He woke up to pain racking his body. With a groan, he opened his eyes to find his bed empty. There were, however, crutches sitting next to the bed. Slowly, he pulled himself up, supporting himself with the crutches, and making his progress out of the room. Naruto had left the door open, something he was thankful for. Following the voices travelling through the hallway, Shikamaru limped into the lounge room. It was almost overwhelming to have so many people in one room, the smell of sweat, blood, and dust clouding the air.

Making a beeline for the couch, Shikamaru looked around at the faces surrounding him. His parents were obviously there, as was Ino and her parents, and his Uncle Satoru, Dani, Ryota, Airi, and Eiji. The crowd easily moved to let him through, allowing him to take the vacant seat next to Naruto. The woman was still in his shirt, but her legs were covered by a blanket. She moved into his side gently when he put an arm around her shoulders.

"What's going on?" he whispered.

"At the moment we keep getting reports on village, the injured, the damage, stuff like that." Naruto sighed, accepting the tea that Aunt Momiji handed her. "Thanks, Aunty."

"Around three quarters of the village has been destroyed," Aunt Momiji explained as she handed a coffee to Shikamaru. "Most of the estates are fairly alright."

"Hinata just left. Apparently the Hyuga estate has some superficial damage. Choji sent some clan members over to help move the debris. Hinata couldn't get into her house." Naruto sniffed Shikamaru's coffee before shaking her head, her nose wrinkles.

With a soft smile at the girl, he looked around for his large friend. "Where is Choji?"

"Gone to check on Choza and to organise his clan," Shikaku explained. "The Akimichi clan is in charge of organising the rebuilding. But first they have to clean away the rubble. At the moment we are trying to get an accurate number of injured and dead. The death toll is lower than it was during the fight, thanks to Naruto, but there are still some who lost their lives."

"How did you manage to bring people back to life?" Shikamaru asked, looking at the woman in confusion.

"I didn't. Nagato did it." At the frown from a number of people in the room, Naruto elaborated. "Nagato was the real Pain. He did everything because he misinterpreted something Pervy-Sage said. Pervy-Sage asked me once how would I go about bringing the world to peace. Nagato had suffered so much that he couldn't see anything but pain. He believed that when someone caused you pain it just causes more pain and hate until it was a never ending cycle. I showed Nagato that, although he had killed Pervy-Sage, although he had attacked my home, killed Kakashi-Sensei, hurt you, I didn't hate him. I felt sorry for him. I tracked him down to show him that I wasn't going to let what he did rule me. Hell, most of the village has hurt me, mentally, physically, and emotionally. If I don't let them make me hateful, how can one of Pervy-Sage's students affect me?"

"So you showed him that you could do what Nagato failed at?" Inoichi chuckled. "Lord Jiraiya certainly taught you well."

"She's working hard for the Hokage title."

Shikamaru looked over his shoulder, only to flinch at the pain that went through his muscles. Thankfully, Naruto looked at the newcomer for him, smiling at the man.

"Kakashi-Sensei, you're walking around."

"Thanks to you, yes." Kakashi-Sensei walked around the couch, easing Shikamaru's neck muscles. "The civilians have been alerted to the state of the village. They are anxious to come back and help but the problem is that we have nowhere to house them. We are trying to get a head count of the civilians not in clans now, but it will take some time."

"Shit, my building was destroyed." Naruto swore again. "Not counting myself, there are ten families in that building… all well! I guess it's an opportunity to redesign the layouts of the building. The Beltron twins would like their own rooms in apartment five."

"Leave that to your building owner," Kakashi-Sensei waved off. "Shikaku, your clan is the one who organises this stuff. Any ideas where we should put the civilians while we rebuild? We can't just have them in tents, they will end up in the way, and there is bound to be issues with children."

"Well the estates are mostly fine. We could all take in some people. We had five houses destroyed here by summoning creatures but we still have some room. The Yamanaka estate suffered a lot of damage, so they are out, the Hyugas rarely let people into their estate out of safety. They've had people try to steal their eyes too much. I actually don't know if we can all find space for the civilians." Shikaku sighed.

"What about the empty estate?"

Everyone turned their eyes onto Naruto, who was preoccupied with spreading her blanket over Shikamaru's legs as well as her own. When she noticed the silence, she elaborated.

"The Uchiha estate. It's completely empty, and it's one of the largest estates. You should leave the main house empty, cause you don't want to look like your disrespecting the lost clan, or it's surviving member, but it could easily house everyone. People will have to share houses, and sleep on cots and stuff, but they should fit. It will need a clean, since it's bound to be dusty, but it should be liveable, especially for a short time."

"We could also put tents up in the courtyard too," Shikaku added, looking thoughtful. "It will get the civilians out of any danger, and out of the way for the rebuilding. Once apartments start going up we can move people out of the estate slowly."

"Oh, and I remember there was a day care building, or a school, or something, at the estate. I remember seeing it," Naruto stated. "We could put the orphans in there. The madam who runs the place will also happily turn it into a day care for ninja's children, that way they are safe and kept occupied whilst we focus on fixing the village."

"Excellent." Shikaku turned to his brother. "Send someone to check the structure of the estate. It's been empty for a long time so there might be some dilapidation. Also, find the blueprints for that place so that we can organise where to put people before we try to move them in." He turned to Inoichi. "How are the food storages? Will they service until the crops are ready?"

"Yes, actually. We have plenty of food. Most of the storage rooms are underground. The explosion that destroyed the village wasn't very deep. All the evacuation tunnels and the storage rooms are completely intact. The biggest worry had been the medical supplies but they are also untouched."

"It sounds like good news, considering." Shikamaru hugged Naruto close to his side, ignoring the pain that sparked through his chest. "What time is it anyway?"

"Almost three. You slept for six hours." Eiji noticed Shikamaru's baffled look. "The invasion barely lasted an hour. And yet half our forces are in the hospital. Another quarter of that is suffering injuries, like you. We only have a quarter of our forces at fighting capacity. If we have another attack we are lost."

"Well I can fight again, and the toads have offered their help." Naruto pointed at a handful of letters sitting on the table. "Those arrived by bird. They're people who knew Pervy-Sage or me when we travelled. They are all offering help. Apparently word has spread that Pain attacked us and lost. Haruki is bringing a group to help man the borders and rebuild. Their village's safety relies on us, so they are bringing everyone they can spare."

"There are a number of villages under our protection that we could ask for help. If nothing else they can help with the rebuilding, freeing the healthy ninjas to fight if necessary." Dani sighed, sitting down on the ground heavily. "Naruto, thank you for saving so many, but invasions give me a headache."

Naruto toasted Dani with her cup of tea. The fingers of her free hand were drumming on Shikamaru's cast absentmindedly. He could tell something was running through her mind but couldn't tell what was bothering her.

"Um, Naruto," Inoichi started gently. He walked closer to the blonde, knelling down in front of her. "I should tell you that, whilst you slept, I overheard that some of the villagers are starting to question your gender. They couldn't see you properly in the fight but they noticed something was off."

Shikamaru could feel Naruto's chest constrict. Her eyes widened as she swallowed thickly.

"Do they know where I am?"

"Yes. They know that the Nara Clan is housing you, and protecting you. But… it's not the same as last time. They're curious about you. They just want to know more about the one who saved them. I know you probably want to run, but you're surrounded by those who will protect you. Though I wish you'd put pants on."

Naruto gave a wet chuckle. "I don't have any. The ones I fought in are ruined. The toads are going to send me the clothing I left there when they get a chance." The blonde took a deep breath, calming herself. "If they see me as a girl, then… okay. I guess there's nothing I can do about it. I'm strong enough to handle myself, and I can sense chakra well, so I should be okay."

"Not to mention: no one is getting at you with us here." Shikamaru gave her shoulder a squeeze as Inoichi smiled, moving back to stand with his wife.

She looked up at Shikamaru as he took a sip of his coffee. "Your drink smells bad."

Snorting, the man looked at her. "Have you never had coffee before?"

"Nope."

"Seriously? Shikamaru can't even get out of bed in the morning without a cup," Ino taunted. "Try it."

Shikamaru handed his cup to Naruto, who sniffed it with a frown before taking a sip. The disgusted look she pulled was so comical that he couldn't help but laugh. Unfortunately his humour caused him tremendous pain. He wasn't the only one who was laughing at Naruto though. Something in the room had snapped, causing all the tension to leave. Dani had fallen into a lying position with his laughter as Ryota shook his head at him. Ino was giggling uncontrollable, as was her mother, whilst Inoichi just shook his head with a grin.

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about you drinking all of Shikamaru's coffee," Ryota laughed.

"That was horrible. Why do you drink that?" Naruto shoved the cup back into Shikamaru's hand as he chuckled.

"I'm surprised you've never noticed it on his breath." Ino was still laughing, though at Shikamaru's red face or Naruto, who was sticking her tongue out as though that would stop her from tasting the coffee, he didn't know.

Ino's words distracted Naruto enough for her to put her tongue back in her mouth. "Never been a problem I guess." She took a large gulp of her tea. Either the drink was only warm now or the heat didn't bother her, since she swallowed the liquid easily. "I am never drinking coffee again!"

"Good. It gives people energy. I never want to see you hyped up on caffeine." Kakashi-Sensei shuttered.

"How are you two feeling anyway?" Yoshino asked now that there was a lull in the damage control.

"I'm fine. Little bruised and battered but nothing is broken or bleeding. Still tired but if I go into Sage mode I'll be able to fight just fine. And I can make clones to store nature chakra if needed."

"Sore… sore… oh, and sore." Shikamaru winced when he felt his muscles constrict and release.

"Yeah, you know why?" Ino snapped. "Because on top of walking on a broken leg. TWICE! You got beaten up by Pain and you also used too much chakra. If you had tried to use a drop more of chakra it would have burnt you up and killed you."

"Did you just expect me to sit there and watch him take Naruto?" Shikamaru bit, watching the surprised look that covered Ino's face.

"Of course not! Dad and I were nearly at the crater when Naruto lost control. You think we weren't about to jump in too? Hell, Hinata tried but her clansmen held her back when Pain started beating the shit out of you. It would have crushed me to lose Naruto, but that doesn't mean I don't get to be mad at your recklessness!"

Shikamaru sighed. "You're right. I honestly wasn't thinking in that moment, but I'm not sorry." He paused, think over that moment. "What happened with the Nine-Tails anyway? You told me the seal was weak."

"Oh, I lost complete control," Naruto admitted cavalierly.

"WHAT?! Naruto, you cannot end a sentence like that!" Airi yelped. "How are you alive? Where is the Nine-Tails?"

"He's still inside me." Naruto snorted. "And he really isn't happy about that either. He's still swearing at me." She rolled her eyes. "Get over it, you big baby! He's mad cause my dad put some of his chakra in the seal for that moment. My dad kinda appeared and tightened the seal back up. It will weaken again with time but dad wants me to learn how to control the Nine-Tails' power by then."

"So you know who your dad is?" Inoichi asked slowly.

"Yeah, the Fourth." Naruto shrugged. "I know he put the Nine-Tails in me. I punched him for it."

Shikamaru snorted, making Naruto smile at him.

"Okay, so that I'm not completely lost," Ino started, "you are the Fourth Hokage's daughter," Naruto nodded, "he put his chakra in the seal, which by the sounds of it allowed you to talk to him," again a nod. "This was the first time finding out who your father was," another nod, "and the first thing you do, is punch him?"

"Yep!"

Ino threw her hands up in exasperation. "I never get you. I would have cried, or hugged him, or just stood there in shock."

"Now you know why I like hanging out with Naruto." Shikamaru grinned, trying to not laugh out of fear for the pain it would cause. "And, Naruto, Lord Jiraiya had things belonging to your parents that I saved for you. I figured I'd tell you I knew who they were after the Akatsuki were dealt with. Hope you're not mad."

Naruto rolled her eyes, leaning into him. "Please, Uncle Inoichi and Aunt Momiji have known who my parents were since I was little. I knew people weren't telling me for a reason."

"Has anyone ever told you that you are a ridiculously understanding person?" Dani commented. "I'm pretty sure you're not human!"

"For crying out loud, stop your pouting… and language!" When everyone looked at Naruto in confusion she blushed. "Sorry, the Nine-Tails is yelling. He doesn't like me talking about my dad without him adding colourful commentary." She paused before her eyes went wide. "I've heard a lot of swear words in my life but that was the most disgusting one!"

"What did he say?" Ryota laughed.

"Something I will never repeat!"

/ / / / / / /

His father went about planning the easiest way to move the civilians into the Uchiha estate. Luckily the estate had been kept up to code. Moving the large population of civilians back into the village had to be planned carefully though. Under Yoshino's suggestion, families with young children and the orphan children would be moved in and settled before any other. She explained that the children would be the most scared. Having them moved in first meant they wouldn't be overwhelmed when everyone else was moved in because they would be settled in their temporary home and assured that the village would rebuild and survive. Shikamaru was reminded why his mother was his father's equal and opposite. Whilst Shikaku wouldn't think of something so emotionally based as how best to comfort the children during the moving, Yoshino's first thought was on them. Instead, like Shikamaru, Shikaku would only think of what would be most useful. Logically, it would be better to move in any retired ninjas and those between twenty and fifty. They were the ones most likely to be calm and easy to move from the evacuation point to where they needed to be. Children were the hardest to move. It was only to be expected that they would be scared and the state of the village would make it worse. But he's mother pointed out that the children would be harder to relocate if the Uchiha estate was full of people trying to put the village together. Not only would there be a lot of people moving around, it would overwhelm the children. They would also be scared if they were left in the underground evacuation chambers whilst others were taken out.

Naruto added a helpful suggestion of moving the children through the evacuation tunnel that let up near the Uchiha estate. The exit brought the children near the Akamichi estate, which was mostly intact and less scarring. On top of that, many children viewed the Akamichi Clan as a clan full of kind, caring people. Seeing them was often comforting. Not particularly surprising, the Nara Clan was seen as emotionless and somewhat scary. Shikamaru had raised an eyebrow at Naruto as she told him this, only to have her double over with laughter. It often escaped Shikamaru's thoughts that Naruto grew up with the civilians. Although there was no hate between the military families and the civilian families, there were different beliefs and views between the two groups. Those who grew up in civilian households and wished to become ninjas often had a learning curve that others didn't have. There had been a number of times in the academy when Ino ranted how she wanted to slap Sakura for her ignorance. Oddly enough, Naruto somehow didn't fall into the civilian or ninja background. Shikamaru wasn't sure how this happened to her. It was possible that because she had been mistreated mainly by civilians Naruto was unable to gain their view and beliefs. Civilians grew up without the constant fear of one of their loved ones dying. The only time they experienced this real fear was on the rare occasions that the village was attacked. Even then, though, they were the first ones taken to safety. This often gave them an innocent, almost naive view of the village and the surrounding world.

Those from ninja families actually found people like Kakashi-Sensei and the Nara Clan comforting. They were seen as cold and calculating, but highly reliable and strong. Naruto had her own views on the village and its people. Her views weren't affected by whether she was a civilian or a ninja. Her view was her own. They were created purely by her experiences. And to Shikamaru, that was one of the reasons why Naruto was one of a kind and so interesting.

Yoshino and Naruto worked together to organise where each group should stay within the estate. Families had to have enough space whilst single people or couples would need less. Once the planning was finished, Shikaku sent people to organise the civilians into groups to be brought back into the village. As they waited for that task to be completed, Yoshino made the four of them food, something the three were grateful for. The house had been emptied of other people, who were all either fulfilling tasks around the village or resting to recover chakra. Shikamaru made sure to follow Ino's instructions and took his second dose of medication before sitting down for a very late lunch.

It wasn't long after they had eaten that Kiba came around with a bag in hand. He chucked the bag at Naruto with no warning. Clumsily, the blonde caught it. From the bag she pulled a variety of clothing.

"I realised you probably didn't have any, since your apartment is gone. My sister added some clothing too." Kiba grinned. "Oh, and the civilians are ready to be moved out but your friend from the bar, the one looking after Kurenai-Sensei, wants you to come and lead the children out. He said that they are scared but they know you defeated Pain."

Naruto paused in the middle of pulling a pair of pants on. Her eyes were wide, her lips parted. "Uh, I guess I could wait at the end of the tunnel for them."

"No, they want you to go get them," Kiba clarified.

"Really?" Naruto swallowed, focusing on buttoning up her pants. "I guess if that's what they really want… I'll just have to do it."

"If you don't want to do it, I'm sure they can find someone else," Shikamaru remarked, trying to push down a yawn.

"No, no, I'll do it." Naruto gave a strained laugh. "It's not like there's any reason I can't, and the children need it."

"Well, I would offer to go with you but I think I'd just be in the way. I'll try to get more sleep instead."

Naruto nodded absently. "That's a good idea. I'm going to go get the kids moved into the Uchiha estate as quickly as possible."

Shikamaru and Kiba shared a confused look as Naruto walked out of the room. The Nara man had no clue what was causing Naruto's odd behaviour, but he was truthfully too tired to analyse it. He wished that he could assure himself that Naruto wouldn't do something that she simply couldn't do, but something told him that that wasn't true.

Hope you all like. This chapter was completed a lot quicker than I expected. R and R.