All Started With A Smell

by o0Black-Sand0o

It all started with a smell. That had been what made Shikamaru take notice of Naruto. Some things about the 'boy' just didn't add up and the more Shikamaru thought about it the more he began to wonder what Naruto wasn't telling people, and, if Shikamaru was correct, why was Naruto hiding it in the first place? The genius just hoped he was right otherwise things could get awkward!

66. Check Mate Part Two

So, this was meant to be done shortly after the last chapter was posted. But I had started feeling a bit sick when I posted the last chapter and I just figured I was over worked… turns out I was five weeks pregnant.

I'm now just over 26 weeks with a little boy, but morning sickness made me take a break from even touching my laptop. It finally started dying down a few weeks ago so that I was able to start writing again without worrying about my laptop becoming a murder scene featuring my lunch. (Not to mention Australia is currently making Hell look like a ski resort).

Like I've said before, I have no intention of abandoning this story, and I am sorry for the hiatus and my inability to let you all know what was happening before now. I did make an announcement on the FB page a month or so ago but I couldn't make one on here without my laptop. Whilst I can't tell you how many chapters are left in this story (cause I don't know for sure) I can tell you that the end won't be too much longer after the war. So, with any luck I might have the story done before bub arrives since maternity leave will leave me with some free time and with my medical issues I have to rest, so writing will be one of the only things I will be able to do.

Although there was something freeing about going off at Sakura, Naruto couldn't deny that their strained relationship was partly her own fault. She hadn't trusted Sakura. Sasuke had known about her gender, could have backed her up when she told Sakura the truth, but instead, she had decided to spring it on her one day and when she reacted violently hid more from her than she had been. The friends Naruto had made in her life were her friends because of who she truly was, not in spite of it, and part of her regretted not giving Sakura the same chance to get to know who she was.

However, there was no denying that Sakura had been a bad teammate and an even worse friend over the years and that was not entirely Naruto's fault. Sakura had done nothing to earn Naruto's honesty. Both of them needed to shoulder the responsibility and the reality that the rift very well could be permanent. Though, it did make her wonder if the rift slowly forming between her and Shikamaru would end up being of a similar nature.

People thought she was oblivious but she was very aware that she had strong, romantic feelings for the Nara. She knew that it was only the hum of his chakra, or the rumble of his rough voice that could both calmed and excited her in a way she couldn't quite explain. He was the only one she had initiated a kiss with instead of having one forced on her by accident or torment. He was also the only one that truly made her feel safe. She didn't pay attention to the chakra's around her as much, didn't jump at any harsh tone, and he was the only one who could be gentle with her without her feeling that he thought her weak. Naruto could tell he wasn't gentle out of concern for her, but that he couldn't bring himself to hurt her at all. She had also noticed the glass-like haze that would shadow his eyes when she was close, or times she was more open with him.

There was something about the look that thrilled her. She had first noticed it, to a small degree, when she had awoken in the hospital and demanded to know how long she had been asleep and if she had missed the Chunin exams. When she had pulled him close by his jacket she had noticed his eyes take on a glazed look as his gaze had fallen to her mouth. It had been a gaze she had never had on her before and hadn't known how to react to it. However, the older they got, and the more she saw said look, the more she had started to enjoy it and had realised what it was when Shikamaru had drunkenly scanned her naked legs. The idea that someone she found handsome, intelligent, and someone to admire being attracted to her had been an experience she had had to get used to. It had taken her over a month to silence the thoughts that told her she was wrong. However, that same voice was able to remind her that Shikamaru was in love with someone else. Even if he found her good looking it would never be more than a physical attraction.

That voice increased in volume after Shikamaru's rejection of her by the lake. It enjoyed pointing out that even physically she wasn't good enough for him. It was this knowledge that encouraged her to spend more time in the room she was meant to be sharing with Ino. She appreciated the other blonde when she made no comment as Naruto crawled into bed the same day she and Shikamaru had had lunch beside the river. Although Ino had clearly had questions, she hadn't voiced any of them in the few days that followed, even when Naruto started binding her chest again whilst still in the Nara Estate.

She didn't mind looking like a boy at times, especially since she didn't really care how people saw her, but she knew that that wasn't why she had taken to binding her chest every day. It gave her a sense of comfort, that Shikamaru couldn't see what she really looked like. It allowed a part of her to believe it wasn't truly her he had rebuffed, but the image she showed people. It did little to truly help the ache she felt but it was something. Whenever she didn't feel like putting binds on she took to staying in her bedroom. Whenever she was in her room she noticed that she gravitated to wearing the number of shirts Shikamaru had given her.

The time in solitude was used to write about the Children of Iron for the historian who wanted to document everything. Naruto knew that many refused to speak to the scholar and although Naruto herself didn't like recounting all that had happened to her she knew it would be better to have it brought to light. She had been writing in the notebook that Shikaku had been kind enough to give her for almost two hours when there was a knock on the bedroom door.

She told the person to come in, not having enough control on her chakra to safely sense who was on the other side. Part of her was happy, and another part pained, so see Shikamaru open the door, his eyes sweeping over her with that same look in his eyes. Fighting the urge to fidget, Naruto put her brush on the inkpad sitting on her nightstand.

"What are you doing here?" she asked in a quiet voice.

"I just wanted to spend some time with you," he replied. "You've been having a hard time lately and I like to check on you."

Naruto nodded, her eyes on her notebook. When Shikamaru sat down across from her on her bed she tried not to take a shuttered breath. Trying to distract herself she focused on putting her book aside where it wouldn't knock the inkpad. "I'm getting better. I didn't like having to talk to Sakura yesterday but it was necessary. She's not a bad friend, we just aren't friends. I don't think she ever really liked me, more just thought she had to since we were team mates. I'm glad we aren't continuing with that delusion. It's better for the both of us. She can spend more time on her true friends, and so can I."

Shikamaru gave her the small smile that always caused odd sensations in her stomach. "It's good that you can see the bright side to it. You have plenty of friends who truly want to be your friends. We all just want to see you happy." He pulled his shoulders back with a noticeable sigh. "We need to talk about the other day."

"Which one?" Naruto asked sarcastically. "I've had a couple of… full days lately."

With a clearly of his throat, Shikamaru blushed. "The one with us, at the river. I know what you were… um… leading to that day."

Naruto got up, putting her notebook in one of the draws of the nightstand, pretending it took more time than it actually did. "I don't want to talk about it!" She turned to face him but couldn't actually look at him, crossing her arms. "I can admit that it hurt… partly my pride."

She chose not to add that it also just hurt. The one thing Shikamaru appeared to want from her and he rejected it. She couldn't describe what she wanted from the man but she knew it was more than just the physical touches they currently had, and yet she was willing to offer him as much as he wanted to take… and that didn't even seem to be enough.

"I know but I think I should explain myself. It's not that I… it's not that I didn't want to."

Naruto finally looked at him. "I know," she admitted, raising an eyebrow at Shikamaru's clear confusion. Her eyes darted down suggestively, allowing him to come to the realisation. If the conversation wasn't so awkward she probably would have laughed and informed him that by the river had not been the first time.

"Well, that's embarrassing."

"At least we're on equal footing now," she snorted in amusement. Whenever Shikamaru blushed it was always just his cheekbones, something she had always found entertaining and cute. "Look, we don't need to talk about it. I get it. You were uncomfortable with me looking like a boy." And I'll never be able to replace the woman you love, no matter how much I try and how much she isn't there for you. I nearly killed myself saving you, and healing you, and she couldn't even come to see if you were okay. Even if you don't want me, she doesn't deserve you.

"That's not it!" Shikamaru yelped, startling Naruto. "Alright, how about we both agree that for this conversation we just be honest and ignore any embarrassment or pride? So, I had no issue with you looking like a male. You are Naruto, and that's all that matters. The reason I stopped us before it went anywhere is because I didn't know if you were doing something you wanted or you thought I wanted. If you tell me that you were doing it because you wanted to I'll start kicking myself."

The grin he gave her at her laughter made her heart give an extra strong beat. Hearing Shikamaru say that he wanted only her, no matter how she looked made her head fuzzy. Taking a deep breath, she thought over his words, rolling her eyes at the way her mind could barely move passed the part about Shikamaru wanting her. "I'm glad you stopped me, even if it stung," she admitted, walking closer and sitting on the bed, facing the man. "If we're being honest, damn the consequences, then… what is it you want from me? Is it just physical and friendship, or… more?"

She whispered the last word, barely being able to bring herself to hope, even a little that she still had a chance. She held her breath as Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at her, apparently surprised by her question.

"You don't know?"

"Sometimes I think I know, but then I.." she shifted in her seat, wondering if she really should admit that she wanted to be the one he cared about, "get doubts and those doubts are easy for me to believe. And I've discovered recently that I have some issues."

When Shikamaru laughed she gave a small smile. His hand on her bare thigh distracted her from the voice in her mind that told her his laugh was at her actually daring to think he could have feelings for her. His shy gaze, that wasn't glazed but had something else, something powerful behind it, made her loss her breath.

"I can't tell you how I feel until you tell me how you feel," he informed her. "And I need you to promise to not lie about your feelings, even if they aren't the same, or the opposite of my own."

Naruto swallowed around the lump in her throat as she nodded slowly. There was no shielding herself then, from what was coming next. For a moment she wondered how much it was going to hurt. However, she never once thought about lying. This was the man who could ask her for anything and all he asked was for honesty, even if one or both of them risked getting hurt. A small part of her noticed that Shikamaru appeared to be steeling himself, as though he had the most to lose.

"I… don't really know how I feel," she confessed. "I know I like you, romantically. But I don't know how deeply. I don't know how to tell."

Shikamaru's smile made Naruto calm. "I'm okay with that. It took me a long time to realise the depth of my feelings for you. Now I know for certain. I love you."

Naruto's eyes widened. Her chest felt oddly light, her stomach gave a flip, and that taunting voice in the back of her mind was silent for the first time in years. For the first time since Shikamaru had asked her to spend time with him and his friends, a small blush to his cheeks and a carefully crafted disinterested look on his young face. "You do? How can you be sure?"

With a soft smile, Shikamaru stroked Naruto's cheek, moving closer. He kissed her and the blonde felt another layer to the touch. If their previous kisses were a river, they had been only the shallows, this one was that first plunge after the sand bank. She let it sweep her away, and when Shikamaru pulled her closer she willingly moved to sit on his lap, her chest pressed against his. She had longed to be close with him these last few days but had held herself back out of fear of getting hurt. Now she realised, Shikamaru had the power to destroy her, but she had that same power over him. His heart pounded hard enough for her to feel it as he held her, one hand in her hair. When he pulled back she tried not to whine. It took her a moment to even remember what question she had asked him.

"I don't really know how to explain it. Being with you makes everything easier, and it makes me feel stronger. The way you see the world and the way you do what you think is right, even if everyone is against you is something that I admire. I find myself enjoying every moment of being with you."

"Are you disappointed that I don't know if I love you?" Naruto asked softly, understanding why Shikamaru had asked her to confess her feelings first. The thought of knowing he loved her but she might not return that affection made her desperate to know what love was so she could reciprocate.

The man gave her that same soft smile that she adored. "I promised to be honest, so no, I'm not disappointed. It hurts a little, not hearing you return the sentiment but I understand that given your upbringing you might have trouble with this. It just means that, if you don't unknowingly love me already, I have a chance that you'll grow to love me." Naruto laughed before Shikamaru sighed mournfully. "Though I am kicking myself."

"About the other day?" Naruto asked, finding herself feeling oddly vulnerable and exposed in that moment. She only just realised what position they were in with her half-dressed and straddling his legs.

"No, not that." Instantly she felt calm, returning Shikamaru's smile. "I've been trying to tell you how I feel for months but I was always worried that you would convince yourself that you loved me so that you wouldn't have to break my heart. And it was only today that I realised I could just tell you why I wanted you to be honest and you'd tell me the truth."

Naruto kissed him, swallowing her laughter. "Well, just think, it could have always taken you longer to work that out."

"True, that would be horrible." Cupping the back of her head, Shikamaru kissed her with the same amount of passion as before.

The strain of keeping silent had broken and now Naruto wondered how she had never realised Shikamaru had been talking about her. Repeating that thought in her head, she let the realisation truly sink in. Shikamaru loved her. He had been talking about her when he had appeared, drunk, at her front door. He had been flirting with her and touching her not because he wanted to distract himself from another woman, but because she was the woman. That fact allowed her to respond to Shikamaru's embrace with as much passion as the Nara showed.

She pushed him flat onto the bed, laughing at his surprised gasp. He gained revenge by sliding his hand up the back of her shirt, running his fingers over her spine. He stopped after he had caused her to squeal but he kept his hand on her skin. His touch caused heat to spread through her body and as she moved her hands Shikamaru's chest under his shirt, she wondered if it caused the same reaction in him. She wondered if he felt the almost constant need to touch her like she did him.

It was with reluctance that she had pulled back to inform him that Ino was about to enter the room. She hadn't even noticed that she had started to blanket the area around herself in her chakra to sense people. It had been near impossible for over a week for her to do so, even though her chakra was slowly returning to its usual levels.

As Ino yelped and scolded Naruto for being half naked Naruto took note that Shikamaru's chakra had changed slightly. It was still a cool and lazy haze, unrestrained like he couldn't be bothered to reign it in. It was also strong, slow but deadly, like a creeping chill robbing life force. However, there was now a tangible difference. It was a soft caress, like a gentle breeze that was aimed only at her, fluttering over her skin. Naruto's breaths came short when she realised that this part of his chakra, of his person, was hers. The only way she wouldn't have been able to sense it before now was if he had been trying so hard to hide the extent of his feelings for her own sake that it literally locked a part of his chakra away. She knew from personal experience that that wasn't easy. She had had to block her anger from her chakra when she was younger, and when she had returned from training with Pervy-Sage she had tried to stop her chakra from reaching out for Shikamaru whenever she was vulnerable or fearful for his safety but she had always failed.

She was tempted to tell Sai to come talk to her another day but she did want to help the Foundation and Sai would be able to help her with the issues that Kakashi-Sensei and Naruto had yet to find answers too.

It was enjoyable to be around those who were like her in a lot of ways, and the look on Sakura's face when Naruto declared that Shikamaru was the one she had affections for and that he in turn loved her caused a giddy feeling in her stomach. She knew it wasn't so much the expression that caused that feeling, but getting to say it out loud to someone. She was partly annoyed that apparently Captain Yamato had known all about it already and hadn't bothered to tell her.

Even with Captain Yamato's betrayal, she still had a fun day speaking with the Foundation members she had met. She chose not to tell them about the fact that Naruto was trying to stop their demise. However, she did find out that Captain Yamato was informed by Kakashi-Sensei and took the opportunity that the blonde speaking with the Foundation's top members gave him to go through documents in the hope of helping Hiro and Kina with their studies. It wasn't clear if he succeeded, but he did have a pondering look on his face when he joined his subordinates.

It was as the two other members of Team Seven were walking her back to the Nara Estate that they ran into Iruka-Sensei. The sweat on his forehead let Naruto know that he had tracked her across half the village. Although Iruka-Sensei was more talented when it came to sensing people, he had less chakra than the blonde. The only reason he had been able to track her so far without passing out or gaining a severe headache was because of how much chakra Naruto had and the way she habitually flooded the area around her with it.

Even though he looked exhausted he smiled at her. "I have a surprise for you," he declared.

With a gleeful smile she said goodbye to her teammates and followed the man into the heart of the village, turning herself into her male form as she did so. Iruka-Sensei didn't comment on it and instead asked her what she had been up to lately. She, of course, chose not to mention the emotional issues she had been struggling with and instead shrugged, trying not to grin at what had transpired earlier that day. However, the man noticed her expression.

"What? You didn't pull a prank I'm going to have to deal with, did you?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Shikamaru and I are together," she declared, blushing when Iruka-Sensei stopped walking to stare at her. "What? Are you mad?"

"No. I'm thrilled." A smile broke over the man's face. "I thought Shikamaru and you had feelings for each other when you graduated but I worried that you two being kind of bad at emotions would stop you from ever admitting it." He scratched his cheek that was steadily turning red. "Though I'll admit that after seeing you two… kissing I figured you'd eventually confess. I think you and Shikamaru are good together."

"Thanks, Iruka-Sensei." They started walking again, though Naruto kept it at a slower pace. "Iruka-Sensei, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Naruto."

"How do you know if you're in love?"

That stopped the man's steps again. He looked at her in mild horror as well as happiness. It was an odd combination that confused her until she realised where she had seen a similar expression. On her father's face when he had found out about her fear for Shikamaru's safety.

"Do you think you love Shikamaru?" Iruka-Sensei asked, putting his feelings aside in favour of helping her with her inquiry.

"I don't know. Shikamaru says he loves me, and I do believe him, but I don't know if I feel that way because I don't really know what love feels like. I think I love Konohamaru like a younger brother, I think I loved Pervy-Sage like a grandfather, and I think I love you like an older brother or father but I can't be sure. How do you know?"

Iruka-Sensei sighed, running a hand down his face. "It's not an easy question to answer but I'll do my best. I know I love you like a little sister or a daughter because the thought you being hurt, of people not seeing what a fantastic person you are, causes me pain. You are special to me and I will do anything to keep you safe and help you become the best version of yourself. I think that when you love someone, especially romantically, they encourage you to be a better person. You want to be worthy of their love, even though they will love you even if you don't think you deserve it."

"They are the first person you think of in your moments of weakness, they are the ones you reach out for and know they will be there to support you, and you would do the same for them. But mostly, for us ninjas, the way to know if you love someone is whether you feel safe with them or not. Many ninjas only truly feel safe with the one they love."

Naruto looked at the brunet with wide eyes. She muttered her thanks and let him put his arm around her shoulders, leading her to her surprise. She mulled over his words as they walked, Iruka-Sensei staying silent, clearing understanding that she had retreated into her own mind. However, when they entered what was becoming the new shopping district he covered her eyes, stirring her around.

"Ta da!" he declared, uncovering her eyes. He watched her blink away the sunlight before grinning widely. "The villagers found out this was your favourite place so bumped it up the list of builds to reconstruct.

She barely paid attention to Iruka-Sensei's words, staring in surprise at Ichiraku Ramen's new stall. Darting forward, she pulled the stall's familiar flaps back, seeing Teuchi standing behind the counter smiling at her.

"Naruto!" he boomed. "It's good to see you. Do you want your usual?"

"Believe it! I've been having withdrawals!" She plonked herself down on one of the stools, enjoying Teuchi's and Iruka-Sensei's chuckles at her words. When the stall filled with the familiar smell of pork ramen she breathed deep. The village hadn't felt like home since Pein's attack but now it did.

"So," Iruka-Sensei started softly, sitting next to her. "Kakashi told me about your heritage. How does it feel knowing your father was the Fourth Hokage?"

Taking a moment to think of her answer, she sighed. "I don't care. He could have been the Fourth Hokage or a civilian who mopped the floors and nothing changes. I'm glad I know who he is now, but a stone face is not substitute for an actual father. I would rather be able to walk in the door of my home growing up and hear 'welcome home' because a stone face can't comfort you."

"I know the feeling," Iruka-Sensei admitted with a sad smile.

When their ramen was set in front of them, they chose to turn the conversation onto lighter topics. It was as they finished their meal that Naruto was put into a situation she never expected to be in. Some other ninjas, a mix of Jonins and Chunins had come to the ramen shop and had recognised her. Normally something like that was cause to run and hide, instead they looked ecstatic to meet her and started asking for her autograph. The first had said it was for their child but the other blatantly admitted he wanted one for himself.

She honestly had no clue how to respond to the requests, and when others started joining in she felt overwhelmed. It was Teuchi and Iruka-Sensei that silenced the men, much to Naruto's thanks, and got her out of having to work out what her signature would even look like. However, it was Iruka-Sensei's next comment that truly got to her.

"You're going to have to get used to the fact that you're now one of the most important people in the village, Naruto." The blonde looked at him in shock, asking him to repeat himself. "You're important. You're a hero, Naruto. The village would have been destroyed if it wasn't for you. You're one of the strongest ninjas of the leaf."

An idea bloomed in her mind, making her jump from her seat and throw some cash onto the counter to pay for the ramen. "I have to go," she declared, taking off. She hadn't even stepped out of the stall when she darted back, hugging her teacher around his shoulders. "Thank you!"

It didn't take long for her to find him now that her sensory ability was working again. He did appear mildly startled to see her when she appeared before him.

"I know who the Council can't touch!" she declared, out of breath.

"Excellent, because I have thought of a leader for the Foundation." He put away the scroll he had been reading, ignoring her questioning gaze.

"Well, who is it?" she rolled her eyes. "Is it you?"

Kakashi-Sensei simply eye-smiled at her, tilting his head.

"You've got to be kidding!"

/ / / / /

"You've got to be kidding!"

"That's what I said," Naruto laughed, lounging sideways in the armchair. "But we're not."

She grinned at the older woman as she fell backwards into her waiting chair. Naruto did feel somewhat guilty at the way Lady Tsunade sighed heavily, but their plan was the best plan available.

"The Council isn't going to like this," she muttered, glaring when Captain Yamato snorted.

"They aren't going to be happy unless they are able to kill off the whole Foundation." Captain Yamato crossed his arms, leaning against the wall as Kakashi-Sensei smiled at him in amusement.

Tapping her fingers on the wooden desk, the Hokage turned her eyes back onto Naruto. "The Council will try to undo what you've done."

"They can try." She grinned, shooting the two leaders of Team Seven a look, encouraging Kakashi-Sensei to hand over the scroll he held. "Only the Foundation can control who leads them and who are members. The Council can't do anything about that, and if they want to destroy the Foundation they have to come after every member, no matter what."

Lady Tsunade actually looked impressed as she read over the legal scroll that Kakashi-Sensei had given her. "You know you and Captain Yamato are putting yourself in the Council's war path, right?"

"We're fine with that," Naruto assured with a non-chalet shrug.

"I won't be able to stop them forever."

"Don't need forever. Give me a year and I'll teach the Foundation how to be productive shinobi that the village can be proud of. They are talented and they don't deserve to suffer because Danzo was a manipulative asshole who wanted to control everything." Naruto swung her feet down so she was sitting properly in her chair, meeting Lady Tsunade's eyes with a steady gaze. "Keep the Council at bay for one year and I will make them trust the Foundation so much they will request members as their personal guard."

"You're not allowed to breath a word of this to anyone. If the Council finds out you've told people how you outwitted them they might just follow through with the massacre out of hurt pride."

Naruto rolled her eyes. "We swear that we won't tell anyone if it can be helped. Though, if it comes out, we will play down what assholes the Councilmen are."

With a sigh, Lady Tsunade nodded, filling out the necessary paperwork to show that she made the decision to stop any Council action of her own volition. She sealed a copy to be given to her anbu and gave another copy to Naruto, who handed it off to Captain Yamato to inspect. Lady Tsunade made sure to get at the least an overview of their plans for the foreseeable future.

"Well, if you're done frowning deep enough to cause more wrinkles you'll have to hide," she smirked at the glare she received, "we have some important business to attend to."

When Lady Tsunade dismissed them Naruto and Captain Yamato headed towards the Foundation, Kakashi-Sensei heading towards the mission registration tent. Those that Naruto had met the day before, as well as Hiro, Kina, and Sai, stood outside the entrance to the underground city, waiting for them. Although they all had masks on, except for Sai, the minuet shifting of some of their feet, and the tight posture they held showed their anxiety. As they drew near Sai stepped forward with Haru, who Naruto knew was one of the highest ranked members.

"Is it true that we have a new leader?" Sai asked.

"Yes," confirmed Captain Yamato, scanning the crowd before them. "We are going to have a formal meeting with the entire Foundation but there was an issue with the Council–"

"The Council were letting their fear of Danzo rule them and were worried that one of you would be his successor. To stop them from killing you all we found someone they couldn't afford to kill and someone they, or more accurately Old Granny, can trust to lead you. Their fears can be alleviated, for now."

"So, we're not scheduled for death?" Ikue asked in a practised neutral voice.

"No, but there will be some changes to how the Foundation runs." Naruto squared her shoulders, meeting the gaze of each member through the slits in their masks. "From now on, the number one rule is: the village is your home, the citizens your comrades. You will protect your comrades above all else. Now, why are you all wearing masks?"

They all shuffled, looking at one another as though they didn't understand the question. It was Haru who spoke up from behind his hyena mask. "We are required to wear our masks at all times, unless the mission dictates we don't or if in our own private quarters."

"Rule one," Naruto reminded, "the village is your home. That means if you want to walk around your home without a mask on, you can."

"From now on, the only time you are required to wear a mask is when on duty, unless the mission dictates otherwise," Captain Yamato picked up. "Now, can you please gather all the Foundation members so we can explain everything."

"You don't have to explain anything to us. We will obey our leader's orders."

"No." Captain Yamato shook his head. "You are allowed to have questions and want answers. There may be times when you simply need to trust in your superiors but you are allowed to inquire about anything that might trouble you or confuse you."

Naruto wasn't surprised when the Foundation members didn't reply and instead turned, intending to do as they had asked. She could understand their need to process the new information and regime. The meeting/speech was probably less formal than the Foundation was used to, but the way a number of the members removed their masks the moment they were dismissed showed they were receptive.

As instructed, any Foundation members with building experience where sent to relieve the builders who had been working overtime. However, those who did not, had another duty that desperately needed filling. All of the squad leaders came to the office that used to belong to Danzo. Neither Captain Yamato or Naruto sat behind the desk, instead having discussed burning the chair, and changing the décor. Until then, Naruto plopped herself onto the desk itself whilst Captain Yamato stood to her right.

"As you know, the village is stretched thin," Captain Yamato started in his even voice. "But the Foundation is in fighting form. So, we are going to relieve the strain on our fellow shinobi by taking on the missions outside the village and guarding the perimeter. Obviously, each team will have someone under the Hokage's domain with them and that person will be squad leader. You will listen to them, and to the new number one rule of the Foundation. Kakashi Hatake is currently at the mission's tent and will send any missions suitable for us. Are there any questions?"

"We don't usually interact with the village," one leader spoke up. "Are you… are you sure that the Hokage will be okay with us being the main defence for the village?"

"Good question. What's your name?" Naruto watched the man's eyes widen, clearly having not expected the positive response he received.

"I… I don't have one yet."

"That's alright. Take your time finding the right one. As for your question, we've spoken to the Hokage about our plan and she's in agreement as long as there is someone there to help you guys get adjusted. Most of these people will be anbu so they have been in similar situations to yourselves. Whilst on these missions, you are to wear your masks, though those who are working on the rebuilding are ordered not to. The shinobi that know of the Foundation might not trust you at first, but with time we can change that. We just have to prove that we are trust worthy." Naruto gave them an encouraging smile before Captain Yamato instructed teams to certain missions that had already been sent their way.

Of course, Haru, Ikue, Hiro, Sai, and another woman who had yet to choose a name were asked to stay back. With the exception of Sai and Hiro, the three were the top ranked members of the Foundation. It seemed only appropriate that they would be the ones chosen to help Captain Yamato and Naruto to go through the documents that Danzo kept of the Foundations and its members. They made sure to explain that one of the main purposes of sorting the information was to give the members their identities back, at least as much as they could. The member with them who didn't have a name found this exercise most helpful since within four hours she had discovered her name was Gina and that Danzo had acquired her after rogue ninja had destroyed her village, leaving her as the only surviving member. She had shown skill in evading and stealth; hence she had caught Danzo's eye.

Seeing how the woman's face slowly broke out into a smile, something Gina didn't quite understand, helped silence any doubts Naruto had had about their plan. However, it wasn't until the next day that the task bore more fulfilling fruit. Haru had been able to find information on Huruma like Naruto had asked. She had been tempted to rip straight into it but her attention had been diverted by Sai, who had called for attention.

"These documents are troubling." He frowned down at the scrolls he had spread open on a table, allowing Naruto to survey them. "They appear to be some genetic experimentation or something. The Uchiha line and the Uzumaki line are two that are mentioned."

"Hmm. Ikue, can you come here, please?"

"Of course." Ikue instantly stopped what she was doing, walking over to the two Team Seven members, her back straight.

"I want you to work with Sai to find more information on this genetic thing. It might help you find the information on the Uchiha massacre that I wanted."

Ikue nodded before turning to read over the scrolls. Sai gave Naruto a small smile before looking closely at her face.

"You should go eat. We have everything sorted here. If something important comes up we will send word."

With a sigh, Naruto relented, knowing that she did need lunch and she wanted to see Shikamaru. Putting the scroll about Huruma in her back pocket she let Captain Yamato know where she was headed before leaving. She sent out her chakra to find Shikamaru, which only took seconds since it always singled in on his presence easily.

She was glad that she hadn't read the scroll whilst in the Foundation headquarters, since the only one who stopped her from killing Huruma was Shikamaru. She had felt the same rage build in her that had taken over her when Huruma had tried to hurt Yasu. It felt like an uncontrollable inferno threatening to burn everything, including herself. And yet, it was tempered by the feel of a cool presence surrounding her. The new element to his chakra soothing her in a way she didn't think existed.

There were, however, some drawbacks from going through with getting the bitch arrested and put on trial. It was late the day after she had outed Huruma as the monster she was and the day was not slowing down. Naruto had finished sending Foundation members to find all Children of Iron and break their seals that prevented them from speaking. It was only an hour from dusk when Lady Tsunade found her, telling her that she was sent to examine Naruto. She wasn't really surprised that people had either found out about the jutsu being used on her or speculated it was from Huruma's liberal use of it on other females in the orphanage.

They went to one of the medical tents since the hospital wasn't fully functional yet. The whole time Lady Tsunade was examining her Naruto wondered if there was damage and how bad it was. She knew that she healed quickly thanks to the Nine-Tails but when she was younger the seal was stronger and the pain from the jutsu had been indescribable. Naruto had decided long ago that she was going to live her life as though if it did damage her. It stopped her from wondering if she could one day have a family like the ones she saw in the village. There was no use having that hope only to have it ripped from her. When the woman looked up gravely she knew the answer.

"I'm sorry," the older woman whispered, her voice cracking.

"It's fine. I figured that there might have been left over issues." Naruto swallowed thickly, her hands clenched tight enough for her nails to bite into her palm. "How bad?"

"There is so much scar tissue that I couldn't even see if the damage extended passed your uterus. I know others who have suffered from the jutsu that Inoichi said was used on you. Others suffer abdominal pains at erratic times, and find infrequent bleeding. Have you suffered either of these things? The abdominal pain can be excruciating enough to cause vomiting."

"No, neither of those. I used to throw up blood but that hasn't happened in years. At most I sometimes get a stabbing feeling in my chest, but that might just be from training too much."

"When the hospital is fully functional I will examine you more thoroughly. How old were you when the jutsu was used on you?"

The Genin shrugged. "Three, I think."

"Naruto – "

"It's fine," she assured, getting up. Phantom pains were shooting through her torso at the thought of the past, the taste of blood filling her mouth. She made her way towards the tent's exit. "I have work to do."

She let her feet carry her to the Foundation, barely noticing the feeling of the walls of the entrance tunnel pressing in on her. Entering Danzo's old office she shot a glare at the space, really wishing they could dedicate time to making the place look less like his old dwellings. Unfortunately, that was a task for another day. As her breath started coming in short, haggard bursts Sai knocked on the open door, stepping over the threshold when Naruto looked at him.

"Are you alright?" Sai asked with a frown.

"Yeah, just… just tell me why you came here. I could use the distraction."

Gripping the edge of the desk for support, the blonde watched her teammate walk over and sit across from her. With a tight sigh Naruto sat down, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders and the thought that she now sat where Danzo once had.

"The others are helping the village well," Sai commented, not moving to hand over the scroll he held. "However, there is a chance that they will cause more harm than good being around the rest of the village."

"Not a problem," Naruto assured, shifting some files on the desk. "I made sure each team understood that the mission was to help the villagers, meaning to fulfil the mission they have to be considerate to others. I also made sure they were paired with someone I, Kakashi-Sensei, or Captain Yamato know well, so they're going to help them."

"And in the meantime, the Foundation members learn to work with the village and it makes them look good." Sai actually sounded impressed before his face pinched, looking down at the scroll clasped in his hand.

"Exactly. But that's not why you're here."

"No. Ikue and I found information on the genetic research that Danzo was doing." Sai handed over the scroll, sitting silently as Naruto looked over it.

She blinked, wondering if she was reading the information wrong. It was highly comprehensive, but that did little to quell the nauseous feeling building in her stomach. A part of her wouldn't believe a word of it, even as she read the document over and over again. Not of the first time in the last few weeks she felt as though she couldn't breathe. The breaths that had always came with a sharp sting hurt even more.

"Naruto!" Sai yelped in alarm.

"Take me to this lab."

"Are you sure?"

Nodding, Naruto stood, letting Sai lead her through the labyrinth that was the Foundation's headquarters. The large laboratory that they walked into was cold, causing a shiver to run through both Team Seven members. Pillars of glass reached high into the ceiling, metal, wires, and cords connected at both ends of the cylinders. Many of them were dull, or even cracked, the liquid within having turned murky green if it hadn't spilt onto the floor. There was a pungent, mossy smell, mixed with chemicals. There were a number of pillars still lit with light, something in the substance within floating peacefully.

"Are they all dead?" Naruto whispered, stopping in front of one cylinder and flinching when she recognised the blonde hair and tan skin. The thing within was misshaped, its legs looking broken, its arm twisted.

"Most were never alive to begin with. That one isn't alive," Sai nodded at the one that Naruto was staring at. "From what Danzo's research says your DNA couldn't be replicated. Whenever he tried a Nine-Tails cloak would appear and mutilate the form before it was even living. See, they don't start living until their bodies actually finish forming. They're not like an actual foetus." The man led her along, explaining more. "There are two that we can find that are living. One looks to be a clone, though I didn't recognise the name, and the other was created in more of a… natural progress. He stole the needed DNA off two ninjas, knocked them both unconscious from what I can tell, and robbed them of the needed parts. The document I found on that… baby said that he was hoping that the female's strong physic and her family's history of withstanding pain made her a perfect candidate to produce an offspring that could carry the man's ability. She was the only female of her family and apparently Danzo couldn't make her join the Foundation."

"Do I want to know where the DNA came from for the clone and the child?" Naruto ran a hand through her hair, stopping at another tank. This one still had the lights on but the readings on the side showed that it had been a failure.

"The clone's DNA is of your clan. Someone named Waku Uzumaki. From what I can tell Danzo was hoping to create a new host for the Nine-Tails encase you proved to be as headstrong as you truly are." He paused as he saw Naruto face pinching with grief. She nodded, telling him to go on. "And the… parents, for lack of a better word are Captain Yamato and a woman named Aaliyah Akimichi. She would be related to Choji, yes?"

"I'm not sure how close, but yeah. Great, just great. Danzo violated those two. Are you sure that they are the only two living?"

"Ikue is triple checking our findings but I do believe so. Thankfully any clones or… combined DNAs that Danzo made to transfer his consciousness into when his body finally gave out have not reached a living point. I've taken the percussion of adding that jutsu to our forbidden scroll and have put a chakra lock on it so only the leader of the Foundation can see it." Sai suddenly shot forward, trying to block Naruto who was attempting to read the information screen on one of the tanks. "I don't think you need to see that, Naruto."

"Why not?"

"Because, it's not necessary. The limbs had barely started to form when the experiment failed."

A pit dropped into her stomach, making her shove Sai out of the way. The world tilted as she took in the words in front of her. Her breath stuck in her throat and her hands clenched, blood dripping down her palms as her nails buried into her flesh.

"Kid, he didn't get his hands on the same DNA sample that he did Liyah. It would have only been blood or flesh that the Huruma bitch collected."

"He- he tried to combine-" Naruto swallowed the bile rising in her throat. Hatred burnt through her system, hardening her muscles. She pulled back her clenched fist, not noticing that it was coated in red chakra. Each time she struck the thick glass a scream was wrenched from her throat. The glass slowly dinted, then cracked, liquid spilling out as Naruto worked her way through the dense material. She didn't stop as the glass fractured and cut her, she didn't stop when crimson blood splashed onto the ground. "YOU BASTARD! YOU ORDERED MY TORTURE, MY MUTILATION! YOU LEAVE ME WITH SCARS THAT CAN NEVER HEAL AND YOU STILL THINK YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO THIS. FUCK YOU! YOU GET HURUMA TO TAKE AWAY MY ABILITY TO HAVE KIDS, TO EVER HAVE AN ACTUAL FAMILY. YOU TOOK ME FROM UNCLE INOICHI AND AUNT MOMIJI. THE ONLY THING I'VE EVER WANTED AND YOU TOOK IT AWAY FROM ME. IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE! YOU JACKASS! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING, TO THE POINT THAT I STARTED DENYING MYSELF ANYTHING YOU MIGHT TAKE, AND THEN YOU DO THIS! YOU TAKE MY DNA AND INSTEAD OF JUST TRYING TO CLONE ME, YOU TRY TO MUTILATE IT WITH YOURS! YOU REALLY THOUGHT YOU COULD CARRY THE NINE-TAILS? HE WOULD KILL YOU! SLOWLY! BECAUSE EVERY TIME YOUR LACKY PUT ME IN THAT FUCKING BOX HE WAS THERE WITH ME. EVERY TIME I WAS SKINNED, OR BURNT, OR THAT FUCKING JUTSU WAS USED ON ME, HE WAS THERE! I'M GLAD YOU'RE DEAD! I HOPE SASUKE MADE IT HURT AND I'M GLAD THAT IT WAS HIM, SOMEONE ELSE YOU FUCKED OVER, THAT GOT TO END YOU. BURN IN HELL, YOU BASTARD!"

She collapsed to the ground, ignoring the chemical liquid that had spilled out of the destroyed tank. Her fists had glass sticking out of them. It barely crossed her mind that her voice always travelled so her yelling would do more so. It wasn't really a surprise when Captain Yamato came rushing into the room, dropping to his knees beside her and wrapping his arms around her sobbing form. She gave no reaction, only vaguely registering when Captain Yamato asked Sai what had happened only to get a disheartened shrug in reply.

Slowly she gained control of herself, starting to pull glass from her knuckles and ignoring her captain's yelp. "Sai, gather any top ranked fire users. I want every one of these that has my DNA to be destroyed. Danzo had no fucking right. As for the others, compile a list of them and track down who Danzo violated to create them. If they are in the Foundation ask them what they would like to have done with the remains, if they are not we will wait until the Akatsuki are dealt with before giving the list to Lady Tsunade. The two who have reached a living state will be maintained and looked after. We can discuss… where they came from later."

"What… what's going on?" Captain Yamato asked, looking from one ninja to another.

"Ask me another day. I need some time." Naruto shrugged off his embrace, standing. As the skin of her knuckles knitted back together she left the laboratory, not letting herself think about how Captain Yamato was going to react to his own mistreatment. Instead she made her way out of the Foundation, wanting to return to the Nara Estate and crawl into bed beside Shikamaru. She was aware that she had been out for so long that dinner would have been long over but she failed to care. Food didn't exactly tempt her at that moment.

"Did you not heal me properly on purpose?" Naruto asked the fox, wondering if she truly wanted the answer.

"What would you do if I did? You can't exactly get rid of me." The reply dripped with sarcasm and loathing.

There was no use pressing the question. Instead she let her feet carry her towards the place she was beginning to see as home. When she walked through the front door it was to see Shikaku sitting with Uncle Inoichi. The blond man took one look at her before flinching, muttering something about needing a drink before leaving the room. At Naruto's raised eyebrow Shikaku ran a hand down his face.

"He used you as a trigger point to get into Huruma's mind. He's seen what she did to you."

"I see." Perhaps she should have cared, but truthfully, she was numb to it all at this point. However, she was able to recognise the question burning in the older Nara's eyes. "Old Granny found me. If you want an heir you might want to start hoping that Shikamaru dumps me."

The throaty laugh was not something she had expected. "Naruto, I've known that boy loved you when you two were only thirteen. I found out that you were female only a handful of months ago. Besides, I'm pretty sure Shikamaru would become the most motivated person in the village before he ever even thought of breaking up with you." The man gave a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping. "You know, your strength is almost terrifying. I'm sorry I wasn't able to do more when you needed it."

"There's no point in dwelling on what can't be changed. I prefer to punch something and move on." Naruto gave him a small smile, showing that she was partly kidding. "Can you not tell Shikamaru about… what I found out. I know if we stay together he'll eventually need to know but at the moment I want to come to terms with it myself. The thought that Huruma has been able to scar me, forever control a part of my life… it's not easy. Even if I knew it was always a high possibility."

"You know, Yoshino had the same thing happen to her, and she still had Shikamaru. Maybe when you're older you'll be as lucky as we were."

"She was hit once. I wasn't." Turning, she left the room, not even caring if Shikaku realised that her and Ino's room was in the other direction.

/ / / / /

All the Children of Iron were counting down to the trial, though many had chosen different ways to deal with their dread at seeing Huruma again and having to relive what they had gone through. Many were retreating from society, only really speaking with fellow Children of Iron, others were doing everything they could to ensure that the village had more than enough information to put Huruma away. Naruto had taken to spending time with her friends. Although she could tell they all had questions she was thankful that they kept them to themselves. She was also glad that Shikamaru didn't fight her about him not going to the trial. He had sat with her until Anko, Dai and his family, as well as Varric, came and got her and although he stayed in contact with her until the last second, he still let her go without an argument.

They were almost at the location barred off for the trial when Uncle Inoichi stopped her. There was no denying that he looked tired and as though he was being weighed down. With a short greeting he asked if he could talk to Naruto privately, encouraging the others to walk ahead.

"What's this about?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something encase it came up today. Ino and Shikamaru were surprised that when you referred to Huruma breaking someone you meant they committed suicide. They were surprised because you referred to yourself that way."

Naruto crossed her arms, her eyes closing to slits. "And?"

"I know about your attempts. I… saw Huruma find you. But do you know how you survived?" Uncle Inoichi rubbed his forehead where lines were deeply etched.

"I figured Huruma cut me down or removed the knife and healed me."

"No. The Nine-Tails took over your body both times and saved you. Huruma saw it. She might mention it at the trial just to hurt you and I wanted you to be warned. And, Naruto," Uncle Inoichi reached out as though to touch her face, only to flinch and drop his arm. "I'm sorry I put you in that nightmare. It will always be my greatest regret."

"Uncle, Ino and Aunt Momiji needed protecting too. And I'm still standing. Don't forget that."

Giving a wet chuckle, Uncle Inoichi pulled her into a hug, either not noticing or not caring about the tension in her shoulders. "I'm very lucky that both my girls are so strong."

"Ino is a great person. I'm glad you chose to keep her safe. She has an innocence that is heartening to be around. If you had kept me we might have grown to hate each other, so if nothing else remember that your decision allows me to have a great friend. Besides, Shikamaru and I might not have ended up together if he thought I was a Yamanaka." Naruto sniggered when she felt Uncle Yoshino sob and laugh at the same time.

"I think I prefer that option. But he's a good kid, and he loves you. Come on. Time to make Huruma wish she was never born."

"Excellent!"

When Naruto walked into the large clearing that had walls build around it by Captain Yamato she instantly walked over to sit with Anko and Ibiki. In a blink she was flanked by Foundation members who removed their masks simultaneously, all staring at Huruma blankly. Every last one of them were Children of Iron she had crafted to be Danzo's puppets. When she saw them standing one step behind Naruto her face went purple, realising that the Foundation members were showing the blonde a level of respect even Huruma had never been given. Huruma also scanned Naruto's visible curves and long hair, baring her teeth at Naruto so openly showing her gender. Giving the elderly woman a bored look, Naruto instead turned her blue gaze onto Lady Tsunade who had taken her seat, Hokage robes and hat in place.

Perhaps she regretted making so many of them emotionally stunted. It allowed them to talk about her tortures without getting too emotional to continue. There was no denying that the Children of Iron were enjoying watching Huruma squirm. However, a ripple of anger went through the group when Lady Tsunade declared that Huruma would not be put to death. The smug look on the elderly woman's face disappeared when the Hokage went on.

"Execution would be too quick. You have tormented and brutalised children in your care for fifty years. You were given the highest honour of looking after the next generation, of raising those who would one day become shinobi, kunoichi, and civilians to be proud of. Many of the people you harmed were the ones who fought against Pein when he decimated our village. Our hero in that battle is a Child of Iron. The last you dared to harm. I have a list of names of people, of children, who couldn't bare your torture and are not here today to see their justice. No, you will not be put to death." Lady Tsunade leaned forward. "From this day on you are sentenced to live your life in a box where you will never see the sunlight again. Everyone will know what a monster you are. Your honours are to be stripped and you are to be publicly denounced. And your pension will be removed and instead will go towards helping your victims recover. And I am going to ensure that you are never shown a shred of human kindness ever again."

Lady Tsunade nodded to Genma, one of ten guards who had volunteered to monitor Huruma closely. There were twenty additional guards dotted around crowd, protecting the Children of Iron from themselves and any possible ally that Huruma had. She clearly didn't have any. Naruto noticed that all the guards appeared to have a connection to at least one Child of Iron. She easily spotted Kakashi-Sensei standing in Lady Tsunade's shadow, death glaring Huruma with both his eyes. Captain Yamato stood to the side of the crowd, shooting Naruto looks. Guy-Sensei, Kotetsu, and Izumo were sitting amongst the observers, keeping a close eye on their friends even if they weren't able to be guards. It was shocking for Naruto to see Guy-Sensei looking so serious and not making comments about the strength of youth.

They watched Genma walk towards Huruma, Kakashi-Sensei close behind. Genma's trademark senbon was missing and he pulled the monstrous woman from her seat. When Huruma stumbled and reached for her walking stick Kakashi-Sensei stopped her, grabbing the stick and giving it a spin, hitting Huruma's out stretched hand.

"Give that back. I need it after your beast of a student lost control of himself!" Huruma snapped, making half the crowd tense, recognising the tone.

"Yes, well, Sasuke has always been a bit of a handful." Kakashi-Sensei pulled a false surprised expression that easily showed even with the mask on. "Oh, you meant Naruto, the beautiful woman who saved our village. I'm sure you can understand my confusion. Either way, you are not allowed to have this. It could be classed as a weapon."

Anko sniggered openly. "I'm so glad I came today!"

"What did you do to her?" Ibiki asked with a grin that sent a fearful shutter through Naruto.

"Beat her until she was hospitalised."

"You're my hero, Naruto."

Anko grinned. "You're my wet dream, Naruto."

That caused the blonde to snort before howling with laugher. Her amusement received a glare off Huruma as she was dragged away by a rough Genma and Kakashi-Sensei. Once the trial had ended the Children of Iron started making their way to the Uchiha Estate where many of them were still staying. It was silently agreed upon that they were going to sit around the fire that someone had lit, since the afternoon chill was starting to set in. Anyone who was staying in the Estate and had no connection to the group was kind enough to make themselves scarce.

Naruto found herself sitting by some familiar faces, though Anko, Ibiki, and Dai, his wife, and his sister sat closest to her. She nodded at the small group not much older than her which apparently encouraged them to come closer.

"How have you been, Naruto?" asked a tall, willowy man, his pale blonde hair hanging around his chin, covering the deep scar where his right ear used to be.

"I've been alright. And you, Naoki?" Naruto thanked Anko when she handed her a cup of alcohol. Where that woman kept getting her booze Naruto had no idea.

"Yeah, better now, though I wish that Waku had been able to see this day. Thanks for getting justice for him. You were always special to him so it's only right you were the one to bring that bitch down." Naoki sat down on a pile of left over bricks that had, for some reason, been left there.

Naruto tried not to let her thoughts move to the clone that was still strongly holding onto life. "You were important to him too."

The woman standing near him snorted into her cup, grinning at the man who started blushing. "Oh, Naoki was very important to Waku. I found that out the hard way. I now knock no matter what room I enter, even when I am sure the room is empty."

"Emiri!" Naoki snapped, his face burning red.

"I could have lived without knowing that was going on between you two." Naruto shuttered comically.

"I think we should just be glad that Slice didn't make a song about it," Tatsuo piped up as he walked over to the group. He gave Naruto a solemn nod, clearly remembering the years in which it was his job to mop her blood off the floor as she slowly healed enough to move.

"Oh, I forgot about those horrible songs," Emiri groaned.

"Were they really that bad?" Anko asked, clearly having been listening in. She and Ibiki turned their seats so they could join in with the conversation as Naruto laughed.

"I think they were intentionally bad. But the 'Iron Children of Shit this Hurts' was probably my favourite of his." Naruto took a gulp of her drink, enjoying the familiar burn.

Naruto, Naoki, Emiri, and Tatsuo all started belting out the lyrics as though they had heard it only moments ago, voices from around the bonfire joining in. A number were old enough to have helped raise Slice when he was first orphaned along with Waku, Naoki, and Emiri.

"We are the Children of Iron,

We know what it's like to bleed.

Huruma's a sadist,

She likes to bruise, cut, and beat.

But we still win,

Cause we still breath.

Iron born children are we.

Shit, she heard,

Now she's mad.

Iron is gonna hit the ground,

Before I heal again.

Well, screw her,

She's a bitch.

Gets off on children's screams, good sire,

I think she should live in a ditch.

I'll dig her one,

Even with broken thumbs.

For we are the Children of Iron.

We know what it's like to bleed.

Huruma's a sadist,

Likes to bruise, cut, and beat.

But we still win,

Cause we still breath.

Iron born children are we."

Naruto was surprised when she finished the song with a face splitting grin and tears in her eyes. She remembered the boy, eight years her senior but incredibly small for his age singing the song as he danced around their sleeping hall. It had been the only thing to quell the pain they all lived through, masking the sound of their rumbling stomachs, or the girl's coughing blood from their 'treatment'. His hair cut in jagged green spikes that were uneven shadowed his dark brown eyes. His thin lips had always been pulled into a wide smile, even after coming back from one of Huruma's tortures and his nose had a bump to the bridge. Surprisingly, that was not from Huruma. Instead, it had occurred when he had tried to learn to juggle rocks and failed miserably, one cracking him painfully on the nose.

"Man, I miss that insane bastard," Naruto admitted, noticing that many Children of Iron were laughing at the song that had just rang through the clearing and others were requesting those who knew it sing it again so that they could learn it. Gaku's daughter was sitting among a few older citizens, furiously scribbling the words down.

Anko, who was already drunk before the trial even started jumped to her feet, holding her cup in the air. "May Huruma live a long, long life and may we all one day see her old, bloated carcass be dumped to the scavengers. Until then I never want to see the bitch!"

A round of cheer rippled through the crowd. Naruto couldn't agree more. She never wanted to lay eyes on Huruma again. Unlike the rest of the Children of Iron Naruto had had to see Huruma practically every day of her life. It hadn't been until Naruto graduated as a Genin that she had grown the confidence to play loud music, not dart past Huruma's apartment as quickly as possible, or wait until she knew Huruma was out before returning home. When she had seen the woman's face at the presence of Shikamaru and her friends leaving her apartment she had felt a jolt, realising she might have weaknesses but Huruma couldn't touch them. They were all powerful shinobi and she was frail from age and Naruto's fury.

Any thoughts of Huruma were pushed from her mind when Yasu came running up to her. Naruto easily scooped the little girl into her arms, hugging her close.

"Is she gone?"

"Yep. She'll never hurt you, sweetheart." Naruto tugged one of the girl's brown curls gently.

"Did they tell you, Aunt Naruto?" Yasu asked gleefully.

The blonde looked around for answers, noticing Dai and his wife Fumiko smiling widely. "What have I missed?"

"I have a mum and dad!" Yasu practically shouted with excitement.

Staring between Yasu and the older couple her face broke out in a large smile. Holding the young girl closer Naruto spun her with a cheer. "I'm so happy for you, baby girl!"

She was glad when Yasu chose to sit on her lap instead of her new mum or dad's. Naruto had tried to keep a distance so that the village never harmed her to get to the blonde. She missed being able to spend time with the little girl. She still found it hard to believe that the tiny, squirming baby that she used to look after had turned into a ten-year-old with a crooked smile and the desire to become a ninja like Naruto.

It was a few hours later when she felt Shikamaru's chakra drawing closer. The moment he was close enough she pulled him in for a kiss, trying not to laugh at Yasu's disgust. By then many of them were drunk and had degraded to a level of silliness that only long needed relief and alcohol could create.

"One great thing that came from today is that Huruma had to see that she's became an old hag but I still have a tight ass!" Eri exclaimed loudly, slapping said body part.

Naruto laughed loudly at the boastful woman, letting Yasu slide off her lap in favour of finding food. Before she had time to miss having the young girl with her Shikamaru had pull her up, claiming her seat before yanking her onto his knee. He chuckled at her light squeal before kissing behind her ear. She ignored the green tinge Iruka-Sensei's face took on at the intimate interaction.

Anko, however, gave a woof whistle, making Naruto's cheeks pink. "Please tell me you two sucked face in front of Huruma at least once?"

"Damn, definitely should have done that," the blonde lamented comically.

"If it helps she saw me leaving your apartment the morning after I helped you clean and she absolutely got the wrong idea." Shikamaru grinned when Naruto looked over her shoulder in surprise. "Apparently, my messy clothing and hair meant only one thing. Temari thought the same thing too."

"Come on, hot stuff, don't leave it at that!" Anko cackled.

"I honestly thought she was going to have a stroke from rage!"

"Oh, that's not what I meant." The woman grinned wickedly. "When you say cleaning, you mean –"

The rest of her words were muffled under Iruka-Sensei's hand. "Keep it up and I might have to take your tongue!"

"Kinky," she exclaimed when the hand was removed from her mouth.

"She's very drunk," Ibiki stated, offering Shikamaru and Iruka-Sensei a drink.

"Yes, that is very clear." Iruka-Sensei chuckled, sitting down next to Naruto and putting a hand on her shoulder. "How are you doing, kid?"

"Great. I feel like a weight has been lifted." Naruto laughed, dropping her head back on Shikamaru's shoulder. "I never thought I'd be free of that woman. I never thought I'd be brave enough to stand up to her and say what she did."

"Always thought you had more courage than you gave yourself credit for," Shikamaru muttered, his lips brushing her cheek as he spoke. He kissed her cheek, then the corner of her jaw, and lastly her neck, making her shutter.

"Unless you get me around a ghost, then I'm running the other way!" Naruto exclaimed, making her companions laugh.

"I really screwed you up with those ghost stores, didn't I?" Emiri laughed.

"WHY WOULD YOU TELL THEM TO CHILDREN!?"

Those who knew her from childhood laughed. It had always been a source of amusement for them. After all, Naruto had suffered the worst and yet mythical forms that, according to them, didn't exist was her biggest fear.

"You were always a cute kid," gushed Naoki before grinning at Shikamaru. "She had these big, blue eyes. I swear that they took up half her face. And her fringe always fell in her eyes, so she would just look up at your through this mess of hair with cute eyes."

"Well, that's a lie," murmured Naruto before taking a swig of her drink.

"You've always had big, beautiful eyes." Shikamaru held her tighter. "Though I have to know, who the hell taught her to yell 'believe it' all the time?"

Tatsuo choked on his drink before pointing an accusing finger at Naruto. "That is all her! More than once Waku and I would be in charge of patching her up and we thought she was dead, only for her to say 'I'll survive this. Believe it!' Seriously, woman! I thought you were dead and you just give me a big old grin and what I'm fairly certain is your catch phrase!"

"I would disagree with you but I said it only the other day, so you might be on to something."

There was something relaxing about joking with the Children of Iron. The group had never been devoid of humour but there was always something smothering about the atmosphere. Although many had looked over their shoulders multiple times as though to make sure Huruma wasn't lurking, or another who would harm them, there was an easiness to how they all breathed, joked, and laughed.

Eventually, Yasu was put to bed by her new mum and dad, shortly before some of the Children of Iron started showing battle wounds. Naoki's lack of ear gained a whistle of appreciation off many, realising the lie Huruma would have had to weave for that one. Gaku shocked even his daughter by lifting his shirt, showing a large dint in his side that was covered by heavy scar tissue, proudly declaring his lack of a kidney.

"Naruto, you've got to be nothing but scars now," Emiri stated, nearly toppling off her chair.

In response, the blonde stood, lifting her shirt enough to show her torso. She made sure to not accidentally flash her breasts, figuring neither Shikamaru or Iruka-Sensei would appreciate that. Those who had been in the orphanage with her stared at her stomach in awe, Varric wolf-whistling, only to laugh at the glare that Shikamaru sent him.

"Not one scar." She gestured to her flesh. "Feel free to be envious of my healing factor."

"You must be durable as hell," one of the older Children of Iron declared, having clearly listened to what had been said at the trial about Huruma's treatment of Naruto.

"You have no idea," Naruto laughed, stumbling to the side only for Shikamaru to grab her hips and steady her. She barely bit back a gasp when he pulled her closer, kissing her exposed back. Anko's cackle allowed her to know the other woman had seen the little interaction.

She let Shikamaru pull her back down onto his lap, his hands sliding over her stomach, what with her shirt still half up. He hadn't reacted to much of what he had heard during the night. It was unclear if it was because he was rather drunk by that point and spent half his time littering kisses over Naruto's neck and shoulder, or if something else was helping him cope. Either way, she was thankful that he was with her as she sat around a fire with people tethered to her past. Though, he did look surprised and mildly horrified when the group broke out in a verse from 'Iron Children of Shit This Hurts'.

Iruka-Sensei was kind enough, and perhaps overloaded with horror stories, to walk drunk Iron Children home before heading home himself. It wasn't long after that that Shikamaru sleepily put his head on Naruto's shoulder. With a chuckle she pulled him to his feet, leading him to the room she had been informed was empty and available if she needed it. Though she had given Naoki a deadpanned stare when he had winked at her, commenting on what a looker Shikamaru was.

When they had entered the bedroom, Naruto turned to Shikamaru, pulling him flush against her and kissing him deeply. She barely noticed when they stumbled, the man's back crashing against the wall. Shikamaru just grinned into the kiss. Eventually, she pulled back, putting her forehead against Shikamaru's shoulder, breathing heavily.

"Don't take this as a complaint, because I am definitely not complaining, but what did I do to earn that kiss?" He gave a breathless laugh. "And how can I do it again?"

Naruto chuckled, kissing his shoulder, and moving up to his neck. She enjoyed the way he tilted his head back, giving her free reign. When she nipped at the flesh Shikamaru grunted, grabbing her shoulders to hold her at arm's length.

"You're being very mischievous." The sharp smile that he gave her twisted her insides in an oddly enjoyable way. "And you haven't answered my question."

"You… you've supported me during all of this, haven't looked at me with anything but love even after everything you've heard, and you've given me a place where I can be safe. On top of everything thing I… cherish about you, how you've been this last week has meant everything to me." She ran her hands up his chest, enjoying the way his muscles shifted under his shirt. Whilst leaning into him she wondered how long it would take him to realise why she always did that. Slowly, lazily, she kissed him, letting the smell of alcohol on both their breaths hold her back.

Apparently, Shikamaru didn't agree with this. With a grunt, he buried one hand in her long hair, the other pressing on her lower back. He kissed her heatedly, only to moan in frustration when Naruto pushed him away, making him hit the wall again.

"I think you should get some sleep." Naruto moved out of his hold, ignoring his pout. "We're both drunk and one of us needs to be level headed. Unfortunately, that has to be me since I'm less drunk."

"You don't sound happy about that," Shikamaru pointed out, leaning against the wall casually.

"When you wake up tomorrow with no memory of this I will be."

He shrugged, probably deciding not to question it. He stumbled over to the bed, trying and failing to pull off his shirt.

"Every time," she chuckled, moving over and helping him out of the fabric, letting her eyes rake over his exposed chest. Part of her was thankful that Shikamaru had modesty, unlike her, because the thought of anyone being able to leer at him made something territorial to boil inside her.

"Are you coming to bed?" Shikamaru asked, his hand gently running over her side, causing shivers to run through her body.

"I think it's smarter if I keep drinking with the others." She leant forward, giving him one, lingering kiss before leaving, joining a drunk Anko and Ibiki just as they all started a 'never have I ever' Child of Iron addition drinking game.

In the morning when she had gone to wish Shikamaru a good birthday she was thankful she had shown restraint the night before. Although she didn't ask, she could tell that he didn't remember much of the night before. However, he did appear to enjoy his birthday, even if he spent most of it peppering kisses over her shoulder as they sat around chatting with their friends. There was also one spot on her neck that he really needed to stay away from and yet his lips seemed to instinctively find it. Those they had grown up with had adjusted to Shikamaru and Naruto dating well. She had noticed that most of them weren't surprised, although Neji had admitted that they had all been unsure if she returned Shikamaru's feelings. Though, just because they had all hoped that the two would finally move past their intensely close 'friendship' some had had to adjust to seeing the Nara brushing Naruto's hair to the side so that he could whisper in her ear, always pulling her close, or giving her a rare smile. One that was unlike his other, scarce smiles. She could understand it. Shikamaru had been known for being distant, lazy, and uncaring, whilst Naruto was hot-headed, loud, and energetic.

Hinata, after seeing them together at Shikamaru's and Ino's birthday party had commented on how they appeared to affect one another. Naruto was calmer when in contact with Shikamaru, whilst the male was more open, and even somewhat protective of the woman. Shikamaru was always the one to reach with soft touches and softer words, no matter who was around. Hinata had laughed at that realisation, noting that out of the entire group Naruto was the most powerful and did not need protection. Naruto had leant into Shikamaru, muttering to him that she liked the idea of him protecting her, even if she was the least likely to need it.

/ / / / /

Unfortunately for Naruto, she had to face Huruma before she became, as Anko had put it, a bloated corpse. If she hadn't tempered her rage beforehand, the old woman may have stopped breathing by the time Naruto left. Shikamaru's horrified words still rang through her head from the day before, motivating her actions.

When two masked Foundation members appeared in front of Huruma's cell she had jumped, flinching when she accidently pressed down on her pained leg. Hobbling towards the bars she grinned sadistically. She took in their dark outfits, a short sword strapped to the larger members side. The smaller one had minimal weaponry, showing their higher status. Weapons were just accessories for someone of their strength.

"I knew it wouldn't be too long before you came. Though that monster shouldn't have been able to get his hands on my scrolls to begin with. I thought Danzo trained you better." When the two didn't move she waved her hand impatiently at the cell door. "Well, get me out. Do as you're ordered!"

"What makes you think we're here to let you out?" the shorter of the two asked. The woman leaned forward, bringing her kitsune designed mask closer to Huruma. Steely blue eyes stared at her through the holes in the mask, no feeling echoing through them. "What's to stop us from killing you?"

Huruma scoffed. "I was a loyal and important Foundation member. I have no doubt that Danzo put orders in place encase I was ever caught and he was not here to help me."

"He didn't," assured the kitsune. She cocked her head to the side, her high ponytail falling over her shoulder, showing bright blonde hair.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" snapped the prisoner.

A chuckle sounded from under the mask. "And to think, I thought you'd recognise my voice. I guess if it's not screaming in pain, you can't."

As the mask was removed Huruma gasped before glaring at the woman in front of her. For her part, Naruto just smiled in amusement, taking in the angry bruises on the woman's face.

"What gives you the right to pretend to be a Foundation member?"

"Pretending? No. Member?... technically, also no." Naruto gave the woman a cold look when she opened her mouth to protest again. "You tried to get to Shikamaru. I'm going to make you regret that."

That caused Huruma to smile sadistically. "I know I got into his head. He had no idea that his bitch is useless. But I suppose he can still use you as his whore."

"That would be very devastatingly insulting," Naruto started in a bored voice, "if Shikamaru wasn't ridiculously good looking and a fantastic kisser. Honestly, I'm more than happy to be his whore as you put it if I get to see him without a shirt."

"I'm glad I made you infertile, you little slut," Huruma hissed, pressing herself into the bars.

Naruto shrugged. "I still get companionship. You, however, don't. You're not even going to be able to taunt your guards any more. See the man next to me? He's hard to miss." The blonde cast a look at the mountain of a man on her right, standing unmoving with his bull mask in place. "He is your new guard. You can say whatever you want to him. He can't hear you. I decided to take your imprisonment into my own hands. So, that means a deaf guard that you will only see when he gives you your three meals a day, bland gruel for sustenance, and isolation. Don't worry, I've been assured that although the gruel tastes like a sweaty foot left to marinate, it is nutritious. As for the isolation, as we speak three Foundation members are creating a new tunnel five meters below us. You will be the only prisoner there. You can scream your lungs out and no one will know, especially not Bull here."

She leant down again, grasping a cell bar in each hand. "I want you to remember something. The man who encouraged your bloodlust, the man you thought cared about you is dead. His seat, his office, his title, they are all mine now. His subordinates are mine now. He is dust, you are the monster, and I'm a hero of the village. And I share a bed with one of the strongest, wisest shinobis who ever lived."

Straightening up, Naruto put her mask back on, strolling out of the corridor with Bull at her heels. She smirked when she heard Huruma's scream of terror as her cell was dropped into the new corridor below. When she reached the main hall of the prison she found three Foundation members on one knee, heads bent.

"Lady Kitsune, we have completed our mission. Huruma has been relocated into the new hallway and there has been sound dampening jutsus put into the walls. She won't be able to hear anything from the outside world.

"Excellent. You can stand." Naruto had had to argue with Captain Yamato about the bowing. He had eventually won when he pointed out that the Foundation members needed to remember who was leader and to show respect if they wanted to integrate into the village where they would have to show the same level of respect to the Hokage.

Ikue took off her mask the moment she stood, knowing the mission was technically over. "Was she mad?"

"You have no idea," Bull spoke up, removing his own mask to return to his new name of Reo. "I was expecting her to start hissing like a cat."

"Well it helped that I exaggerated my relationship with Shikamaru. There was no point in denying what she believed so I just figured I'd own it and take it away from her." Naruto looked up the vast distance between her and Reo. "You did well to stay still and pretend you couldn't hear our exchange."

"I am well trained, My Lady." Reo gave a bow before he and Ikue put their masks back on before they, Naruto, and the other two Foundation members left to return to Headquarters.

/ / / / /

When Captain Yamato and Iruka-Sensei had shown her the new apartment she hadn't known how to feel. Nothing about the place felt familiar. Even when she saw that Sai had recreated the Team Seven photo with Sasuke that had been lost to her. He had gone so far as to draw two others, one with him, Naruto, Kakashi-Sensei, and Captain Yamato, and another with all six members of Team Seven. There were also pictures of her and Pervy-Sage that she knew would have been dug out of the boxes that Shikamaru had kept for her, as well as a few pictures of her parents, and a number of her with various friends. On her bedside table sat a small painting of Naruto and Shikamaru that Sai had obviously captured from some memory. Even with all of these little details the apartment had still felt empty.

It wasn't until she had shown Shikamaru around, feeling his ever-familiar chakra humming through the place that it started to feel like home. She had worried that he wouldn't understand what she was trying to offer him and yet the way any shadows banished from his eyes let her know he did. She had also comprehended what the necklace he gave her stood for. It was more beautiful than she could describe. It was the first real present she had received for no other reason than to receive a gift. It replaced the one Lady Tsunade had given her that had been lost when she had nearly let the Nine-Tails out.

As she looked at Shikamaru she felt the same wave of content wash over her. The thought of having to leave yet again tainted that feeling. When she admitted this issue to the man sitting on her bed she instantly felt calmed. The way he looked at her always caused warmth to spread through her. Ever since he had been honest with her about his compassion for her every glance and gesture he gave her showed it. The longer she lived with those gazes the more she craved them, craved anything Shikamaru was willing to give, and in return, she wanted to give him everything.

She glanced the door out of the corner of her eye, expecting someone to barge in like they would at the Nara Estate. It was a surprise to her to see that Shikamaru had closed it out of habit and she hadn't noticed. The knowledge that she had not only not noticed but that it didn't cause her panic made her move towards Shikamaru. As he asked her what she wanted she drew her leg over his waist, her heart pounding. The answer was simple. It was the same answer she had had beside the river, the same answer she had had for a long time, longer than anyone had thought to ask the question. I just want you.

But she knew that Shikamaru would worry about whether she was truly doing what she desired, so she decided to instead request to hear things she knew to be true but still wanted to hear that deep tempo echo the truth. She put her hands on his chest, staring down at his narrow, brown eyes. "I want you to tell me that you love me."

Shikamaru's smile sent warmth through every inch of her. "Happily. I love you, Naruto."

Her breath came shorter. "Tell me that when you touch me you're only thinking about me, no one else."

She shivered at the way his hands moved up her waist, the hem of her dress brushing her upper thighs.

"You're always the only one I think about. Whether I'm touching you or not."

Those words made electricity run through every limb. Shikamaru's touch became scorching hot, and yet she didn't flinch from it. Instead, she craved more of it. She wanted that feeling to consume every inch of her. Leaning down until their chests pressed against each other she gave him a slow, restrained kiss. The door was closed, she had no idea if the front door was locked, and yet, she didn't bother to spare those thoughts a moment, let alone worry about those facts.

Naruto focused her sensory chakra in on Shikamaru's chakra. It rushed through her, that new twist to his presence causing the muscles between her abdomen and thighs tense and relax over again. Gripping the man's shoulders, she pulled back enough to whisper to him. "Do you want me? Even after everything you've found out about me?"

One word, that was enough for her. "Always."

She stopped holding herself back when she claimed his lips. Shikamaru running his hands up and down her legs wasn't enough. When she tugged at his shirt the man moved to allow her to pull it over his head. She gave herself only a moment to sweep her gaze over his tone torso before moving in to kiss him again. Biting down on a groan of annoyance, Naruto let Shikamaru move back enough to whisper a question she knew he needed the answer to.

"Naruto, if this is like last time…"

"It's not," she cut in gently. It really wasn't like last time. She didn't feel a desperate need to leave a mark on Shikamaru. On the contrary. She felt an overwhelming desire for Shikamaru to sear his mark into her. To claim her as his, and only his.

She shuttered pleasantly when she felt his cold fingers undoing the zipper of her dress. She had often joked that modestly was not one of her virtues, and it really wasn't. Two of her teammates had seen her without a stitch of clothing on, she had spent almost six months of her travels with Pervy-Sage naked or in swim wear with two people she had only just met, and her friends had all seen her in various states of undress without her caring at all. And yet as she lost articles of clothing, for the first time she felt a vulnerability from her nudity. She had no desire to cover herself though. In their new apartment, with Shikamaru whispering her name into her skin as he nipped at her collarbone she found herself enjoying her vulnerability.

When Shikamaru was looming over her, she was yet again reminded that he had the power to destroy her so easily. Unlike last time though, she wasn't afraid of that fact. The way he looked at her, the way he always reached out for her, the taste of his chakra, all of these things showed she had just as much control over him, and he embraced that fact, revelled in it. It was this that encouraged her to bury her fingers in his hair, pulling him down to kiss him feverously. The mix between a groan of surprise and a moan that Shikamaru gave when she bit his neck made her chuckle between breathless pants.

No new furniture, no photos, not even an exact replica of her old apartment could have made the place feel like home. Because her home had changed. Although she hadn't admitted it, she had started to refer to the Nara main house as her home in her mind. Now though, she realised it wasn't the walls, the smell, or the location that had made it become home to her. There was only one thing that made a place feel like home and that one thing was Shikamaru. He might have been her destruction if he wanted to but he was also her safety, and her happiness. And although she had to leave to be able to one day fight those targeting her and the Nine-Tails, she didn't care, as long as she could return to Shikamaru's side.

/ / / / /

She was dragging out the hour before she had to leave. She made sure her shower was short, and that she returned Shikamaru's shirt that she had thrown on in the middle of the night. As she had walked into the lounge room, her damp hair plaited and falling over one shoulder, she found Shikamaru assessing his neck in a mirror on the wall. Biting back a laugh, Naruto walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist, burying her face in his back.

"You left a mark," Shikamaru muttered in a grumbled voice. He turned when Naruto sniggered into the fabric of his shirt. He pulled her close, looking down their height difference at her. "I'm serious. I don't feel like being killed by Uncle Inoichi if he sees this."

Again, she laughed, her chin resting against his chest. "Just don't tell him what we were up to when you got it, cause then he'll definitely kill you."

He rolled his eyes before that same, sharp grin he had been sporting more and more showed itself. Instantly, Naruto felt her toes curl at its presence. "As worth it, and enjoyable it was, why did you have to leave a mark?"

"Didn't plan it. Or maybe it's so you wouldn't forget that I care about you, kinda like your letters." Naruto rose up on her tip toes, kissing and nipping at the dark spot on the side of Shikamaru's neck, nearing him grunt, his hold on her waist tightening.

"My letters say that I love you. Is that what your little bite means?"

"It more means I like seeing you naked," Naruto joked before pretending to be offended, pulling back to see Shikamaru's face. "And what do you mean little bite? Keep it up and I might need to make it darker."

She had barely finished the sentence before Shikamaru started kissing her. He cupped her face with both his hands, his thumbs brushing her jaw gently. "I don't want you to go," he admitted softly, his eyes closed.

"I know," Naruto admitted, her voice as low as his. "But I promise I'll get my training done quickly so I can come home."

He gave a little chuckle, trying to lighten the desperation in his voice. "To your apartment or here?"

Instead of answering she reached up, kissing him slowly. The hold he had on her face tightened momentarily before he moved his arms to around her waist, pulling her flush to him.

Finally, he pulled back, whatever had come over him having passed. "Come on, mum will want to make sure you're fed before you leave."

With a smile, Naruto pulled up the collar of his sweater, hiding the bruise on his neck easily. "There, now you won't be murdered."

When they finally made it to the gate she found Captain Yamato talking to someone she didn't know. Pulsing out her chakra, Naruto discovered that the man with her captain was actually Kina, using her impeccable transformation justu. Though, her male form looked much like her female form, deep red hair, hazel eyes set into a well sculped face. Naruto also sensed Guy-Sensei just outside the gate with two members of the Sealing Corp.

She said goodbye to Shikamaru, promising to tell him something when she returned. There was no tangible reason that she was leaving him in suspense. There was this palpable feeling in the air, had been for days, that made Naruto's entire system fill with panic whenever she tried to work out what it was. She knew that Madara was a threat, if the masked man really was who he said he was, and thought maybe it was her own fear of the inevitable confrontation that was causing it. Either way, it made her want to keep an answer from Shikamaru, if only to ensure that that she could return to him.

As she forced herself to walk away from him she touched her necklace. It wasn't until they had travelled a distance from the village that any of them actually talked.

"Nice necklace," Kina commented in the deeper voice of her male form.

"Thanks. Shikamaru gave it to me."

"Hiro's Clansmen, yeah?" Kina hummed when Naruto nodded. "They look alike. Both have that sharp look behind their eyes. Can't say it makes me feel that comfortable when I see it."

"Shikamaru is one of the smartest people you'll meet. Also, one of the laziest."

"Not from what I saw," Captain Yamato muttered with a shutter, making Naruto scoff.

"You didn't even see anything! You're just being dramatic."

"What did he or didn't he see?" Kina asked, looking amused.

"I saw enough. I knew what it was indicating." Again, he gave an exaggerated shiver, his face pinched with disgust.

"What's wrong with you, Yamato?" Guy-Sensei asked, looking over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow.

"Nothing!" Naruto yelped, her face pinking. "He's just being an idiot."

"By the sounds of it, it definitely wasn't nothing," Kina sniggered, before nudging Naruto with 'his' elbow. "Come on, I'm not a prude like some. Was it good?"

"Hurt a little," she admitted, watching Captain Yamato's face twist with mortification.

"For women, that is common for the first time," he informed her out of the corner of his mouth before turning green. "Nope, I'm at my limit." Quickening his steps, he caught up to the others, ignoring the laughter of the two left behind.

"So, is Shikamaru lazy?" Kina wiggled 'his' eyebrows. "Although, laziness without selfishness could be fun."

"I'm not entirely sure what that means. But, are you wanting to know because Hiro and Shikamaru are so similar?"

Kina made a gagging noise. "Hiro is not my type. Even if he was, he is a prude when it comes to flesh. My… history, no matter the circumstances, would be hard for him to get over."

"So, you being in this form?" Naruto asked, nodding to the masculine build.

"I felt like it. Sometimes I do that. But you're not much different. The only thing separating us is that I choose to look male, where for a long time you had no choice."

"I still like to at times."

"Does Shikamaru mind?"

Naruto shook her head. "As long as I'm me, he doesn't care what I look like."

"Any chance he has an older sister?" Kina muttered with a half-smile.

"Sorry. Does have a cousin, but she's married."

"Damn!"

With a chuckle, Naruto reached into her back pocket, pulling out a scroll. "This is for you. It was located the other day."

Taking it consciously, Kina opened it, scanning its contents only to stop mid-stride. "Is this… is this real?"

"Yep." Naruto stopped too, turning to look back at the man.

"But… this says that we're of the same clan… that I'm an Uzumaki."

"I'm aware." Naruto shrugged her shoulders before starting to walk again.

"Don't you have a problem with this?" Kina called, his voice dipping at the end, as though he didn't actually want the answer. When Naruto stopped, raising an eyebrow, he shifted his feet. "Given my history, what Danzo had me do?"

Naruto just gave her a grin. "I'm not a prude either, Kina. And, yes, Shikamaru does lazily take his time."

Kina grinned wickedly, catching up with the blonde and hooking his arm with hers. "I was with someone like that once. One of my favourite missions. Nothing could rush her, even when I practically begged her." He winked at Captain Yamato and Guy-Sensei when they blinked in surprise, having caught the end of her comment.

The blonde was being held up by Kina as she laughed at the fellow Uzumaki's words. Kina took that as encouragement, seeing how wide the men's eyes could go, and how deep a shade of red their faces were capable of. Naruto eventually asked Kina to stop when Guy-Sensei looked at though he was going to faint from blushing.

/ / / / / /

Naruto had enjoyed the boat ride. It wasn't often she had a mission send her near the ocean, and it was even more unlikely that she was allowed to journey across it. Even Guy-Sensei's constant motion sickness didn't take away from the sight of endless sea. She had horrified her companions by standing on the rim of the boat, as close to the water as she was allowed. Even though she was good at standing on water the higher, faster waves made it impossible to keep chakra stable. Naruto did funnel chakra into her feet to stick to the boat but only at the insistence of the others.

Fingering her necklace, she scanned the endless blue, taking deep breaths, letting the salty air fill her lungs. She shifted so that she was sitting cross legged on the corner at the front of the boat. Her Sage training allowed her to have balance. Even Kina hovering behind her didn't make her feel constricted. It had taken some time to get used to having a shadow.

"Are you still looking for an octopus?" Kina asked, her long red hair whipping behind her.

Naruto gave a laugh. "I will in a minute. I'm just taking a minute to enjoy the view."

"Ahh, yes, because this endless water with some fog is much more… watery, than yesterdays view." Kina came to stand next to the blonde, back in her female form. "I must ask. Did you bring me along as a replacement if the Nine-Tails gets out? I need to know to prepare myself mentally for something like that."

"No. I brought you along because you're good at studying people, so you are more likely to notice if I'm losing control than others. And the seal I've made to replace this one if something happened is an Uzumaki Seal. It'll be stronger if you help to fuel it. I would never ask you to take on this burden."

Kina was quiet as she thought over what she had been told. "You know, you could order me to be the new host if needed. It's within your right."

"Yeah, I'm not doing that." Naruto stood up, stretching. "Well, I better get back to looking for that octopus." She grinned, scanning the waters eagerly. She knew that it was on an island so looked out eagerly for any sign of land that would ruin the otherwise beautiful landscape.

It was two hours before she saw the 'paradise' that was mostly giant spikes, and with large creatures. She had happily put that first impression aside when she had seen enormous tentacles rising out of the water, only for it to attack her and Captain Yamato to say something about a squid.

It was hard to count the tentacles when they kept moving but when a rapping creature appeared with eight tentacles she had cheered, instantly dubbing him 'Octopops'. The human form of the octopus was weird. He wore shades and sprouted rhymes that made no sense to her. It only took one pulse of her chakra to realise what she was facing. His chakra met hers with a threatening hum to it. She was entering his territory, and she was to know that. That was the same way her chakra had reacted when Gaara had entered the Leaf. She was looking at a fellow Jinchurriki.

She didn't mention to anyone that she recognised him instantly. Instead, she played dumb, something she had always used to her advantage. This worked for her later on when she had asked Killer B to train her. He had said no, that he was on vacation. That had caused her pause, though having to rap with him caused more of a pause. She was obviously bad at it, because he turned down her request.

Before he could close his door, Naruto put her hand on it, forcing it to stay open. "You have a brother who obviously cares about you. Imagine what it would be like to risk hurting him every day. Knowing that you can't fight without putting everyone you care about in danger. You're a Jinjurikki, so I know that all connections you have were hard earned. So, I'm asking you, can you help me so I can return to those I care about?"

The large man considered her slowly. "No."

Before Naruto could stop him, Killer B snapped the door closed. Slamming her fist against the wood in anger she went looking for the man who seemed to know about Killer B's training. That was when she had discovered that Captain Yamato was a stalker. She just rolled her eyes at him, letting him follow her to a secluded pond with water fall. Following instructions, she sat down on the small island in the middle of the pond, trying to clear her mind.

After a few minutes she heard laughter. "You almost seem peaceful there. But we both know you're not."

Opening her eyes, she saw herself stepping out from under the heavy stream of water. Even though the thing had her face its eyes were different, and it had no chakra coming from it.

"What the hell are you?"

"I'm you, I just don't pretend to not hate, and not feel rage." The other her grinned. "Those idiots asking us for our autograph. Where were those admirers when we needed them? Where were they when grown adults broke into our apartment?"

"They didn't know me then. And who do you think you are, pretending to be me?" she snapped, narrowing her eyes at the woman before you.

"I'm not pretending. I am you, the you that you try to deny. The one who hates the village."

"I don't hate the village!" Naruto snapped, jumping to her feet. When the other her simply gave her an amused look she went on. "How can I hate the village when that's where Shikamaru and my friends live?"

"And the others, the ones who beat you, left you starving, made it so that every noise you heard in your apartment made you jump? What about them?" The other her smiled darkly at her. "Or are you still pretending that it's not hard to breath at times. That that suffocating, sharp pain is nothing."

"I'm done talking to you!" Naruto created a rasengun. The next thing she knew she was being blasted out of that other world. "She's a bitch!" she muttered as Captain Yamato asked her what happened.

She had answered only vaguely. Finding out that the other woman was her… other self, made her wish to stay silent. The idea that someone so full of hate and rage was a part of her didn't sit well in her mind. She knew that she was capable of anger and even violence, but she had spent a long time making herself into a calmer, more caring person, someone who didn't raise her fists in anger but to protect others, even if it meant from themselves. Seeing the other her, the one that was apparently still a part of her caused an uneasiness in her stomach. How could she have that thing inside her and still have the respect of the village? Still have the love of someone like Shikamaru? The only time he had shown violence had been in defence of others.

After pacing the length of her room, Naruto huffed in frustration.

Don't like what you see when you look in the mirror, kit?

The rough voice inside her head stopped her steps. Rolling her eyes, she thought back, you haven't called me kit since I was a kid.

Well, you didn't stay a kit for too long. I guess I'm just nostalgic today.

You mean that you're getting amusement out of me having to deal with that other me? The one that you would prefer?

She definitely has more fire than you.

I'm done talking to you, she hissed before stomping out of her room to find Motoi. He looked somewhat surprised to see her but he didn't comment and instead seemed to ponder to Naruto's question.

"How do you think Octopops got past that fountain?"

After a moment, Motoi closed his door, gesturing to Naruto to follow him down the hallway. He was silent for long enough that Naruto wondered if he was actually going to answer her. Finally, he sighed heavily.

"I'm sure you have more of an insight into the pains of a Jinchurikki than I can ever have. Lord Bee was no exception. And sadly, I helped that reality. When he became the host of the Eight-Tails… I feared him, and a part of me was disgusted at the thought of who he had become. It is a reality I am ashamed of, but that I will not deny."

Naruto nodded in contemplation. "That's big of you. You could choose to deny it, and many would probably allow it, and yet you don't."

"Do those of your village deny what they have done to you?" Motoi looked over at her with softened eyes as they walked out of the building and into the surrounding forest.

"Some openly admit it, with glee, or matter-of-factly, others avoid the topic."

"Is that better? The avoidance?"

"No!"

Motoi didn't press for an elaboration. Instead, he sighed, his eyes clearly not focusing on what was around them. "Master Bee chose to be someone who didn't care. He would sprout his rhymes and appear as though he didn't care about how people reacted or even when people threw things at him. It is highly possible that he was just hid how all this affected him. Although, Master Bee is a strong man, I can't believe anyone being strong enough to ignore an entire village mistreating him."

"Perhaps, he is just a kind, calm man, and that attribute showed through no matter how much the village tried to change that. What about someone whose nature is more… violent?"

"Is that what you are worried about?" Motoi asked, facing forward but letting his eyes slide towards her.

Naruto took a moment to think about her wording, something she had learnt to do whilst at the Nara Estate. Although none of them minded when she ran her mouth, she had learnt the benefit of thinking through her words at times. "Octopops ignored the villages behaviour, but I didn't. I let myself hate them. And at times, I let that hate take over to show cruelty. That aspect of myself, I've tried to hide it. Tried to be kind and caring, but the true me is always there. And that is what is stopping me from getting through the fountain."

"Is that cruelty really the true you?" Motoi asked calmly, moving a tree branch to the side as they walked. "The ones who came with you here, all of them respect you. All of them care about you."

"And if they knew about that part of me-"

"They would still look at you as a hero. It doesn't take a genius to see that you didn't earn their respect by being the strongest. You may be strong, but strength alone does not win admiration. In the short time you've been here I've seen how you are with the others. You are gentle, and considerate."

"Well, yeah, otherwise I'm just a cold-hearted bitch."

The man chuckled. "Do you think my… distrust of Master Bee disappeared within a day? Of course not. At first, every kind gesture I showed Master Bee, every flinch I fought, felt fake. Like I was lying about my very aspect. Do you believe my respect of Master Bee is still false?"

"No, you obviously care about him." Naruto frowned. Part of her knew what he was getting at but at the same time, she couldn't form the thought. It was just a whisper at the back of her mind. Eventually, she sighed. "One thing I can't change is that I'm an idiot. What are you getting at?"

Again, he chuckled, a deep noise that for a moment, as it rumbled through the forest, gave her a pang of longing. Longing for a chuckle that was just as deep but had a rough timber to it that never failed to make her stomach spin.

"I don't think you're an idiot of any account. On the contrary. I'm guessing, based on your age, that you were quite young when you decided to make kindness your main attribute."

"About six. I almost killed a woman… she deserved it, but that darkness… it wasn't safe. So, I decided to lock it away. But it hasn't stayed away."

"And yet, you have the power to punish your village, and haven't done so, you play with that necklace of yours with a small smile, so I'm guessing someone important gave it to you, your captain keeps a close eye on you, not to protect others, but to protect you. That darkness, I'm going to make an assumption here and say that it only comes out when facing an enemy that wants to hurt people. People you care about, or people that need protecting. So, I'm going to ask you a question, and I don't expect you to answer me. When did your decision to be a caring, gentle person stop feeling like a game of pretend and start being the only option that came to mind? To the point that you prostrated yourself in front of our Raikage to try and save two villages?"

Naruto froze, staring at the back of Motoi's head as he continued walking. Slowly, she came back to herself. "You're very observant."

With a shrug, the man turned back to her with a small smile. "Do you feel up to trying the water fall again?" When she nodded the man's face paled. "We better get your captain first. That man terrifies me."

With a laugh, Naruto turned back towards the building they were staying in. "He's good at that."

/ / / / /

She had lost the ability to breath. At this point, she wasn't sure how she was still living, let alone conscious. She had stopped breathing, stopped functioning all together an eternity ago. All she could see was a crimson curtain separating her from the snarling, spitting, fox. Apparently, she still had some air in her lungs though, because when the woman with long red hair turned towards her the last remaining oxygen was ripped from her.

"Mum?" she choked out. There wasn't an obvious resemblance between the women. On the contrary, they looked nothing alike. But somehow, she knew that this woman, with her red hair, round face, and small smile was her mother.

"Look at you, Naruto. All grown up." Before Naruto could gain sense of herself, she found her body pressed against the other woman's, arms wrapped tightly around her. "Look at you! So beautiful, and so strong!"

Slowly, Naruto moved her arms from her side, wrapping them around her mother's waist. Before she could think about the prospect of hurting her, Naruto had tightened her hold, burying her face in her mother's shoulder as tears poured from her eyes. The scarlet locks brushed her cheek, smelling of rain-soaked grass and baked sugar. For a moment she wondered if her mother was a baker before dismissing the thought in favour of focusing on her mother's hands. One stroked her back as the other cupped the back of her head. Soft words were being muttered into her hair, encouraging her to cry harder, to not hold back for once. The tears racked her body so fiercely that if it wasn't for her mother's hold, Naruto was sure she would have shaken apart.

Eventually, she petered out to sniffles before she could finally lift her head, wiping at her nose with the back of her hand. Her mother swept her tears away with delicate fingers, that soft smile still present.

"I have waited for this day." Her mother's hand swept through Naruto's hair, watching the bright locks cascade from her fingers. "I'm so thankful you inherited your father's hair."

"But yours is so beautiful," Naruto exclaimed, making her mother chuckle.

"You and your father are the only people who have ever said that to me. Hell, it was one of the first things your father ever said to me."

"What was the first thing?" Naruto asked softly.

"Hmm, that would be when I transferred into the academy and the class was laughing about my dream to become Hokage. Minato stood up and told me that it wasn't a stupid dream, and that he shared it."

"I've always wondered how you and dad ended up together. I… I know you wanted me, I found a note that dad left for Pervy-Sage, but I've always wondered about you two."

"Well, it took a while. We met in the academy and apparently, your dad started liking me back then but I had no idea. I, like you, was the Jinchurikki for the Nine-Tails. It was hard to notice the quiet kindness of Minato in the face of so much hate."

Naruto snorted, unable to not see the parallels. "Obviously, you noticed him eventually."

Her mother nodded. "I was captured and used strands of my hair to help lead Leaf Ninjas to my location, though I wasn't sure if anyone would come for me. Minato did. I had been picked on for my hair often, called me the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero. When Minato rescued me, he told me how he had always loved my hair, and thought it was pretty."

Naruto smiled softly at the story before noticing the gleam in her mother's eyes. "What?"

"You know, whenever you've needed the Nine-Tail's power, whenever you needed a helping hand, Minato and I could see through your eyes." She chuckled when her daughter paled, her eyes widening. "I've seen that handsome, young man that you seem protective of. And whilst Minato was helping you stop the Nine-Tails from getting out I could see how you had wrapped that man in your chakra. I've also seen him calm you down from some panic attacks too, like the one after that horrible girl hurt you. I approve of him."

She could feel the blush taking over her cheeks. It was some comfort to know it was only certain times that either of her parents were able to see through her eyes. "His name is Shikamaru."

"The heir to Rin's clan? So, you like smart men like I do? Now, I get to ask, how did you two get together?"

"He fell for me in the academy and I never noticed that he wasn't just being nice. He was the first person to say that I deserved better. I… I couldn't bring myself to see what was apparently obvious to everyone else. I thought, even if I did deserve better, there was no way I deserved someone like him. He's just too… too…"

"Perfect?" Her mother suggested.

"No… he has flaws, but I love him more for them."

"He's everything that you could ask for, and still more. It's hard for you to believe that someone like him, someone who anyone would be lucky to have the attention of, is giving that attention to you. I was the same with Minato. Even when we started dating, I found it hard to believe that it wasn't because he pitied me or something."

"Yeah," Naruto exclaimed, "And Shikamaru is so intelligent, and his mind is always running to the point that he finds most things predictable, and yet, he will focus all of that on me. It's kinda intimidating, and yet, he doesn't find me boring."

Her mother gave a whistle. "Your dad focused all of his considerable mind on anything he paid attention too. Even then, it was something powerful when it was directed towards you. I can't imagine what it would be like to be the only one to have that."

"Honestly, I never want it to stop."

"I'm glad you've found someone like him." Her mother reached out and stroked her face, a gentle smile on her lips. "As much as I would love to continue this conversation, we need to talk about taking control of the Nine-Tails' powers."

Nodding, Naruto made sure to listen to all the information her mother could provide. When it finally came time to leave her mind scape it was with hesitation and more tears. With one last, tight hug, Naruto returned to reality. She found herself looking up at Killer B, his eyes still hidden behind his glasses and his mouth in a flat line.

"Yo yo, you did well there, Naruto."

"Yeah? Thanks, Octopops."

Killer B stared at her closely before leaning back, his arms flailing as he rapped at her. "Why the long face? It's not easy being face to face and that fox is a wily, yo."

It took her a moment to realise what he had asked her. When she did, she sighed heavily. "I am happy that I can fight again, but I got to meet my mum and I didn't like having to leave her."

"What was she like?"

Thinking over the answer, she felt herself smile. "A beautiful, fierce woman."

"Sounds like you," Captain Yamato commented softly.

Naruto wasn't sure she agreed, but she did enjoy the thought of her and her mother having that descriptor in common.

"Your new powers are strong, or will be as time moves along. To the training ground we go just you and me, KILLLERRR BEEE WEEEEE"

She bit back the grumble that rose up her throat. She knew that she had to train, but at the same time, that meant that she had to spend more time away from Shikamaru. With sunken shoulders Naruto nodded, following Killer B to whatever training ground awaited her.

/ / / / / /

Although Killer B was a highly reserved person, even with his rapping, Naruto could tell that the man was warming up to her. He was less prone to walking away halfway through a conversation, he didn't often cross his arms and step away from her like he originally had. She could understand where his behaviour came from. Being around another Jinchurikki made her skin itch and there was a part of her that wanted to test her strength against the man. She also knew from past experience with Gaara that Killer B probably felt territorial. Her being there in a state where she couldn't trust her own power probably didn't help. She was a threat to her surroundings, even if she didn't want to be. And yet, Killer B had rather quickly taken to her.

Besides his love of rapping she could tell that Naruto and Killer B had similar personalities. They both preferred action over talk, they surprisingly had similar senses of humour, and they were both more likely to follow their guts instead of what people told them.

They were taking a short break from training to have something to eat. Kina hid off to the side of the clearing. Naruto wasn't sure why she insisted in hiding as though Naruto didn't know she was there. She had been shadowing her since Captain Yamato decided to explore the island. Though, perhaps it was Killer B she was hiding from. Naruto knew that Kina was there to protect her, even if she didn't need it. There was something heartening about having someone sitting so still, and so quiet, all for her safety. It comforted her as she stretched out on a patch of grass, staring up at the twisting canopy above.

"Hey, Naruto, about that stone. A gift from a special someone you know, you know?" Killer B asked, shoving the last of his sandwich into his mouth. He nodded to where she was playing with her jade pendant unconsciously. "You always seem in a hurry, when it becomes your hands quarry."

She opened her mouth, but hesitated. Madara wanted them both, and so, her tie with Shikamaru was a vulnerability. However, Naruto was in Killer B's territory. She had met his friends, met some of his subordinates and seen how much they cared, and she had even met his brother, who Killer B clearly loved dearly. The only thing she had given up about herself was the identity of some of her comrades and subordinates. She had more power over Killer B, and that thought didn't sit well with her and she did trust her fellow Jinchurikki.

"My boyfriend gave it to me before I left. It has… personal meaning for me. I can't return home until I get control over the seal, so until then, I can't see him. I feel like I'm always leaving him behind."

"I'm sure he's a nice guy. It's hard watching a love sail by?" Killer B asked in a levelled voice.

"No. He understands that I have to go, and that I hate leaving him. Besides, it's not like he spends all his time waiting for me to come back. He is a talented, intelligent ninja, he is needed in our village. And, he knows that I'm training hard to get back to him. I'm not on… vacation."

With a gasp, she sat up and swore. Dropping her necklace to hang around her neck again, she turned to Killer B sharply, noticing how he sat back in surprise. "Octopops, you told me that your brother told you to come here on vacation!"

He nodded, clearly unsure where she was going with her strange line of questioning.

"So, why did my Hokage believe that you were willing to train me? Were you asked to train me, or even told I wanted to gain control over my Tailed Beast?" A shake of his head confirmed the crawling, gnawing feeling in her stomach. She swore again. "I'm gonna guess that you know Madara wants us for the Tailed Beasts and that he is planning to start a war with the Five Nations. So, why would our Kages put their most valuable pieces in the same place? Shikamaru has taught me enough about shogi that I know you don't do that shit unless you have good reason."

"I can see your point." Killer B tilted his head back. "But what could it be? Trainings important not only to me, KILLEERRR BEE."

"Only if I was going to fight. But wouldn't they have told me a timeframe. I am known for meeting difficult deadlines, so why was I told I needed to take as much time as possible? Unless my training isn't the real reason I am here. If this was shogi, as Shikamaru likes to think at times, then we should be surrounded by 'disposable pieces' but we're not."

"This place is hidden as if lost in mist. So, when the brawl breaks out like the snake from the sea, the enemy will see me, KILLEERR BEEE WEEE."

Naruto gave him a predatory grin, thankful that they had both been talking in voices that wouldn't reach Kina's ears. "Want to go for a run, Octopops?"

He seemed to catch onto what she meant because he jumped to his feet as she did and they both took off, leaving their guard behind. The moment Naruto burst through the cloak she went into Sage mode, flicking her eyes over the dozen people staring at her in horror. She had to admit, it was smart to leave Foundation members out of her… protectors.

The Sage mode allowed her to feel the battles raging far out of her sight. She could feel the pain, the fear, and the desperation that the forces felt. She barely noticed when a Nara in the guard grabbed her with his shadow, an Akimichi expanding as he eyes Killer B who stood a beat behind Naruto. It wasn't surprising when Iruka-Sensei let her passed, pretending to try to stop her but failing. However, it was surprising that no one followed her and Killer B when they made their escape.

The answer to that rang through her mind when they had run over a kilometre from the island safe haven.

"Naruto –"

"I'm not going back, Uncle Inoichi."

"No, we don't expect you too," Shikaku spoke up, his voice soft, tired, and gravellier than usual. "We never expected to be able to hold you for long. Shikamaru told us we would be lucky if we got two weeks. I suppose a week is more than we could hope for. But… I was about to request that you joined the battle anyway."

"Why? What happened?" Naruto yelped, not even trying to hide the panic taking over her voice.

"Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, and Neji have all faced off against the reincarnation of Orochimaru's henchmen from that ill-fated mission to retrieve Sasuke. Obviously, they were able to defeat the enemies that once gave them trouble, but when the enemies disappeared something happened to the boys. Their… souls, I believe, where removed from their bodies and taken elsewhere. No one can sense them. All our sensory types can't get enough range and can't pinpoint four signatures among all the others. The enemy forces known as white Zetzu can also take on the forms of our soldiers and we can't tell the difference. It's causing soldiers to turn on each other, but at the moment..." Shikaku sighed heavily. "Naruto, please bring my son back. If you love him, please tell me know, because if you love him, I know you won't fail."

She stopped running, bringing her hands together. "I'm going to bring Shikamaru back. And we aren't losing anymore people to the enemy's tricks."

"Kid, be careful," Killer B warned as Naruto made more clones than she had ever made before.

The clones broke into groups to travel to each battle that Naruto could sense. At least one clone in each group went into Tailed Beat mode with the intention of finding Shikamaru. They all disappeared in a blink. Next, Naruto rolled up the sleeve on her left arm, before biting the thumb of her right hand and dragging the blood over the seal that appeared at the presence of the red liquid. Almost instantly, four Foundation members appeared before her on bent knee.

"Where is the Foundation?"

"Awaiting your order, Lady Naruto. We were instructed to not join the United Forces by the Village Elders, but we prepared and have left the village. We have stationed ourselves in the primal position to aid whichever battle field you wish. I hope you do not mind us acting without your authorisation."

She smiled down at the one who had spoken. The mask looked like a frog, but honestly it was hard for her to make out what half the masks were meant to be. There was an undeniable sense of pride growing in her though.

"You did well," she assured. "Back up whichever battle is having the most trouble, but wait for my clones to clear out imposters first. Where is Shikaku and Uncle Inoichi located?"

"They are at Headquarters, strategizing for the entire war."

Naruto turned her gaze on the woman who had spoken. "What's the area like?"

"It is a flatland surrounded by rocky mountains. No enemy forces within sight of the perimeter, Lady Naruto."

"Send some Foundation members who can restore chakra, as well as at least one with the telepathic-y thing that Uncle Inoichi can do. I want clear communication between me and them, no more trying to hide me for my safety. Also, send some earth style users encase the enemy finds their location."

"Yes, Lady Naruto," they all declared in clear voices before they all disappeared. Their spot was taken by Kina, also on bent knee.

"Get up. You can be mine and Octopops' security. My clones will find Shikamaru and the others but Octopops and I are gonna stay together. We won't let our Tailed Beasts be used."

"You got me and I've got you, and between the two, the Akatsuki won't know what to do."

Naruto just smiled at him brightly. The enemy would expect them to stay hidden and safe. It would be the smart thing to do. However, Naruto was the Number One Knucklehead of the Leaf, and it was about time the enemy learnt what that meant.

/ / / / /

Luckily my husband can speak Killer B, cause I cannot. R and R if you want.