Disclaimer: Same as the last seven chapters.

Author Disclaimer: Sorry about the delay, School is starting up and I was busying with

buying books and paying tuition. Anyway, I do hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Eight: Of Joy and Of Sorrow

The days to the Jonin Examination Tournament was rapidly approaching. The days of training were ending and groups of Shinobi from all over the Continent were gathering.

Inari watched amused as his young mortal was being dressed up by his great-aunt and grandmother. He was to be dressed in all the colors of his family; red and blue of the Uzumaki Family, silver and white of the Imahitotsu Family, and ebony of the Mei Family. "Obasan, I can not breathe!" Naruto complained, "It is too tight". Tsunade reached in and pulled at the red and blue scarf that hung around her nephew's neck. "Much better, thank you". Naruto turned to catch a glimpse of himself in the mirror and smiled. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt that was under an open ebony jacket with silver embroidery; his ebony pants fell to his knee and had silver embroidery on it as well. His slippers, in tradition of Hidden Air, were similar to his jacket and pants. Naruto picked up his Hitai-ate and tied it around his neck, it rested upon his scarf.

"Wonderful, very dashing" Kurai said, smoothing out Naruto's bangs. "And you bear all three symbols of your families". Naruto looked at his clothes, on his jacket he bore the Symbol of the Mei Clan, on his shirt was the symbol of the Imahitotsu Clan and upon his scarf was the Uzumaki Clan Symbol.

"Am I done?" Naruto inquired. The two women nodded, Naruto's face lit up and he dashed off out of the room with Inari following behind him. Kurai turned to a smiling Tsunade, curiously.

"The Shinobi of Sand should be arriving soon" Tsunade replied. "Naruto is rather attached to Temari, daughter of the Kazekage". Kurai chuckled and smoothed out her ebony kimono, a sad smile upon her face. "Kurai-san?"

"Just remembering a long forgotten past" Kurai replied, sadly. "A tragic love affair that nearly had my daughter killed because her father never approved of who she wanted to marry. Looking at Naruto, I feel as if my Nisshoku has returned to me". Tsunade nodded and rested her hand upon the older woman's shoulder. "Well, we best get you dressed . . . Can't have you wandering around in that now can we?"

Naruto searched through the throngs of Shinobi that entered the Village for the familiar presence of Temari, but luck it would seem was on his side. Naruto was knocked onto his bottom; he gazed down into a pair of familiar emerald green eyes. "Gaara!" Naruto said, happily. Naruto stood and swung the boy upwards over head, causing the little child to squeal in delight. Naruto brought him close and rubbed his nose against Gaara's, it was the child's typical welcoming. "My, my . . . You have gotten big since I last saw you". Gaara was propped onto Naruto's hip and tiny arms encircled his neck, an auburn head rested against the blonde's shoulder.

"Gaara missed Niichan" Gaara pouted, "Ane missed Niichan too". Naruto smiled and nuzzled the boy's short hair. He gained a devious smile and began to tickle the unsuspecting toddler, who shrieked with laughter. Gaara managed to wiggle free and ducked behind Inari for protection, suddenly the young child frowned. Naruto felt his arm begin taken and froze; that Chakra was not Temari's gentle Air presence. He looked down to see a beaming Sando Yuri standing there.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Naruto-san" Yuri said, moving forward. "You didn't stop in to see me during your last visit at the Village". Naruto, frantically, looked for a way to escape but was quickly finding that he couldn't. Yuri braced her hands on the Leaf-Nin's shoulders and moved closer but was quickly yanked away. Naruto looked to see a furious Temari.

"I told you, Sando" Temari snarled, "He's mine!" Blue eyes locked with blue eyes, both girls glaring at each other. Naruto looked around helplessly for someone to help prevent the on coming murder. That's when he noticed Sasuke, Sakura and their significant other coming their way. He made to call out when he glomped and fell backwards, a mouth pressed firmly against his. Naruto's eyes widened as he noticed that it wasn't Temari kissing him but rather Yuri. The Sand-Nin pulled back and stood up, dragging Naruto up as well. The silver-blonde was placed in the middle of the two warring females; he couldn't help but gulp at the furious expression on Temari's face. Temari stalked up and snatched Naruto out of Yuri's arms and placed him in her own embrace. "Hands off!"

"Is there a problem?" came a cool voice. Naruto looked up to see Sasuke standing there with Lee, both Chunnins did not look happy. Sasuke reached over and promptly snatched Naruto to them. The blonde blinked as both boys took up positions, "is there something that you wanted with Naruto?"

"As a matter of fact there is, Uchiha" Temari growled, growing angrier by the second. Naruto had only ever seen Temari become truly angry once and she even frightened her own father, who supposedly faced death and all. Naruto immediately ducked away from the two Chunnins, grabbed Gaara around the waist and bolted away, not wanting to be in the danger zone. Naruto heard two loud cries and a crunch; he turned to see Sasuke lying on his back, holding his jaw. Lee was on his stomach, rubbing his own face and Yuri was planted face first into the ground. Slowly, the two returned to Temari, who was still seething.

"Ah . . . Temari?" Naruto inquired, tentively. "Is everything okay?" He grasped her hand, only to have her arms thrown around his neck and the blonde snuggling close.

"Ooh, I missed you so much!" Temari squealed, happily. She rubbed her cheek against his own, smiling; her hands wove their wave through Naruto's loose ponytail, combing the silk-like texture. She gave a glare at the two Chunnins before turning to Naruto and planted a kiss on his lips, getting gasps from Tenten and Sakura. Naruto was immediately yanked from Temari by the two girls.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Sakura shrieked. Naruto sighed and rolled his eyes upwards, turning to look at the boy at his side and happily holding his hand. Naruto knelt and hoisted the small boy into his arms, he watched as the two Kunoichi of Leaf shout at Temari. "You think you can waltz in here, manhandling Naruto and beat up our boyfriends!"

"I have you know Naruto doesn't mind my 'manhandling', do you?" Temari said, turning to her beau.

"Manhandling" Naruto said, smiling. "That is a new one for addressing someone's boyfriend. Though I do not believe I really mind Temari's manhandling". Temari beamed and grasped Naruto's arm, sticking her tongue out at the two shocked females. "Where is Kankurou, Temari?"

"Right here, Runt" came a growl. Naruto turned and gave the taller boy a smile; Kankurou moved past the two and placed himself firmly in front of them. "Is there a problem here?"

"Yeah, tell your hag of a sister to get her grimy hands of Naruto!" Tenten shouted.

"Hag!" Temari shrieked. She made to jump on the Weapon Specialist but Kankurou and Naruto stopped her, grabbing her by the waist and arms. "I'll show you a Hag!" Naruto looked at Kankurou, hoping for an idea.

"Don't look at me, she's your girl" Kankurou said. Naruto's eyes lit up and whirled Temari around; the Kunoichi of Sand squeaked in surprisement and received a rather passionate kiss. Temari melted into the kiss, drawing the other closer; Kankurou shook his head, gathering Gaara into his arms.

"Yucky" whined the little boy.

"You and me both, Chibi" Kankurou replied. "Get a room, you two". Both pulled apart, Naruto smiled and kissed Temari's nose, causing the other to giggle and snuggle close. "Sheesh, two minutes together and you're all over each other". Naruto linked his arms around Temari's waist and gave Kankurou a look.

"I could be all over your sister in a different way, if you want me too" Naruto said, grinning.

"Gah! Temari, you've corrupted him!" Kankurou yelped. "My ears . . . Worse, My Mind!" Temari and Naruto were howling with laughter that they need each other to support themselves. Sakura and Tenten could only gap at the affection between Temari and Naruto and the smile child that now wanted to be picked up by Naruto. The Heir of the Hokages was only to happy swinging the boy upwards over his head before bring the boy down and cuddled him close.

"Gaara loves Niichan!" the boy squealed planting a kiss on Naruto's face. Temari couldn't help but snicker at the shocked face of the four Chunnins, Kankurou joined his sister. Temari grasped Naruto's arm and pulled him away, claiming she wanted to spend some quality time with him; Kankurou knelt and gathered the still unconscious Yuri into his arms and left in a different direction. The four exchanged confused looks.

Temari browsed through the racks of clothes with Naruto and Gaara trailing behind. She was still grumbling about Tenten's comment about her being an old Hag; she shot a look behind her to where Naruto was fixing Gaara's sandal and, secretly, wondered if he did want a girlfriend his own age instead of being two years older then him. Temari frowned and looked back at the clothes, though not really seeing them. "Temari, is there a problem?" Naruto inquired, gently; his only answer was Temari throwing her arms around him and burying her face into his chest. Naruto looked to Gaara, who pulled on Temari's clothes.

"Ane? What's wrong?" Gaara asked. Temari didn't answer, she just held tighter to Naruto; the Leaf shinobi was quickly becoming concerned, he scooped Temari into his arms, carrying her bridal fashion and left the store with Gaara trotting behind him, obediently. Once outside, Naruto rested Temari on a bench and touched her face.

"Temari? Whatever is wrong?" Naruto inquired. Gaara was on the bench at his sister's side, hoping to bring her some comfort; "you can tell me . . . Temari?"

"It's nothing" Temari whispered. Naruto frowned and awarded Temari a kiss on her nose and held her hands; "Naruto, do you ever wish you had a girlfriend your own age?"

"Oh, I understand now" Naruto said, "you still have Tenten's comment stuck in your head". Temari looked away blushing, only to be guided back by Naruto who smiled at her. "You are my other half, Temari, nothing changes that. You gave me something to live for those three years ago; I was hoping to save this for another time but ------". Naruto pulled out a small box from his jacket and handed it to the girl, who stared at it curiously; he placed it in her hands and watched her open it. Temari's eyes widened and she looked at Naruto, who looked away blushing; she turned his face back and nodded. The Leaf-Nin grinned and scooped her up, whirling around. Temari laughed and threw her arms around his neck; Naruto set her down and proceeded to slip the designed band onto Temari's ring finger. He leaned in a kissed her, Temari sank happily into the kiss. The gonging of the village warning bells tore them apart; Naruto looked at Temari, who nodded understandingly. Naruto gave her another kiss before disappearing in a pouf; Gaara raised his arms and Temari plucked the little Boy up into her arms.

"What do you think, Gaara?" Temari inquired. "Would you like Naruto to really be your big brother?"

"Yeah!"

Naruto appeared beside Jiraiya and Kakashi, Iruka was on his other side. "What is happening?" Naruto questioned. Kakashi turned to his student, who stared at him much like Kakashi remembered his father doing.

"A group of shinobi has been spotted several miles from the village" Kakashi answered. "They're traveling very fast". Naruto nodded and looked over the wall, trying to see the newcomers.

-- Kiji . . . It is the Clan –

Naruto looked to where Inari was perched above him. "The Clan?" Naruto echoed, his eyes widened and he propelled himself off the wall despite the shouts of his family. He landed with the elegance of a cat on the ground and headed off. Kakashi and Jiraiya followed behind their student, Iruka not far behind.

Imahitotsu Aokusa was tired, his body was hurting him but he would not tell that to his eldest brother. His silver blue eyes looked around at his family and at the Villagers; each moving at top speeds despite being burden by somebody or something. He rested his head against Asahi's shoulder, moaning. The eldest son of the Imahitotsu clan stopped and looked at his brother. "Aokusa? Is everything alright?" Asahi inquired.

"Put me down, Aniki" Aokusa said. He set his youngest brother down and turned to face him; Aokusa's usually fair features were colored by the fever that laced his body. Asahi touched Aokusa's forehead. "I am alright . . . You needed the rest". Asahi looked at his brother, unbelieving.

"Asahi . . . Aokusa, is everything alright?" came Imahitotsu Kitsune. The two looked up at their uncle, who was squatting at their side. "Aokusa?"

"Yes, everything is fine" Aokusa murmured before slipping sideways, his breathe ragged and shallow. Kitsune reached for Aokusa's throat and felt the weak pulse; Asahi looked up at his uncle.

"Hidden Leaf is not far" Kitsune said. He hoisted Aokusa onto his back and set off double time, Asahi following close behind.

They had been unprepared for the attack. It came swift and precise and left many wondering how the enemy entered the fortified village that only allowed people of that village to enter. They suspected a traitor amongst them but there was no way to prove it; Asahi turned to look where his Uncles Fokkusu and Iduzna stood with his younger brothers, Tsuki and Ginrei. The four were trying to stabilize their father, who next Aokusa, was the one with the worse injuries. It seemed as though the enemy was purposely attacking the Imahitotsu clan for a reason. And Asahi figure that reason was his young nephew, Naruto. 'Damn Bastards' Asahi cursed to himself.

"Someone approaches!" someone shouted. The more able members of the Air Shinobi made a blockade around the lesser and injured members. Their weapons poised to strike. The newcomer burst into the clearing and was bombarded with kunai and shuriken.

"Naruto!" Asahi cried out in horror. But his young nephew was swift and agile, dodging the shuriken and kunai with expertise and ease. The heir of their Clan came to a skidding halt. Asahi gathered the boy into his arms, hugging him closely.

"Ojisan, where's Ojiisan and Obaasan?" Naruto questioned. "What happened? What is going on?"

"My grandson" came a whisper. Naruto turned and saw his grandfather; his face was mask with horror and fear. Naruto broke from his uncle and ran to where his grandfather lay. Naruto fell to his knees and grasped his grandfather's raised hand; Byakko smiled at his grandson, tenderly. "I got to see you one last time" Byakko murmured. "I am glad you are safe".

"Everything will alright, Ojiisan" Naruto said. Tears quickly filling his eyes and slid, unchecked, down his cheeks. "I can heal you . . . . Obasan, she can help". Byakko coughed, blood sliding down face.

"No . . . I go to join your grandmother" Byakko said. His silver-blue eyes glazed and unseeing. "You are Leader, now. My brothers . . . Watch over him and guide him along the correct path". Naruto watched, with trembling lip, as his grandfather pass into the otherworld. Asahi turned away, trying to hid his tears; Tsuki buried his face into Ginrei's shoulder, crying; Kitsune was comforting the conscious Aokusa, rocking his back and forth; Gingitsune and Iduzna and Fokkusu were trying to remove Naruto from the body which he clutched tightly to, crying.

"Ojiisan" Naruto sobbed. "Ojiisan!" A strong pair of arms pulled him away from his grandfather and he curled against the broad chest, crying. Asahi rocked his nephew back and forth, his tears falling to his nephew's hair. Iduzna knelt and grasp a section of Naruto's neck, rendering him unconscious. Asahi hoisted the newly named Leader of their Clan and Ruler of Air Village. Asahi looked to his people, who looked at the youth in his arms.

"Come, we move out" Asahi ordered. Slowly, the Air Shinobi gathered their things and the injured. The brothers of Byakko gathered their elder brother's remained and carried it with them, just as they did with Ai's. They would lay their brother and sister to rest beside their daughter and son-in-law.

"Asahi, people are coming" Ginrei called. The Anbu moved in front of their young ruler, katana's poised and ready. Jiraiya appeared with Kakashi and Iruka from the brush, Inari appearing behind the three. The Air shinobi relaxed though they were still slightly tense.

"Jiraiya" Asahi said, softly. The Sennin turned to the silver blonde, who cradled Naruto into his arms. "We seek sanctuary in the Village of the Leaf. I ask on behalf of our leader, Naruto".

"Where is Byakko and Ai?" Jiraiya questioned. He noticed the tear-stained faces of Tsuki and Aokusa; the down-turned faces of Asahi and Ginrei; Byakko's four brothers carrying a stretcher, covered with a blanket.

"Otousan and Okaasan have passed into the Mists of the Otherworld" Asahi replied, softly. He lift his head, eyes shone bright with tears but he refused to let them fall. "We wish to lay them beside Ayame and Arashi". Jiraiya moved forward, he gathered Naruto into his arms and gave him to Kakashi, who cradle the child carefully in his arms. Jiraiya pulled Asahi into his arms, allowing the other comfort; Asahi broke down sobbing as everything came crashing to reality. The Sennin pinched Asahi's neck and caught the Air Anbu Captain in his arms as he collapsed into unconsciousness. Jiraiya hoisted him into his arms and cradled Asahi as Kakashi cradled Naruto.

"Come, you may have safe haven in Leaf" Jiraiya said and moved off with the Air Shinobi following behind. Kakashi followed behind the Hermit while Iruka helped several of the children, who were in need of comfort.

"Where are they?" Sakura said, biting her thumb. Each of the Rookiee Nine and many others watched the forest expectedly. It had been awhile since four of their numbers had dashed into the forest toward unknown danger.

"There! There they are!" came a shout from down the lines. Jiraiya was the first they saw, carrying a strange shinobi that looked similar to Naruto; more Shinobi appeared out of the forest. Kakashi could be seen carrying Naruto while Iruka had carried two dark haired children in his arms. The Leaf-Nins watched as the injured and ruggard Shinobi watched them as they watched them.

"Open the Gates!" came Jiraiya ordered. "Summon the Hokage!"

A Shinobi near Sakura dashed away, obeying Jiraiya's command. Like curious children, the Leaf-nins watched as the number of foreign Shinobi entered their village as the Gates slowly opened. Already standing there was Tsunade with two members of the Anbu. She walked up to Jiraiya; an elegant eyebrow raised but welcomed the Shinobi to Leaf none the less. Having the two Anbu show the tired shinobi toward hotels and inns; she beckoned for the remaining shinobi to follow her. The group disappear admist the crowds, never to be seen.

TBC