Narutos eyes opened.
"Hinata"
It came out as a whisper, and suddenly Naruto was trying to see all the corners of the room at once.
"Dammit. It was just a dream."
Naruto could have cried. He however as a shinobi and on top of that he had learned long ago how to hide his emotions behind a happy mask. Being as hated as he had been as a child forced him to grow up Very quickly, when he hit age three he was fighting and thinking like a seven year old, and by the time he hit seven he had realized the necessity of hiding how smart he really was. Don't get me wrong, he was no genius, but he was still A lot more intelligent than he showed to the outside world.
"Oh good, your awake Naruto-san."
Naruto jumped slightly at the unexpected voice and raised his head. An old woman was folding his freshly washed clothes. By the look of her she was in her late seventy's.
She looks a lot like Tsunade-baba did when she was forced to drop her Jutsu that time… but ya know, in her own way she's still quite lovely.
"You get a room to yourself now young man. Be thankful we don't have many to spare."
"Anno, but who are you?"
"Me? My name is Berra, I've been your nurse for the last two or three days."
"TWO OR THREE DAYS!"
The old lady put on a frown.
"No need to raise your voice boy, I'm right here."
Naruto blushed.
"Ano, Ano. Um Berra-sama? May I ask you a question?"
"Obviously you just did, but you may ask another if you like."
"Um was I sharing this room at any point."
The nurse looked amused.
"Now why would you ask that?"
"Um... well… I had a dream… and I, I thought that it was happening, but I'm not so sure anymore."
"And what did you dream about."
Naruto was silent for a few moments trying to find a way to phrase his thoughts so he didn't sound insane.
"Well, I dreamt that I woke up at one point and tried to get my clothes, but I wasn't strong enough… I fell, and when I rolled over I could have sworn I saw an Angel that had the face of a girl I know…"
It sounded insane even to his own ears.
"Well"
Said Berra briskly,
"You'll be happy to know that you probably were NOT hallucinating, one of the Shinobi from your village WAS sharing a room with you, and she left this morning. Although…"
Berra smirked a little
"The fact that you mumbled the right name tells me her feelings might be mutual."
Naruto Turned bright red
It was her that I saw… wait. Her feelings might be returned?
Naruto opened his mouth to question the nurse further when he felt a familiar chakra growing in the room.
KYUUB… ITO, I can feel that you're here, just show yourself.
Damn I'm lucky. I nearly blew Kyuubi's cover.
Berra had turned around thinking about how Naruto might be crazy after all when Kyuubi finally showed up.
"Dammit kit, you had to go and ruin my Entrance didn't you."
"Shuddup hairball."
Berra had been watching the short exchange with more than a small amount of amusement. Suddenly Kyuubi turned and offered a bow to Naruto's nurse.
"Berra my dear, you look as lovely as ever."
"And you look like crap Kyuubi. Which bar have you been drowning yourself in this time?"
Kyuubi clutched his hands over his heart and staggered as though he had been stabbed.
"Oh Berra dear, why do you wound me so?"
This time it had been Naruto watching the whole affair with an air of amusement, that was of course until he realized what the nurse had called his Sensei.
"Wait."
Naruto's voice took on an edge of panic.
"How do you Know Kyuubi-san?"
Berra turned to Naruto with a twinkle in her eye.
"You didn't honestly think that we were ALL stupid enough to be caught like Kyuubi and Shukaku did you?"
Naruto's mouth dropped. Where his aged nurse had stood there was now a young looking woman. Luckily (for Naruto, Kyuubi found it a bit of a letdown) she was still covered by a nurses dress. Naruto took a moment to appraise her. From a Physical standpoint she was drop dead gorgeous. Tall and lithe, she was well proportioned with an ample chest and an angelic face. There was something about her however that Naruto found just a tad odd.
"Your eyes,"
He murmured
"They reflect light, are you a cat of some kind?"
Berra chuckled,
"Feel fortunate kid, you have the honor of looking on my true human form, I found that the morons ignore me more as on old lady then they do as a young one."
Naruto had a faint impression of a snow white tiger for a moment, He shivered. She wasn't as strong as Kyuubi, but she would still be quite an opponent.
"I think it would not be a good idea to get on your bad side Berra-sama."
"Feel free to drop the honorific child, I've spent far to much time around this rogue..."
She pointed to Kyuubi
"to care much for titles."
"Thank you Berra. Um just out of curiosity, are those claws still functional?"
"What makes you think I have claws kid? I assure you my bite is MUCH worse than my bark."
"You're a white tiger yes? You have eyes very similar to Hinata-chan's but you're using a Jutsu to hide them."
Berra was shocked for a moment.
"How well can this kid see Kyuubi?"
"Well, it seems that he defiantly sees to the heart in moments when he wants…"
Kyuubi suddenly shook himself as though he had been thinking.
"My apologies, I haven't made Introductions. Naruto, this is the tigress, Berra Fairheart. Berra may I introduce Uzumaki Naruto."
"Uzumaki hmm? That would explain a lot. Is that why you're guarding him?"
"Training him actually, His father stuck me between a rock and a Jutsu so…"
Berra chuckled softly,
"So the rumors of your capture are true?"
"They were."
"Well well well. I'd love to stay and chat you two, but unfortunately I have other patients to see to. Oh a word to the wise Kyuubi. Get the kid out of here, Today. Numaka is around and whoever sold their soul to him is hunting both you and the kid. He's a member of some atski or ataskei or something like that. They were hoping to strike a similar bargain with you in exchange for your freedom from the kid."
Without saying another word Berra swept from the room regaining her disguise as she left.
"Numaka hmm? That may be just a BIT problematic."
Kyuubi spent a moment muttering under his breath as Naruto overcame his shock.
"Alright kid, I think it's time to head back."
"WHAT?"
"What's the matter? Don't you want to go home?"
"well ya… but."
"but?"
"but I really haven't gained a lot of new jutsu's. I mean ya, the Angels flame is totally awesome, but it has to be active to be used, and on top of that it takes too much out of me. I was hoping to have something to... you know, feel proud of."
Kyuubi sighed.
"Kid, you've accomplished more in the short time that you've been gone then I thought possible for any mortal to do."
Naruto was about to protest when Kyuubi interrupted
"HOWEVER. If you like I think you might be ready to learn 'Angel's voice'."
"Seems to be a lot of stuff named for angels these days,"
Muttered Naruto
"Is there a problem?"
"NO, I am just sick of this hospital, let's go…"
And so Naruto grabbed his clothes and necklace (Berra had left it under his clothes and although he could tell something was different about it he was to pre-occupied to think about what.) Then after grabbing their things out of the Hotel room Naruto and Kyuubi set off Through the trees, at the ground eating pace of a Shinobi."
Jiraiya Stopped and looked at his surroundings. Something wasn't quite right. There was nothing in the sounds of the forest to indicate any difference, but as a Sennin his senses had advanced beyond the point of most animals. Even so they told him everything was fine.
Odd. All my senses say everything is fine. Why…
Jiraiya suddenly leapt backward, his hands flashing through various seals
"Katon: Housenka"
Fireballs exploded from his mouth countering Blades of Ice that had been thrown at him.
"This is going to be interesting I expect."
Jiraiya turned around slowly
"And who are you?"
"Dead men don't need to hear names, but if it makes any difference I'm known as Tajomi Rekku. You are?"
Jiraiya launched into his Tirade. Rekku had created another Ice blade at the first puff, but tuned out the rest, his interest was re-awakened when the Sannin summed a toad though. So he heard the end.
"… The great Sannin Jiraiya!"
"Feh, that was a pathetic introduction. You're a Sennin hmm? You don't look like one."
Jiraiya sweat dropped.
"What do you mean? I'm cool! I'm Hip! I have Skill!"
"Pfft. I've heard of you, you're probably the biggest pervert to ever walk the face of this earth… I can respect you for that. But you're also a strong shinobi, therefore I think it's time to test my capacity."
And so the fight commenced.
Hinata and company had been traveling steadily though the tail end of the desert when they suddenly felt a pair of very powerful Chakra signatures about two miles into the forest ahead of them.
"Kurenai-sensei?"
"Yes Ten-Ten?"
"I recognize one of those signatures."
Kurenai turned to look at her.
"Which?"
"The greenish looking one."
"Greenish Looking?"
Ten-ten pointed, and Hinata and Kurenai looked up in time to see two shinobi descending back into the forest tops while trading attacks.
"That's the Sennin Jiraiya"
Kurenai stopped.
"What?"
"Well you see… Father introduced me to him once and…"
"Never mind. Hinata! Can you take a look to see if he needs help?"
Hinata took a moment to shake off her sudden feeling of worry.
"Hai."
Performing a rapid set of seals she whispered.
"Byakugan"
Looking at the battle she shook her head
"It is a decent match but the steel colored chakra user is holding back his true strength. I can see it gathering in a seal on his left palm."
Suddenly her head whipped to left. Ten-Ten and Kurenai took a startled glance in the direction she was facing. She shut down her eyes a moment later.
"Naruto-kun, no…"
With that she took off running.
Naruto had been zoning slightly, he was thinking back to earlier that morning
-Flashback-
"Kyubito-sensei? Where are we going?"
"Be silent a moment kit we're almost there."
Naruto clammed up for a few seconds trying not to think to hard. He knew that Kyuubi could read his thoughts at times. Moments later Naruto and Kyuubi stood at the edge of a steaming pool.
"What are we doing here Kyubito-sensei?
"Take a closer look at that water."
Naruto Hunched down looking at his reflection
"What am I supposed to be seeing?"
"Me."
With that Kyuubi kicked Naruto into the water. Re-surfacing Naruto began to sputter.
"DAMMIT! What the HELL did you do that for?"
"You needed a bath. Now you don't."
"You BAKA! You could have just TOLD me you know."
Kyuubi didn't say anything but just stood there with a smirk.
"Well, there is another reason."
Just then Naruto heard a stifled giggle from the other side of the pool. Naruto pushed chakra out of the soles of his feet until he was standing on the surface of the water. And then Whipping around he drew three kunai in each hand and… he stopped. Lounging in the water at the other end of the pool was none other than Tamari. She wasn't wearing anything. Turning back and glowing bright red Naruto tried to stammer out an apology. He hadn't seen anything overly perverted, but the little he HAD seen was enough to be embarrassing.
"Kinda shy isn't he?"
"He is indeed Tamari-chan. I would have suggested that he strip down to do a proper job of washing in a moment if you hadn't given it away."
"He still can if he likes, normally non-Suna Nin's aren't allowed in this pool, But I think we can make an exception as I'm the only one here."
Swallowing loudly Naruto had attempted to politely turn her down.
"Modest too hmm? No worries."
Naruto heard the sound of Tamari climbing out of the pool, and then a splash as she got back in.
"It's safe now; I put on one of the swimsuits that we keep around for benefit of the few outsiders we do let in."
Naruto turned around slowly, still beet red. Tamari had indeed put on a suit. Either that or a couple of strategically placed ribbons. They didn't hide much, but they did at least give enough of a semblance of clothing for Naruto to look in her direction. As long as he focused on her face anyway. Darting an angry look at Kyuubi who had watched the entire episode with amusement (and took an especially sharp look when she climbed out to put on some clothes) Naruto started to apologize for walking in on her while she was bathing.
Tamari brushed it off however.
"No worries, men and women Bathe together here in Suna, I found it funny that you didn't when I visited leaf… but considering the fact that I accommodated you, you could at least pull off your shirt and join me."
Blushing again Naruto considered her proposition for a moment. Thinking back over the books Kyuubi had made him read Naruto could indeed remember a section dealing with bathing customs… he had skimmed over it.
"Alright, I suppose that it can't hurt."
Much to Tamari's delight Naruto took off his shirt, threw it at Kyuubi and then let himself sink back into the water.
"Alright, lean back on your knife and let your tongue go free."
This was a comment that Naruto DID know. Basically it meant that he could say anything, and so long as it was truthful she wouldn't get angry.
"As you command, let your own tongue free, and sheath your knife."
Tamari was a little surprised that he had would be startled about the bathing customs and yet know the proper responses to an invitation to relax in one.
"So first things first my handsome friend, who are you and where is home?"
Naruto was shocked, He had forgotten about the fact that he looked different now, Naturally Tamari wouldn't know him.
Heh, time to have a little fun,
Be Careful kit, 'Hell hath no fury like a women scorned'
Kyuubi? When… Never mind, Old saying?
Kyuubi winced mentally.
Personal experience.
"Oh come now Tamari-san, surely your memory isn't that bad?"
Tamari was silent for a moment.
"There is something familiar about you, but I can't seem to put my finger on what it is."
"Why Tamari, I'm disappointed. I remember you quite well from the Chuunin exam."
"You were at the exam?"
Naruto nodded
"Did you wear a mask?"
Naruto chuckled
"Nope, I'll give you a hint. I'm a leaf Nin."
"Which exam did you pass?"
"I didn't Suna's joint attack with sound ended the exam. I'm still a Gennin."
Tamari was lost in thought; Naruto on the other hand felt two familiar Chakra signatures approaching.
"Tamari-chan? Are you decent? I don't feel like nearly getting killed again."
Tamari sighed.
"Yes Kankuro, I have a suit on."
Kankuro and Gaara walked out of the mist.
"Good, because you swore that you'd murder the next person to walk in on you whoever it was. You're far too modest."
Naruto glanced at Tamari who blushed before turning his gaze back on her brothers. For once Kankuro DIDN'T have the freaky doll he always carried around. His guard was down and he sounded almost… Normal. Naruto sat musing as he watched the brothers toss a pair of towels beside the pool and climb in.
Odd, Not even a comment for me.
They can't sense your chakra boy, you're suppressing its feel so you don't get noticed remember? It's nice to see that it's second nature to you though. A good shinobi isn't detectable, even when at rest you must be careful.
Of course, thank you sensei.
"Good evening Gaara how's the shoulder?"
Gaara and Kankuro started in a VERY satisfactory manner; Gaara had managed to get up his sand shield and threw several Suna shuriken at him. Naruto of course caught the first and used it to block the rest.
"Relax, I'm friendly… unless of course you're going to pull the second coming of Shukaku on me."
Gaara relaxed almost at once. Knowing that Naruto was there, he had managed to pick his suppressed chakra sign out of the natural background. Also Naruto had allowed out just enough for him to do so. He said quite simply.
"I didn't expect to see you here. You've changed considerably."
Naruto shrugged,
"There were some… Unexpected circumstances. they altered me a bit, It has to do with a mutual friend, and a cute little fox."
Gaara understood instantly, the other two siblings were clueless.
Tamari was the first to speak up.
"You know him Gaara?"
Gaara had nodded, and a short time later Naruto had found himself telling his whole story again.
-End Flashback-
Pity you said that we needed to leave Kyuubi, I think that I could have improved my friendship with Gaara, and perhaps even become friends with Tamari.
It was necessary kit. You're getting too well known. How long before somebody put two and two together?
I know, still I wish that…
Naruto's conversation with Kyuubi was interrupted by a sudden chakra spike from the forest nearby.
Hey, I know that chakra, that's Jiraiya.
And I know the other, its Numaka. Or at least whoever he's giving power to at the moment. Your Jiraiya is strong boy, but this fight is comparable to you fighting that Konohamaru kid, He's just outclassed.
Once Naruto would have yelled and screamed about not caring, before charging blindly in and trying to improvise. He was a little more wary now for two reasons. The first was that he no longer healed near as fast as he used to, Kyuubi's unsealing had made this no longer possible. The second was that Kyuubi had made him read A LOT of history, and after a while even Naruto realized that blindly charging wasn't a good plan. Getting hit over the head with that fact in book after book he had finally decided to change his style a bit. Now he planned his first three strikes and then re-made the plan according to what he learned.
Now would be a good time to try the Clone trick I talked to you about.
And If I don't want to?
'Kid, if you just follow a majority of my instructions for this battle we'll start training for the Angels voice Jutsu the moment we get back to leaf.
Peh, fine. This time we do it your way.
Running through a quick string of seals Naruto called out.
"Kage Bunshin"
Watching his clones scatter into the forest Naruto jumped into the trees
Time to see what this guy can do.
Good Idea kit, way to use your head, now hurry your ass up, your clones are outpacing you.
Baka Kitsune.
Me: First things first To ANYONE who reads this, I need your Opinions. If you read no more, please scroll to the Very bottom and read the 'To everyone' section. Outsed if that it's So dissipointing, I didn't get many reviews last time. I must be losing my touch. Of course I DID get good reviews but then again... (Shrug)
Naruto: Quit moping, I have inside information that you could have posted a chapter two days ago.
Me: (Raises one eyebrow) Your 'inside information wouldn't happen to come from yourself would it?
Naruto: (Pouting) Awwwww
Hinata: (Giggles)
Me: Yes I did have a chapter that I could have posted, but between work and a lack of review... errr motivation I didn't get it refined untill today. but when I DID get it done I almost tripled it's leangth so there. (Looks over to see Hinata and Naruto flirting, Obviously neither one heard him.) Figures. ROLL THE REPLIES!
crakbaby23: Thank you, but don't overdo it OK? I supposedly still have a crazy fanclub around here somewhere who are after my hair.
NotasuSama: Shhhh They'll hear you -D as for the rest, just wait and see. Ooohh Do I have some fun plans.
boredathome:Isn't that the truth though? Well yes, but remember that approching girls is still 'troublesome' Getting caught would have been worse then using his bloodline, and He owed Ino one so... ya, she might feel just a tiny bit grateful to ;-) Afterall she's the only girl to ever have seen his limit firsthand now. Thaks for the Complements His mom was probably the most difficult person in his family to write, but I know people like both of his parents so neither was all that difficult. Finally, I don't know if I remember the Necklace right or not, but I was trying to imply that there had been even more stones on it at one point.
Death By Kunai: I'll Probaly end this Arc In sight of the Konoha gates, so it'll have to wait till the next installment. But you did bring up a point that I need to ask all of you about. Please read an comment on the 'To everyone" section at the very bottom. As for the Saku/Sasu Hint that Tsunade is suggesting. Sakura is now a pretty skilled medic nin, Sasuke is in desperate need of Sombody willing to at least tolorate him or he'll run for certain. Therefore she suggested his 'remaining' teammate.
yahoodood:Thanks, always nice to hear from people. I'm rested now, and I'm trying to steal back my Muse from KitsuneContainer. so we'll see.
Dragon Man 180:Possibly, (shrug) I'll have to consider it for the future. As for the 'cuddle session' we all know she wouldn't set it up (I would but she wouldn't) the nurse was kinda teasing her however so...
Batanga: I'll keep that in mind, but I may have to write a oneshot just for NaruHina cuddling... we'll see, I've gotten no challenges yet so...
Daniel of Lorien, Sirus183, KunochiDreamer, Chocobaby: Thank you all.
To Everyone: Ok, here's the Important question that I had to ask all of you. I've been considering Compressing All of both book 1 and book 2. if I do that I'll basically take and stick two chapters together and then re-post everything Under Book1. This means I don't have to make a third book, I can just use the Book2 title and make the next section under it. I'm asking everyone for input. So please Review and tell me what you think of the Idea.