…. Central Tower Hospital ….

Naruto sat by Hinata's bedside watching her sleep. The doctors had just finished healing the bluenette and placed her in bed to rest. Neji was across the hall in his own room also in recovery. Luckily neither Hyuga had done any real or lasting damage to one another. In a couple of weeks they would both be fine.

A knock came from the door as Hiashi Hyuga walked in. The father looked at his sleeping daughter and her watchful boyfriend with an unreadable expression. The blue eyed blonde gulped nervously and spoke in a voice a few octaves higher than normal. "Hello Lord Hiashi, Hinata-chan is sleeping."

"Yes, I can see that." The man spoke while ignoring the boys nervousness. "I just came from Neji's room as he was still awake and I needed a quick word."

"He isn't in trouble with the clan is he?" The boy asked in a calmer voice with an edge of worry.

Hiashi studied the young man for a moment to discern his reasoning for asking such a question. It dawned on him his daughter probably shared information about the clan that wasn't easily found by the public. Naruto was actually concerned for Neji believing the Hyuga would punish him for fighting the heiress in a sanctioned spar.

"No Naruto-san, my nephew acted accordingly in regards to the Chunin Exams and gave a decent showing of Juken. I'm also proud of my daughter as well, she has made great strides in becoming a powerful well rounded Kunoichi. Had she fought with no regard for Neji's overall well-being, utilizing more dangerous and lethal tactics, she would have taken the win fairly easy at the last. Fortunately, for Neji anyway, she takes after her mother in such matters."

"Yeah, but that's Hina-hime." The boy smiled happily.

Though the Hyuga Lord didn't say anything he also knew this boy could have won his own match much easier as well. Had he used Akamaru as a hostage the boy could have forced Kiba to surrender, instead he chose a fair fight approach; actually forsaking his Genjutsu to fight with only Taijutsu and Ninjutsu. 'Minato, my old friend, your child may look like you in almost every aspect, except for his exuberant smile, but through and through he is his mother's son. Uzumaki Kushina would be proud."

"Well, I see my daughter is in good hands Naruto-san. I'll just come back later. Good luck with the rest of the exams." Turning to leave the man called back as an after thought. "Oh, please don't forget Neji is just across the hallway."

"Ok Lord Hiashi, thanks." The blonde said uncertain with a wave goodbye. Setting back down by his girlfriends side the boy continued his vigil.

Looking up again as the door opened the boy saw his teammate and sensei enter. The pinkette smirked and asked teasingly. "How is your hime doing, Naru-kun?

"Oh Sakura-chan, your just jealous my heart belongs to another. It must hurt knowing you missed your chance at the future Hokage." The boy retorted with an air of smugness.

Rolling her green eyes the girl mumbled. "Yeah right, Hinata's living proof there's someone for everyone; even ramen loving knuckleheads."

In a more concerned voice she asked. "Seriously, how is she doing?"

"She's ok, doctor said she just needs rest. No major injuries or anything." The Jinchuriki assured his teammate and sensei.

"That's good." Kurenai stated leaning against the wall. "The Preliminary Rounds just concluded and we have some interesting news."

"Who won!?" Naruto asked quickly.

Sakura's green eyes showed sadness as she explained. "Rock Lee fought Gaara, it was horrible. That jerk can manipulate sand at will. Lee fought with some awe striking Taijutsu but in the end it wasn't enough. His left arm and leg were so damaged the medics think he can never fight again."

Naruto clenched his fists angrily and asked. "What about Choji? He fought the last Stone Genin, right? Was he seriously hurt?"

"No, only Choji's pride took a real blow." Kurenai quickly explained. "The final Stone Genin, Toshio Satow, is a Lightning Release User. He generates gauntlets of lightning to do massive damage with physical attacks. Looks like a starting point to a jutsu style so don't be fooled by his close range only showing; the guy was definitely holding back."

Naruto was lost in thought worried about Lee. He didn't know the guy well but instinctively knew he was a hard worker. He really hoped the doctors were wrong. Turning to his sensei he asked. "What about the third exam? Any news on when it will be?"

"You have one month to prepare." Kurenai explained. "It will be a basic battle tournament between the remaining Genin. We all just drew lots to see who was fighting who. I drew for you, since you weren't present, and got number one; Sakura drew and got number two."

It took a moment for Naruto to realize exactly why that was important. Turning to his pink haired teammate he shrieked astonished. "ME AND YOU, FIGHTING, FIRST ROUND!"

Sakura rolled her eyes at the blonde's over reaction. "Calm down Naruto, it's not the end of the world. You knew it was a possibility. You could have fought Hinata at one point if she was still continuing."

"Well yeah, but I was hoping we wouldn't have to fight first thing." Naruto explained grumpily folding his arms. "I thought we'd have a few fights before then."

"Why's that." The pinkette asked eyes narrowing dangerously. "Hoping I'd get eliminated before fighting you, that way you wouldn't have to beat me; because it's a guarantee you'll win, right?"

Thinking it over Naruto asked nervously. "Um, there's no correct way to answer that question, is there?"

Kurenai smirked at her team's interaction. The truth right now was Sakura's chances of winning against Naruto were extremely slim; everyone knew that. "We'll have to work out a special training schedule so the two of you can optimize your time with me, but not train together so as to avoid complications during your match; you can't very well surprise one another if you both know what the other can do."

Naruto and Sakura thought over their Sensei's words and silently agreed. However, before they could ask more questions an ANBU appeared behind Kurenai. The raven haired woman turned curiously and asked. "Can I help you?"

"Sorry for the intrusion." The man stated formally. "The Hokage is calling an emergency meeting of the village Jounin. Please make your way to the manor."

The man vanished before anymore could be said. Kurenai turned to her students. "I'll contact you both later with a schedule." She vanished before the Genin could ask her questions.

Naruto looked at Sakura curiously. "I wonder why the old man is calling an emergency meeting."

The pinkette shrugged. "No idea."

Both Genin watched their teammate sleep. Sakura wasn't really paying attention as she thought about her match against Naruto. True, she loved to joke and tease the blonde about his abilities and choice of Genjutsu imagery, but the reality was the pinkette knew it was an embarrassing miss match. To add insult to injury both her parents would be attending the final exam; they promised to do so should their daughter make it that far.

'There's no way around it.' Sakura reasoned mentally. 'My only hope is to match Uzumaki Ability against Uzumaki Ability; Strength Of Inner Self is the only way to level the playing field.'

Jumping up the pinkette explained. "I'll see you later, Naruto. There's something I need to do and it can't wait."

The blonde watched bewildered as his teammate hurried out the door without giving him a chance to say goodbye. "What got into her?" Looking down at his sleeping girlfriend the boy sighed. "Oh well Hina-hime, looks like it's just you and me, and we can't forget Neji across the hall; according to your dad."

Blinking stupidly it finally dawned on Naruto what Hiashi was really saying. "Oh, Neji has X-ray Vision. Hehehehehe, and here I thought Lord Hiashi trusted me."

…. Hokage's Manor ….

Kurenai stood next to Anko as the Jounin assembled. Kakashi was actually on time so the seriousness of the situation was felt by all. Hiruzen sat down and lit his pipe. "Now that we're all here let's get started. A couple of things we need to discuss that concerns village security. Toshio Satow progressing to the finals means the Tsuchikage will be visiting, Orochimaru's activities during the second task and his threat to destroy Hidden Leaf should we cancel the Chunin Exams, and finally the implications of Gaara's presence."

"Excuse me Lord Hokage, but what concerns do we have about a Sand Genin?" A Shinobi in the back asked.

"The boy in question is the youngest son of the current Kazekage, as well the Jinchuriki of Ichibi." The elderly man explained.

"Yeah, and unlike our very own sweet cute Naru-kun, the guy is completely insane." Anko clarified. "And not in a fun way; like me."

"Thank you Anko." Hiruzen spoke in a tone that clearly said drop it. "The Hidden Sand Village has been struggling for a few years under a Daimyo that has a very anti-Shinobi mindset. Funding is at an all time low, according to our spies, and clients take their business elsewhere. It's possible the Kazekage just wants Gaara to give an impressive showing to boost business, but there could also be a darker motive."

Out of the shadows from the far wall stepped a man no one but Hiruzen had sensed. Long wild white hair in a basic ponytail, a red overcoat over a grey shirt and paints, armored hand grips, and a larger than normal headband with the kanji of oil; Jiraiya the Toad Sannin. Ever Jounin turned to give the legendary ninja their full attention.

The battle hardened man looked grim as he explained. "Recently, through my network of spies, I've discovered Orochimaru created the Hidden Sound Village. One month ago an emissary from Sound approached Sand. What was discussed is unknown but I highly doubt my old teammate was asking a neighbor for a cup of sugar. As of right now the village is on high alert in case of attack."

Murmuring broke out amongst the Jounin as several began discussing the implications. Ebisu walked forward adjusting his sunglasses and asked. "Do we have reasons to suspect Hidden Stone being involved?"

"So far no." The Hokage quickly clarified. "Me and my advisors have decided to not inform Onoki of the possible attack; last thing we want is to give him ideas. However, I will be placing double the guard when he arrives to keep watch just in case."

"All of you will be given assignments to handle as the finals approach." Jiraiya jumped in. "Check with the ANBU outside for your mission scrolls."

As everyone began leaving Kurenai stayed behind seeing the Hokage's silent signal; Anko also stayed as she was curious. Jiraiya approach the Genjutsu Mistress and happily shook her hand. "So, your Naruto's sensei."

"Yes sir." The raven haired woman confirmed. "Since he has awoken the Yumegan it was decided to focus his studies on Genjutsu."

Jiraiya chuckled a little. "Yeah, I couldn't believe the scroll Sarutobi Sensei sent me; read it five times before it sank in. Minato's brat a potential Genjutsu Master of all things."

Getting serious the Sannin got to the matter at hand. "I've talked things over with Lord Hokage and we've decided it's time to teach Naruto more advanced Ninjutsu. I will be taking over his training for the next month, as well periodically from time to time afterwards."

Kurenai was taken back by this. It wasn't like she expected to always be Naruto's teacher, but she thought there was more time. The fact she wasn't even asked about this was also daunting, but then again they were all Shinobi and should remain objectively professional in decision making; it was an unrealistic belief the young Jinchuriki would never learn Ninjutsu and the Sannin was simply the most logical choice to train him.

"Very well." The woman stated hiding her heartbreak. "I'll introduce you to Naruto, he's over at the Central Tower Hospital keeping watch over Hinata Hyuga; she's his little girlfriend."

"Ow, the battle field confession I've heard so much about." Jiraiya gushed with a perverted happy face. "What's the scoop with that? Hiashi try to kill Naruto yet? Hitomi's daughter fake exhaustion so he'd carry her bridal style, all so she could group his chest? Hitomi actually did that to Hiashi once when they were Genin by the way."

Kurenai could only sigh at the grown man's stupid behavior. "No, though they did fail to ask permission before dating, Naruto has been a perfect gentleman and Hinata a perfect young lady."

Anko watched the exchange between her friend and the Sannin with eyes full of mirth. Not being able to take it anymore she doubled over laughing. Everyone gave her their full attention as Hiruzen asked. "Do you have something to add, Jounin Mitarashi?"

"I'm wondering … hahaha … how long it will take Kurenai's description … to wind up … in a Make Out Paradise? Hahahahahaha"

The Genjutsu Mistress's face burned red as she pinched her nose in embarrassed irritation; she knew better than to have a serious discussion with Anko around. "Why did you have to bring that up?"

Anko tried getting mock serious but failed as she doubled over again. "Because it's a cute story about Naruto's training … hahaha … and the honorable Master Jiraiya needs to know everything his student is capable of doing."

The white haired man looked between both women with a fake insulted look and pouted. "I'll have you both know those rumors about my questionable activities are complete exaggerated; besides, even if they were true I'd never do anything so disgraceful as to peek on an honorable Leaf Kunoichi."

'Yeah, because the last time you tried your bullshit on a Leaf Kunoichi, Tsunade almost beat you to death.' Hiruzen thought as he took a drink of tea.

"Don't worry about peeping since Naruto saw Kurenai and Asuma having sex already!" Anko blurted out quickly. "Ahahahaha, he can probably describe it in detail."

The Hokage did a spit take as a blank faced Jiraiya tried wrapping his perverted mind around the implications. 'Oh joyous day! Minato, what little genius have you blessed this world with!? He managed to glimpse this beauty in all her glory!'

"It was an accident, and he didn't really see anything anyways." Kurenai quickly explained as she got her blush under control. "Naruto had just discovered his ability to 'see' long distances with his Yumegan and was experimenting with it before bed. He chose to hone in on his teammates since we're the people he's most familiar with."

Anko's laughter returned as the raven haired Jounin began blushing again, already knowing the words that were coming next. The Snake Mistress straightened up and blurted out. "The little moron explained he got worried when he felt Kurenai's chakra fighting with another's for dominance. Hahaha."

A small trickle of blood began leaking from Jiraiya's nose as he thought over the wonderful possibilities. 'My godson is the godsend of pupils. My books are going to be so much better from now on!'

Hiruzen observed his former student's expression with a frown. Turning to Kurenai and Anko he stated. "That well be all ladies, thank you. I need a quick word with Jiraiya and then you can take him to meet Naruto."

Both Kunoichi bowed and walked out, Anko still laughing at Kurenai's embarrassment. Hiruzen turned to his form student and watched him try and sneak off. "Hold it right there Jiraiya."

The Sannin easily felt the killing intent of those words despite the calm way they were delivered. Turning to give the Hokage his full attention he asked slyly. "Yeess?"

Lighting his pipe the old man explained casually. "That lovely young woman will more than likely be the mother of my future grandchildren one day. I would hat to read one of your books, works of literature that I absolutely love, and see a description of her within the pages; after all you couldn't continue publishing your books from a pine box. There also remains Naruto himself and the promise I made Kushina. I assured the worried mother that if the worst befell her, and Naruto's training fell to you, I'd kill you slow should you corrupt his innocent nature."

Gulping the hermit promised. "Don't worry Sensei, no raven haired sex goddess Kunoichi in Make Out Paradise."

However, the look on the hermits face became absolutely evil as he explained gleefully. "As for Naruto, if Hitomi's oldest daughter is anything like her mother than I'm not the one you should be threatening. That cute little princess well do all the corrupting for me."

…. Yamanaka Residence ….

Sakura walked up to the house she had visited many times in her youth. It had been a while since she been here. Knocking on the door she waited for an answer. Soon it was opened by Ino dressed in purple shorts and a white shirt. "What do you want billboard brow? Come to gloat about beating me."

"What's with the attitude all of a sudden?" Sakura asked confused. "I thought we were cool, even though I did kick your ass?"

Ino gave an annoyed sigh and explained. "My idiot cousin Fu is here and won't shut up about me losing to a civilian born Kunoichi. I'm sorry to take it out on you but he's a fifteen year old Chunin, so I can't really take my annoyance out on him."

"Oh, I see." The irritated pinkette grumbled. "Some high and mighty spoiled clan brat that thanks he's better than civilian born Shinobi. Well, you can tell Mr. Asshat I may come from civilian stock, but I'm also a descendant of the Uzumaki Clan."

"What, really! You and Naruto are cousins!?"

"Distant cousins, very distant cousins." Sakura clarified quickly. She wasn't from the Uzumaki Royal Line and didn't want that rumor to spread. "So, anyway, is your dad home? I need to ask him a favor."

"Yeah he's here, something's not wrong I hope." The blonde inquired.

"No, I'm just hoping he can help me with my training." The pinkette explained. "It's complicated but I have this ability that I inherited from the Uzumaki Clan, but I kind of developed this mental block to repress it when I was younger because it scared me. I'm hoping Lord Yamanaka can help me break through."

"What's your special ability?" Ino asked curiously.

"I'll tell you later when we have more privacy." Sakura explained while looking around curiously.

The house hadn't changed much over the years. Same red carpet and same brown leather furniture. It wasn't long both girls came to a Inoichi Office. Ino knocked and a man yelled out enter. Walking in Sakura saw a young teen of fifteen or sixteen setting in front of a tall blonde she knew well; Inoichi was the same as always with his long ponytail and side bangs. The new guy had a short auburn ponytail and amber eyes; he wore the standard Chunin flake jacket.

The clan leader stood with a big smile and exclaimed. "Little Sakura-kun, you haven't been around in ages."

"High Lord Yamanaka, I'm happy to see you look well." The pinkette then turned her green eye gaze to the silent young man. Inoichi followed her stare and said. "Oh, this is my clansman Fu Yamanaka. Fu, this is Sakura Haruno; Ino's best friend from the academy."

"And the Kunoichi that eliminated Ino from the Chunin Exam." The boy fired quickly with a humorless grin. "Please to meet you."

Sakura ignored the rude boy and addressed her friend's dad. "I was hoping we could talk in private sir. I kind off need help with training."

The man frowned thoughtfully and explained. "I don't see what help I could be other than Taijutsu. I don't mind of course but if this is a Genjutsu venture, your Sensei would be the best option."

"No sir, it's something unique to me alone." Looking at Fu she concluded. "I'll just be outside until your finished."

Inoichi looked between the his clansman and the young girl and realized he would rather the company of Sakura. "Oh, we're finished now dear. Fu, good day."

The Chunin looked slightly startled but stood anyways. With a bow he Shunshined away in a swirl of smoke. Sakura was confused by the teen's reaction and asked. "What was his problem?"

"Jerk wants to help teach me more advanced clan techniques so I won't be such an embarrassment." Ino growled darkly.

Inoichi rolled his eyes at the over the top response. "To be far, Fu never phrased it that way, dear. What he said was he'd happily help you since a lot of my time is taken up by being clan head. However I think the fool has an alternative motive in mind; marriage."

"EWW!" Both girls screeched.

Inoichi laughed at them both and explained. "Far as matching goes, there exists more than enough distance in the family tree for such an occurrence. His marriage to you would guarantee Fu becoming the future clan head; a most ambitious goal."

The tall blonde beamed down at the pinkette. "Anyways, putting that dismal possible future aside for the moment, what can I do for you; little Sakura-kun?"

The pinkette rolled her green eyes at the blonde man's babying tone and asked. "What do you know about Uzumaki Born Abilities, and getting around mental blocks?"

…. Central Tower Hospital ….

Hinata slowly opened her groggy eyes to stare up at the ceiling. Dejectedly the girl realized she was once again in a hospital bed; where she always ended up after a family spar. Looking to her left she saw Naruto sleeping with his head held in his right hand. Smiling she watched him drool for a time until he seemed to sense her stare. With a big yawn he opened his blue eyes and smiled at his girlfriend.

"Hey Hinata, how are you feeling?"

"Stiff, my shoulders are soar." The Hyuga explained sadly.

Naruto quickly noted the dejected voice and asked. "Hey, why are you sad? You did great Hina-hime; even your dad was impressed. He came by while you were sleeping to say so."

"Really!?" The lavender eyed girl asked shocked. "He said I did great even though I lost!?"

"Yep, said he was really proud." Naruto beamed. His face turned sour as he finished with a grumble. "Don't know about the rest of your stupid stuck up clan though; probably not, but who cares."

Hinata look back up at the ceiling with a stunned expression. She couldn't believe Lord Hiashi Hyuga was proud of her performance. Memories of past failures played in the girl's head along with the many times the man gave her a disappointed frown. The fact he had actually expressed pride in her abilities brought tears to her eyes.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong Hinata!?" Naruto exclaimed seeing her crying. Jumping up he wrapped the girl in a tight hug and held her close. "Don't be sad. Why the tears?"

Returning the hug Hinata sniffled into the boy's shoulder. "I'm not sad Naruto-kun, I'm happy. For the first time in my life I made my father proud."

"That's not true, hime." The blonde frowned thoughtfully. "I'm sure he was proud of you when we fought off that baka, Mizuki."

"He expressed happiness I wasn't seriously hurt, but not much else." The girl explained as she rested her forehead against the boy's.

"I'm sure he said it with his actions even he never said the words out loud." The Jinchuriki assured his girlfriend.

Breaking apart both young Genin smiled at one another. Slowly loosing themselves in each other's eyes the two began making out. It started as a gents kissing session, no different than usual, but rapidly intensified into a more hands on grouping dance. Neither teen sure were to place hands they just let their partner guide the other's individual actions.

Meanwhile, Anko, Kurenai, and Jiraiya made their way down the hall heading for Hinata's room. The Sannin was asking about the Land Of Bears Mission, focusing on the battle mostly, and wondering how much willpower his godson had to turn down a sure thing like Nobuo Yasu. The old hermit had seen spy pictures of the girl's mom and figured the young lady herself had to be a knockout; if you were a teenager anyways.

All the Jounin stopped talking when they approached Hinata's door as they heard the sound of metal clanking across tile floor. A hobbling Neji appeared from his room using an IV stand like a crutch. The long haired brunette looked up as casual as possible seeing the adults and asked. "Excuse me, but would any of you be to upset if I killed Uzumaki Naruto."

Kurenai, unsure about the situation, took charge speaking with authority. "First, Hyuga Neji, I'm sure you shouldn't be moving around so soon after treatment. Second, I'm sure Uzumaki Naruto has done nothing that warrants his execution."

"So you say." The boy explained in his casual tone. Hobbling over to the opposite door he broke it open with a Juken strike. Glaring inward he demanded with an angry yell. "Lady Hinata, get off that soon to be dead corpse right now!"

"Holly shit." Anko grinned excitedly. (1) Running up to the door the Snake Mistress looked over Neji's shoulder expecting an embarrassing situation, only for shocked horror to replace her good nature. Seeing the purplette's expression Kurenai began to worry. Getting into the room herself she saw Hinata laying on Naruto's right side looking pissed about the interruption. This wouldn't be so bad as the two had confessed to making out before on picnic dates, but the lavender eyed Kunoichi was wearing nothing but a flimsy hospital gown; the Jinchuriki's hand had found its way inside the back and was gripping some forbidden nether region territory.

"What's with everyone one?" Naruto demanded annoyed. "We've kissed before you know."

Anko began releasing a small amount of killing intent as she demanded. "Hey squirt, I know you got lost in the romantic moment and all, but can you tell me where your right hand is currently situated?"

Aghast, Kurenai watched as Naruto began rubbing his hand curiously in a circular motion while squeezing his fingers still under Hinata's gown. Slowly it dawned on the young boy exactly what was wrong and whose butt he was groping. Jumping out of bed with a scarlet blush he looked down at the floor ashamed. The raven haired Jounin studied the Genin to make sure he understood that a line was crossed. Satisfied, she turned to her Kunoichi student to make sure she also got the message. The murderous glare from the heiress's lavender eyes told the Sensei's her student knew a line was crossed, just not nearly as far as she wanted it to be crossed.

"I'm sorry for barging in like this Lady Hinata." Neji spoke as he returned to his normal casual demeanor, his attempted to calm the girl down apparently. "But your father asked me to keep a close eye on the two of you. I would have been failing my duties as your guard, and more importantly my duties as your cousin, if I allowed it to continue."

Kurenai was actually relieved when Hinata's murderous glare settled fully on the boy. The Jounin knew that Neji only brought up Hiashi in an attempt to guilt the heiress into being ashamed; but if anything the name only infuriated her more. Outraged the heiress demanded. "My father asked you to spy on me and my boyfriend! Why, does he not trust me, … cousin!?"

"Now Lady Hinata, that's not fair. With what I saw…"

"I don't care what you saw, Neji!" The heiress thundered. In a low growl she continued. "My father doesn't trust me and used you to spy; and you excepted the request. You have no right to spy on me while in private."

The Hyuga prodigy tried to act his normal self under the continuing hateful glare. He wasn't worried Hinata could actually hurt him, despite the cold sweat building on the back of his neck, but would be glad if an adult said something soon to break the tension. To everyone's horror Jiraiya decided to do just that as he finally walked in; the hermit figured by now everything would be covered decently.

"Yep, I'd know that withering glare anywhere; same one Hitomi gave me and Tsunade when we caught her and Hiashi after the Battle Of Taniko Ridge. Luckily the two of you have more clothes on and your not covered in bloody bandages. Unluckily, back then anyway, was the fact Hitomi was covered so much in bandages I saw pretty much what I'm seeing now."

Slowly, the eyes of everyone in the room turned to face the white haired hermit; all in abject embarrassed horror realizing what he was talking about. Jiraiya just grinned on stupidly as if nothing was wrong. "Sorry, where are my manners. I'm Jiraiya The Toad Mountain Sage, Lord Hokage sent me to train Uzumaki Naruto in more advanced Ninjutsu."

…. The Next Day ….

Sakura stood in the Yamanaka Clan's training ground with Ino, Inoichi, and Fu. Off to the side were the wildly long redheaded Choza Akimichi, Choji's father and clan head, along with Shikaku Nara, Shikamaru's dad and clan head. Both men had come at the request of Inoichi to help if need be, a fact that worried the pinkette; what could possibly go wrong a team of Jounin would be required. Yesterday, after Sakura explained about her born ability, the Jounin had preformed a jutsu to look inside her head. Whatever he found there had concerned him enough to call for backup. Shikamaru and Choji were off training with their sensei Asuma.

"Alright Sakura," Inoichi began with a friendly smile. "Me and Fu will now attempt to breach your mental block. This won't be easy though dear. I'm going to hold you in a mind numbing jutsu while Fu enters your mind to work on the actual block."

"Ok." The girl nervously acknowledged. Looking at Fu she asked hesitantly. "Um, can you go in my head, Lord Yamanaka? No offense but I know you better."

"Oh no dear, keeping you from thinking is the most important part." The man explained seriously. "One thought and whoever is in your mind will be at the mercy of your Ido, and I don't think it has much mercy to offer being locked away for so long."

Turning to his daughter the man cautioned. "Ino, why don't you go wait by Choza and Shikaku."

The girl gave her dad an uncertain look but did as asked. Wishing Sakura good luck she ran over to her surrogate uncles. Both men greeted the small blonde with a smile then turned back to watch the training. Fu was standing in front of the small pinkette while Inoichi was standing behind her; forefingers pressed to Sakura's temples.

"Ok Sakura, I'm going to numb your brain now."

The girl was to nervous to respond. Inoichi didn't hesitate as he called. "Secret Jutsu: Simulate Forced Trance!"

Sakura's green eyes became blank as her whole body relaxed. Fu wasted no time in performing his own hand signs. Before he could unleash his jutsu Inoichi cautioned. "Remember, only find the block and create a few small cracks. I'm not worried for Sakura so much as I am fit you. This Ido Illusion is an unknown ability and we don't know how it will react."

"I understand your concerns, Lord Yamanaka, but I'll be fine." The auburn haired boy remarked arrogantly. "Honestly I don't see why you hade Ino leave; with us here there is no danger."

Not waiting for a response the Chunin called out. "Ninja Art: Mind Travel Jutsu?"

Standing with his hands outstretched and his palms straight up, the young ninja entered his own trance. Inoichi, seeing the young fool was completely under, turned to his old friends and gave them a knowing smirk. Shikaku chuckled while scratching the scar on his right cheek. "This should be good."

Ino looked up at the man suspiciously. "What are you smirking about, Mr. Nara?"

Looking down at his goddaughter the man smirked. "Oh nothing much, just an old saying really; pride comes before the fall."

"Yeah, or in this case pride comes before the violent ass kicking." Choza agreed as he opened a bag of chips.

Meanwhile, Fu was making his way through the deepest recesses of Sakura's mind. There wasn't much to see around him but shadowy corridors branching off this way and that. The empty space wasn't a slight against the pinkette, this area was were chakra, soul, body, and mind all met; memory and dreams could be found in the upper regions of the brain.

The Chunin stopped his progression and turned left. A faint glow could be seen coming from one of the corridors. Floating through Fu made his way down until he came to a double wooden door with blue chakra chains holding it closed. Studying the design he tried to think of the best way to open the mental construct.

'This is truly impressive. For Sakura to construct something this complex at a young age shows she had a strong mind right from the start. Breaking it open won't be easy. Breaking the wrong chain link and the doors will break open freeing the Ido to quickly; however, this girl is Lady Ino's best friend and my best chance to woe her. If I can be a massive help to Sakura it might play in my favor gaining Ino.'

Examining the chains Fu decided on the links he wanted to smash; three up top and one at the bottom. Concentrating on an object a katana made of chakra appeared in his hand. Focusing his mental energy the boy quickly swung his blade and cut through the imagined links. Terror began setting in when he realized that, instead of the slow unraveling he had been wanting, the chains disappeared at once.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?" A creepy sounding Sakura-like voice asked gleefully. "An evil intruder or a fool that simply wishes to die?"

Fu was having a hard time moving. The chakra the thing was emitting felt like the pinkette's outside, but the density was unreal. Only someone with truly thick chakra could make it visible by simply powering up, and the auburn haired Chunin had no doubt Sakura was one of the few that belonged to that club now.

The double doors banged open with a riotous scream of rage and Fu was ejected from the girl's mind. Managing to stay standing, despite his dizziness, the boy blinked stupidly up at Inoichi. The blonde was about to ask how it all went when an illusion formed in front of the still tranced Sakura. It looked like a negatively drawn image of the girl from her academy days, same outfit and everything, only it had horns.

"THOUGHT YOU COULD GET AWAY FROM ME FOOL!?" The Ido screamed.

Fu quickly crossed his arms over his chest as the illusion swung. Pure enraged psychic force drove itself through the imaginary fist to delivered a bone crushing blow. The Chunin was sent flying back, over forty yards, to crash through a tree in the distance. Inoichi quickly released Sakura from the daze she was under and the illusion faded.

Blinking sleepily the pinkette asked confused. "What happened?"

Looking over to Ino, Choza, and Shikaku she noticed everyone laughing their asses off. Looking up to Inoichi she expected an answer, but was only met with a red faced clan head struggling not to follow suit with his friends. Growing frustrated she decided to ask Fu, and realized why everyone was laughing. Growing concerned she quickly cried out the Chunin's name while running over to see if he was ok. Inoichi couldn't take it anymore and fell over laughing.

Author's Note:

(1)-Anko was hoping for something embarrassing, instead she saw a kill Naruto offense.

(Also)-Sorry for the long update. I'm in college and I'm also trying to write an actual book. Writers block so I updated. Sorry this is shorter than usual. Plan on one or two chapters and then the Chunin Exam Finals.

This won't turn into a Sakura x Fu Ship.