Disclaimer: Redundant Much?

I just realized that I have been calling the hidden mist village Mizukagure (the village hidden in water) and using kagure for all of the villages. What the heck was I smoking? Why didn't anyone tell me? You'd think I would have caught that the first couple times.  Just pretend that I said Kirigakure, okay?  Let me know if I missed anything else.

I don't think I said this earlier but the Kyuubi attacked Aug. 10 in my story, not Oct. 10, and the Academy year begins on Aug. 25.

Domino Effect: Ding Dong The Demon's Dead?

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Naruto watched the Hokage Monument appear on the horizon and realized, with a start, that it was over. The last few days had been the best of his life but he was now returning to a village whose citizens would rather spit on him then look at him. When they had left the sand village early that morning Gaara had seen them off with a wet smile, waving until they were mere specks in the distance. Would that be the last time that a friend shed tears for him? Naruto looked over to Sasame who was watching with an eagle-eye as Haku steered the truck while sitting on Sasame's lap. Sasame was carefully keeping the speed slow for Haku, just as he had done for him when it had been his turn. He had promised that they would still talk after they got back to Konoha and Naruto was sure that he now had a friend in Haku. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Haku slid off of Sasame and back into his seat when they neared the gates of Konoha. So much had changed for him in the last few months but he was already finding himself new precious people. He knew that Naruto wasn't treated well and he would do whatever he could to protect his new precious friend. "Don't worry," he whispered softly to the blond. "I'm here with you." He gave Naruto a reassuring smile which seemed to calm the boy down.

"Thanks Haku," murmured Naruto. Sasame just grinned and slowed the truck to a stop. They had arrived.

"State you business," called the chunin guard. Spying Naruto, he sneered. "So you're back are you?" he spat. "You're to see the Hokage immediately. Don't make me haul you there."

"I can assure you," said Sasame coldly, "that we will be heading straight there and I will be having words with the Hokage about your treatment of this child." The guard, a man of thirty, gulped and then sneered at them. He had made jonin just weeks before the Kyuubi's attack and had been promptly demoted back to chunin by the Hokage when he, along with several others, had insisted on killing the child. The Hokage's compassion for this boy was now well known and the guard had no wish of being made a genin or worse. He waved them through before he forgot himself and finished what he had begun four days ago. A few encouraging words to a bunch of drunks could be hidden but an outright assault would have him caught in no time. He watched with a glare as the vehicle made its way into the city.

"Kenji-san," called his superior. "Your shift is done for the day. You're transferring to the academy tomorrow, right?" Kenji turned and nodded.

"That's right. Thanks for the summer job, by the way."

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The village was full of hustling people and so Sasame made a quick detour to his shop and parked the truck. From there they walked on foot to the Hokage's tower. Signs of the festival were still evident, though Naruto was suspicious of the sign in on shop that read "Ding Dong the Demon's Dead" in bright colors. "I knew it was too good to be true," spat one woman once she saw him. "How dare he come back," hissed another. He bravely met the glares of the villagers with a large smile and held his head up as he walked next to Sasame. He would not show them how much their staged whispers hurt even though he really wanted to cry. Needless to say, he was relieved when they reached Hokage Tower. Sasame and Haku followed him as he darted up the stairs and watched as he dove into the Sandaime's arms.

"Naruto," the old man admonished gently, "you had me worried sick."

"Sorry ojii-san," he murmured from the nook of the man's neck.

"Naruto, the men who hurt you have been punished. They won't hurt you again, okay?" Naruto nodded and Sarutobi turned to Sasame. "Thank you for taking care of him young man."

"Please call me Sasame. I'm glad that Naruto had at least one person worrying for him. I was hoping that I could have a word with you though."

Sandaime nodded and pulled the signal for his secretary who arrived a moment later. "Take Naruto and his young friend to freshen up and have them wait in the reception room for us."

"Sir," said the young chunin, "may I remind you that Iruka-san is awaiting placement in the academy."

"A yes, he did quite well in the written phase of the exam. Have him assigned as Kenji-san's assistant for the incoming class. With all of the pranks that he pulled as a child, I have no doubt that he'll get a student just as bad as he was." The secretary chuckled and led the boys out. "Now then Sasame, how can I help you."

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An hour later Naruto and Haku were just about finished driving the secretary crazy when the Hokage's doors opened again. The boys jumped up as Sasame and Sandaime came out.

"Then we are in agreement," said Sarutobi. Sasame nodded.

"Naruto and Haku will begin at the Shinobi Academy next Monday. Naruto will know the truth by then." Naruto looked at them in confusion but Sarutobi quickly moved on to him.

"Naruto," he said with a smile. "You've been adopted. You'll be living with Sasame from now on."

"You mean it?" he cried. Sasame nodded.

"You can come live with me and have Haku for a brother."

"Yay, I have a brother," squealed both boys as they did a jig. The men were laughing at their antics when Naruto suddenly had an idea and stopped dancing. "We should get ramen to celebrate," he announced. The men stopped laughing.

"We will, of course, send you money to cover his bills," said Sarutobi sadly.

"I'll hold you to that," promised Sasame.

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I'm not completely pleased with this chapter but I keep working on it and it doesn't seem to be getting much better. Oh, well. Maybe I'm just being too hard on myself. Yes, Gaara stayed behind in Sunagakure but I will give you all one hint: The next chapter takes a one year time jump.

Thanks to all reviewers (whom I can't name because of certain inane rules). Please remember to keep reviewing because it's your interest that could bring on a trilogy instead of a summary chapter.

I'm seeing a few good suggestions for pairs. Just to let you all know, I'm not opposed to yaoi but the trio will not be yaoi in this story. Maybe a few side characters, though. I am beginning to lean a little towards Gaara/Hinata but I'm undecided as of yet.