Authors Notes: And here it is, the chapter everyone has been waiting for!

Naruto and his girls finally meeting for the first time!

Question is, how will the girls react when they finally see him, and how will he react? Furthermore, how will Sakura and Anko react to these unidentified girls start to try and get close to our favorite blonde? One thing is for sure, jealousy will be abound. Mostly from Sakura, Anko will merely be amused.

So anyways, last chapter we saw implications of Kakashi moving along with his plan to nudge Sakura and Naruto together, though both had seemed to notice that this was something beyond mere team building exercises. Especially with Kurama pointing out the very likely possibility that his team mate has become a pawn for the old bastard.

We also got to see Ino corner Sakura bout her constant time hanging out with Naruto instead of obsessing over Sasuke. Which of course lead to our little mind walker learning about Naruto. With Sakura steering her around to show key memories. So while Ino knows that Naruto is called a demon and such, she is still unaware of the Kyuubi sealed within him, as Sakura had omitted that out of her memory tour. Not to mention, a bit of a hint that our little cherry blossom has developed a crush on our favorite blonde, now that she has actually gotten to know him and got away from Sasuke.

And then, we got to my own personal favorite part. Naruto and Anko interacting, and of course kissing. Not to mention, she is the one to give Naruto the idea to escape during the Chuunin Exams, though she is unaware of the invasion plan. She just knows that it will be crowded and hectic with foreigners constantly entering and leaving the village. So, we will get to see a bit more of how they plan to leave in this chapter.

Lastly, we got to see Kushina's own spymaster that makes Jiraiya look like an amateur, none other then Corvo Attano. With knowledge well beforehand of Orochimaru's plans to invade Konoha, she plans to use the invasion as a distraction for Corvo to complete his mission. Which I am sure everyone knows what it is by now. Hiruzen's little black book.

Review Corner

UnsanMusho – Ino will become a friend, yes. Though, she will not develop a crush on him like Sakura has.

Antex-The Legendary Zoroark – Yes, Kushina will be using the invasion as a distraction for Corvo to accomplish his own mission. Which is simply to raid the Hokage's office and find anything of note that looks important.

Re Lovely Lover – For the most part, Hiruzen has kept Kushina and her shinobi out of Konoha with comforting lies that they have not given up the search and that his shinobi are looking for signs of Naruto whenever they go out on a mission. While at the same time, planting small seeds of doubt that Naruto could be dead by now.

He never intended to use the Kyuubi's power until Naruto was fully broken, and as stated, his first target would be Kushina's village to remove a potential threat to them in the future. So that is pretty much what the old goat was planning. To be fair, it would have worked if Kairi and the others didn't sense Kurama's chakra signature.

Naes151 – There have been a few hints of how strong Berugakure is compared to the other villages. The most obvious was stating that while the girls are already Chuunin rank, their strength and skill are more close to that of a Jonin and ANBU. Also, when the girls met with Tazuna when they investigated Wave, the old bridge builder has thoughts that he would have hired their village instead, due to their strength.

As for the village itself, Berugakure is more technologically advanced then even Snow Country. So think of it kind of like Esther from Final Fantasy VIII. I will go more into the village when Naruto returns there. And fear not, you will get to see how strong the girls are in the exams.

Pay0505 – Corvo's relationship to Naruto can be seen as he is more of an uncle. The spymaster has great respect and love for Kushina and her family, and no, he is not with Kushina. Corvo has his own wife.

KHOR30CAT – Yes, Corvo is from Dishonored, one of my favorite game franchises.

PraetorXyn – Sadly, Uzu is no more. It got obliterated during the Second Shinobi War, there will be more on that later. Especially after a certain little black book comes to light. But, most of those that lived there had managed to escape to Berugakure.

As for the girls, that was part of the reason I introduced them in the harem list like I did. So even those unfamiliar with the franchise can get a good visualization on them, as well as mapping out some of their characteristics.

Harem – Anko, Aqua, Esdeath, Kairi, Koyuki, Morgiana, Pyrrha, Rory, Sakura, and Xion

Now then, on with the show!

Remember Me

Chapter 6

Naruto was not in the best of moods currently.

Just hours ago, the old bastard had made a surprise visit to his apartment, forcing the young blonde to dispel his blood clone. As the old man had made a habit of walking around the young teens apartment, in the guise of having a grandfatherly talk with the boy. Though Naruto had caught on what the bastard was really doing. Making a mental list of anything deemed 'too nice' for the weapon to own. It was no coincidence that shortly after one of this surprise visits from the old man, that his apartment would get broken into and vandalized. Often times with some of his more treasured items being stolen or destroyed.

He had originally had his suspicions before the Wave mission, though the loyalty seal that had been placed on him had prevented him from accusing the elderly man of doing such a thing. Fortunately, he begun to stash what few precious items he had in a secure spot away from his apartment, prior to his mission in Wave. Not that it was much. Only a few gifts that had been given to him by his few precious people.

Looking back, he was extremely grateful that he never removed his most precious of items, his necklace. Thanks to seals that had been placed their by his mother, making it so that even if the necklace were to somehow be removed, he would return right back to him within seconds. No doubt, that was one item the old bastard desperately wanted to remove from the boys possession. He could feel it every time Hiruzen glanced at the necklace. Simply because the necklace gave the boy a sense of individuality.

Unfortunately, the elder man had taken much longer then usual with his visit. No doubt double checking the blondes seals discreetly as he made small talk. By the time the Hokage had left the apartment, Naruto was already running behind. Forcing him to rush to meet with his team for the day. As such, he was unable to re-create his Blood Clone before he ran out the door, since creating such a clone required at least half an hour to complete. Meaning that until he could safely re-create a Blood Clone, he was vulnerable to the old bastards spying.

Of course he knew he would still be arriving early to the training ground, due to Kakashi's constant habit of being late, which would have given him time to complete the clone, but it would also attract unwanted attention on himself if he didn't continue on as normal. Thus, putting him in between a rock and a hard place.

Finally reaching his teams training ground, Naruto let out a tired yawn and settled himself against one of the training posts. He figured he would have at least another half hour before Sakura showed up, and then another fifteen minutes for Sasuke to arrive. Then finally, another two and a half hours before the bastard of a sensei and his kidnapper, would grace them with his appearance.

As he waited for the rest of his team to arrive, Naruto began to think back about his talk with Anko yesterday. After they impromptu make out session that the snake mistress had initiated, not that he minded, he had told her everything there was about him. Feeling that if she was going to leave the village with him, she should know everything. From his earlier years in Berugakure, his tenant, and of course, his engagement to the five girls. He had expected her to be upset at him for not telling her before she kissed him, but to his surprise, she merely teased him about having his own little harem.

Which had caused him to scowl slightly, he really didn't like the word harem. As it implied that those involved with him had no freewill and were merely there for his own pleasure. Instead, he informed the snake mistress that he preferred to see it as his own growing family. Something the snake mistress had found endearing.

Afterwards, they had begun discussing their plans to leave the village. Anko had informed him that the best time would be during the second phase of the Chuunin Exams, otherwise known as the finals. As it was customary for there to be some preliminary rounds to further weed out the participants, as well as a month long break between the preliminaries and the finals. Anko had explained that this was to allow the finalists to train themselves further to give them an edge of their opponent, and second, the month long break was there to allow foreigner dignitaries to arrive to witness the final matches.

With all the people coming and going, it would be the best time for the two of them to sneak out of the village and get a good head start towards Berugakure. Unknown to both of them, a rescue mission was in progress to get him out of the village.

"Morning Naruto-kun." A feminine voice broke the blonde out of his musings.

"Morning Sakura-chan." The blonde greeted, though was surprised at her use of the -kun suffix with his name.

Sakura had also seemed to notice this and blushed slightly. A little bit embarrassed. Not to mention, what Ino had pointed out the previous day had only brought forth what she did not want to admit, at least not yet. That she now had a crush on the blonde. Which was really awkward for her, since his crush on her died in Wave, only for her to develop one for him.

"I give it fifteen more minutes before Sasuke-teme arrives." Naruto noted as he stood up and stretched, allowing a series of pops and cracks to be heard. "Then another two and a half hours befor Kakashi-sensei to show up."

Sure enough, nearly fifteen minutes alter, Sasuke arrived on the training field. Being his usual brooding self. Opting to sit away from his other two team mates. Though he eyed the two suspiciously, trying to figure out what the two seemed different. The last Uchiha couldn't put his finger on it, but over the last month both Sakura and Naruto had subtly changed. Sakura now seemed to have more energy and actually begun to take her career as a kunoichi seriously. Not even pestering him for a single date in an entire month. If anything, aside from a standard greeting, she ignored him. Making Sasuke feel a bit conflicted. On one hand, he was relieved that she had begun to take her training more seriously. On the other, his days felt a little empty without her constant request for a date. Still, such emotions would only distract him from his goal to avenge his clan.

As for Naruto, the Uchiha didn't know, but he felt as if his blonde team mate was hiding something. Not just from him, but from everyone in the village. The boys posture gave the raven haired boy the distinct feeling that the blonde was way more aware of his surroundings then he let on. Not to mention, there were times it would appear the blonde would zone out, as if he was listening to something or something else. Then there was the fact that both Sakura and the blonde were becoming close to one another and constantly hanging out or training together in their spare time. Still, as long as they didn't get in his way or slow him down, he didn't care what they did.

As the three genin settled into their own activities with Naruto and Sakura quietly conversing with one another and Sasuke brooding by himself, time slowly ticked by. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity had passed, the two and a half hour mark came, and went with no sign of their sensei.

"Well, looks like your timing is off." Sakura teased, though internally she was becoming frustrated that their sensei had yet to appear as it was starting to near the four hour mark, and still no sign of the lazy Jonin.

"Eh, something probably came up, you know how he is." The blonde shrugged as he glanced in the direction of the Hokage's Tower. 'Probably the beginning of the Chuunin Exams that Anko-chan told us about.'

'She did say that it was starting this week, after she finished probing your tonsils.' Kurama voiced his opinion with a laugh, causing his host to blush at the memory.

'Ero-fox.'

Hokage's Tower

"I, Kurenai Yuhi, nominate my team of Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame for the Chuunin Exams." A red eyed beauty stated with confidence.

"I, Konoha's Sublime Green Beast of Prey, Maito Gai, nominate my YOUTHFUL team of Tenten Higurashi, Neji Hyuga, and my most youthful student, Rock Lee, for the Chuunin Exams." A large, well built man in a green jumpsuit proudly exclaimed, earning a series of sweat drops from his peers.

"I, Asuma Sarutobi, nominate my team of Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi for the Chuunin Exams." The bearded man calmly stated, taking a drag from the cigarette that was in his mouth.

Nodding at the Jonin sensei's nomination of their respected teams in front of him, Hiruzen turned his attention to the last remaining sensei, who of course had his nose stuck in his favorite orange book.

"And what about your team, Kakashi?"

Looking up from his book in a lazy manner, the masked Jonin let out a small sigh.

"I nominate my team for the Chuunin Exams." He replied lazily as he turned his attention back to his book, without a care in the world. Forgoing the usual standard introduction of the team members that the other sensei's had done before him.

"Very well." The Hokage stated as he rose from his desk, a small pile of papers in his hands that he begun to hand out to the Jonin sensei's before him. "Give these to your teams, have them fill them out and turn them in before the end of the day."

With a vocal affirmation, the three other sensei's departed the office. Leaving behind Kakashi who finally put his book away.

"Are you sure your team is ready?" Hiruzen eyed the masked Jonin skeptically. "Should the boy die, we will lose our weapon."

"All he has to do is survive the first half of the exam." Kakashi stated calmly. "Which, with the help of his team, he will."

"See to it that he does." The elder man stated in a cold tone. "I will not have our weapon lost before we can use it."

"Also." The silver haired man begun. "The Forest of Death portion of the test would be the perfect time for the Haruno girl to have an accident."

"Do you feel that the two of them have bonded enough?"

"While they are not intimate, she never leaves his side." Kakashi pointed out. "ANBU could handle it easily enough."

"No." The elder man shot down the idea. "We can't risk her surviving or worse, the weapon witnessing on of our own killing her. It would be best if one of the other Genin teams were to remove her."

At this, the old man had an idea.

"I'll talk to Danzo, and see if he can spare a team of disposable ROOT members." The Hokage stated. "They kill the girl, and the weapon kills again. For now, go and give your team their papers."

"As you wish, Hokage-sama." Kakashi bowed before leaving the elder man to his thoughts.

'Hopefully this will be the final push to break the boys mind.'

Training Ground 7

Frustrated.

That would be the best way to describe the trio that made up Team 7. They had been waiting for almost five hours now, and still, there was no sign of their sensei. At this point, for the first time since the teams creation, all three agreed on one thing. Kakashi Hatake would be late to his own funeral.

Though if it were up to Naruto, the bastard wouldn't even be given a proper burial.

"Yo!" A plum of smoke erupted from the top of the training pole that Sasuke had decided to lean against. "Sorry I'm late. A black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way around. But then I was forced into a hand walk race with a one armed yeti."

All three of the genins couldn't help but to sweat drop at the masked mans excuse this time. It was by far, the most outlandish one to date.

"So what are we doing today, Kakashi-sensei?" The blonde asked with genuine interest. "Any new missions?"

"Actually no." The man replied with an eye smile. "I nominated you three for the Chuunin Exams."

Jumping down off the post, he handed each of his students the slip of paper he had been given to allow them to enter the exams.

"Fill these out and have them turned in immediately."

Without giving any real instruction, he disappeared in another poof of smoke, leaving behind three bewildered genins.

"Well, I don't know about you two, but I am definitely entering." Naruto stated with a fox like grin. Earning a small smirk from the Uchiha.

"See you there, dobe." Sasuke stated with a smirk as he shoved the paper into his pocket and left the training field.

"Are you sure about this Naruto?" Sakura inquired, clearly worried.

"Of course I am Sakura-chan!" He exclaimed, giving her a reassuring smile. "We're strong enough to handle this. I can't let some test scare me if I am going to be Hokage some day!"

Though despite saying this, Naruto was worried on the inside. Knowing that the masked bastard was behind his kidnapping, he wasn't expecting him to actually nominate them for the exams. Hell, he was fully expected the pervert to come up with some bullshit excuse as to why they wouldn't be able to participate in the exams. Still, if he backed out now, it would only bring scrutiny down upon him and jeopardize his chance to escape the village.

"Well, I am going to go fill my slip out and turn it in." Naruto stated to the pinkette. "Just know Sakura-chan, that if you don't think you are ready for it, I will not think any less of you."

Receiving a nod from the pink haired girl, the blonde set off to submit himself into the exams.

'No, I can not let Naruto-kun down.' Sakura thought to herself. 'We are ready for this!'

'Let's show them, cha!'

Konoha Gates, Two Hours Later

As late afternoon hung over the village, six figures made their way towards the massive gates. A flurry of emotions swirling between all of them. A mixture of excitement, anxiety, and a small trace of fear. At the head of the group was Kairi. The young red head was eager to see her fiance for the first time in seven years, despite Aqua reminding her to keep her expectations tempered, and to be emotionally prepared for anything.

"So what's the plan, Nagato-sensei?" Xion inquired, shifting the weight of the massive blade she now carried on her back. "Should we ask around and look for Naruto-kun right away or…."

"No, do not ask about him." Answered the red haired man that was acting as their Jonin Sensei for the exams. "We know that Hatake kidnapped him, no doubt under the Hokage's orders. If you were to ask around for him, it would alert them to our true purpose."

Xion nodded in response, though like her red headed friend, she was also anxious to see him again. It was the feeling of being so close, yet so far away at the same time.

"I don't know about you guys, but I am starving." Morgiana pipped in as a small grumbling noise could be heard from her stomach, causing her to blush in embarrassment and eliciting a round of giggles from the others.

"When we arrive in Konoha, you all get our hotel rooms." Aqua, the true leader of the mission stated. "I will stop at the ramen stand that Kushina-sama had recommended we try before we left."

"What if we see Naruto-kun?" Rory asked, prompting the blue haired girl in front of them to stop abruptly and turn towards the group that also stopped.

"If you see him, approach him with caution." The young blue haired woman stated calmly. "We don't know how he will react, nor do we know how closely he is being watched over. If you can talk with him, be subtle and assess the situation."

"Understood, Aqua-chan." The halberd wielding beauty replied.

"Also, as tempting as it is, do not attack any of the Konoha shinobi unless attacked first." The blue haired woman continued. "Keep in mind, there may be innocents."

Both Morgiana and Rory adopted a scowl on their faces. The two of them really wanted to dish out some personal justice to the village, but their future sister wife had a point. Short of those involved blatantly advertising it, there would be no way to tell who was innocent and who was not in the kidnapping of their beloved.

"Also mind your emotions for anyone who may speak out against young Naruto." Nagato pointed out. "As you know, only Kumogakure and Berugakure on the only two Hidden Villages that treat their jinchuriki with respect."

"Do you think his status as a jinchuriki was leaked to the public?" Kairi asked in a worried tone.

"I wouldn't put it past the old man." The red haired male sighed. "It's common practice to abuse the jinchuriki both mentally and physically in most villages to mentally condition them. Though from what you give had reported from Wave, it seems he hasn't been broken yet. Which is good."

"Let's hurry then, and bring our beloved home." Xion stated, earning nods of agreement.

Another twenty minutes saw that at the gates of the village. Quickly signing in with the two Chuunin that were on gate duty, the Berugakure group entered the village of Konoha. Sticking to the plan, Aqua split off from the group to acquire some ramen, while the other group made their way towards the hotel to reserve the rooms for the duration of the exams. Each of their eyes sharp, looking for any trace of their lost loved one.

While Aqua went off to get the food, the rest of the Berugakure group continued on towards the Sleepy Willow Inn, an extravagant premier hotel within Konoha. Earning some curious looks from the various villagers, and some of the shinobi, as Berugakure shinobi were rarely seen within Konoha. As they approached the hotel, the group was approached by three genins from Konoha. One with a dark pair of sun glasses hiding his eyes, while a large coat covered the lower half of his face. Beside him was a shy looking girl with pearly white eyes and lavender colored hair. The last was a feral looking boy with a white puppy on his head, two red upside down triangles adorning his face.

"Damn, you look good." The feral boy stated as his team approached the group, all while eyeing Morgiana up and down. Causing her to narrow her eyes slightly.

"Kiba-san, please do not harass our guests." The boy in the large coat said in a monotone voice, before turning his attention towards the group as a whole. "If I am to guess, you are here for the Chuunin Exams?"

"That is correct, umm…." Xion replied, though her tone held a cold edge to it.

"Forgive me, my name is Shino Aburame." The boy now identified as Shino introduced himself before gesturing to his two team mates. "And this is Hinata Hyuga, and Kiba Inuzuka."

"Pleased to meet you." Kairi gave a small bow. "My name is Kairi, and these are Xion, Rory, Morgiana, and our sensei, Nagato."

Is was with the introduction of the only male in the group, did the members of Team 8 notice the taller, red haired man. His piercing blue eyes focusing in on the three of them. Making it feel as if he were gazing into their very soul. Shaking off his shock, Kiba turned his attention back towards the pink haired girl.

"So, Morgiana-chan." He grinned. "How would you like to go on a date with a true alpha?"

At this, the girl in question leveled a cold glare at the boy.

"Not interested." She merely replied with a scoff.

"Aw come on, don't be like that." The boy persisted, much to the annoyance of the rest of the girls, and the embarrassment of his own team. "I'm sure once you see just how much of an alpha I am, you'll fall for me."

"Not likely, mutt." Morgiana growled out, as the boy was getting on her nerves. "And I will have you know, I am already engaged to someone."

"Really, who is it?" Kiba all but demanded, a growl in his voice that someone dare lay claim on what he perceived as his. "I'll beat him down and then make you submit to me."

At this, all of the girls cast a dark glare at the boy. The fact that he had the audacity to threaten their beloved had angered them. Even more so, was the fact that the boy showed he cared nothing for loyalty and integrity and no doubt, viewed women as only trophies.

"So is this how Konoha shinobi view loyalty and commitment?" Xion inquired, turning towards the feral boy, a cold look in her golden eyes. "If so, perhaps our village should reevaluate our alliance."

"Kiba-kun, you're making our village look bad." Spoke the shy Hyuga girl in a soft voice.

"Please forgive our team mate, we believe his sister dropped him on his head when he was an infant." Shino stated in his monotone voice, though earned a few curious looks from his team mates that the normally all serious Aburama had cracked a joke at his team mates expense.

"We hope you enjoy your stay in our village." Hinata bowed.

"Yeah, I'll be seeing you later." Kiba said, not taking his eyes off Morgiana.

"I swear, that mutt better pray to Kami we don't get matched up against each other." Morgiana growled, clenching her fist tightly. "Because so help me if we do, he is not walking away whole."

"I have to say Xion-san, you handled that rather well." Nagato commented. "Calling into question their stance on loyalty and integrity."

He then turned towards the pink haired kunoichi.

"And I am proud of you as well, Morgiana-san. You restrained yourself well, when faced with the boys arrogance."

"Thank you, Nagato-sensei." The two girls smiled.

"Now, let us be off."

Naruto

It had been non stop all afternoon for the young blonde.

As decided, he had immediately filled out his sheet and entered himself into the Chuunin Exams, ignoring the glare the receptionist gave him when he turned in his paper. Then he had stopped off to visit Anko, whom was none to pleased that he had entered the exams. It had taken some time to calm her down, as well as a few kisses, but in the end, she relented. It would seem out of character for him to not attempt to pass the exams.

Having calmed the snake mistress, Naruto now found himself seated at his favorite place, with a hot bowl of ramen in front of him. Probably the only thing in the village he would miss when him and Anko finally escape this cesspool, but then again, no matter how good Ichiraku's was, it still didn't compare to his mothers home cooking.

However, he froze mid bite as he sensed someone. Cautiously, he turned his head just slightly to see out of the corner of his eye, the blue haired beauty whom was frozen in place behind him.

'She's here! If she's here, then the others are probably with her! What do I do? I can't talk openly with her.' He mentally exclaimed, cursing himself for not taking the time to re-create his blood clone. Knowing that a squad of ANBU was observing him now. Though he didn't recognize the chakra signatures.

'Calm down kit and think.' Kurama stated as beast pondered the situation. 'What about that game you and the girls played during your preliminary school days, when you would send each other secret messages?'

'Game…. Secret messages?' Naruto's eyes suddenly widened in realization. 'That's it!'

'I suggest a late night meeting in training ground 44, since no one ever goes there except for Anko.'

'Right.'

Doing what he could to calm himself, Naruto took another bite from his ramen and waited for his blue haired goddess to approach the stand. It was clear that she recognized him. He didn't have to wait long, as the young woman entered the stand a took a seat next to him.

"Welcome to Ichiraku's, what can I get you?" Ayame asked the new arrival with her usual cheer.

"Six large Miso ramen to go please." Aqua politely ordered, prompting the young waitress to disappear back into the kitchen, leaving the two alone.

"First time here?" Naruto asked, striking up a conversation with the blue haired beauty. All the while, tapping his finger on the counter with his left hand.

Aqua narrowed her eyes slightly in thought as he listened to the rhythm of the taps. Racking her memory before she realized what he was doing. It was obvious her blonde beloved was under scrutiny form the village, so he was giving her a message in code.

'Training Ground 44, midnight.'

"Yes, my team and I are here for the Chuunin Exams." Aqua answered, while also tapping her finger in another series of taps.

'Understood.'

"I'm in the exams too." Naruto smiled, causing her heart to melt. To finally be able to see his radiant smile after so many years of being without it.

"Here you go, that'll be 6,000 ryo." Ayame informed the blue haired young woman.

Nodding, Aqua dug into her pouch only to be stopped by Naruto. Subtly giving her a wink, causing the normally stoic woman to blush lightly.

"Here, let me take care of that for you." He stated as he brought out his own wallet and paid for her food.

"Thank you, umm."

"Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki."

"Thank you again, Naruto-ku…-san." She almost slipped up. "I hope to see you in the exams."

Nodding, Naruto turned back to his meal as Aqua departed the ramen stand with an invigorated pace to return to the hotel and tell the others the good news.

'Oh sure, now the fuckers leave.' Naruto mentally grumbled as he felt the chakra signatures of the ANBU that had been watching him fade away.

Aqua

The young bluenette wasted no time in returning to the hotel that the other girls were residing. Locking on to their chakra signatures, she quickly used her frost shunshin and appeared inside the room the give girls would be sharing, where as Nagato had taken a room for himself. Calming herself, she set the food on the table and took a deep breath to try and calm her emotions, which failed as she let out an excited squeal that attracted everyone's attention.

"Aqua-chan, are you alright?" Kairi inquired as she entered the kitchen area with the others. Each sporting a confused and curious look, as the blue haired teen hardly ever let her emotions get the best of her.

"Well…" She smiled. "I ran into Naruto-kun and the ramen stand."

As soon as his name left her mouth, the others were immediately upon her. Asking what he looked like, if he remembered them, and above all, if he was all right.

"Yes, he remembers us, but he is being monitored." She sadly explained. "But he will be in the exams."

"So, we don't get to see him until tomorrow afternoon then?" Xion asked, sadness in her voice.

"No." Aqua answered with a smile. "We are to meet with him tonight at midnight in training ground 44."

Hearing this, all of the girls seemed to brighten up. The thought of finally being able to reunite with their beloved greatly lifting their spirits. Giving them hope that everything was going to be alright.

"Be sure to inform Nagato-sensei." Aqua reminded them, mostly so the elder Uzumaki man didn't need to worry about them.

Eight Hours Later

After the encounter with Aqua at the ramen stand, Naruto had wasted no time in returning to his apartment and re-creating his Blood Clone. That old bastard be damned, he was not going to miss the chance to reconnected with his girls.

Now, he found himself pacing back and fourth in the middle of the Forest of Death, otherwise known as Training Ground 44. This of course was getting on the Kyuubi's nerves, but he kept quiet. Kurama understood how his host felt, and pitied him. Suddenly, he froze as he felt five very familiar and very warm chakra signatures a short distance behind him. Slowly turning, he saw his girls. A look of worry and relief etched in all of their faces.

Seeing them again, tears formed in his eyes, unable to hold back his emotions that were surging within him. Facing them, he made one step forward before he was tackled to the ground by a crying red head. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around the crying form of Kairi and embraced her with a firm hug. Almost as if he was afraid she would disappear if he let go.

"It's really you!" Kairi cried into his chest, before leaning up and giving him a full kiss on the mouth. One he gladly returned.

By now the others had gathered around their blonde beloved. Each embracing them in their own hugs and kisses after Kairi and reluctantly relinquished him from her grip.

"What happened Naruto-kun?" Rory asked, tears streaming down her face. "Why didn't you try and contact us?"

Letting out a sigh, the young blonde sat down on a fallen log, prompting the girls to do the same.

"Guess I better start from the beginning." He stated.

Additional Authors Notes: And that's a wrap!

Naruto has finally reunited with his girls in an emotional reunion!

I was playing with the idea of having Hiruzen spy on Naruto when he interacts with Aqua, but I kind of wanted for it to be a surprise for him when he realizes the girls from Berugakure are also in the exams. Also making it so that it is too late for him to pull Naruto from it. So, I had some ROOT ANBU watch over him instead, which fits I think. Especially with what Hiruzen is planning.

Also, we got to see Kiba be, well, Kiba. Bad news for him that he focused on Morgiana. And for those of you wondering, yes. He will end up facing her in the preliminaries. Why? Because I am evil like that!

As for Hinata. While she is still shy, due to Naruto not being in the village until after he was seven, she does not have the same crush on him as she normally would. Though she is still inspired by his determination to not give up, and respects his inner strength. If that makes sense.

Anyways, hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments in the reviews, or hit me up with a private message.