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 40: Passionate Feelings

Naruto and Sakura stared down somberly at the still form of Tsunade as Shizune tended to her unconscious master.

They had heard that Tsunade was in a pretty poor state after Pain's attack and they came to check on her. They hadn't been prepared to see her like this, though.

''Shizune-nee, when is baachan going to wake up?'' Asked Naruto sadly. It was weird seeing the Sannin like this. She had always given off this aura of authority and power. He was not used to seeing her so helpless, it was almost pathetic.

''I don't know,'' Said Shizune, looking even worse than the two teenagers. She looked depressed with bags under her eyes, her skin was pale, and her hair wasn't properly combed. It was clear that Shizune was taking the state of her master and mentor pretty hard. ''She is stable but I haven't managed to get a reaction out of her so far.''

''Shishou...'' muttered Sakura melancholically. ''Shizune-San, if you want I can help you take care of her. We can take turns so you don't have to stay here all day.''

Shizune shook her head weakly. ''It's fine, Sakura. I want to stay by her side. You two can leave things to me. You would be of more help if you supported the reconstruction of the village.''

''Are you sure?'' Asked Sakura, It didn't feel right to leave Shizune with all the work.

''As I said, I want to stay with her.'' Insisted Shizune.

''Okay, but don't hesitate to call us if you need help.'' Said Sakura.

''That's right! You don't have to do this alone. If you need us just let us know.'' Said Naruto.

''Thanks.'' Said Shizune, not taking her eyes off Tsunade.

Sakura and Naruto glanced worriedly at each other before they turned to leave.

''If you are sure I think we will be leaving now, Shizune-san.'' Said Sakura.

''I'll be seeing you later, Shizune-nee,'' Said Naruto. ''Take good care of granny.''

Shizune simply nodded and the teenagers left the tent, feeling concerned for their Hokage and friend.

Naruto and Sakura found a bench to sit down. Most public places had been destroyed but there were a few that had made it out almost intact, like that bench.

''I hope Tsunade-Shishou recovers soon,'' Said Sakura with a sad frown. ''I can't stand to see her in that state.''

''Yeah, it looks wrong. baachan is one of the strongest people I know. She doesn't deserve to be like that.'' Said Naruto, just as sad as his teammate.

''Is just that the longer she stays unconscious the more she risks staying in a coma.'' Said Sakura. Being a medic she knew how bad a coma could get, especially if it kept prolonging itself.

''Don't say that!'' Said Naruto. ''Granny is strong! She will definitely wake up in no time! You will see.''

Sakura rubbed her eyes before smiling at her teammate. Even if she knew that Naruto liked to be overly optimistic it was nice to hear some encouraging words. ''You are right. Thanks, Naruto''

Naruto smiled reassuringly at Sakura who returned the gesture. After that, both teenagers stared at nothing in particular as they each pondered on the current events.

There was nothing but the chirping of birds for a few minutes keeping things from being totally silent.

''Say, Naruto. What are you doing today after this?'' Asked Sakura curiously trying to start small talk. With how things were right now in the village their schedules and activities were all over the place, they didn't even have regular missions right now save for helping rebuild the village.

''I dunno,'' Said Naruto thoughtfully. ''I guess I'll help around the village and see what Kurotsuchi is up to.'' He hadn't seen her since yesterday. Since they lost their apartments, Kurotsuchi shared a tent with Yugao for the night and Naruto didn't feel comfortable waking her up. After what she had gone through he had opted for letting her rest.

At the mention of the Iwa tomboy, Sakura started fidgeting uncomfortably. She had almost forgotten the scene that Naruto and Kurotsuchi had made the day before but only because it had been so surreal that it almost seemed like a dream to the pinkette. She hadn't expected the two of them to be a couple, but now that she thought about it she felt like an idiot for missing all the signs that they liked each other. The thought of Naruto being involved with someone was a weird one, especially a foreign Kunoichi. She could only hope that this helped Naruto mature, Kami knew he needed that.

''So, you and Kurotsuchi-san, uh?'' Inquired Sakura slyly as she elbowed Naruto in a playful manner.

Naruto stared at his teammate as he blushed furiously. ''W-What about it?! We are dating, so what?''

''Nothing, nothing,'' Said Sakura. ''It's just that...Is weird seeing you like this, you know? I didn't expect you to fall in love with Kurotsuchi.''

Naruto crossed his arms, focusing on what Sakura said. ''To tell you the truth, I didn't expect it either. I never even considered it could happen, it just...happened.''

''Come on, you suspected nothing? not even a little bit?'' Insisted Sakura.

Naruto shook his head. ''It didn't even cross my head that someone as amazing as her could like someone like me.''

''Don't sell yourself short, Naruto,'' Sakura scolded him. ''You are a good guy. And I consider Kurotsuchi a good friend but be careful to not put her on a pedestal.'' Sakura knew that Kurotsuchi was a good person, even with her rather difficult personality, but she didn't want Naruto to over-idolize her just because he was in love. That was a dangerous trap to get himself into.

''Is not that I'm putting her on a pedestal,'' Said Naruto. ''Is just that she has a lot of things that I admire about her.''

''Like?'' Asked Sakura.

''You know like, how pretty she is'' Said Naruto.

''Don't tell me you fell in love just because she is pretty.'' Sakura rolled her eyes.

''Of course not! I'm not that shallow!'' Said Naruto, feeling offended.

''You'd better not.'' Said Sakura.

''There are a lot of things I like about her,'' Said Naruto. ''Like, how she is a very important person in Iwa and still she isn't afraid to work hard for her achievements.'' Naruto could bet that most girls in Kurotsuchi's standing would rather be pampered princesses and let everything come to them.

Sakura supposed that Naruto was right. Kurotsuchi did like to earn things herself and wasn't afraid to get herself dirty despite her growing up in royalty, more or less.

''She isn't afraid to speak her mind,'' Continued Naruto. ''She doesn't give up and always tries to improve herself. She doesn't take shit from no one. Not to mention that she is very talented. I can't even compare my natural talent to hers. I admit that it makes me a bit jealous but I really admire her for it. I Really want to be like that someday.''

Sakura thought that Naruto had done a pretty good job of catching up to Kurotsuchi since he got so strong so fast but now that she thought about it, that drive to catch up to her had to be responsible for his rapid growth.

''She has the same dream as me. She also wants to be Kage of her village and I'm sure she will and I'll try to keep up,'' Said Naruto before his features softened. ''But more than anything, I have seen firsthand how sweet she can be. I know she tries to appear though but she is a wonderful girl with a good heart and I know that opening up to people isn't easy for her, so I feel honored that she trusts me enough to let herself be like that with me.''

Sakura looked in wonder at Naruto as she thought about everything he said. The boy noticed the weird way that his teammate was looking at him and was starting to feel self-conscious. ''What is it?'' Asked the Jinchuuriki.

Sakura smiled and shook her head gently. ''It's nothing really. Is just that...the way you talk about her, I can see how much you really love her.''

Naruto blushed as he scratched his cheek. ''You think so?''

Sakura nodded. It was weird seeing that Naruto found love before any of them. She was happy for her teammate even if his partner of choice was very unorthodox. Still, a small part of Sakura couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of Kurotsuchi. Naruto had always used to swoon over her, and seeing him outgrown her hurt a bit. It wasn't like she had expected Naruto to keep chasing after her forever, in fact, she always had wished he stopped and looked for someone who loved him back. But now that it had actually happened she felt sad to have lost some of his affection and attention. If only Sasuke had ever talked about her the way Naruto did about Kurotsuchi...Sakura sighed. Her love life was abysmal if even Naruto was beating her when it came to that.

-Konoha's Marketplace-

"Uffff!" Exclaimed Tenten as she dropped the ropes that she had been pulling several tree logs with. "Done at last!"

"We need a well-deserved rest." Said Kurotsuchi as she too threw aside the ropes she had been using to pull a stack of a dozen logs. She had volunteered to help Team Gai with the reconstruction of the village since they haven't trained together recently.

"You don't look that tired to me," said Tenten as she eyed Kurotsuchi, who looked relatively fresh. "I think that Lee and Gai-Sensei's training has been doing wonders for you. Your stamina is very good"

Kurotsuchi shrugged. "It better. I don't bust my butt for nothing. Still, I think I have yet to catch up to them" Said the tomboy as she pointed with her thumb to the two green-clad ninjas who were just arriving behind them.

"Yosh! I won!" Exclaimed Gai triumphantly as he also left his stacks of logs, but unlike the girls, he had been pulling three dozen. Then, he turned to his student, who arrived at the scene just a second too late. "You are getting slower, Lee!"

"I'm sorry, Sensei!" Yelled Lee as he dropped his three dozen logs and turned to his teacher with tears in his round eyes. "I have let your teachings down! I'll run one hundred laps around the village with my hands as punishment!"

"Easy there, Lee!" Said Gai as he put his palm in front of him dramatically. "While I admire your enthusiasm, as it shows how brightly your flames of youth burn, right now that would be a waste of your valuable energy while the village is in such dire need of help. Instead, vow to work even harder in the rebuilding of our treasured Konoha!"

"Of course, Gai-Sensei!" Replied Lee in admiration. "You are so wise!"

"That's my Lee!" Said Gai as he rewarded his favorite student with a hug.

Kurotsuchi felt bad that those two were able to carry more than her. Why were the crazy ones always so strong?

Tenten could guess what Kurotsuchi was thinking by the look on her face. "Don't worry about it. Gai-Sensei and Lee aren't exactly normal. Is still impressive how you managed to pull the same amount as me and Neji and you didn't even break a sweat."

Neji simply grumbled in annoyance and looked the other way. He had been the first one to finish and he had already been waiting for them, but he had also been the first to start.

''Neji, you have been like this all day. Could you tell us whats wrong with you?'' Asked an annoyed Tenten. Neji was never particularly cheery but he was being moodier than usual, even with Kurotsuchi present.

''I don't know what you are talking about.'' Said Neji as he crossed his arms. It wasn't enough to know that the Iwa Kunoichi had her claws on Naruto, but she also broke Hinata's heart. He spent hours yesterday trying to calm his cousin down but it had been useless, she was simply inconsolable. He guessed that the only reason she even left her room today was that she wanted to help to rebuild the village despite everything. She was so selfless that way. Oh, and her room was being rebuilt since the Hyuga compound was destroyed, so that was a problem too.

''Just ignore him,'' Said Tenten. ''I guess that you can go if you have others things to do. We got this here.''

''If there's no problem with you guys,'' Said Kurotsuchi, stretching her arms. ''I was just wondering where Naruto had gone off to.''

''And speaking of which,'' Said Tenten with an amused smile at being reminded of Naruto. ''You sneaky guys. I would never have guessed you guys were going out. You certainly surprised us yesterday.''

Kurotsuchi blushed furiously at being reminded of that. She had been hoping that they didn't bring that up. ''Well, I lived with Naruto since I arrived here and he is my friend. I think it was natural that we f-fell for each other.'' Said Kurotsuchi, finding difficult to talk about her relationship with Naruto.

''Hey, I'm not judging I'm happy for you,'' Said Tenten. ''I'm glad that Naruto found someone. A lot of girls around here used to think he was annoying, so I'm glad he got a girlfriend in the end.''

Kurotsuchi huffed in annoyance. ''That's because most girls are stupid. Yes, Naruto can be irritating from time to time but his good qualities more than make up for it''

''You are right. Naruto can be too much sometimes but he is a good person.'' Said Tenten. She would know, two of her teammates were like that somewhat.

''That doesn't even start to cover it,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''He is attentive, sweet, always sees the good in people, he treats me with respect...'' Then, she blushed as she elaborated. ''His sole presence makes me feel at ease, he always lets me know how much he values me. And not to mention how good his kisses are...'' She widened her eyes as she put a hand over her mouth, realizing now that she had been swooning like a common schoolgirl. She glanced at Tenten who had stars in her eyes.

''That's wonderful! I didn't know you guys were that serious already, how cute!'' Exclaimed Tenten

''Hearing such powerful demonstration of love makes my heart fill with joy, I can't contain myself!'' Cried Gai with comically large amounts of tears rolling down his cheeks.

''Gahhh! You were listening!?'' Exclaimed Kurotsuchi in surprise at the sudden appearance of the man.

''Naruto and Kurotsuchi-San's love burns brightly with the flames of youth!'' Said Rock Lee, just as moved as his Sensei. ''How wonderful!''

''You too!?'' Said Kurotsuchi in alarm. She hadn't realized that both Gai and Lee had been eavesdropping.

''I'm so sorry, Young Kurotsuchi. We didn't mean to intrude, but hearing such words of passion ignited my own flames of youth!'' exclaimed Gai.

''That's right! We are very sorry but we couldn't help ourselves!'' Said Lee.

''I guess is alright,'' Said Kurotsuchi, not finding it within herself the will to get angry at them. ''But are you guys really okay with me and Naruto being together?''

''I understand your concern, young Kurotsuchi,'' Said Gai. ''Is true that it could cause some problems between the villages but at the end of the day the choice is yours and the callings of the heart shouldn't be policed by such things!''

''Gai-Sensei is correct!'' Said Lee. ''It shouldn't matter if you are from Iwa and Naruto-kun is from Konoha. As long as you guys are happy it shouldn't matter.''

Kurotsuchi was surprised at the quick acceptance of Team Gai but regardless she was still thankful that they at least were supportive.

''What nonsense are you guys babbling about?!''

Kurotsuchi's smile vanished as she and the rest of Team Gai turned to look at Neji who had an enraged face.

''What overly optimistic crap are you guys spewing?'' Said Neji. He had been intently on listening silently and stay out of this nonsense but the more they talked about Naruto and Kurotsuchi's relationship the more he became angry until he finally couldn't take it anymore. ''It doesn't matter if you guys think it should or shouldn't matter to others. The reality is that it does matter regardless of what you guys want to delude yourselves into believing.'' Neji knew that once Iwa got word of all of this they were going to be a lot less understanding than the rest of his team. This was going to cause problems for everyone involved.

''Don't be so negative, Neji,'' Said Tenten with a frown. ''Naruto and Kurotsuchi are happy. I'm sure that if she explains things to her village we can come to some kind of-''

''Shut up!'' Exclaimed Neji, surprising everyone present at his outburst. He had never lashed out to his team, much less Tenten who was the one who got along the most with him. ''This isn't something that it will go away just by talking. Iwa will think we conditioned her to say whatever we wanted her to say. And Naruto being happy? I'm sorry but that won't last. Once the problem with Iwa catches up to all of us, to his village, he won't be happy then.''

Then, Neji turned to glare at Kurotsuchi who was doing the same to him. ''And you. Your relationship with Naruto is already hurting him. After he defeated Pain he was already starting to sway the entire village and convince them that he is not the Kyuubi and that he was their comrade all along. After your reckless actions yesterday, people are starting to question his loyalty. 'Why is he with that Iwa Kunoichi?' they say, 'Is he really loyal to us or to that foreigner?'. He was so close to getting everyone's respect and you had to ruin that for him.''

Kurotsuchi wanted to tear the Hyuga a new one, but she instead glared at the floor as she clenched her fists with anger. She hadn't considered that. If what Neji said was true, was her presence hurting Naruto? Was her love for him getting in the way of his dream of being accepted by his village?

Gai stared sadly at Kurtosuchi, feeling sorry for the girl. Neji was blowing things out of proportion, but there was some truth to it. While not the entire village was judging Naruto for who he chose to love, there were also a lot of people who were unhappy with the boy's choices and were even going back to hating him. Gai himself had heard plenty of shameful things that people were saying behind Naruto's back.

Lee and Tenten were also lost in thought, pondering on these issues that Neji brought to light.

''If you really loved Naruto you would have left him alone,'' Said Neji. ''This so-called love of yours is going to get us all in trouble once your beloved village finds out who you fancy. I for one I'm not too keen on risking my life because of your selfish mistakes.''

''Neji, that's enough.'' Gai scolded his student.

Neji stopped his tirade at the request of his master but he still shot Kurotschi one last glare. Then, he took a deep breath to try and regain his composure. ''Please forgive my outburst, I didn't intend to let myself go like that,'' Said Neji before giving his team a small bow. ''I'm tired. I'll be excusing myself for the day'' And after a nod from his Sensei, Neji turned around and left, trying to push his anger to the back of his mind. He had already said to Kurotsuchi all he wanted to say.

After Neji was gone, Tenten put a comforting hand on Kurotsuchi's shoulder. ''Hey are you alright? Don't listen to Neji he is just been a bit touchy lately.''

''As Tenten says, I'm sure Neji didn't mean what he said.'' Said Lee.

''I'm fine,'' Said Kurotsuchi simply. ''I think I'll be going too.''

''Kurotsuchi...'' Muttered Tenten in concern.

''I'll see you guys around.'' Said the pink-eyed girl before she started walking away while Team Gai glanced somberly at her retreating form.

Kurotsuchi continued walking aimlessly around the village. It had been several minutes after her encounter with Team Gai and she couldn't get Neji's words out of her mind.

Was she really hindering Naruto? That's the last thing she wanted. She only wanted to be by his side, enjoying his company and his warmth. That was it. She only wanted to share her love with him. She didn't want Naruto to lose his chances to win over his own people just because of her. If Konoha didn't accept Naruto he wouldn't become Hokage. She didn't want to be the reason why Naruto didn't achieve his dreams. And what if her home really did come thirsting for blood if they found out about them? She knew that her people wouldn't accept it easily but she hoped she could convince them to not go to such extremes but what if she couldn't? She didn't want to think about it. But she had known the consequences of all of this before she became Naruto's girlfriend. She couldn't help it, she couldn't just ignore her feelings any longer, nor Naruto's. She knew that they have been irresponsible and selfish to put their feelings before their villages but they had had to come to terms with the fact that they were just human and they couldn't ignore their feelings forever. Still, But that didn't mean this was any easier to swallow.

''Hey it's her!'' ''What is she doing here?'' ''Is it true that she and the Kyuubi are involved?'' ''I think she is trying to convert him to Iwa.''

Kurotsuchi tried to ignore the whispers of the villagers around her. Now that Neji had brought the villagers real thoughts to light it was way easier for her to pick up their judgemental stares and whispers. She closed her eyes shut as she walked. She wanted to lash out at them, but that would only make things worse. She had to ignore them as hard as it was.

''Ummm, excuse me?''

Kurotsuchi turned to look at the newcomer who had walked up to greet her. It was a woman with auburn waist-length hair, slim figure, and was dressed casually. The older woman was holding the hand of a young boy no older than five years old.

Kurotsuchi stared curiously at the woman a little bit apprehensively. ''You are talking to me?'' Was the only thing that Kurotsuchi thought to ask her.

''Hey! You are that strong girl from that time!'' Exclaimed the little boy in joy. ''Look mom! She totally is!''

''Do I know you people?'' Asked Kurotsuchi in confusion.

''I'm sorry to disturb you,'' Said the woman politely with a smile. ''We don't mean to be a bother, we just wanted to give you our thanks.''

''What do you have to thank me for?'' Asked Kurotsuchi.

''You probably don't remember us but when Pain attacked the village, My son and me we were hiding in a shelter. Unfortunately, Pain found us and he would have killed us if not for you.'' Explained the woman with a smile of gratitude.

It finally dawned on Kurotsuchi who these people were. So they had been part of that crowd of people that she had saved in that storage building that the mechanical Pain was going to blow up.

''You looked so cool, neesan!'' Exclaimed the little boy. ''I was super duper scared but you gave that bad guy what he deserved!''

''I just had some bone to pick with that...guy'' Said Kurotsuchi, refraining from major crass words in front of a little kid.

''Even so, I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to you for saving me, for saving my boy. Also, I wanted to apologize.'' Said the woman, looking guilty for a moment.

Kurotsuchi just tilted her head at that. Now she wanted to apologize too?

''You see, I have heard a lot about you before. Pretty much everyone has. And I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't trust you because of...you know.''

Kurotsuchi rolled her eyes. Of course, they wouldn't like her because she was from Iwa. Though she couldn't blame her, she herself had hated Konoha for the longest time.

''But now I see that I misjudged you. Please forgive my ignorance.'' Said the woman, bowing to the Kunoichi in respect.

Kurotsuchi stared in surprise at the woman, not knowing what to do for a moment. She had never expected a Konoha citizen to speak to her like that, much less ask for her forgiveness. ''Please stand up. There is no need for that.''

The woman complied but still looked at Kurotsuchi expectantly.

''You don't have to feel bad, I understand. I'm just glad that you guys were able to get away safely.'' Said Kurotsuchi with a smile of her own.

''You really are a good girl,'' Said the woman cheerily. ''I believe that is a shame that our villages can't get along so easily.''

''I think so too.'' Kurotsuchi agreed.

''Okay, I think we have taken enough of your time,'' Said the woman before turning to her little son. ''Say farewell to the young lady.''

''Bye bye pretty lady!'' Said the young boy.

''See you.'' Kurotsuchi waved at them as she saw them off.

Once the civilians had left, Kurotsuchi was left feeling odd. That had been unexpected. She would never have guessed she would ever get the approval of some Konoha citizens. And those two were likely not the only ones feeling like that as she had saved quite a bunch of them during the Pain attack. She smiled at the thought. Maybe a lot of Konoha hated her but at the very least some of them were changing their minds about her. More surprisingly was that she realized she cared, she actually wanted to feel accepted. If only her old self could see her now...

''Guess who?!''

Kurotsuchi felt someone sneak up on her and cover her eyes with their hands. She was quick to react and used her elbow to smack the prankster.

''Ouch! That hurt!'' Said Naruto as he tried to recover his breath.

Kurotsuchi panicked as she now realized she had hit Naruto by accident.

''Naruto! Are you hurt?!'' Asked the tomboy as she rushed to check on him. ''You idiot! Why do you sneak up on me!?'' Seriously, what was the moron thinking? They were Shinobi, they were supposed to react fast with deadly force at the first sign of a threat.

''Sorry, I just wanted to surprise you.'' Said Naruto sheepishly.

''That's fine and all but try to not give me a heart attack,'' Kurotsuchi scolded her boyfriend. ''Or get yourself killed.''

''I know, I know,'' Said Naruto, scratching the back of his head. ''it won't happen again.''

Kurotsuchi shot him a deadpan look for a second more before she grinned warmly. ''But it's good that you are here. I was going to look for you.''

''Same here. I was starting to wonder where you were,'' Said Naruto. ''It was getting late so...''

Kurotsuchi could understand where Naruto was coming from. The sun would set soon and they had yet to see each other in the entire day.

''Say, you ganna grab something to eat? I haven't eaten all day.'' Suggested Naruto.

''Nothing at all?'' Asked Kurotsuchi. ''You should take more care of yourself, dummy.''

''It kinda slipped my mind.'' Said Naruto.

''You forgot to eat?'' Asked Kurotsuchi skeptically. ''That's a new one.''

''Hey, even I get too busy sometimes.'' Said Naruto in his defense.

''I'm just teasing you,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''Lucky for you that I made you something.''

''Really?'' Asked Naruto, unable to contain his excitement.

Kurotsuchi pulled out a scroll from her pouch and opened it to summon something from it. In a puff of smoke a small bento box appeared. ''I sealed it away so it didn't get cold.''

''Aweomse! I have the best girlfriend in the world!'' Said Naruto as he took the bento box with content.

Kurotsuchi blushed at the praise. ''It's no big deal. I haven't made lunch for you lately and I wanted to fix that.''

''You didn't need to bother, but thanks!'' Said Naruto.

Kurotsuchi glanced around to see if there was anywhere where they could sit. Seeing no benches around she brought a palm to the ground and two small chairs made of stone rose from the ground.

''I had forgotten you could do that,'' Said naruto before he sat down. ''I still think is very handy.''

''It does have its uses.'' Kurotsuchi agreed as she too sat down on the newly made chair.

Naruto grabbed a pair of chopsticks and opened the bento box. His mouth watered at the sweet smell and the sight of the food was just as good. ''This looks delicious!''

''I didn't have many ingredients but I did what I could,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''Do you like it?''

Naruto grabbed a chunk of rice with boiled vegetables and he almost cried in joy at the taste. ''Is very good! Man, I missed your cooking!'' Said Naruto before taking another bite.

''Glad to see I haven't lost my touch.'' Said Kurotsuchi.

''Wait, don't you want some?'' Offered Naruto.

''Thank you, but I'm not hungry.'' Said Kurotsuchi, only to be betrayed by her stomach a moment later as it let out a deep growl.

''Is that so?'' Teased Naruto with an amused grin.

''Okay, fine. Maybe I'm a little tiny bit hungry,'' Said Kurotsuchi with a red face. ''But don't worry, I can grab something to eat later.''

''Come on, there is plenty for both,'' Insisted Naruto. ''friends share their stuff, a boyfriend shares even more with his girlfriend.''

''If you are sure...'' Replied Kurotsuchi timidly, still not used to them being labeled as 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend'.

''Here.'' Said Naruto as he held a piece of food with his chopsticks.

Kurotsuchi was about to protest and tell Naruto that she could feed herself just fine, but she decided to humor him took the bite that Naruto offered.

Naruto smiled from ear to ear at seeing her go along with his idea. He took another bite for himself before he offered her some more.

Kurotsuchi took another bite with a little less reluctance. Now that she thought about it, she could get used to this. The boy she liked was feeding her, it kinda made her feel giddy.

''Having a boyfriend has its uses.'' Said Kurotsuchi. Being pampered once in a while felt pretty good.

Naruto was happy to hear Kurotsuchi refer to him as her boyfriend so freely. However, his smile disappeared once something that had been bothering him crossed his mind.

Kurotsuchi noticed Naruto's shift in demeanor and could see his apprehension as he played with his food. ''Naruto, is something wrong?''

''Is just that...are you sure you are okay knowing who my dad is?'' Said Naruto as he focused on his bento to distract himself a bit. They never cleared the issue up properly and he wasn't comfortable letting the issue alone.

Kurotsuchi was filled with guilt as she stared in silence at Naruto. She hated how big of a mess she had made when she found out about the Yondaime and she had taken it all out on Naruto. It seemed that he wasn't completely gotten over the way she reacted. ''I already told you. What your father did has nothing to do with you. You didn't even know him.''

''Are you sure?'' Asked Naruto, still feeling down. ''You were so angry about it and I just come back and you say that everything is fine?'' He couldn't believe entirely that she had gotten over something so important to her with such ease. He just wanted to know that she didn't feel any kind of pressure being with him or that she didn't have second thoughts.

Kurotsuchi grabbed the bento box gently and put it aside before she held Naruto's hand tenderly and looked him in the eye. ''I had my reservations at first, lots of them in fact. But I realized how happy you made me. Once I realized that I just knew that I couldn't let my hatred for that man ruin what I had with you. He had already taken too much from me, I didn't want to let him take you from my life''

Naruto was at a loss for words as he stared into Kurotsuchi's eyes. He hadn't realized just how important she considered him.

''You are selfless and caring. You don't have a mean bone in your body,'' Kurotsuchi continued. ''I'm alive because of you. You didn't just save my life, you gave me back my life. Not only you helped me let go of my hatred and opened my possibilities to a more wholesome life, but you also brought me back the chance to live it. How could I not love you?''

She caressed his cheek but was shocked to see Naruto's features get even sadder. Did she say something wrong?

''You are wrong. I'm not as good as you think I am.'' Said Naruto solemnly.

Kurotsuchi waited attentively to hear what he was talking about. What did he mean by that?

''There is something I haven't told you,'' Explained Naruto. ''When I confronted Pain, and I mean the real one. I was so angry. I had never hated anyone as much as I hated him. I had just seen you die by his hand and he wanted me to listen to his side of the story. I don't even know how I managed to sit through his tale without going crazy, I just wanted him to suffer, to tear him to shreds for what he had done.''

Kurotsuchi listened attentively to Naruto, it was obvious that this was weighted heavily on him.

''I always preached to you how bad hatred was. I never knew until I lost you how you really felt when you said you hated my dad or Konoha. Until then I thought I could understand your pain but I didn't, ''Said Naruto. ''And not only that but I almost disrespected your memory. You told me before you died to never change, to always keep my chin high. I couldn't do it, I wasn't as strong as you thought. I just barely managed to let Pain live. I almost struck him down where he stood just to get revenge. Had I done that, you and the rest would be dead right now. I almost killed your second chance at life. I was so close to ruining everything.''

Naruto felt Kurotsuchi cup his face and made him look at her.

''But you did the right thing in the end,'' Said Kurotsuchi with conviction. ''I was never wrong. I knew that you would do the right thing no matter how hard it was. Just because you almost failed doesn't change the fact that you didn't. This just proved what I said earlier. I didn't misplace my faith in you.''

Naruto stared at Kurotsuchi in wonder. How could she feel so strongly about him?

''Any other person would have failed,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''But you didn't. This is what I mean when I say you are the most wonderful boy I've ever met. I'm glad that I fell for you because I can't think of any other person more deserving of my feelings.''

''Kurotsuchi...'' Naruto muttered, finding difficult to say anything.

Finally, Naruto clasped Kurotsuchi's hands as he looked at her directly in the eyes and gave her a heartful smile. Just their gazes conveyed how much they cared about the other. And now especially, they felt as if they had a much bigger understanding of their partner.

''Thank you.'' Said Naruto gratefully before he started leaning towards Kurotsuchi.

Kurotsuchi prepared herself to accept naruto's feelings as she closed her eyes for the impending kiss.

''There's Naruto.'' ''Hey, Naruto-Kun!''

Both Naruto and Kurotsuchi broke apart, their kiss interrupted, as they noticed a crowd of girls rushing towards them.

''Naruto-sama, it really is you!'' ''I love you, Naruto-Kun!'' ''Please go on a date with me! Hero.''

The girls started circling Naruto as they swooned over him.

Naruto just scratched the back of his neck nervously, unsure of what to do. This had started happening ever since he defeated Pain but this was the first time it happened with Kurotsuchi present.

Kurotsuchi, for her part, looked with disdain at the shameful girls for a moment which was all her patients could take. ''Get your own boyfriend, you bitches!'' Her rage along with her killer intent was enough to send the girls running.

''Gyahh scary!'' ''That's his girlfriend!?'' ''No way! Naruto wouldn't be with someone like her!'' ''I've heard the rumors but I thought they were fake!'' ''If that's the case, Naruto is not as cool as I thought he was'' ''Getting involved with that girl, so gross!''

Kurotsuchi wished she could tear them a new one. They even had the audacity to talk shit even while they ran off.

''Who do they think they are?'' Muttered the angry Kunoichi. ''The nerve of some people.''

''Hehe, at least they went away without much fuzz,'' Said Naruto. ''Everytime I tell them off they get pissed.''

''This isn't the first time it happens?'' Asked Kurotsuchi.

''Nah, every couple of hours or so some new crazy chicks find me,'' Explained Naruto. ''Ever since I beat Pain girls won't leave me alone. At least these ones didn't call me names. Every time I tell them you are my girlfriend they get shocked and don't take it well.''

Kurotsuchi didn't know how to take that. One one side, at the very least they left Naruto alone quickly, but on the other, she could guess what kind of things they yelled at him once he told them he was dating the Iwa prisoner. That just made her remember what Neji had said before.

''Anyway, is getting late,'' Said Naruto. ''You have some place to stay?''

''Not really, our apartment complex is gone,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''I guess I could just ask Yugao if I can stay with her again. But what about you?''

''I got it covered,'' Said Naruto. ''Some of the villagers took the time to build me a new place!''

''Really?'' Asked Kurotsuchi. She should have guessed that Konoha wasn't going to let their new hero sleep on the floor.

''Yep. You can stay with me if you want and don't have anywhere to go.'' Suggested Naruto.

''I guess I'd like to if you are okay with it.'' Said Kurotsuchi. She was already used to spending most of her time hanging out with Naruto in his apartment. This was pretty much the same.

''Let's go then!'' Declared Naruto. Happy to spend more time with Kurotsuchi.

After a few minutes, they arrived at a small shack up a hill. It wasn't big by any means, but it was to be expected. This was just a temporal home until the village reparations progressed further.

''It looks nice, all things considered.'' Commented Kurotsuchi.

''I know is not the best place in the world and it makes me appreciate my old apartment even more,'' Said Naruto. ''But I promise that is very cozy inside.''

Both teenagers made their way in and Kurotsuchi's suspicions were confirmed when she noticed that the place had only enough room for a bed and a couch beside a small window. It didn't even have a bathroom or a kitchen.

''I know is not big but as long as we have a roof over our heads things will be fine. At the very least it will let us have a good night's sleep,'' Said naruto before he gave a mighty yawn. ''You can take the bed. I don't mind the couch.''

''Naruto, this is your place. You take the bed, I'll take the couch.'' Said Kurotsuchi.

''No way! I'm not letting my girlfriend sleep on the couch!'' Said Naruto.

Kurotsuchi regarded the bed as a thought crossed her mind. ''Maybe we could, you know, share the bed?'' Suggested Kurotsuchi with a blush on her face.

''W-what?'' Inquired Naruto incredulously.

''The bed is big enough for both of us, and you are my boyfriend anyway so I don't see the problem.'' Despite what her words said, Kurotsuchi couldn't help but fidget shyly at the thought of being in the same bed as Naruto.

''I-I have no problem, fine with me,'' Said Naruto, trying to hide his own nerves. ''If you have no problem with it I'm all for it.''

''Then is decided.'' Said Kurotsuchi with finality lest she chickened out.

Then, Kurotsuchi proceeded to get herself more comfortable. She had lost all her pajamas in the destruction of her apartment so she had to make do with what she had. She just took off her leggings, her sandals, her Iwa protector, her flak jacket and her gloves. Leaving her with her skirt and black undershirt. She felt so silly. She wasn't even dressed indecently but just taking a few her garments off in front of Naruto made her heart beat ten times faster.

Naruto, for his part, simply took off his sandals and his jacket and Konoha headband. Though he was just as nervous as his girlfriend.

Once they were ready, they went over to the bed and laid down at each end while they faced away from the other.

They stayed silently like that for several minutes but couldn't fall asleep no matter how hard they wished they could.

Naruto shifted a bit, trying to get himself more comfortable. He unintentionally brushed Kurotsuchi's bare leg with his foot, causing the girl to jerk in surprise at the sudden touch.

''S-sorry, I didn't mean it,'' Naruto apologized, still not turning to face his partner. ''Did I wake you up?''

''D-Don't worry, I couldn't sleep anyway.'' Said Kurotsuchi, still blushing after Naruto's touch. She really felt silly. They were just sleeping together, in the literal sense, nothing more. She could only imagine what people would say if they knew they had slept in the same bed. However, instead of getting more embarrassed, Kurotsuchi's thoughts drifted to the girls' reactions after they had found out she was Naruto's girlfriend, also she couldn't help but think of what Neji had said.

''Naruto, are you awake still?'' Kurotsuchi felt Naruto suddenly shift, answering her question before he could respond.

''Y-Yeah, what is it?'' Said Naruto, still fidgety at his current situation.

''Naruto, what if I was getting in the way of your dreams?''

At that question, Naruto's nerves were completely squandered and were replaced by worry. ''What? what does that mean?'' Asked the boy as he rolled himself to face the girl's back.

''Remember what those stupid girls said about you?'' Explained Kurotsuchi. ''How quickly they started talking dirt about you as soon as they knew we were together?''

Naruto frowned in concern. What was Kurotsuchi getting at? ''You said it, they were stupid. Who cares what they said?''

''They weren't the only ones,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''I've heard that people are starting to talk. They say that I'm brainwashing you, that I want to sway you to fight for Iwa.''

Naruto couldn't believe what he was hearing. That was ridiculous. Were people really saying that?

Kurotsuchi turned her body to face the other side of the bed and come face to face with Naruto. ''What if you can't become Hokage because of me? I don't want to be the reason why you never achieved your dream. Maybe we were too reckless, maybe we shouldn't have let everyone know about us just yet.''

Naruto hadn't known that Kuotsuchi was worrying about this kind of stuff. He used his hand to brush a strand of Kurotsuchi's hair and to have a better view of her pink eyes. ''Kuro-chan, you haven't done anything wrong,'' Said Naruto tenderly. ''You worry too much. I'm going to become Hokage, definitely. It doesn't matter what people say right now, I know that they will eventually come around.''

''How can you be so sure?'' Asked the concerned girl.

''I just am,'' Said Naruto. ''And even if I wasn't, you are worth the risk. That and much more. Earlier you said how grateful you were that you fell for me, well, I say the same.''

Kurotsuchi listened in silence at what Naruto had to say, as didn't know how to even respond to him.

''You are the most amazing girl I have ever met. You are talented and pretty. Even if you don't admit it you have a good heart, ''Said naruto. ''You showed me what a true friend is and for the first time, I felt as if I had a family when I'm with you. I don't care if becoming Hokage is a bit harder now because becoming Hokage is not the only thing I want anymore. Being with you is way more important to me now. I love you and I mean it.''

Kurotsuchi was overwhelmed by Naruto's declaration. She reached out to him and pulled him close for a passionate kiss.

Naruto hadn't expected her gesture but he was quick to return it.

Kurotsuchi climbed on top of Naruto as the kiss became more passionate. They couldn't have enough of each other as Kurotsuchi's hands started to grab Naruto by the nape of his neck and hair while he explored more of her body. Naruto slipped a free hand below Kurotsuchi's shirt, caressing the skin of her back gently. Kurotsuhci inhaled sharply at the intense sensation that his hand on her skin produced on her but she didn't relent on her flurry of kisses.

getting more and more excited by the second, Naruto used his other hand to fondle the side of her breast. At that moment, Kurotsuchi immediately pushed herself off Naruto sharply once she felt his hand touching such a private part. She looked down at Naruto with guilt. She had acted out of instinct. She was not used to this kind of intimacy. As soon as his skin made contact with her breast she felt as if she had received an electric discharge.

''I'm sorry, my body just moved on its own.'' Said Kurotsuchi in embarrassment.

''I'm the one who is sorry. I let myself go in the moment.'' Said Naruto before he lifted his head and planted a kiss on her lips.

Kurotsuchi broke the kiss to lay comfortably on top of Naruto. ''Maybe we aren't ready to go further yet.''

''It's okay, there is no pressure,'' Said Naruto in understanding. ''Just being with you like this is more than enough for me.''

Kurotsuchi felt very fortunate to have Naruto. This was further proof that he was the right one for her. Any other boy would have pushed his luck at this moment, but not Naruto. He was being very understanding of her emotions and she would forever be grateful for that. She once again thanked the heavens for letting her heart belong to such a man.

Naruto wrapped his arms around Kurotsuchi as she cuddled on top of him. He took a deep breath of her hair, finding her smell comforting enough to relax. It seemed that they had learned a lot from their feelings towards each other today and they continued to grow together.

At last, both teenagers found themselves comfortable enough to fall asleep in each other's embrace with a content smile plastered on their faces.

-Konoha's Underground Base-

Sai walked down a dark corridor as he tried to guess the reason for his visit. He had been summoned so suddenly that he wasn't even informed in what Danzo required of him.

Once he finally reached a large metal door he banged on it exactly twice.

''Enter.''

Once he had his permission, the ROOT agent made his way into a circular room with Danzo already waiting for him at the center.

''Danzo-Sama,'' Said Say with respect before he kneeled in front of his leader. ''What can I do for you?''

''You are here at last. Good,'' Said Danzo serenely. ''There is something that has been concerning me recently.''

Sai wondered what Danzo mean by that.

''I have been hearing some nasty rumors,'' Explained Danzo. ''About Naruto and the Iwa girl.''

Sai could feel a knot forming in his throat, however he managed to keep himself calm to not raise suspicion of his worries.

''You are closer to Naruto than any other of my agents,'' Said Danzo. ''Tell me all you know.''

Sai found himself struggling to articulate a response but he knew he had to respond and fast. He didn't want Danzo to know he was on Naruto and Kurotsuchi's side. But what could he say? Even if he lied he knew that Danzo would hear the truth from someone else eventually and he would pay dearly for lying.

''Well...'' Said Danzo, his patience getting thinner by the second.

Sai clenched his teeth. He was going to have to say all he knew, at least the gist of it. He hoped that he at least could sidestep some topics. He prayed that this didn't mean that bad things were to come upon his friends. For he knew how terrible Danzo could be against a threat.

Author's note:

So much fluff in this chapter, I'm not used to it. at least not this much.

I have nothing much to say right now except enjoy! I'm falling asleep in my chair right now.

Please Review or PM me if you can! see ya later!