Slowly the sun sank toward the horizon soon it would be set, and at the closing of the day The Mirage of a temple once again appeared in the swirling sands of the desert. For a short time it stood mute. A tribute in it's self to a battle that had once sealed away the army's of darkness. Suddenly a puff of red flames appeared near it, followed a moment later by a puff of multi-colored flames.

"Wow"

Naruto was staring down at his hands again, nearly gaping in awe.

"Why'd you make me leave so soon Kyuubi-sama? I was about to ask how to use these cool flames."

Kyuubi gave a short bark of a laugh.

"I didn't remove us kit, I vanished, and you followed me."

Naruto looked up, confusion showing in his eyes. Kyuubi sighed.

I suppose that I'll need to teach him THIS to…

"Naruto, did you listen to the explanation that Monato gave to you?"

Naruto thought back. As little as a month ago he would have just nodded and tried to look wise while feverishly wondering what had actually been said. Thanks to Kyuubi's training with the books however (And DAMN was that training Boooorrrrriiinnng) Naruto's attention span was much longer.

"I caught most of it sensei, the important parts anyway. This flame will not hurt my friends, even if I target them specifically, and it will devastate those who don't like me, even if I'm not aware of them."

Kyuubi sighed

"And?"

"And what Kyuubi-sensei? That is all I heard."

"Naruto… I should be mad, but I guess that since you were probably in a state of mild shock… You missed some of the main points. First once you de-activate your new flames your chakra is effectively Zero. In fact you will probably pass out. Most Ninja's would need a week to recover from the chakra depletion. You would take a day if I were still fully sealed. I'm not, Lucky for you however your body heals faster than most peoples, I'd guess that you'll be back to normal in four days, and probably well enough to get out of the hospital after three."

Naruto took a moment to absorb this information and then acknowledged it with a quick jerk of his head. The wind was coming up heralding the bitterly cold desert night. Normally Naruto would have needed to use Chakra to heat himself and to block the wind driven sand. Absently he noted that the flames dancing around his body now did both without him needing to concentrate. This alone wasn't enough for him to remark on anymore; Kyuubi would scold him for bringing up frivolous things, but it did help him remember and earlier comment that Kyuubi had made.

"Kyuubi-sensei? What did you mean when you said I brought myself here?"

Kyuubi looked startled for a moment. As little as a week and a half ago Naruto probably wouldn't have taken notice of the phrase but now…

"With this new ability you have also gained the Phoenix's mode of transportation for covering long distances… come start walking back to the village. We will train on the way back because you will most likely be asleep for several days after this."

And so they walked. Kyuubi explaining a point of interest about Naruto's new ability and Naruto quickly taking the hint and attempting new things with his chakra aura. The first thing he learned was weapon forging. Using the flames Naruto found that he could make weapons of pure fire. These weapons held together for five to ten minutes before dissipating, but during that time they morphed into whatever type of weapon he wanted. Luckily for Naruto this trick was as easy as thinking of the weapon and focusing in a certain way. The second thing he learned was that the flames granted him the use of one-handed seals. Without concentrating Naruto found that he could do two forms of seal Jutsu's at the same time. Kyuubi let Naruto fool around with that particular technique for about an hour before stopping him.

"Kyuubi, Something is… odd."

Kyuubi had, until a moment ago, been watching Naruto perform various Jutsu's using the wreath of fire around him but then Naruto and stumbled. They had been walking for nearly eight hours, and the sun was beginning to come up.

"What's wrong kit?"

"Suddenly I'm beginning to feel… tired."

Kyuubi had a worried thought for a moment before he realized what had happened.

"How long have you been awake kit?"

"Um. Let me think… 24…48…72… oh SHIT I've been awake almost four days straight!"

"Hmm I wondered. You've probably been running on adrenaline since we left the phoenix's nest… Alright kit do you see that dot in the distance?"

Naruto looked toward the distant horizon there was a small speck in the distance

"Yes Kyuubi-sama."

"I want to concentrate on it. I want you to mentally picture going from here to there in a single step."

Naruto nearly choked… he stumbled again.

"K...Kyuubi-sensei doing that is im...impossible."

"Not any more kit. All you need is to focus. That is the last Phoenix gift we'll work on until after you re-cooperate. The ability is called Phoenix Re-location. You can move yourself and a small group from horizon to horizon in a single step. What really happens is you just kind of, well… Bend reality a little. Your ANBU use a similar technique but theirs is a manipulation of seals. You can also move instantly to anyplace you can envision in your mind. Provided of course that it hasn't changed much since you last saw it. Oh, also I'm guessing that this will probably take the last of your stamina, so be careful, you don't want to pass out half way there, it would take me forever to find you."

Naruto took another look at Kyuubi, and then eyeballed the small dot in the distance.

"As you wish Kyuubi-sensei."

Concentrating Naruto envisioned moving from where he was to just beside the dot in a single step. A second later Kyuubi watched as Naruto disappeared again in his trademark puff of multicolored flames. Kyuubi nodded before following. Naruto re-appeared fifty feet from the entrance to the hidden village of sand. He took a proud look around himself, and remained awake just long enough to see Kyuubi appear and smile at him before he collapsed into a dreamless sleep.

Kyuubi stepped forward just in time to scoop up the exhausted body of his pupil as Naruto pitched headfirst toward the dirt.

Off to the Hospital I suppose. He mused one step closer to Hokage for you and one step closer to revenge for me. Good work Naruto-san.


Hinata was sitting up in bed reading a book when a knock sounded at the door.

"Hyuuga-san? Are you awake?"

It had been a day since she had fought the demons, apparently she had been nearly out of chakra when brought in, and the staff had ordered her to remain where she was for at least two more.

"Yes, I'm awake. Will you come in?"

Berra, Hinata's nurse from the first day opened the door and stepped inside.

"I'm sorry to disturb you Hyuuga-san But I'm afraid that I have a bit of an improper request to make of you."

"What's that Berra-san?"

"Well, our hospital only has so many rooms, and they are all in use at the moment Unfortunately we just had a young man brought in… apparently he has chakra depletion, but unfortunately all the other double rooms are full… would it be terribly improper if We put the young man in here?"

Hinata paused for only the briefest moments of thought before answering.

"Certainly, bring him in."

Berra didn't bother responding but bowed and stepped out the door. A moment later a tall man with a fox-like face appeared carrying a blonde young shinobe with him. As he stepped in he muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'Bloody… flaming… fan girls!' before putting the young man in the other bed and drawing the curtain that separated the two beds. Moments later Hinata saw a white shirt with a torn sleeve and a pair of faded deerskin pants land on the chair just beyond the edge of the curtain. Until that point she had been tempted to try activating her blood limit to see who it was, but the fact that he probably wasn't wearing much a the moment managed to stop her. Hinata decided that it was time to get back to reading her book.


Kyuubi was slightly annoyed. True he had popped up just in time to catch Naruto. Yes, it was true that the guard had (thankfully) assumed that their approach simply wasn't noticed due to the sun rising. But those DAMN fan girls had been such a pain to shake. He had hardly managed to get inside the doors before he was surround by a group of girls, each of them had nearly DEMANDED to get their hands on Naruto.

Heh, honestly I probably should have just let one of them take care of the kid… he's far too modest at the moment. BUT, its done now… at least he'll have some quite time, I told the nurses to keep his room unlisted… he does have a roommate, but I'm pretty sure she saw nothing but the hair, oh well, the kit will just have to deal with her later.

Kyuubi straightened up from tucking in Naruto, and walked back around the curtain. He took a moment to bow to Naruto's new roommate, he was a little startled to see that she was one of Naruto's fellow leaf shinobi, but he didn't show it. Kyuubi DID however, notice that the thin dress like shirts issued by the hospital showed off, what he could see of her figure, rather nicely.

"Pardon the Intrusion miss. My student overworked himself during practice. Agrito for sharing your room."

Hinata had been just about to start reading again when the odd fox-like man had come back out and bowed to her. He was quite formal, but then she had been trained in diplomacy since she was quite young.

"No trouble at all sir, I hope he recovers soon."

Saying so she made a seated bow in the direction of Kyuubi. Never one to miss a chance at a little peeping Kyuubi snuck a surreptitious look down the top of her shirt.

Hmmm if this ISN'T the girl who had him blushing then the kit is FAR blinder than I thought.

"As do I… keep an eye on him for me will you?"

"Gladly."

"Agrito"

With that Kyuubi left the room thinking

Pity she's far to young for me. Oh well, perhaps I've set you on the right track kit. Now she'll be wondering exactly who her roommate is.


Sasuke took a deep breath and tried to steady himself. Yesterday he and the fifth Hokage had spent more than two hours over 'tea'. Tsunade had gotten it into her head to Talk Sasuke into seeing Sakura, and when the Hokage latched onto an Idea she didn't stop pursuing it. Shortly before she had left Tsunade had elicited a promise from Sasuke that he would walk Sakura home today. As she was walking out the door Tsunade and mentioned something along the lines of 'be there if you want to continue living' Not quite her words, but close enough.

NOW what do I do. Sakura will be done with her medic duties in less than five minutes… perhaps I can slip away now and then tell the Hokage that I tried but she got Past me.

Nodding to himself Sasuke started to stand when the door across the street opened.

"…nade-sama, I'll be certain to take some time to meditate today…. Of course I will… right… OK, see you tomorrow."

Sasuke sat slack jawed. He had never really noticed before, but Sakura was quite lovely. Especially in the white tunic that the Konoha nurses wore. Sasuke would probably have sat daydreaming until it was to late, but somebody walked between him and Sakura disturbing his thoughts.

Sakura had just spent several hours grueling under the close scrutiny of none other than Tsunade-sama herself, she was tired, and a little frustrated. She had been trying to get the hang of an advanced healing technique for the last couple of days, but she just couldn't quite seem to get it right.

(sigh) lets see perhaps it would have been easier if Tsunade hadn't been standing over me… Damn does that women make me ner…

Sakura's thoughts broke off as she felt a presence trailing her. Sakura knew that she wasn't the best shinobi in the village, but even she could tell when she was being tailed. Drawing a Kunai she whipped around and… and nearly stabbed Sasuke in the head before he could react. Blushing Sakura turned and began walking back home after quickly putting back the Kunai.

Sasuke had been VERY worried for a moment, he had just about caught up to Sakura when she had suddenly pulled a knife on him. Her speed was such that he was defiantly caught off guard. Thankfully she had put it down and started walking again when she saw who it was.

"You've improved"

BAKA! You Intend to get anywhere with a STUPID opening like that? After what you did to her your lucky that she didn't stab you AFTER she saw who it was.

"Like you care…"

Why did I say that? I still love you Sasuke-kun at least I think I do… oh well, you deserve some of your own medicine.

The two of them walked in silence for a while before Sasuke got the courage to say…

"Sakura?"

Sakura turned. Sasuke had stopped with his head hung in shame.

"I'm sorry."

Sakura stood looking at him for a moment or two and then started walking again.

"Sakura-Chan,"

Sasuke was forced to jog to keep up

"I'm truly sorry, I know that I hurt you, and I know I have no right to ask for forgiveness, but if you can find it in your heart to at least tolerate me…"

Sakura continued to walk forward. Jogging behind her Sasuke couldn't see the tears in her eyes. He was just a little desperate however, and honestly he had hoped that perhaps some small part of her still harbored feelings for him.

"What I did was so terribly wrong; I always assumed that you were just another fan girl, that it was only a crush… By the time I saw the truth, well,"

Sasuke gave a dark chuckle

"Let me re-phrase that, by the time Naruto had beaten the truth into me, I was too angry to admit it…"

Sakura kept walking, she was almost home, just another block or so and she could be rid of him, then she could cry in peace.

"I just want you to know…"

Sasuke stopped, Sakura had made it to her home and was now running up the stairs. Sasuke's head dropped and he whispered.

"That I love you."

Sakura paused. Sasuke had mumbled something that she hadn't heard, but the tone of his voice…

"You hurt me Sasuke, You hurt me more than I thought it was possible to be hurt, I can't forgive you, but I can't hate you either…"

She stood for a moment with one hand on the door.

"Perhaps I'll see you tomorrow."

With that she fled inside pulling the door shut behind her. Sasuke couldn't believe it,

She said that she can't h...hate me? And that she'd… see. Me. tomorrow?

Sasuke sighed, as small smile playing across his features

Perhaps there is still hope.


Ugh... Redux:
Ya well... (rueful grin) I didn't know her age so I made one up. therefore in this Fic Tsunade is 10 years older

Daniel of Lorien:
He still might, I haven't decided yet.

HDxShadow:
Hope your feeling better dude, I missed your reviews. BTW, um well, I was gonna make a comment about the fanclub again, but if your sick...

boredathome:
He's not going to ask the Hokage questions if they might make her mad. he is on probation after all. Also the first flame is trying his hardest to reconcile that old wrong I spoke of, thats why he was so forgiving. And thank for the complements.

Eadha Ohn:
Actually I might have Naruto visit Hidden Air or Hidden Snow next (depending on which name I pick for the village) Besides, Sasuke hasn't suffered near enough yet. After all, he DID try to kill Naruto.

Rorschach's Blot, everyone who corrected the Nii/nee:
Thank you I know. my best guess is that I was so tired at the time I just slipped up. thanks for pointing it out.

TimeShifter:
Naruto DID summon Kyuubi, but kyuubi want to pull a prank on the Phoenix's.

ranma hibiki:
you might have had to face Some of your past, but can you imagion ALL of it? Brrr. it makes ME tremble, and I consider pride/Vanity to be my greatest fault

Monaki-cheung:
I may just have to do that...

Dragon Man 180:
Naruto doens't know, and kyuubi hasn't realized yet.

Shinji-Higurashi:
Yes and no... it depends on which legend you read about them.

To everyone:
Thanks again to everyone who reads my fics. especial thanks to those of you who take a moment to review for me. I hope to have another update in a couple of days... Ta-ta for now,

Sincerly,
Manatheron