*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*


Sakura rested her chin on the windowsill of Naruto's apartment window. She was kneeling on his bed as she admired the beautiful summer nights weather. The view from his place was gorgeous, she loved looking over the village at night, it was always so soothing. She stopped her when she heard footsteps. She sat back down on Naruto's bed just as he entered his room. He was shirtless, and holding a basket of clean laundry. He placed it on the floor in front of the bed and then sat himself down next to Sakura.

"Naruto, can I ask you something?" Asked Sakura as she scooted closer towards him.

"Sure," said Naruto as he looked through his clean clothes.

"Do you think it's wrong for us to hide my pregnancy from the rest of our friends for a little while?"

"No,I don't think it's wrong, but why would you want to keep it from everyone else? We already told Ino and Shikamaru, so is there a specific reason why you don't want to share the news with the rest of our friends?"

"Well told Shikamaru and Ino because they're our best friends, it's only natural that we'd share the news with them first, but I just don't want everyone to know, not just yet. Is it wrong of me to feel that way?"

"Listen Sakura-chan if that's what you want to do then I'm behind you 100% It's not bad that you feel that way, you shouldn't beat yourself up for feeling a certain way. Besides it's our baby, if you want to keep the news a secret for a little longer then so be it. You can tell the rest of her friends when you're ready. Maybe you'll feel different about it after we tell your mom."

"I guess you're right..."

"Are you okay? If not we can take a rain check on the party and we can just stay here for tonight," said Naruto as he pulled a clean t-shirt over his head.

"No I want to go."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I think my hormones are getting the best of me. Besides we already told Shikamaru and Ino that we'd be there, and we even bought gifts for Ino."

"I guess you're right, it would look kind of suspicious if we didn't go either."

"On, I didn't even think about that, that's a good point Naruto."

"Well, I guess it's settled then, just let me finish getting dressed and we'll head on out."

"Okay, I'll get the gifts.

Sakura went into the kitchen where their gifts for Ino were. She and Naruto had decided to get her something since she was hosting the party. She grabbed the gift bag from the kitchen table and then made her way into the living room.

"You ready Naruto?"

"Yeah I was just getting my keys," said Naruto as he zipped up his jacket.

He opened the front door for Sakura and they both made their way outside. They were getting ready to go down the stairs when they noticed someone waiting at the bottom, it was Sai. He looked up at both of his teammates and gave them a smile as they walked down the steps.

"Hello you two. I was about to make my way up the stairs when I saw you were already making your way down here."

"Oh so you just got here?" Asked Naruto.

"Yes, even though Ino said the party was going to be at 7:00pm I read that it's better to be fashionably late. I can tell that this is true since you two haven't made your way there yet."

Naruto's right eye twitched, and Sakura giggled.

"You're right Sai. It's always best to be fashionably late."

"I can't wait to try out the other things I learned in my party etiquette book," said Sai.

"Yeah I'm sure you'll get to use you wide array of party tactics when we get there Sai," chuckled Naruto.

"Alright then you two let's get going then," said Sakura.

All three of them set off to what they hoped would be a delightful night.


The walk to Ino house wasn't too far from Naruto's apartment. It was actually a few buildings away. Sakura held Naruto's hand tightly as they walked the streets of Konoha together.

"I wonder if everyone is already there?" Asked Sakura.

"I doubt it, it's only 7:30 Sakura-chan, don't sweat it," said Naruto in a reassuring voice.

"Yes Sakura-san, Naruto-kun is right. Remember we're being fashionably late," said Sai politely.

Team Kakashi approached Ino's house. Naruto knocked on the front door and after a few moments he could hear footsteps getting closer. The front door opened and Ino smiled when she saw who was standing in front of her.

"Hey you three come in please," said Ino as she led her comrades inside.

Sai approached Ino and gave her a scroll wrapped up in some ribbon.

"Ino-san I painted something for you to show my appreciation for you inviting me to this party," said Sai as he gave Ino her gift.

Ino took the scroll and smiled.

"Awe why thank you Sai."

She carefully removed the ribbon and began to open the scroll. Naruto jumped up at the sight of the scroll and pointed his finger at Ino.

"Watch out Ino the last thing he painted for me destroyed my apartment!"

"Does this look like it's going to come to life and destroy my house Naruto?" Asked Ino.

She showed him what was painted on the scroll. It was a beautiful vase filled with lilacs. Naruto's mouth dropped open and he turned to look at Sai.

"You go and paint Ino some pretty flowers but you paint me a Chinese dog that came to life when I put it up on my bathroom wall! It destroyed my apartment, it trampled all over my place wrecking everything!"

"I'm sorry Naruto-kun, but like I told you before I accidently painted your gift with the brushes I use for my painting justus. That's why your painting came to life when you opened it."

"Yeah whatever Sai."

Sakura nudged Naruto to give Ino their gifts. Naruto stopped his sulking and handed Ino her presents.

"Here Ino this is from Sakura-chan and I. My gift is the sake. Ero-senin bought it for me when I was done with all my training with him. It's Namazake sake so it's pretty good, just make sure to put it in the fridge," said Naruto.

"Wow Namazake huh. I've actually never tried it so this should be fun," said Ino.

She then pulled out a small pink and yellow wrapped box that was inside the bag with the sake.

"Oh those are from me Ino," said Sakura.

Ino opened the box to find two silver hairclips with flowers on them.

"I remember you told me you lost your favorite hair clips a few weeks ago on a mission, so I decided to get you some new ones."

"Oh they're beautiful Sakura. Thank you so much for the gifts you guys. I'm beyond thrilled you were all able to make it on such short notice. Now come on in and make yourselves at home. I'll be in the kitchen if you guys need anything."

Ino dashed back into her house holding her gifts as she headed for her kitchen. Naruto sat on the floor and began to take off his shoes; he placed them neatly on the floor and helped Sakura with her boots. Sai's shoes were already off but he was busy searching his party etiquette book. All three of them made their way deeper into Ino house. Sure enough they found her in the kitchen barking orders at Shikamaru. He was grilling some meat on the stove, and Ino was there telling him what he was doing wrong.

"Shikamaru you need to hurry up and flip those! No not those you moron," sighed Ino.

The smell that filled the room was amazing so much so that Sakura's stomach growled loudly. Naruto turned towards her and laughed.

"Someone's a little hungry, huh?"

Sakura blushed and looked at Naruto.

"Was it really that loud? I didn't think anyone else had heard that."

Ino turned around and saw Sakura talking to Naruto.

"Hey Sakura please come over here and trade places with this man."

"I thought you'd never ask," said Shikamaru as he abandoned his cooking post. "Besides isn't cooking a woman's thing?"

Ino threw a washcloth at Shikamaru in frustration.

"Oh my god just go already!"

"I love you too Ino," said Shikamaru lazily.

He led Naruto and Sai into the living room where Chouji was waiting.

"Finally," sighed Ino. "He was doing an alright job but I just wanted it to be us before everyone else gets here. Please Sakura pull up a chair, you hungry?"

"Yeah actually I am," said Sakura.

"That's all you have to say," said Ino.

She got a plate and served Sakura some grilled meat and rice. She poured a reddish colored drink in a glass and gave it to Sakura.

"That right there is my first ever virgin strawberry daiquiri. You gotta look the part right?"

"Good thinking Ino, I didn't factor in that we'd be drinking to tell you the truth. I've been so scattered brained lately," said Sakura as she began to eat her food.

"Well that's expected," said Ino.

Sakura nodded her head and continued to eat. She silently watched Ino cook the rest of the meat. Once she was done Ino excused herself for a moment so she could take the plate of meat and other goodies to the living room. Sakura could hear her warning Chouji to save some for the rest of their friends, she then walked back into the kitchen with a couple of sake cups in her hand.

She poured herself a cup of the sake Naruto had given her. She took a quick sip as she put the bottle in the fridge like Naruto had told her too. Sakura could tell by Ino's movements that she already had a few drinks under her belt.

"So how was your day at work?," Asked Sakura.

"Oh you know, same ol same ol. What was really awesome was closing."

"Oh yeah, why is that?"

"Well, let's just say I broadened Shikamaru's horizon in the back room."

"Oh my god Ino, what did you do?"

"Oh nothing," giggled Ino.

"You're such a liar, now come on, spill the beans" said Sakura as she inched closer towards her.

"I convinced Shikamaru to have sex with me in the back office of the flower shop."

Sakura's mouth dropped open. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

"Ino are you serious!?"

"Yup, he put up a big fight in the beginning, but towards the end he had no regrets."

"You are just awful," giggled Sakura.

"I know," laughed Ino. "So then enough of about me, what about you, did anything else happen between you and Naruto?"

"Well he took me out for lunch which was nice. Then I had to drop a bombshell on him."

"Do tell."

"I haven't told my mom yet."

"Wow, that really is a bombshell."

"Tell me about it," sighed Sakura.

"What are you planning on doing then?"

"I told Naruto that we should tell her together."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, I need to prove to her that my relationship with Naruto isn't going away."

"Obviously, what with that bun in the oven you're carrying."

"You know what I mean."

"Of course I do, I'm just trying to lighten the mood."

"I know... I'm not sure how I'd feel if she rejected us."

"Look, I know your mom doesn't like Naruto, but she loves you. She would never turn you, or your child away, even if it belongs Naruto."

"Thanks Ino."

"Anytime, no come in more sulking. Do you have any other news that isn't so depressing?"

"Actually, yes I do."

"Lay it on me missy."

"Tsunade-sama was finally able to promote Naruto, he's a jonin now."

"No way, for real?"

"Yes way."

"That's great Sakura! Naruto really deserves it. I mean he's worked so hard, and now he's finally been rewarded," said Ino.

"Yeah he's really thrilled."

"I can only imagine, he's been a genin for years now."

"I know, I'm glad he was just promoted without having to take the chunnin exams."

"Oh totally, that really wouldn't have been fair to whatever kid was up against him."

"Incredibly unfair," chuckled Sakura.

"I'm sure you'll be able to save money up the baby…"

Before Ino could continue a knock at the front door interrupted their conversation. She got up to answer the door and after much chatter and laughing she walked back into the kitchen with the rest of their friends. The guys came out from the living room and everyone mingled in the kitchen for a few minutes.

Hugs, hellos, and long time no sees, were exchanged among the young shinobi. Finally after everyone had greeted one another they settled down to eat, drink, and talk about what was going on in their lives. After a few minutes of small talk Ino rose from her seat next to Shikamaru and stood before all her friends.

"I want to say a few words everyone. For starters I'm so glad that everyone has come home safe from all their missions. It's been forever since we've all been together, and I just wanted to thank everyone for coming on such short notice. Not only are we here to celebrate our unbreakable camaraderie, but also to celebrate a long awaited accomplishment. As of today, Uzumaki Naruto is no longer a genin, he's been promoted to jonin!"

Naruto was beyond surprised to hear Ino say that. He gave Sakura a quick glance and she smiled at him. He blushed profusely when he noticed all his friends were now looking at him. He rubbed the back of his head and smiled.

"Better late than never right guys?"

Everyone clapped and cheered. Lee came over right away and shook his hand as Tenten patted him on the back. Sakura watched as Naruto became the center of attention. She couldn't help but think back to when they were younger. Sure he was still a goof, but he had gotten the acknowledgement he wanted from his peers so desperately as a child. Everyone gathered around Naruto asking him questions and making comments on his promotion.

Sakura noticed Ino walk to the corner of the living room. She wasted no time in turning on the karaoke machine. A mixture of groans and giggles came from the young shinobi's. The guys quickly got out of the way and sat down on the couches in the living room. The kunoichi's on the other hand were the enthusiastic ones as they gathered around and started singing their hearts out. The guys were content being the audience and not the signers. They cheered, they booed, and they laughed as their female counterparts battled it out.

After a few songs and a few drinks the girls retreated to the floor of Ino's living room giggling and gossiping. The guys no longer had a show to entertain them so they retreated outside. Sakura looked over her shoulder to see Naruto wink at her as he joined his friends outside.

He relished the feeling of a slight buzz, the sake was starting to kick in. His face felt warm and his body felt relaxed. He looked around to see his fellow shinobi's drinking and laughing. Part of him realized that in due time he would no longer get to hang out with his friends and drink like this, so it was best to treasure the moment. He took another drink of his sake and made his way towards Neji who in the middle of a conversation.

"Have you guys noticed that most of the high rank missions we keep getting have something to do with rogue shinobi?"

"Yeah I noticed that too," said Shikamaru. "Then again it's expected, there aren't many missions available so shinobi are getting desperate for money. Doing someone else's dirty work puts food on the table."

"Well I heard rumors that Sasuke is the one behind all those rogue shinobi. People say he's pulling the strings from the shadows. It's easier to have others do your dirty work after all."

Naruto kept drinking his sake, he didn't bother acknowledging Kiba's comment. The group of young men grew quiet. After a few awkward moments Shino cleared his throat in an attempt to break the silence.

"I think Sasuke would be doing something much more elaborate than leading a bunch of rogue shinobi Kiba. That rumor you say you heard is just that, a rumor."

"Shino is right Kiba, Sasuke wouldn't be doing such minor crimes, it isn't like him," said Lee.

"Maybe, but if you ask me he'd be starting small. That would help him get his hands into the inner workings of other villages. You know rogues are filled with all kinds of valuable intel and dirty secrets."

"Someone's had a little too much to drink," said Shikamaru.

"Say what you want, but you can't deny the fact that most of the world thinks Sasuke is dead. Once the shit hits the fan no one will believe he's responsible, but we all know better, because Sasuke is far from dead, isn't that right Naruto?"

"..."

Everyone could tell that bringing up Sasuke's name had really annoyed him. Naruto still carried so much guilt for letting him get away; he had to choose whether to either defeat Madara or go after Sasuke. He made the decision to stay and fight Madera and help out in the war instead of pursuing Sasuke. That one choice saved the world, but it also let Sasuke slip through his fingers again leaving his promise to Sakura broken. Shikamaru could sense how uncomfortable Naruto was.

"Hey Naruto, help me bring the cooler out here. If we leave it inside with the girls might drink it all," said Shikamaru.

Naruto nodded and walked inside to find the girls laughing on the floor. Their faces were a bit flushed from the drinking. He saw Sakura enjoying herself so he forced himself to let Kiba's comment about Sasuke slide. Shikamaru walked into the living room and reached for the cooler.

"Alright ladies we're taking the cooler outside so if you need a reload I suggest you get a beer now."

Ino sprang up quickly shaking her drink at Shikamaru.

"Why do you guys have to take the entire cooler!?"

"I never said you couldn't have more to drink, we just want to make sure we get some too. Besides you have all that booze from your last party drink in here, have some of that," said Shikamaru as he began to lift the cooler.

Ino pouted, she would have normally continued to fight, but the drinking had made her extremely mellow.

"Wait a minute Shikamaru, don't go back out there."

"Why not?"

"Because I am the hostess of this party, and I say it's about time we play a game together."

"Oh god no," groaned Shikamaru.

"Hey, it really isn't a party if half of us are in one location and the rest are in another. So come on, get inside, unless you're chicken."

"Them's fighting words Shikamaru," chuckled Naruto.

"Alright, alright, come on you guys we've been summoned."

"It's on ladies, prepare yourselves," said Ino.

"Come on Sakura, let's kick their butts,"squealed Tenten.

"I'm going to have to pass. I have to report to Tsunade-sama early in the morning."

"Awe, well it's alright because I still have Hinata."

The raven haired Hyuga blushed profusely when she was put on the spot.

"Oh my goodness, I don't know if I can, I've never played before any of Ino's games before. Maybe I should just sit this one out."

"Oh stop being silly. I'm sure Ino is going to explain the rules of whatever game she decides we're going to play. It'll be fun Hinata, come on."

"Yeah Hinata you should definitely play. I have work tomorrow, that's why I'm not playing. Do you have anything to do tomorrow?" Asked Sakura.

"Well, no, not really."

"Alright then it's settled then, you're playing," said Tenten as she pushed Hinata towards the rest of the group.

"Are you sure you want to do this Ino, you look like you're buzzing pretty hard," said Shikamaru.

"I'm nowhere near buzzing honey, we're playing, and we're playing now."

Naruto smirked as he took another drink. He walked by Sakura, grabbed her by the hand, and led her to a nearby couch. They sat down together to watch the game commence. As Sakura sat next to Naruto she could tell by the look on his face that he was starting to feel the effects of the sake he was drinking. She snuggled up close to him while Ino gathered what she needed for their game.

"Alright listen up who's gonna be playing?" Asked Ino. "If you aren't going to play then sit on the couches, everyone else that wants to have some real fun sit on the floor."

Sakura and Naruto were joined by Shino and Lee. The two of them made their way to the couch. Shino set a bottle of sake down on the coffee table before sitting down.

"Help yourselves," he said nonchalantly.

Lee followed suit with a sports drink in hand. If he had any alcohol he could destroy Ino's house, so he definitely wasn't going to play. The four friends got comfortable, they were eager to see what kind of show was in store for them.

"Alright everyone we're going to be playing Kiku no hana first. Here are the rules for those of you who haven't played, or if anyone here needs a refresher. Now then we have 7 players, so that means we have 7 sake cups. One person, which in this case is me, will hide a coin under one of the cups and shuffle it around with the other cups. While I'm doing this no one gets to peek. Once I'm done I'll pass the tray of cups around you guys."

"Each one of will choose a cup, and flip it over, if the coin isn't under it then you're safe, and the tray is passed to the next person. If you happen to flip the cup that has the coin you have to drink all the cups that have been overturned before yours. So if you have five cups flipped over and you get the coin you have five cups of sake just for you. If you happen to be the person that placed the coin and no one else got it then you must drink the all cups. So is everyone ready?" Asked Ino.

"Just start already," teased Naruto.

"No comments from the peanut gallery, please," giggled Ino. So then let the game begin!"

Even though Sakura wasn't playing, watching everyone that was participating was incredibly entertaining. It was hilarious watching everyone get a little nervous when they had to flip a cup. The intensity got even worse as more cups were overturned and the coin had not been found.

Things weren't looking good for Ino. She had been the person that had originally hidden the coin, so if no one else found it she would be left drinking the 7 cups of sake. Luck was on her side though and right when they were only two cups left Sai picked the cup with the coin under it, which meant that the remaining six cups of sake we're all his.

He took them down like a champ and his pale skin soon gained a slight hue of pink as soon as he was done. Everyone was laughing hysterically. It was infectious too because even Sai couldn't help but laugh at his bad luck. Naruto leaned over to Sakura still laughing.

"Hey I gotta use the restroom, I'll be right back, let me know if Sai tries reading his book for tips on being drunk," chuckled Naruto.

He rose from the couch and disappeared down the hallway. Sakura leaned back into the soft couch and noticed Naruto's cup. He and Shino had finished what was left in the bottle of sake.

"Hey Ino do you have any more sake other than the one you're using for your game?" Asked Sakura.

"Yeah there should be a new bottle in the fridge. Go ahead and bring it please we're almost done with Naruto's sake," said Ino. "Okay people it's intermission time, next game starts in five minutes."

Sakura got up and made her way towards the kitchen. Her friend's laughter and drunken banter could be heard all through the house. She walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge door, and grabbed the bottle of sake. She then closed the door and jumped when she noticed Kiba and Akamaru standing right beside her.

"Oh my gosh, you two scared me," said Sakura as she walked over to the counter.

"Sorry, that wasn't my intention," said Kiba as he scratched the top of Akamaru's head.

"It's okay, no harm done."

Sakura carefully poured Naruto his drink, and for some odd reason the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She glanced over towards Kiba, he hadn't moved, which was strange. Finally he moved towards her, and her heart sank when she noticed he was sniffing the air.

"So why aren't drinking Sakura? You usually love to drink."

"Oh but I have been drinking," lied Sakura.

"No you haven't, that drink your pouring is for Naruto. I can tell because you don't smell like alcohol at all. Then again there's something else that's not right about you. For whatever reason you smell odd. It's been driving me crazy," slurred Kiba.

Sakura could smell the alcohol on his breath as he spoke to her; it burned her eyes. Kiba continued to assault her essence with his nose. It wasn't the same as when Naruto smelled her, no this felt like a violation of her privacy. Kiba grabbed her arm and pulled her close. He inhaled deeply as he took in one last sniff of Sakura's scent. His eyes shot open and he snarled at her. He tightened his grip on her causing his claws to dig deep into her skin. Sakura winced and she quickly pulled her arm free from Kiba's grasp. Akamaru whined, he was unsure of his master's behavior.

"What's wrong with you Kiba!?" Asked Sakura.

She took a few steps back only to bump into Shikamaru. He caught her and slowly pulled her behind him. She held her bleeding arm as he approached Kiba.

"What the hell is going on in here Kiba?!"

"This is none of your fucking business Shikamaru!" Snapped Kiba as he roughly shoved Shikamaru back.

Sakura quickly moved out of the way but Shikamaru stopped himself from bumping into her. Instead he pulled his arm back and swiftly punched Kiba square in the eye.

"Back off Kiba!" Snapped Shikamaru.

By now everyone was making their way towards the kitchen. Ino ran up to Sakura, she was shocked at what she saw.

"Oh my god, Shikamaru what's going on?" Asked Ino.

She grabbed a nearby washcloth from the kitchen counter, ran it under some running water, and pressed it tightly on Sakura's bleeding wound as she awaited an answer.

"Oh no," whispered Tenten.

Everyone turned towards to her, they soon realized what she was referring to, there in the entrance of the kitchen stood Naruto. The familiar scent of his girlfriend's blood filled his nostrils. He couldn't see Sakura since all his friends were surrounding her, but he did see Shikamaru standing in a fighting stance, while Kiba had his hand pressed against his right eye.

"You're going to pay for that Shikamaru. I told you to stay out of this!"

"Touch Sakura again and I promise you I'll do more then punch you in face!"

Naruto snapped, he stormed into the kitchen, passed Shikamaru, and roughly rammed himself into Kiba. He grabbed him by the rim of his shirt, lifted him off the ground, and slammed him up against a wall.

"What the hell is going on here?! Why did you hurt Sakura-chan?!"

"Look it was an accident, I didn't mean to hurt her! Now put me down!"

"You are so talking out of your ass right now! She's bleeding you asshole, that's no accident! What the fuck is your problem!?"

"You are!"

"Me? I don't know what you have against me, but touching Sakura-chan is probably the biggest mistake you could ever make."

"Oh spare me your ideal threats Naruto."

"What makes you think I won't rip you apart you mangy mutt!"

Shikamaru quickly ran towards Naruto. He placed a hand on his friend's shoulder in an attempt to snap him out of his anger.

"Cool it Naruto, don't get carried away," warned Shikamaru. "Look at his eye, I already decked him pretty good for you, so come on, just put him down."

Naruto clenched his teeth as he glared at Kiba, but Shikamaru was right. He couldn't let his anger get the best of him, if he did he could really hurt Kiba, or worse, kill him. The Kyuubi's anger bubbled deep within his chest. It pleaded with him to give into his raw power, but Naruto denied the beast within him.

He sighed heavily and after a few tense moments he reluctantly put Kiba down. For his friends sake he followed Shikamaru's as he pulled him away from Kiba. Everyone watched in silence as Naruto took several steps back.

"Explain yourself," said Naruto, his voice quivered with anger.

"Why would you go and keep something like this from us?" Asked Kiba as he did his best to compose himself.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Why didn't you tell us that Sakura is pregnant!?"

"..."

"You might have tricked everyone here, but you can't trick my nose!"

Naruto's eyes widen in shock. He mentally cursed at himself, the one person whose sense of smell was better than his was Kiba's.

"Well, we're all waiting Naruto!"

"Kiba stop being an asshole!" Screamed Ino. "If Naruto and Sakura didn't want to tell us then that's their prerogative!"

"Shut your mouth Ino!"

"Back off Kiba, or the next time Naruto wants to bite your head off I'm not going to stop him," warned Shikamaru.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything. Naruto and I just found out today, I haven't even told my own mother yet. Once I got use to the fact of being pregnant I was going to tell all of you. I just wasn't ready to share the news yet," said Sakura as she looked at her friends.

Naruto shot Sakura a quick glance. Seeing her desperate expression only infuriated him further.

"You both have seriously screwed us all."

"Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Snapped Naruto.

"You really have no idea what the repercussions of knocking up your girlfriend are, do you Naruto?"

"What hell are you talking about?"

"Have you forgotten that you're a celebrity? You're the man who saved the world, you're a goddamn hero! Once news of Sakura's pregnancy gets out everyone is going to be talking about how the legendary Naruto has a child on the way!"

"..."

"Do you realize how much danger that puts the village in?! Our enemies are going to want to get you kid as leverage. If they do that you'll be a puppet they can control, just like Madara did with the Biju during the war."

Naruto was in shock, the last thing he wanted was for his child's life to be in harm's way because of him. He did his best to push that thought out of his mind. If it was up to him no harm would ever come to his child, Sakura, or the village.

"Things are different now, the war is over, the Biju are free, and we're at peace with the other villages."

"That may be true, but you know Sasuke is out there. Do you have any idea what he would do if he found out about this?"

"Stop," warned Naruto.

"All of us have seen how many missions are about rogue shinobi. You all may think it's not important, but I can guarantee you that something going on, and you've both made things so much more difficult for us."

"Kiba enough," said Shino.

"You say you'll defend Konoha, but what will you do if you can't? What will you do if your kid is taken, and its life is threatened,unless you do whatever is asked of you?"

"That won't happen, I won't let it."

"Of course, because you're so perfect, because you can do it all, right?"

"Kiba I'm warning you stop now," growled Naruto.

"You're wrong this time Naruto, you can't stop the inevitable from happening. If you really want to protect everyone then you'll get rid of it."

"Shit Kiba really?" Said Shikamaru through clenched teeth, but it was too late, what was said couldn't be taken back.

Shikamaru glanced over at Naruto. His heart sank when he saw his friends appearance. His features were sharper and feral looking, his blue eyes were now red.

"Naruto don't," warned Shikamaru, but Naruto didn't listen.

He rushed towards Kiba ready to tear him to shreds. Shikamaru lunged towards Naruto and wrapped his arms around his chest. He closed his eyes and pulled back with all his might but Naruto's strength was no joke. His feet slid across the tiled floor as Naruto dragged him along.

Shikamaru was about to lose his grip when he felt Naruto slowly come to a halt. He opened his eyes and looked to his left and right. There on either side of Naruto were Neji and each had a hold of his arms. Together the three friends used their combined strength to hold Naruto back.

It was still incredibly difficult since Naruto became more enraged that his friends were interfering. Naruto started to flail around, he cursed at his friends, but they simply held on tighter. The young jinchuuriki had enough and with little effort he broke free from their grasps. The three youths crashed into the rest of their friends as Naruto bolted towards Kiba, but he was denied access to him once more when a certain kunoichi blocked his way.

"Naruto-kun please stop!" Cried Hinata as she stood in front of Kiba with her arms out stretched.

"Hinata, move," snarled Naruto.

"No, this entire situation has gotten out of hand. You're both friends, and friends don't say such awful things to each other, let alone fight."

"Hinata is right, you've both had too much to drink."

"Shut up Shino!"

"No Kiba you shut up! You need to back down right now, you're making a damn fool of yourself," snapped Shino.

"No, I'm not leaving here until I settle things with that asshole,"snarled Kiba as her glared at Naruto.

"You need to listen to your teammates and get the hell out of here Kiba!"

"Fuck you Naruto!"

"Why are you being such a dick!?" Snapped Naruto.

"Please Naruto-kun, stop it," pleaded Hinata.

"How can you defend him? What he's done is unforgivable Hinata. Get out of the way!"

"Don't talk to her like that!"

"What, you can hurt my girlfriend, but I can't raise my voice at yours? Oh wait, that's right, she's not your girlfriend because you didn't have the balls to ask her out, now did you Kiba?!"

Kiba was crestfallen, his ears burned from embarrassment. He looked down at Hinata waiting to see her reaction. Her arms were now down by her side's, trembling. She slowly turned around to face him, his heart sank to his stomach when he saw she crying.

"Is that true?"

"..."

"Kiba-kun…"

"Naruto you son of bitch!" Yelled Kiba.

He was enraged, he didn't care how powerful Naruto was, all he wanted to do was make him bleed. He began to push Hinata to the side, when her delicate hand swiftly slapped him across the face. Kiba stopped, he was awestruck. His cheek stung, but that pain was nothing compared to pain of betrayal he felt at that very moment.

"That's enough," sobbed Hinata. "Stop it Kiba-kun, just stop."

Akamaru whimpered desperately at Kiba's side. The large ninken was torn, he had no idea how to help his master. Kiba reached for cheek, he felt the heat from the small handprint on his face. Hinata felt horrible, she looked at her hand, and then back at Kiba who was now backing away from her.

"I'm sorry Kiba-kun, you left me no choice," cried Hinata as she reached for him.

"No you had a choice, and as always, you chose him."

"No it's not like that.."

"Don't lie to me! Everyone here now's you still love him!"

With that said Kiba swiftly made his way out of the kitchen with Akamaru right behind him.

"Kiba-kun, I'm sorry!" Cried Hinata, but her plea went unheard by him, he was gone.

Shino quickly made his way towards Hinata. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder.

"We should follow him."

"Yes, of course," replied Hinata as she dried her tears.

"I can't apologize enough for my idiot of a teammate's actions everyone. Naruto, I'm truly sorry this happened."

Shino quickly made his way out of the house before Naruto could responded. This left Hinata standing alone in front of her friends.

She glanced over at Naruto, but she didn't have the courage to look him in the eyes. Not only was she mortified, but Hinata couldn't bear to look at him in his current state, he was absolutely terrifying. The raven-haired kunoichi respectfully bowed in front of her friends.

"Please forgive me," she whispered and with that said she followed her three teammates into the night.

No one knew what to say, or what to do. Naruto was still incredibly angry, his ragged breathing was all that could be heard in the kitchen. He was fighting desperately for control against the Kyuubi, he clenched his fists as he tried his best not to lose himself.

Suddenly he felt someone grasp his arm, causing him to flinch. He gave a warning glare at the individual at his side only to take it back, it was Sakura. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"It's over Naruto, please calm down."

Naruto took the time to look around him. He could see his three friends rubbing parts of their bodies as they were recovering from their encounter with him. Everyone was looking at him with fear in their eyes. He couldn't believe what he had done, he felt

incredibly reckless. He closed his eyes, calmed his breathing, and pushed the Kyuubi's influence as far back as he could. When his eyes opened they were blue once more.

"Let's go home Sakura," whispered Naruto.

"Okay."

Ino wanted to object but she was quickly stopped by Shikamaru.

"He needs some time to cool off Ino," he whispered.

Ino nodded, she gave a weak smile at Sakura as they left.

"Thank you Ino, I'm sorry you all had to see that. Don't let this ruin the rest of you night, please," said Sakura as she excused herself.

She quickly caught up to Naruto who was already making his way out, and together, they left. Everyone looked around at each other for answers on what had just happened. Suddenly the sound of a book closing was heard and Sai stumbled over to Ino.

"I couldn't find anything like this in my book of party etiquette, is behavior like this normal at parties?"