Chapter 2

Returned

Jiraiya was walking in the streets of Konoha. He looked around to notice the place had changed, since the last time he was here. Two and half years did wonders for the place.

'Tsunade, you're doing a great job. There seem to be more commoners then in the last couple years. It's hard to believe that it's been two and half years. Now, if I could just find the kid.' thought Jiraiya

Sitting on a roof top, over looking the Village of Konoha was someone no one could recognize. He had spiked hair, but also he had a pony tail that went down the middle of his legs. He wore a blue long sleeve shirt that was baggy at the end of the sleeves, on the back of which was the symbol of Konoha. He carried a katana sword on his back and his pants were black, baggy at the bottom. He had a small pouch that was tied around his left leg, a pair of blue sandals, and a forehead protector. To his right side was a backpack that seemed to be filled with stuff.

He started speaking out loud to no one

"Man Konoha, you have changed over the years. The people seem so lively that it's not funny. Also noticed that they placed Obaa-chan's face on the mountain. I wonder how much everyone has changed over the two years, I've been gone. I bet Sakura-chan has become a better ninja, and also more beautiful. You know, Kakashi, or should I say Sensei." said the person sitting down.

Kakashi stepped out from his hiding spot, and walked toward the person sitting on the edge of the roof. "I see you've returned. It's been over two years, I was worried that you'd never come back to this village. I knew it would take a long time to master the techniques that your father left you. But again you have proven me wrong. You are the most unpredictable ninja in the world, Uzumaki Naruto." said Kakashi

"Well you know me, have to surprise someone. Anyway Kakashi, how are things going? I bet you've been busy since I left." said Naruto.

"Well yeah, it has been busy. I haven't been on so many missions since I was young. Then without you around it was quiet. It was also boring most of the time, since you took away the creator of my favorite book." said Kakashi

"That is good to hear. How is she doing?" asked Naruto.

Kakashi looked at him, and figured out what he meant. "She is doing fine. She is a hell of a lot better, then she was two years ago. Being that Hokage has her working around the clock and training. Also she is now a Chunnin with the title of Hokage apprentice. She missed you over the years. She needs someone to talk to. Maybe you should stop by and say hi to Sakura." Said Kakashi.

"Well, if I know her, she's probably training right now. So she most likely will be at the Hokage's office." Naruto concluded.

"Kakashi, I know, you know about my change since I left. I know you've probably been reading reports on my development and stuff. Just so you know I am not a..." said Naruto but was cut off.

"A monster ha, you are more of a pain then one of those. A pain that I am glad is back. Just look at you, the women will go crazy for you now. I bet fight you'll have to fight them off with the sword of yours." said Kakashi as he patted him on the back

"So Naruto, do you think you are prepared?"

"I am as prepared as I can be. Anyway I bet Jiraiya is either looking for me, but more likely he's peeping on a bath house. So I better go get him and drag him the Hokage's office." said Naruto as he stood up. "Oh Kakashi, I got a gift for you, here. I know you have been waiting for it for two years now." said Naruto as he handed him a package and with that jumped off the building.

"It couldn't possibly be what I think it is..." said Kakashi as he was ripping at the package. Kakashi's eye widened as he stared at the newest edition of "Come Come Paradise". "Uzumaki Naruto, you have my vote to become Hokage." said Kakashi as started to read the book.

Naruto found Jiraiya alright, trying to sneak a peek at the women's side of the bath house. After dragging him away, him protesting that he needed to do more "research" they made their way to the Hokage's Office. When they were making their way through the hallways, people were

whispering that Jiraiya was back, and without Naruto. Naruto shook his head, wondering if he really did change that much. He saw some of the girls giggling at him, saying how cute he was. One thing that caught Naruto's attention was the scent in the air. It was her scent. It was everywhere in this hallway. It was driving his senses crazy. He didn't even notice that Jiraiya grabbed him and said "Where are you going? We have reached Tsunade's office. Let's get this

over with quick, so I can go back to my "research"."

"Whatever Ero-Sennin." said Naruto

"Stop calling me that!" said Jiraiya as he pushed open the door, to find Tsunade sitting in her chair busy going through paperwork. They walked a couple steps, when they heard her say "What do you want, I am very busy." said Tsunade.

"Be careful Obaa-chan, or wrinkles will start showing." said Naruto.

"Naruto? Is that you?" said Tsunade as she stopped what she was doing and walked around her desk. "It's been so long, Naruto, Jiraiya. You seem to have changed so much, come here and give me a hug." said Tsunade.

Naruto walked over to her, only to get hit on the head. "NO ONE CALLS ME OBAA-CHAN IS THAT UNDERSTOOD NARUTO." said Tsunade as she pulled him into a hug. "I missed you, when you were gone." said Tsunade

"I missed you to Tsunade. Oh I got you a gift on the way back here. Hang on a second." said Naruto as he put his bag down and looked through it. Tsunade meanwhile looked at Jiraiya, and asked "How are you? Seems to me you're a little restless, Jiraiya."

"Well working with a kid that is probably more powerful then me now, then add in the lack of "research", I had, yeah, I'd say I'm a little restless." said Jiraiya

"Pervert" said Tsunade

"Here you go Tsunade. It's a set of sake cups, also three bottles of sake for you." said Naruto

"Thank you, Naruto." said Tsunade

All of sudden, someone came into the office.

"Tsunade-sensei, I have completed the check on the patients in the hospital for you. Then I picked up...Jiraiya, where's Naruto?" asked Sakura

Her scent was almost intoxicating. He turned around to face Sakura and said "Hi, it's been a while huh?" said Naruto.

She looked at the tall, long-haired young man standing in front of her. It seemed like she knew him, but she couldn't put a name with the face. "Umm...do I know you or something?" asked

Sakura.

"Come on Sakura-chan, I can't believe that you would forget about the ninja that made you a promise of a lifetime." said Naruto with a smile.

Realization hit her like a ton of bricks. That smile said it all. She looked at him as if he was a different person. He was even taller then her now. He still seemed to be the same person he always was, but different. She looked at his figure and then noticed the hair. It was really long, almost like an extension of himself Her eyes began to water as she asked him, "Naruto, is really you?" said Sakura

"Of course it is, who else could it be." said Naruto as he stood there, still smiling.

"Naruto!" said Sakura as she dropped her stuff and ran over to give him a hug. "I missed you, baka!"

"I know Sakura-chan." said Naruto as he returned the hug.

Sakura blushed a little bit. Naruto a tint of red too. As quickly as it had started, the two let go of the embrace, trying to hide their beet-red faces from each other.

"Umm...anyway Naruto you probably want to get started right away, with trying to get Sasuke back However, today and tomorrow, you are to rest. That is an order, no training. Actually you are forbidden to think about training. You got that?"

"Whatever you say Obaa-chan." Naruto replied.

With a clearly irritated face, Tsunade continued.

"Also you might want to check out your new place. Sakura, you can have the rest of the day off too. I'm sure you'd be more than happy to show Naruto around town, take him out to see his friends, and stuff. As the Fifth Hokage of Konoha Village, I order you to have a good time. Is that understood?" said Tsunade

Both nodded.

"Good now, get going."

As Naruto walked a little behind Sakura, he was mostly just looking at how she had changed over the two years he was gone.. She had regrown her hair back, but it wasn't as long as before.

Her figure was signs of both maturity and training. Then he couldn't get over that scent of hers, ever since he fused with Kyuubi, he knew her scent. For some reason he couldn't figure out.

'She is gotten more beautiful, since I left.' thought Naruto

"You know Kid, if you like her tell her." said Kyuubi as he opened the link

'I can't, 'cause she is in love, with the person I would call my best friend. Also I want her to be happy. That will never happen to me.' said Naruto

'How do you know that would make her happy in the end. That last time her and Sasuke were not that close to each other. Hell, the guy left, in the pursuit of power. You and I both know that.' said Kyuubi

'But...' said Naruto

"Naruto, are you okay?" asked Sakura

Naruto shook his head to make it look like he was daydreaming.

"Yep, perfectly fine. Nothing to worry about." said Naruto as he rubbed the back of his head

They continued walking in the park, until they found an ice cream stand. Naruto reached into his pocket, pulled some money and bought two ice cream cones. Sakura took a seat under a tree. Naruto came over and gave her one, and sat down next to her.

"So Sakura, did you go up in rank since I have been away?" asked Naruto

"Yep, I am now a Chunin Med Ninja. I'm pretty proud on how far I have come over the course of two years. Too bad, since you haven't had a chance to take the test again, you are still a Genin, huh Naruto." said Sakura.

"WHAT! YOU MEAN MY RANK HASN'T CHANGED SINCE I HAVE BEEN AWAY!" screamed Naruto.

"Nope, but you are still in a way the same old Naruto. It's nice to see you again after all this time. You have changed, a lot." said Sakura.

"Well you know training and stuff does that to you. So, what did learn from Obaa-chan? Did she teach you any cool moves?" asked Naruto

"First she had me cover all the medical ninjutsu. Then it was combat training, and also to learn how to develop her superhuman strength. Lastly some genjutsu skills and some summon ninjutsu. It was hard to do that. But now I can summon giant snails to help me in battle, it's kinda cool." said Sakura

"Wow, Sakura you learned all that in 2 years, that's amazing. You always were the smart one." said Naruto as he continued eating his ice cream.

Sakura looked at him. He had changed in appearance, had gained more control, but was still that crazy unpredictable boy at heart. He was very hard to read now though. He was taller then her now, and to think he used to be short. Then there was his hair, which was extremely long. His baggy clothes didn't hide the fact that he'd toned out.

"So Naruto, what did you learn over the years?" asked Sakura

"Oh, look at the time, we should get going. I want to check out my new place." said Naruto as he stood up and reached his hand, to pull Sakura up.

"Why are you avoiding my question Naruto?" asked Sakura.

"I will tell you later, promise." said Naruto with a simple smile.

"Fine, but I want to know." said Sakura as she took his hand.

Soon they left the park, not realizing that they never let go of each others hand

As they were walking down the street to Naruto's new apartment, they just happened to walk by Ino's family flower store. Ino Yamanaka just happened to be outside, when she noticed two things. One was Sakura was walking through the village with some guy who was hot. Two they were holding hands. She needed to get the latest gossip.

"Sakura, Hi." said Ino waving at her

"Hi Ino, what's up?" asked Sakura

"Oh I just want to know what the hot guy's name that you are holding hands with is" said Ino.

"Nani!" said both Naruto and Sakura, as they both looked down and noticed they were holding hands.

"Ahhhh!" both screamed as both were blushing and let go of each other's hand.

"INO, I AM NOT DATING HIM!" screamed Sakura.

"Oh come on, don't hide this secret from me. I know were holding hands with him, and the look on your face was to die for." said Ino

"Sakura-chan, I am sorry. I should have been more aware." said Naruto.

"Sakura-chan?" whispered Ino, thinking who referred to Sakura like that. "AH! NO WAY! THAT COULDN'T BE UZUMAKI NARUTO, COULD IT! HE COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN THAT HOT!" screamed Ino.

"Hi Ino, what has it been, two years? It is good to see you again." said Naruto

"Wow Naruto, when did you grow? If I wasn't dating someone right now, I would SO just take you and..." said Ino

"OKAY INO-PIG, STOP RIGHT THERE. NARUTO COME WITH ME, I AM TAKING YOU TO YOUR NEW APARTMENT, BEFORE THIS BIMBO TRIES SOMETHING!" screamed Sakura as she dragged Naruto away.

"Wow Sakura, didn't know you were so bold. Didn't think you had it in you." said Ino

"STOP UP INO-PIG!" screamed Sakura

As they went further down the street, Ino whispered, "There will definitely be a party tonight."

They arrived at Naruto's new apartment. Sakura took out the key, put it into the slot, turned the knob and finally opened the door. Naruto stepped inside and took a look around. He was amazed because this place was so much better then his original place. It was a small studio apartment. It had a very modern day kitchen, some furniture, it seemed the bedroom was a little on the other end of the apartment. On the wall were scrolls, along with a weapons rack for his ninja tools. Also there was a book shelf, nothing really on them.

Then finally there was a king size bed with dressers. He looked and found the stuff from his old apartment.

He walked around some more, still carrying his bag. Soon he was lying on the bed, put his bag down, and took off his katana. He then heard a tea kettle ring. He sat up and saw Sakura making tea. 'Man she's been busy keeping the new place clean for me. I can smell it everywhere.' thought Naruto.

"Naruto, have some tea." said Sakura

"Sure." said Naruto as he got up from the bed and walked on over.

They were now sitting on the couch. Sakura wanted to know why Naruto didn't want to talk what he learned over the past couple of years.

"Naruto...can you tell me why you are being so secretive." said Sakura

"Well...since we have privacy, I can. You see Sakura, I am no longer the Naruto you knew, in a way. You see, when we reached the training ground, Jiraiya and I had a talk with Kyuubi." started Naruto. "I found the red chakra that I was "borrowing" from could have killed me in time. So pretty much, I needed Kyuubi's power. Jiraiya was trying to find a way for me access this power. Kyuubi said the only way was that I accepted to become either a demon or half demon. So then, I agreed to it. I am a half demon, Sakura-chan."

"Naruto..." said a shocked Sakura

"Let me finish, please. So Jiraiya arranged for the seal to be altered, but was shocked that I agreed. Later, I explained that Kyuubi can't live without me and I can't live without Kyuubi. I needed the power to fulfill all my dreams and promises. After that a group of ninja altered my fathers seal, and as a result I have access to all Kyuubi's powers, and Kyuubi has access to outside through me. He can never leave. So then I trained. I can't tell you about my ancestral family techniques, because that is the way of the clan. I can tell you, I learned most of Jiraiya's techniques and a Kenjutsu style made for demons. I know this is a big shock, but I will do everything in my power to fulfill my promise to you." explained Naruto

'She probably will hate me now, because I am a half demon." thought Naruto

"You know you are still you, right?" said Sakura.

Naruto looked at her, because he was shocked that she said that. He expected her to hate him because he had fused with a demon, but she said he was still Naruto.

"Naruto will always be Naruto. The most unpredictable ninja in the village of Konoha." said Sakura said smiling. "You better never think otherwise. Anyway, that would explain a couple of things. Like your hair for example, it's moving."

"Huh? Oh this." said Naruto as he pointed to his ponytail. His ponytail was rubbing Sakura's hand. "It's actually my tail." said Naruto.

"Oh, really. That is so cool." said Sakura as she touched it.

They talked for hours about the last two years of their lives. Soon there was a knock at the door.

Naruto got up to answer the door, and there stood, none other than Konoha's Beautiful Green Beast, Rock Lee.

"Yo Rock Lee, how are you doing man?" said Naruto as he pulled him into a hug.

"Naruto, my rival and good friend you have returned. It's good to see you are back." said Rock Lee.

"Man, come on in, check out my new place." said Naruto

"Actually, I am here to take you out, a request of a Jounin of Konoha, who also wants to see you, along with all of your friends." said Rock Lee "Come on now, you too Sakura-chan."

"Wait, which Jounin sent you Lee?" asked Sakura.
"Hyuuga Neji." explained Lee. "He was the first of our class to reach the level of Jounin."
"Yeah, Naruto, he's changed since you fought him in the Chunnin match. I heard that wants a rematch with you." said Sakura.
"Come on now, we don't have all night. Everyone is waiting." said Lee "Sakura-san, I will escort you."
"No, I can get there on my own." said Sakura "Naruto, what are you doing?"
"Well, let me just grab something real quick. I got gifts for everyone." said Naruto.

Soon they arrived at their destination, which was a bar. Naruto was shocked to go inside and see everyone drinking. They noticed Naruto come in and soon were giving him hugs and saying that it was good to see him back. He noticed that all of them had changed over the years, as well as taking in their scents unconsciously.

"Naruto, you got to tell me, what the hell have you been doing all this time?" asked Kiba.

"Well mostly training and traveling around the countries." said Naruto "Oh, Kiba, Akamaru, I got gifts for you and everyone else. He reached into his bag and pulled out two scrolls. He performed a few jutsu and out came all the gifts.

Kiba and Akamaru, got scroll of attacks that were meant for Ninja and beast. Akamaru jumped up and licked Naruto's face in appreciation.

Naruto gave Neji a new kunai that was meant for close range combat. "Neji, I hope you like it."
"Naruto, some time in the future, I want a rematch. You are the only one that I can call a challenge around here." said Neji.
Naruto extended his hand and said "It's a deal."

Naruto then continued handing out gifts to everyone. Ino got a scroll about some rare flowers that made helpful potions, Tenten got a new iron staff that was made using a different forging technique, which made it heavy, but still powerful. When Lee got his gift, his eyes practically bugged out of his head, it was a form of Taijutsu that would make his moves more powerful and less predicable. Shikamaru got a brand new chess set with glass pieces. Shinno got a new pair of shades, which allowed him to see in the dark. Chouji got a scroll that detailed which resturants in the area had the best meat deals. Naruto tried to remember who else there was in the village he had gotten a gift for, when Hinata showed up, exclaimed his name, and gave him a big hug herself, which practically made steam erupt from Sakura's ears as her eyes turned whiter than Hinata's. Hinata sure had changed since left. She had grown her hair down to her shoulders and let it hang freely. Judging from the hug she gave him, she wasn't as shy anymore.
"Hello Naruto, did you get me something?" asked Hinata
"Of course, hang on a second. Now where did I put it. Ah there it is." said Naruto.
Naruto pulled out a silk scarf. He put it around her neck, and said "When bought it, I thought it would look good on you." said Naruto.

Sakura watched as everyone got gifts, except her. She was disappointed firstly, that she had not gotten a gift, and then pissed off because she knew that Naruto wouldn't come back to Konoha without giving her, a member of his own team, who he'd sworn a promise to, a gift. Then seeing Hinata get that beautiful silk scarf, made her blood boil.

"WHAAAAAAAAAT! THAT WHITE-EYED FORMER WALLFLOWER GETS A SILK SCARF, AND I GET NOTHING? WHAT AM I, CHOPPED LIVER! I'M ON HIS DAMN TEAM! I'M SURE NARUTO CARES MORE ABOUT ME THAN HER! HELL, I'M TEN TIMES THE GIRL SHE IS! SHE BETTER GET AWAY FROM MY NARUTO...Wait a sec, did I just call him 'my' Naruto? DAMMMIT!" Inner Sakura shouted as her more relaxed outer form simply sat there, looking sadly as the others gathered around the newly returned Naruto, with scrolls full of gifts.

Ino whispered to Sakura, "Looks like you got some competition."

"Shut up, Ino-PIG!. I don't know what you're talking about!" said Sakura as she slammed her glass down on the table, which sent a shockwave through the glass AND the table, breaking them both. Ino watched this display carefully.

"You sure? You might want to ask your glass and table the same question." Ino commented as she walked away.

By the end of the night, everyone was pretty drunk except for Naruto, Sakura, and Rock Lee, most likely since the last time Lee got drunk, it took Gai and Neiji to fend off his Drunken Fist antics. Soon everyone was about to leave and go home. Naruto looked at Sakura, and said "I can walk you home."

"Sure." said Sakura.

As they were walking home, the two were pretty quiet most of the way back.. Soon they were standing in front of the Haruno residence.

"Well Naruto, this is where we part ways." said Sakura as she started to walk away, to only feel his hand grab her wrist.

"Wait, there was something, I wanted to give you. You thought that I forgot to get you something?" said Naruto "Not at all, it's just my gift to you is a little more nicer than the ones for the others."

He reached up his sleeve and jutsued out a rose. Then he reached inside the rose and pulled out a necklace. It had a golden chain with a pink diamond on the end.

"The rose is for the person, who took care of my stuff when I was away." said Naruto as he handed her the rose. "The necklace is for the person, who is closest to my heart." he continued as he put the necklace around her neck. "Goodnight Sakura-chan, I will see you tomorrow."

Sakura was speechless, she couldn't believe that Naruto got her a golden diamond necklace.

"Naruto, before you go. I've got to make good on a bet that I lost once." said Sakura "After our next mission, will you take me out on a date?" said Sakura

"Sure, but I will hold you to it." said Naruto.

"Great, well goodnight." said Sakura as she went inside.

"Goodnight Sakura-chan" whispered Naruto as he walked back to his apartment.

Meanwhile with Sakura…

'Man I can't just believe I asked out Naruto. I know that deep down, I'm not over Sasuke, but still…Naruto's changed, who knows what will happen.' thought Sakura as she drifted off to sleep.

The next day…

Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi were standing in front of the Hokage.

"I hate to cut your vacation short, but I have a mission for you. Kazekage of the Sand, has been kidnapped. Also Kankurou has been poisoned. So we have to move fast, now get going." said Tsunade.

"Quick question, who attacked the Village of Sand?" asked Kakashi.
"The Atatsuki attacked the sand village." said Tsunade
'Damn them, always attacking people for their own stupid goals. I'll crush them.' thought Naruto

Sakura put a hand on Naruto, and "Calm down, we can't take you into a battle like this."
"Prepare your equipment, we leave in five minutes." said Kakashi as he disappeared, followed by the other two shinobi.

5 minutes later, Sakura and Naruto were standing outside the gates of Konoha, where, quite contrary to his ways, Kakashi was waiting for THEM to show up.
Naruto appeared with Sakura.

"Amazing you're actually here before us. Now I know to take this mission seriously." said Naruto.

Kakashi jumped down from the tree, and Naruto asked, "Who is the new Kazekage, anyway?"
"Didn't you hear? Gaara's the new Kazekage." Sakura said.
"WHAT?" screamed Naruto.