Naruto walked back in with two folding-chairs in hand. He placed one by Sasuke's wheel chair and one behind Hinata. Kakashi had already taken a seat beside of Jiraiya on the sofa.
" Naruto-kun where are you going to sit?" Hinata questioned
Naruto smiled and sat himself on the ground, " I'm fine sitting on the floor."
Hinata looked at him concerned, but he flashed her his trademark smile and she smiled back at him. The adults just watched the two interact noticing Hinata was getting more comfortable around Naruto. Sakura looked over at Sasuke who looked pale she got up and went to the kitchen. The others heard her moving around and once Tsunade looked at Sasuke she understood what Sakura was doing. Sakura came out carrying a tray with food and a glass of water on it. She sat it on Sasuke's lap.
" Eat." Sakura said
Sasuke looked at her about to protest, but could tell to do what she said. As he ate the color in his face returned to normal and he started to feel a little bit better too.
" Now that you're Ok Sasuke can you tell us what happened?" Tsunade asked
" You mean when I was gone?" Sasuke questioned and Tsunade nodded, " I'm not too sure myself. I know after the battle with Naruto I went to Orochimaru to defy Itachi, but once I reached Otogakure a lot becomes a blur. I remember walking through an area with a number of cells and people in them badly hurt. I also remember Orochimaru looking different." Sasuke said
" Different? How?" Jiraiya asked
" His hair was short like Sabaku no Gaara's and most of his features were bandaged, but I could still see the snake-like eyes of his. I also remember Kabuto saying something to me."
" That must have been right after he went into his new body. What did he say to you?" Tsunade asked
" Nothing that I remember. After that I only remember bits and pieces. I trained with Orochimaru's new Gate Guardians and he even taught me how to summon Manda and his clan, a number of Jutsus, but anything else I'm unsure of." Sasuke said
" We could have Ino…" Shizune said
" Iie, that won't be necessary. Right Otouto." Tsunade said
Naruto had been staring at Sasuke intensely the whole time he was talking. Naruto then looked over at her.
" Hai, Oba-chan he's alright. A little confused still, but he's telling the truth." Naruto said
Hinata could also tell Sasuke wasn't lying, but how could Naruto.
Must be his new eyes again. Hinata thought
Sasuke finally looked Naruto over and saw he had changed a lot since the last time they fought 4 weeks ago.
" Dope what happened to you?" Sasuke asked
Naruto's smiled dropped and he looked at Sakura, " You didn't tell him?"
" It's not my place to." Sakura answered
Naruto got up and walked to the door, before exiting he stopped, " Oba-chan you tell him everything even about Akatsuki."
With that Naruto left the house and went out to the training grounds. Everyone looked at the door and Hinata finally got up and ran after Naruto shutting the door behind her.
" What's going on? Did I say something wrong? I just wanted to know why he looks so different than when I last saw him?" Sasuke asked
" Sasuke, Naruto helped us out of a jutsu Orochimaru put us in, but at a cost. It's the reason he looks different." Kakashi said
" Tell me Sasuke, do you know of the Eien Shi?" Tsunade asked
Sasuke's eyes grew wide, " Hai, that was one jutsu Orochimaru used on Prisoner-nin's, but it's an unbreakable jutsu." Sasuke said
" There's a way, but at a price to certain people." Kakashi said sadly
Sakura hung her head down knowing what he meant.
" But Orochimaru said no Katon Jutsu could melt the Eien Shi." Sasuke said
" No normal Katon Jutsu. Tell me Sasuke did Orochimaru tell you about Naruto and what his Otou-san did?" Tsunade asked
" I know about Kyubi if that's what you mean, but I don't know who Naruto's Otou-san is." Sasuke replied
" The same one that sealed the Kyubi in him." Jiraiya said
The one that sealed Kyubi inside of Naruto was the Yondaime. Sasuke thought
His eyes grew wide with realization, " NANI! The Yondaime was Naruto's Otou-san?" Sasuke questioned
" Hai, but were getting off the subject. Since you know about Kyubi I think I could explain about Akatsuki first. The organization along with Itachi was after the Jinchuuriki to control all the Oni's powers. After the Kazekage was rescued by Naruto, Kyubi and him came to an agreement." Tsunade said
" Naruto made and agreement with an Oni? He's more of a dope than I thought." Sasuke said
This resulted in him getting hit in the arm again by an upset Sakura.
" Arigatou Sakura, Sasuke Otouto isn't a dope, so stop calling him that. Anyways, Kyubi agreed to teach Naruto Kitsune and Oni Jutsu in exchange for destroying all of Akatsuki." Tsunade said
" THEN ITACHI?" Sasuke asked
" Is alive. Apparently Naruto traded Itachi's life for Orochimaru's, so you could avenge your clan. After Naruto knocked you unconscious he came to find us. He used on Oni Kato Jutsu, which was able to melt the Eien Shi." Tsunade said getting upset
" Sasuke-kun, many of us were suffering from hypothermia and Hinata-chan was on the brink of death. Naruto tried to heal Tsunade-sensei, but wasn't able to so he performed a Jutsu that now has him absorbing all of Kyubi's chakra. He almost died to save us." Sakura said sadly
Sasuke just sat there processing all the information just given to him. He then started to remember photos of the Yondaime and then the image of Naruto.
" So Naruto Otou-san is really the Yondaime?" Sasuke asked
" Chyotto matte, you don't see him as Kyubi?" Shizune asked
" Iie, I'm more of an Oni than he'll ever be even if he carries the Kyubi inside of him. The things I did even the ones I can't remember I know they were horrible. Honestly I hope my memory of that time doesn't return I don't think I could live with myself." Sasuke said
" As I said before yes the Yondaime is Naruto's Otou-san." Tsunade said
" Then why didn't we know?" Sasuke asked
" Actually we only found out a couple of months after Naruto and Gaara defeated Akatsuki. Sarutobi kept it from all of us." Jiraiya said
" So Naruto's new appearance is because he's absorbing Kyubi's chakra?" Sasuke asked
" Hai, along with a couple of other things." Kakashi said
" Other things?" Sasuke questioned
" His senses are heightened like a kitsune, Sasuke-kun. If you look closely at his eyes their slits like Kiba's." Sakura said
Outside Naruto stood in the middle of a large training area staring at the ground. Hinata was off standing by some trees. He had been standing like that for 5 minutes now and hadn't moved. All the sudden Naruto threw back his head and cried a scream so feral, but also full of sadness. Along with the scream Naruto pored his chakra out instantly outlining him in the form of the Kyubi only now instead of 5 tails he had 7. Inside the others felt the surge of chakra and rushed outside the see what was going on. Their Naruto stood with a now shocked Hinata beside some trees. It was then the Anbu appeared feeling the enormous chakra. Tsunade nodded everything was Ok and they left. From Naruto's closed eyes tears were streaming out knowing that if the villagers only knew what he now was what they would do.
" OTOUTO!" Tsunade screamed trying to get his attention
She started to go over to him, but was stopped by Jiraiya grabbing her wrist. Tsunade turned to look at him and he just shook his head.
" Jiraiya I have to go." Tsunade pleaded
" Iie let the Hyuuga girl handle it." Jiraiya said
" But she could get hurt." Tsunade responded
" And you couldn't? Any normal person, except for Gaara maybe, would get injured from the chakra he's pumping out right now, but that girl I believe she can calm him down." Jiraiya said
It was then that Sakura finally got outside with Sasuke and saw the scene. Sakura cupped her hands over her mouth.
" Oh Kami, Naruto." Sakura said
Sasuke just sat there amazed at the chakra Naruto was producing. It was then Hinata got out of her shock and moved towards Naruto. As she got close she was flung away by Naruto's power on top of being burned by his charka. As hard as she tried she couldn't get through. It was then the Suna Sib's came out feeling the prolonged chakra release. Hinata looked over at Gaara and he nodded she smiled and ran towards Naruto again only to get through the chakra. Finally making it through Hinata wrapped him a hug. Naruto feeling the contact and chakra signature calmed down and released the chakra collapsing on the ground with Hinata still holding him. Gaara was the first to move towards the two.
Hinata looked up at Gaara, " Arigatou Kazekage-sama."
Gaara nodded, Tsunade and the other finally reached the three. Naruto's breathing was still strained, but everyone could tell he was ok. As for Hinata she had scrapes all over her exposed skin and she jackets sleeves had been burned.
" Hinata-sama how did you get through?" Neji asked
" Kazekage-sama helped me." Hinata said
" Gaara." Gaara said and Hinata looked up at him, " You're Naruto's friend, so you can call me Gaara."
Hinata smiled at him and then looked down at Naruto who's breathing was now even he was also awake and looking at Hinata's arms.
" I did that didn't I?" Naruto asked
Hinata nodded, " Demo, it's alright Naruto-kun."
Naruto shook his head, " Iie, it's not alright Hinata-chan I hurt you. Gomen." Naruto said
" I could never be mad at you Naruto-kun. You didn't do it on purpose." Hinata said
Naruto smiled at Hinata and reached up with his hand and touched the side of her face. Hinata took her free hand and covered his with hers and tilted her head into them. The surge of chakra had drained him and slowly he fell asleep.
" Hinata-chan I think…" Naruto said
Hinata looked down and saw he had fallen asleep. Jiraiya came over and picked him up.
" Common I know you want to be with him when he wakes up." Jiraiya said to a blushing Hinata
The others moved to follow Jiraiya, but Neji stopped Hinata.
" Hinata-sama I'm going to meet with Tenten. I'll see you later." Neji said
" Hai, Neji-nii-san." Hinata said
Neji headed out to their training ground to meet with Tenten as Hinata followed the others inside to Naruto's room. Sakura looked down at Sasuke who hadn't said anything.
" Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked
Sasuke looked up at her smiling, " He'll make a great Hokage some day."
" Hai, do you want to stay till Naruto wakes up or go back to the hospital?" Sakura asked
" Actually neither, can I go home?" Sasuke asked
" Demo, you can't walk yet." Sakura said
It was then Sasuke stood up and removed himself from the wheelchair.
" I can, but come with me just incase I feel bad again." Sasuke said
Sakura nodded and with that they left Tsunade's house and headed to the Uchiha compound.
Back inside Jiraiya took Naruto to his room with Tsunade, Kakashi, Shizune, and Hinata following him. He laid Naruto on his bed and Hinata pulled up at chair she found beside of him.
" Hinata you're jacket." Tsunade said worried
" It's nothing Tsunade-sensei. It's just burnt from the chakra Naruto-kun released. I'm ok." Hinata said not wanting to worry her sensei
But Tsunade knew from the burn marks on Hinata's jacket that the chakra burns were deep and she probably had second degree burns to her skin. Though she wanted to check Hinata out she know there was no arguing with her, so she nodded. Tsunade then looked at the others and motioned with her head to the door. Hinata sat there watching Naruto sleep. He hand went up to her cheek Naruto had touched
" Naruto-kun what were you trying to tell me?" Hinata questioned
As she sat there watching Naruto she felt herself getting tired. Slowly her eyes started to drift shut and she fell asleep her arms and head resting on Naruto's bed.
Tsunade sighed knowing where she needed to be, " Shizune were going, when Hinata wakes up get her to come to my office. We'll be working on Otouto's Birthday Party, but make sure he doesn't find out about it or follows her."
" You could tell it to his face and he still wouldn't know." Jiraiya said joking
Tsunade sent him a glare, which shut him up. With that the two left and headed to the Hokage Tower. Shizune went to clean the kitchen and the house.
As Tsunade and Jiraiya finally arrived at the tower they saw a line coming from the outside of the main door. Jiraiya raised and eyebrow at this.
" Looks like quite a crowd I'm not sure if it was the best idea to change the location." Jiraiya said
" In the words of Shikamaru, Mendokuse. I really don't fell like dealing with this today. Not after the morning, but I do think it's best we changes the location of the Mission Room to my office." Tsunade said
" Alright you're the one that scheduled this shindig not me." Jiraiya said turning around
Tsunade quickly grabbed him by the collar, " Oh no, you're staying whether you like it or not." Tsunade said
" What are you going to do if I run?" Jiraiya asked squirming
" Give every Onsen in the ninja world your photo with the word sukebe written in large Kanji at the top." Tsunade said smiling evilly
Jiraiya paled seeing the smile on Tsunade's face. That told him she wasn't lying.
" You know sometimes you're so much like Gaki it's scary." Jiraiya said
" I don't know what you're talking about." Tsunade said innocently
As Tsunade walked up to the front door dragging a very unhappy Jiraiya behind her she heard a number of ninjas snickering and she was sure she saw a few smile. Tsunade looked back to make sure Jiraiya was there and hadn't pulled a Kawarimi on her. Sure enough he was still being dragged and still grumbling. She shook her head and headed to her office. Almost at her door she saw Anko and Ibiki standing in line. After she had passed Anko and about to open her door Anko finally spoke.
" Finally go you a man, eh Tsunade?" Anko said
Tsunade and Jiraiya's eyes grew wide. Tsunade's face turned red while Jiraiya smirked at the thought. Tsunade let go of Jiraiya and flew over to Anko.
" Anko did you say something?" Tsunade asked
Anko just smiled, " I think it's just great you finally found a man. Be it a sukebe, but a least he can take a woopin' from you and get up."
Tsunade just stood there shocked at Anko's words. She then turned around grabbed Jiraiya and entered her office. The first group was about to enter when she slammed the door on their faces. The whole line groaned at this and looked at Anko angrily.
" Nani?" Anko asked smiling
Ibiki in the mean time just had a hand over his face and shook his head.
Inside Tsunade's office she was pacing back and forth fuming with a still smug Jiraiya sitting in a chair. She stopped and looked over at a smiling Jiraiya.
" GENMA!" Tsunade yelled
Instantly Genma appeared in the room beside of her.
" Get me two large bottles of the good sake." Tsunade said
" Demo…" Genma started but Tsunade glared at him, " Hai." And he disappeared
" You know Shizune will kill you once she finds out." Jiraiya said smiling
" OMAE!" Tsunade said pointing at Jiraiya, " Stop smirking. WE ARE NOT A COUPLE!"
" You must admit Anko does have a point." Jiraiya said while Tsunade looked at him angrily, " Look we fight constantly, I'm staying at your house, and when I'm not doing research I'm with you."
It was then that Genma returned with the sake. Tsunade took it from him and went over to her desk. She sat two cups out for her and Jiraiya and poured the sake. Jiraiya took the cup in his fingers and sipped it.
" All I'm saying is with us doing that how can they not assume we're together. Especially Anko." Jiraiya said
Tsunade in the mean time took a seat at her desk listening to Jiraiya's reasoning.
He does have a point. Tsunade thought sipping her sake
After a couple of sips Tsunade had calmed down enough to see the ninja's waiting outside.
" Genma." Tsunade said and Genma appeared, " Let them in."
With that he headed to the front doors and opened them wide. As number of ninjas started cheering and Tsunade could also here Anko.
" ABOUT DAMN TIME WE'VE BEEN OUT HERE OF 20 MINUTES NOW." Anko said
" ANKO SHUT UP!" Ibiki said
Tsunade smiled, And she makes fun of me.
Slowly each team entered and was handed a scroll. As they opened it up and read all the information most were shocked at the information they were given. Many asked about Raimei and how come they didn't know. These people were former Anbu who had worked with her. Tsunade explained this and other questioned. Once the last group had left Tsunade poured her and Jiraiya another cup of sake.
" Well that was fun." Jiraiya said sarcastically
" Yeah well now the fun really does begin in a couple of minutes." Tsunade said glancing at her clock
It was then that Gai's and Asuma's teams filed into her office.
" You're early." Jiraiya said sipping more of his sake
" BUT WE CAN'T BE LATE FOR NARUTO'S GREAT BIRTHDAY PLANNING PARTY." Gai exclaimed
Asuma just shook his head. Finally the other showed up with the exception of Sakura, even the Suna sib's had come. Kiba looked around not seeing Hinata. He stuck his head out the window and looked down at Akamaru, who just barked back at him.
" Tsunade where's Hinata?" Kiba questioned, " Akamaru can't even find her."
" We had a little incident this morning with Otouto." Tsunade said and everyone grew concerned, " Don't worry he's alright, but fell asleep. She watching over him at my house and will join us once he wakes."
It was then that Sakura and Sasuke walked into the room. Everyone turned to see them come in. Sasuke was now in an outfit similar to the one he wore when he became Genin, only now it was a black high collar shirt with the Uchiha crest on the back and his khaki shorts were now cargo pants. Sakura was beside him smiling. A number of the Chuunins looked worried at Sasuke's appearance others looked at him angrily. Sasuke just looked at Tsunade in front of him.
" Glad you could join us." Tsunade said
Sasuke just humped while Sakura pushed him further into the office.
" Gomen Tsunade-sensei, but he was reluctant to come." Sakura said
" And why shouldn't I be." Sasuke said
" Oh I don't know why since Otouto considers you his Aniki. I think you should be here too." Tsunade said smiling
" You know well why I shouldn't be here Hokage-sama." Sasuke said
" I believe everything you did was because of the Cursed Seal. Like you explained to some of us this morning and if you were lying Otouto would have know. For now lets wait a couple more minutes and see if Hinata shows up." Tsunade said
Once this was said a number of the Chuunins relaxed with Sasuke in the room.
If Naruto said he was ok then I'll give him a chance. a number of them thought
For now the group waited to Hinata to show up so they could get started.
Chyotto Matte – Wait a minute!
