Welcome to another chapter of UL! So a few quick notes.

If you're a reader of Reminiscing, I apologies. I was hoping to get the chapter out today but college just bogs a person down. I am still working on the next chapter, no guarantees, but I am aiming for the end of the month. Which is unlikely due to the amount of tests coming up but let's be hopeful.

Let me quickly address this as well. As you will see shortly, I am giving Moegi the mokuton. Why? It popped up in her fan wiki pages as a suggested skill though there is no solid proof due to it coming from a data book. Could I totally ignore it? Yes, this is my fanfiction. But the idea that Moegi having the mokuton amused me. Gave me a few ideas of how to incorporate Moegi into the story more and give her a few more personal moments with Naruto. Which is honestly the point of this story to explore relationships and see how they affect the characters and the world around them. That and to have fun. Cause at the end of the day we are all here for some entertainment.

Enjoy the story!

Naruto's smile was strained as he leaned over the balcony's railing. Below him, Naruto watched as the village prepare another festival of the Kyuubi's defeat. Every year it hurt to see a celebration and be forcibly excluded from. It hurt that the festival was held on his birthday. That did not hurt so much until he learned that it was normal for people to celebrate their birthdays. Normal for everyone but him. This year was especially painful knowing that the demon the village was celebrating the defeat of, was sealed away in his gut.

Tears began to roll down his face as the wind carried them away.

Loud knocking startled Naruto as he quickly wiped away the tears. Making his way to the door, Naruto was not surprised to see it swing open by itself. He was surprised to see Moegi enter by herself. The girl gave Naruto a fake smile and a short wave as she took off her shoes. Whatever sadness Naruto had was gone seeing the troubled look that Moegi wore.

"Hey Moegi, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be celebrating with everyone else?" Naruto asked guiding the young girl to the living room.

"I… I need your help aniki," Moegi said softly taking a seat on the couch.

Naruto took a seat beside her and rested his elbow on his knees.

"Of course, whatchu need?"

Moegi said nothing as she held up an acorn. Naruto tilted his head as he watched her channel some of her chakra into it. With a sudden burst, a large sprout broke through the acorn shell and began to grow tall as roots also spilled from the shell. When Moegi stopped channeling chakra to the plant, a decently tall sapling with lots of leaves and a thick cluster of roots sat in her palm. A heavy silence hung through the apartment before Naruto jumped to his feet.

"That was so awesome!" Naruto cheered, "Naruto Uzumaki's student Moegi Kazamatsuri is able to bend nature to her will. Fuck yeah world! Her very name will cause her enemies to shake in their boots!"

Moegi, at first stunned, began to smile. That smile turned to laughter until she was rolling on the couch laughing. Giving himself a mental pat on the back, Naruto started to pace as he muttered up plans to train this.

"Naruto-nii," Moegi said causing Naruto to stop midstride, "Do you think I have the mokuton, just like Shodaime-sama?"

"No," Moegi deflated at Naruto's quick dismissal, "Your mokuton is going to ten times better than some old fossil. You know why? Because you got the number one badass as your sensei!" Moegi blinked before she looked up at Naruto's beaming face.

"Yeah! You're right aniki, I'm going to be awesomer than you and Shodaime-sama!" Moegi cheered.

"Whoa there, you think I'm going to let you be awesomer than me? You're going to have fight for that and fight hard. Believe it!" Naruto thumped his chest.

"I expected nothing else aniki," Moegi said thumping her own chest. The two shared a smile before laughter burst forth from the both of them.

As they calmed, the two found themselves sitting on the couch in silence staring at the sapling that laid on the floor. With a sigh, Naruto summoned two clones that speed off. Tilting her head, Moegi watched as Naruto picked up the oak sapling and began to take it towards his bedroom. Following him, Moegi watched as the clones came back with a large pot and bags of dirt. The clones filled up the pot leaving a hole in the middle for Naruto to plant the sapling. Covering the roots with dirt, one of the clones ran into the house and came back with a watering can.

"You're keeping the sapling?" Moegi asked with wide eyes.

"Of course I am. I need more greenery around here and there is no better plant than one grown by my student." Naruto said causing the perpetually blushing girl to blush harder. "Moegi," Naruto's more serious tone causing her to snap to attention, "this new skill of yours, I think it will be better to keep it a secret. I… I don't want to see you targeted."

"Targeted?" Moegi whispered, "Yeah, that… I was afraid of that. People might think of me as a cheat but maybe they will worship like the second coming of the Shodime-sama."

"No Moegi, you need to think bigger. Think about how the other hidden villages will react knowing one of the most powerful bloodlines has returned."

Moegi said nothing as he stared at her slightly dirty palm. She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Naruto's cerulean blue eyes full of understanding and compassion.

"I know, it's a scary thought to think that an entire village would be after you because of something you had no control of."

"What if I don't use it? What if I just hid it?"

"Then you will be denying a part of yourself," Naruto said. "For better or worse you have this ability, this strength no one else has. It's up to you to make it yours." Naruto blinked a few times before he let out a snort. Moegi looked at him in confusion as Naruto guided them back to his bedroom and sat them on the bed. "Let me tell you a secret of my own," Naruto said taking a deep breath, his eyes full of sorrow.

"You don't have to Naruto-nii," Moegi said taking Naruto's hand and squeezing it.

"I know, but I want you to know that you're not alone with powerful secrets. You're familiar with the story of how the Yondaime defeated the Kyuubi no Kitsune?" Naruto asked getting a nod from the girl. "Then let me tell you that story is not completely true. The Kyuubi no Kitsune is a mass of sentient chakra. It can't be killed."

"Then how did Yondaime-sama defeat the demon?"

"He sealed it into a newborn baby. A baby that will grow up alone and ignorant of the truth in effort to protect him from the world."

"Newborn baby? Kyuubi… festival? Your birthday…" Wide dark blue eyes turned to Naruto. "The baby, was you?"

"I am the jinchuriki of the Kyuubi no Kitsune. The jailor of the demon. This truth was kept from me for a long time. I never understood why so many villagers gave me dark glares or ignored me. Or why whispers of 'demon brat' always followed me. The reveal wasn't so great either, I was told I was the Kyuubi no Kitsune incarnate."

"What! No way, you're Naruto-nii! The kindest, bestest big brother in the world!" Moegi said. Naruto smiled as he wrapped an arm around Moegi.

"Thanks, Moegi-chan, don't worry. Iruka-sensei set me straight. He made sure that I knew I was cared for, that I wasn't some demon. That I was just Naruto Uzumaki."

Moegi was quiet as she leaned into Naruto's embrace. They stayed like that for a few moments.

"Thanks for telling me this Naruto-nii. That, it mustn't been easy," Moegi whispered.

"No, no it wasn't. Actually, you're the first person I've told about this. I'm glad that I am still aniki to you," Naruto said smiling.

"You always will be aniki. And don't worry, I won't tell a soul about it." Moegi mimed zipping her mouth.

Naruto laughed as he ruffled Moegi's hair with his free hand.

"Good, cause that was an S-rank secret. You'd have to answer to Konohamaru's oji-san if you did."

"What! What about you? Are you…" Moegi gave Naruto worried eyes.

"Don't worry, it's my secret after all. I can tell whoever I trust, and I trust you."

"Thanks aniki, but what about Hanabi-chan or Konohamaru-kun and Udon-kun?"

"I'll tell them when the time is right. I was planning to tell all of you once became genins, but I guess you get to learn a little sooner."

The two beamed at each other. Their quiet moment together was ruined as the door to Naruto's apartment was opened. Moegi and Naruto peeked their heads out of the bedroom doorway to see Hanabi, Konohamaru, and Udon carrying a bunch of stuff in.

"What are you three doing?" Naruto called out.

The three jumped before beaming at Naruto.

"Happy Birthday!" the three cried out.

"Thanks you trouble makers," a wide smile broke out across Naruto's face, "now explain why you're here and not down at the festival."

"That's a dumb question Naruto-nii, it's your birthday and we're going to celebrate it together." Hanabi rolled her eyes as she walked towards the living room.

"Hana-baka is right. I'd much rather celebrate your birthday aniki than go to a festival. Besides the summer festival is far better." Konohamaru dodged a lazily thrown rubber ball. Udon just nodded his agreement as he followed Hanabi to the living room. Eager to get rid of his load, Konohamaru quickly followed.

"You squirts," Naruto whispered with a fond smile. Moegi who was still with him elbowed him lightly as she gave him a smile.

"Come on Naruto-nii, let's party," Moegi said pulling the blonde along.

Letting himself get pulled along, nothing could wipe the smile from his face now.

000

Hinata was grinning as she carried a tower of boxes. Beside her Kiba and Shino carried just as tall towers.

"Just where exactly are we taking these boxes of sweets?" Kiba asked poking his head around the tower. Akamaru was happily lazing on his head.

"Today's is N-Naruto-kun's birthday. W-w-we're going to his a-apartment," Hinata said lightly blushing.

"I was unaware that it was Uzumaki-san's birthday. I was also unaware that you were close enough to celebrate together," said Shino.

"A-a-ah, it's a r-recent de-development," Hinata said. "M-my sister, Hanabi-chan, is close to Naruto-kun."

Kiba nearly tripped before he managed to right himself.

"Your sister? Your little sister is friends with Naruto? How? Why?" Kiba said an incredulous look on his face. Akamaru perked up at the mention of Hanabi.

"Hanabi-chan said that Naruto-kun helps her train skills that the clan doesn't. She also likes to hang around there to do homework and cause Naruto-kun spoils her with treats. It's a good thing she trains hard otherwise she'd probably be gaining so much weight." Hinata muttered the last bit to herself and rolled her eyes.

Kiba and Shino hung a little bit back as Hinata began to mutter about how badly Naruto spoiled Hanabi.

"Okay, am I the only weirded out by this? I don't think I've ever seen Hinata roll her eyes," Kiba whispered.

"Agreed, however, I find it stranger that Hanabi-san and Uzumaki-san are close," said Shino.

"That too, man what a weird day this is turning out to be," Kiba said slowly shaking his head. Akamaru copied him. Shino could only nod.

As the three were walking towards Naruto's apartment, a faint echo of small explosions could be heard.

Hinata activated her byakugan briefly before releasing it and shaking her head.

"Those small firework poppers," Hinata said as understanding dawned on the other two.

Hinata gently kicked the door. A few moments later Naruto opened the door. A wide grin split his face when he saw team 10 standing at his door.

"Hinata-chan! Kiba! Shino!" Naruto said before Akamaru barked loudly, "And Akamaru, hello what brings you here?"

"I-I brought some cinnamon rolls to celebrate your birthday," Hinata said giving a very shy smile.

Naruto quickly summoned clones and took the tower of boxes.

"Thank you very much Hinata, everyone, you really didn't have too," Naruto said as he bowed his head.

"Happy birthday man! It's no problem at all," said Kiba as he gave a thumbs up and a grin. Akamaru happily barked as well.

"Happy birthday Uzumaki-san, I hope your day has been well," Shino said giving Naruto a nod.

Hinata smiled as Naruto's grin seemed to become wider.

"If you're free why don't you all come in. I'm sure Hinata wants to chow down on those cinnamon rolls," said Naruto as he stepped aside and gestured them to enter.

Hinata disappeared in a split second and could be heard gleefully squealing from the kitchen. Naruto just laughed while Kiba and Shino shook their heads. Akamaru jumped down from his perched and trotted through the apartment heading towards Naruto's bedroom.

"Sounds good, I certainly wouldn't mind eating some of Hinata's baking," Kiba said entering the apartment.

"Hinata's confectionary skill is quite spectacular," Shino said as he entered.

The loud squeal of young girls sounded from Naruto's bedroom causing Kiba to look over in confusion. Shino simply kept walking towards the living room.

"Who else is here?" Kiba asked following after Shino.

"Hanabi-chan and her classmates, Konohamaru, Moegi-chan, and Udon," Naruto answered, "I'm pretty sure this is their designated hangout spot at this point."

Kiba snorted, "I don't think I could deal with a bunch of snort nose brats intruding on my den constantly."

"I don't mind it, keeps this place from feeling empty," Naruto said before seeing Hinata demolishing a box completely. "Damn Hinata-chan, if I didn't know better, I'd say you only brought those for yourself." Naruto walked off trying to secure a few boxes of the orange-glazed cinnamon rolls. Hinata vigorously tried to keep her boxes out of Naruto's reach. Slapping his hands away before they could grab a box.

Kiba and Shino didn't pay attention to the fighting duo as they shared a somber look. It is easy to forget that Naruto lives alone. With both being from clans that are a rather close-knit family it was hard to remember that most never have the same experience.

"Onee-chan!" A loud cry sounded out from behind teens.

Looking back, Kiba and Shino saw Hanabi carrying Akamaru in her arms as she was followed by the Konohamaru Corps. They pushed past the standing genins and quickly took a seat at the table.

"Bring out the plates and snacks Naruto-nii. Chop chop!" Hanabi made chopping motions in the air.

"Yeah, yeah you brat," Naruto rolled his eyes as he summoned clones to gather plates and snacks. "What are you two standing around for, take a seat somewhere. Enjoy yourselves."

Kiba and Shino shared a look and took a seat and plates appeared before them. A large pile of snacks and towers of cinnamon rolls poofed into existence. A small table grill appeared surrounded by different kinds of meats along with a takoyaki grill. Hanabi was clapping happily at the sight of the takoyaki grill and was badgering Naruto to give her the batter to make it. Hinata tried to rein in Hanabi but that was a futile effort. Udon and Konohamaru were fighting over a bag of snacks. Moegi's eyes were gleaming as she began grilling some meat. Akamaru was drooling as he sat next to Moegi staring at the meat along with Kiba. Shino was silent was he enjoyed eating a cinnamon roll he managed to snag. All in all, the party was in full swing and Naruto's smile couldn't be wider. Well, that was a lie, when Hanabi pulled out a sealing scroll and out came towers of Ichiraku ramen. That was when his smile couldn't be any wider.

000

Iruka was eyebrows were scrunched uptight as he stared at the door in front of him. He had just finished a load of paperwork that left him more worn out than usual. Knowing today was his favorite blond genin's birthday, Iruka planned to take Naruto to Ichiraku. What stumped the scarred chunnin was the fact there seemed to be a party happening in Naruto's apartment. That was unusual due to the fact that Naruto, as loud and boisterous he was, had a very hard time making any sort of friend.

So in an effort to appease his curious self, Iruka knocked loudly over on the door. A faint call from Naruto sounded out from behind the door. It was a grinning Naruto that welcomed Iruka.

"Iruka-sensei! Welcome!" Naruto said practically bouncing.

"Happy birthday, Naruto," Iruka said giving Naruto a fond smile. "Sounds like you have quite a party going on in there."

"Hehe, yeah it was a bit of a surprise how many people gathered. Come on in Iruka-sensei," Naruto said grabbing the chunnin.

Iruka allowed himself to be pulled into the apartment. His eyebrows shot up when he saw who was in the apartment. The Konohamaru Corps, as they liked to call themselves, made sense to him. He knew those three basically worshiped Naruto. Iruka did not expect to see Hanabi there or how close she was to Naruto. A dark realization came across Iruka that some of the more subtle accidents that he thought were just bad luck might have because a certain blond influenced a young Hyuga to prank him. Iruka almost pinched his nose at the headache that formed. Though a faint smile did cross his face seeing Hinata talk to Naruto. Her crush on the blond was obvious to everyone but said blond. A large smile crossed Iruka's face as he took a seat across from Kiba and Shino.

"Hello you two, how's life as genin been?" Iruka asked taking a plate of the strange orange-glazed cinnamon bun.

A groan escaped Kiba as he began to complain about D-rank missions. Soon the talk shifted to missions that took the genins out of Konoha with a few short anecdotes from Iruka such as the time he got pants by a monkey. That certainly got a laugh from everyone. The room quiet when Naruto began to retell his C turned A-rank mission. Everyone was at the edge of their seat until the end of the tale.

"Damn, that is a crazy mission," Kiba said leaning back into his seat.

"It was incredibly foolish of you and Kakashi to have continued that mission. It would have been better to return to Konoha so a prepared team could go out," Iruka said as he waved his chopstick holding meat in the air.

"I know, I know, but at the time I was rather stupid, but I don't regret my choices," Naruto said waving his hands in the air.

Before another word could be said a loud knock on the door interrupted them. Naruto stood up to answer the door. Everyone was curious too who was at the door as they tried to peek around the corner from their seats.

"Jiji! Come in, come in, make yourself at home jiji," Naruto said waving his arm.

"Thank you, Naruto-chan. I hope you are having a happy birthday," Hiruzen Sarutobi said as he took off his hat.

"Oji-san!" Konohamaru called out seeing Hiruzen.

"Kono-chan? What a surprise, though maybe it shouldn't be. Your mother has been wondering where you've been hiding after school," Hiruzen said smiling as he rubbed his chin.

Iruka stood at attention, "Hokage-sama." Iruka began to bow until Hiruzen waved him off.

"At ease Umino-san, we here to celebrate Naruto-chan's birthday. There is no need for formalities. Especially when this one doesn't follow any." Hiruzen ruffled Naruto's head.

"Ah come on Jiji, you're embarrassing me," Naruto blushed a little at the attention.

Kiba and Shino were staring at the friendly interaction. Kiba's eyes were wide while Shino tilted his sunglasses down to look over the top of them.

"Dude, how does Naruto get away with that?" Kiba whispered.

Shino just shook his head; no words could express the strangeness this party had become.

Hinata was silent with wide eyes while Hanabi had a dumbfounded look. Konohamaru was simply bouncing in place as he was familiar with the relationship between his grandfather and Naruto. Udon and Moegi were only slightly surprised as Konohamaru had told them about it but they never saw them interact in person.

Hiruzen took this in stride and helped himself to a cinnamon roll. When he complimented about how delicious the sweet was, Naruto was quick to point out that Hinata was the one to bake it. The poor girl was blushing hard as the Hokage contemplated out loud the idea of creating an ongoing D-rank mission just to have her bake treats for him constantly. Konohamaru ruined Hiruzen's fun bringing up the fact that Konohamaru's mother would shut down such an unhealthy diet.

Naruto leaned back in his chair as he watched the party go on. These were his precious people. The people that he would give everything to see happy. It made Naruto happy to know that they gathered here to make Naruto happy. With a large smile, Naruto rejoined the party. He wasn't going to waste a second of this moment.

So how was the story? Thoughts on Moegi and how she and Naruto interacted? Any thoughts in general?

Besides making up some exercise with a leaf, what are the most creative ways you can think or have read of someone training their earth or water chakra? Should I do a scene where Moegi and Udon also learn the sexy jutsu or would that feel to repetitive?

I hope to see y'all again soon!

PK out!