But, were you guys hurt? Were you hurt?!'' Asked Naruto in worry.

''We are fine. We just got a few flesh wounds, that's all'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''Sakura already took care of them''

''I'm glad'' Said Naruto. He didn't want his friends getting hurt because of him. But then, he put on a solemn expression, as he remembered someone else. ''What about Izumo and Kotetsu?''

Kurotsuchi also displayed a sad look at the mention of the two Chunin that accompanied Naruto. ''I don't know the guys so I can only tell you what I've heard. As I know, Kotetsu is being taken care of. He is in critical condition but he is alive. Izumo on the other hand...''

Kurotsuchi's silence told Naruto all he needed to know. ''Damn it!'' Muttered the blond angrily. He had seen Izumo get stabbed in the neck, but he still had a small hope that he had somehow made it. And that was without taking into account the fire monks. If the Akatsuki weren't targeting him all those people would still be alive. ''It's because of me''

''Don't even think of blaming yourself, Naruto'' Said Kurotsuchi, already knowing where this was going.

''But if they hadn't been with me they wouldn't be...''

''This is not your fault'' Repeated Kurotsuchi. She grabbed her chair and placed it closer to the head of the bed so she could sit at eye level with Naruto. ''They attacked my home too, remember? They hurt everyone they get their hands on. Those Akatsuki fucks are the ones to blame for everything, no one else''

Naruto nodded solemnly, that was true. The Akatsuki were the ones that decided who would get hurt in the accomplishment of their goal, whatever those were, but that still didn't make Naruto feel a whole lot better, people still died and nothing was going to change that.

Kurotsuchi frowned, typical of Naruto to feel responsible for anything he could. But she couldn't blame him, she would do the same in his place, probably. She decided that it was best to distract Naruto from the topic altogether. ''If it makes you feel better, we really kicked those guys to hell and back''

''Really?'' Asked Naruto, a bit curious to know a bit more of their fight with the Akatsuki.

''Oh yes, that scythe-wielding bastard is going to need more than just his immortality to put himself together, and that's if he manages to get out of that collapsed cave'' Said Kurotsuchi smugly.

''What? Don't tell me that you beat him by yourself'' Asked a surprised Naruto.

''Why so surprised?'' Said Kurotsuchi with a proud smile. ''Of course I did it myself. That's what he gets for messing with my little knucklehead. Only I can beat your ass'' Finished the girl with a friendly smile as she put her hand over Naruto's own.

Naruto beamed at the girl. He felt very privileged that she considered him that important to her, and she had managed to lift his spirits to boot just like only she knew how to. Whenever he was with her he felt like everything was right in the world.

He stared back at those beautiful pink eyes glancing warmly at him. He didn't know why it had taken him so long to realize what he felt for her, but now that he did he wasn't going to lose her again, that was a promise of a lifetime.

Kurotsuchi noticed Naruto eyeing her with such tenderness that it was starting to make her feel butterflies in her stomach. She blushed slightly before giving him a small timid smile, something very uncharacteristic of her. ''What is it?'' She asked tentatively.

Naruto kept smiling at her. ''I missed this, being with you I mean''

Kurotsuchi's blush got even brighter, but then her expression got melancholic when she remembered that the reason they haven't shared a moment like this in a long time was because she didn't allow them to have one. ''Naruto. I wanted to let you know that I'm sorry about before, about avoiding you. You deserve to know why I did what I did''

Naruto looked at her in impassively before he gave her a smile. ''Don't worry about it, that's-''

''Please let me finish. I need to tell you this'' Interrupted Kurotsuchi, getting a nod from Naruto.

Kurotsuchi took a deep breath before continuing. ''First, I want you to know that it wasn't your fault. I thought that we were getting too close, and as you know that could cause trouble since you are the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki and I'm the Tsuchikage's granddaughter. Our villages wouldn't want us getting too friendly''

''So, you did it because you didn't want our friendship to heat things up between our homes?'' Asked Naruto, tilting his head in curiosity.

''Yeah, at least that's what I told myself. If I'm being honest that's only part of it'' Admitted Kurotsuchi. ''The truth is that I think I was afraid''

''Afraid?'' Repeated Naruto. ''Afraid of what?''

''I was afraid...'' Then, Kurotsuchi steeled herself and looked at Naruto in the eye. ''Of how I felt for you''

Naruto widened his eyes in shock. Of how she felt for him? Did that mean what he thought it meant?

''When I'm with you I feel like I can do anything I set myself to do as long as you support me, like no matter what happens everything will be alright. I feel safe'' Said Kurotsuchi as her eyes bore into Naruto's own. She wanted him to see into her soul, to see that she was true. ''But I was also showing you a part of me that I've never shown anyone else. It was like being emotionally naked. It made me feel vulnerable. I'm not used to putting myself into a position that made it easy for me to get hurt. I was scared of all these weird feelings that I've never felt before. So I told myself that I had to separate myself from you for my village's sake. But the truth is that I was terrified of feeling vulnerable, I was scared of getting hurt''

Naruto's eyes softened at hearing that. ''I wouldn't hurt you, you know that''

''I know that you wouldn't hurt me. Not on purpose. But when you are this close to someone is just a matter of time until someone hurts the other'' Said Kurotsuchi firmly. ''But you know what? It doesn't matter. Being close to someone means sharing painful moments not just good ones, but it's all so worth it when it is with the right person. So I've decided that I won't be afraid anymore. I want to laugh with you, and cry, and quarrel, and comfort each other; it doesn't matter, not as long as it is together. And if someone else has a problem with it, be it our friends, or our villages, they can shove their concerns where the sun doesn't shine'' Said Kurotsuchi with a face full of determination, making Naruto stare at her in awe.

''That's why I want to be at your side for as long as I can. But only if you let me stay'' Concluded the girl, waiting expectantly for what Naruto had to say.

Naruto silently articulated his words as Kurotsuchi patiently let him take his time. After a moment, Naruto also took a deep breath. ''When the Akatsuki captured me, I thought that was the end. I kept thinking that I was never going to become Hokage, or that I would never see my team again. But that didn't scare me at the time, it mostly made me angry. But you now what really scared me? That I was never going to see you again and tell you how much you mean to me''

Kurotsuchi watched Naruto in amazement. To think that she was the main thing in his mind in such situation.

''I've had friends before, and mentors. And while they are very important to me and would die for each and every one of them, no one had made me feel the way you have'' Continued Naruto with a thoughtful look. ''Until you arrived I never knew how it was to go back home and know that someone was waiting there for me, to know that I wasn't alone. You gave me a family, even if just a small one''

''A family, huh?'' Thought Kurotsuchi with a smile.

''And then I started to notice how awesome you were. Yes, you could be cold, and ruthless; but also kind and sweet. And in time you became my friend, the best one'' Said Naruto. ''But I was confused also, because what I felt with you wasn't like anything I felt with the rest of my friends so I started to wonder if there was something more, and I was right; you became the most important person in my life, if you were gone I don't know what I would do, I can't see myself going back to a life without you. So yes you can stay-no- I want you to stay''

Kurotsuchi responded him with a small but kind smile. ''Good, because I'm not going anywhere'' Said Kurotsuchi, leaning forward a little bit to stare at Naruto's eyes.

''Then you are going to have to put up with my stupid ass a bit longer'' Joked Naruto as he mimicked her actions, also leaning a little bit.

She gave a small laugh.''I wouldn't have it any other way, you know that''

Blue stared into pink as their eyes tried to convey with their gaze their feelings. They both felt their heartbeat rising as they slowly diminished the gap between them.

They closed their eyes as soon as they felt each other's breath brushing their faces. At last, their mouths locked, causing a small moan of pleasure from both at the tender touch of their lips. After such a long time, they finally let the emotions buried deep within them take hold of their actions as they left their instincts to guide them. Naruto put his hand on Kurotsuchi's shoulder while she held the back of his neck, deepening the kiss as another moan escaped them. their noses clashed against each other as they enjoyed each other's taste, not caring for anything in the world but the person in each other's grasp.

At this exact moment, they didn't know if what they were doing was bad or wrong, but that didn't matter, as they both had never felt so right.

Author's note:

It finally happened! I have been waiting for this moment ever since I started writing this story! Oh man, I so so hope I did okay. I don't consider myself an outstanding writer by any means and I wanted the last scene to be the best as I could make it so I can only hope I made it passable.

This chapter was originally going to be part of the last one but I felt that I had already crammed too much into one so I decided to split them. That's why this one came out so fast.

I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter because I certainly did!

And as always, please leave a review or PMme if you get the chance and I'll see you guys next time.