"I DON'T OWN NARUTO*


Naruto blinked a few times as Karin pulled his face closer towards her. Her burning crimson eyes were locked onto his, and her gaze alone told Naruto that something was definitely wrong.

"Did you hear what I just said Naruto?!"

"Yeah...it's just that I need a little time to get over the effects of being in such a deep meditation. I'm sorry if I'm a little off."

"Well excuse me for being so inconsiderate," spat Karin. She shoved Naruto's face away and crossed her arms in frustration.

"What's gotten into you anyway? I can't believe that things have turned for the worse so fast. I wasn't even gone that long."

"Excuse me, not gone that long? I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news Naruto but you've been sitting here for over two hours!"

"Two hours?"

"Yeah and within that time the entire village has probably been evacuated. Like I said before the evacuation alarms have gone off twice, and I've been freaked out you know."

"You've been freaking out, really?"

"Of course I have you idiot! The atmosphere started to change a few minutes after you left on your cosmic journey, birds stopped chirping, and even the wind stopped blowing."

"It's probably just the energy in the air. Everyone is on edge right now and it makes sense that you'd pick up on that. I mean you're a sensory type after all."

"I guess you're right, but that doesn't mean that what I've been feeling isn't unsettling you know."

"Relax Karin, if it makes you feel any better I have twenty clones spread out across the fire country. None of them have picked up on any trouble yet, but believe me if Sasuke tries anything I'll be the first to know, so don't worry, I got this."

"You actually created that many clones as a precaution?"

"Well I can't take credit for the idea, it was actually a request from the council."

"I see, well I guess that is a little reassuring, but I still can't help but worry."

"I can't stop you from worrying Karin, but believe me when I say that I'm confidant that Konoha is safe."

"Alright Naruto," sighed Karin. "So then why in the world did you keep me waiting for two hours?"

"Oh yeah, well I wanted to see if I could get the assistance of the other Biju's."

"You can actually do that?"

"Apparently I can."

"Well that's interesting to say the least,"said Karin as she looked Naruto up and down.

"Yeah and I got them to help out too. They're going to provide much needed backup for us."

"You're being serious right?"

"Yes I am, why wouldn't I be?"

"Well I don't know Naruto, I mean successfully getting help from beings that have been at war with the shinobi world sounds a little farfetched at the very least," said Karin as she tentatively fixed her glasses.

"I know, but there's one changing factor that made them agree to help."

"And that is?"

"My son, once they found out about him there was no questioning if they'd help out or not. They consider him and myself a part of their family, and they're all about protecting their family."

"I must admit that this is incredible. I didn't know that family bonds were something that they believed in."

"I didn't think so myself, but they are all indeed connected through those bonds, and myself and son are now included in them."

"So how exactly are they going to help?"

"They're protecting the other villages from any potential attacks. See Baa-chan was only able to provide an antidote to Suna and Konoha. I know it sounds bad but Suna was given top priority since they are our biggest allies. Though I'm not sure if Baa-chan is transporting more to the other villages. Either way they haven't received any yet and if Sasuke activates the virus they run the risk of being captured by him. With the Bijuus help I can rest easy knowing that Sasuke just can't waltz over and demolish those villages."

"Wow Naruto you've done good, for once it looks like things are falling into place for Konoha. I bet Tsunade is going to be thrilled to hear some good news. So what's the plan now?"

"Well for starters I need to let Baa-chan know what just happened. I told the Bijuu to be on their best behavior, but the Kage's need to be alerted that they are going to be on our side. If I don't things can go south fast if they attack any of them. After that I'll get you back to the hospital," said Naruto as he reached into his knapsack. Inside was his communicator. He took it out and wrapped it around his neck. He then turned it on and rotated the small dial on the device.

"Who are you contacting?"

"My friend Sai, I'm going to let him know to gather everyone else up and meet us at Hokage tower. He'll be able to fill Baa-chan in on everything, this way I don't waste time explaining. I'm also going to have him pass along this information to the Yamanaka's. They'll be to update my clones on these events."

"I see, Sai's the former Root member, right?"

"The one in the same, he's a really good friend of mine and he's also on my team. I figure I can do this and save ourselves some time."

"That actually is a pretty good idea Naruto," said Karin.

"What can I say I have my moments," replied Naruto.

"So you're going after Sasuke with your team?"

"That's the plan."

"Do you really think you can find him?"

"I really can't answer that in all honesty, but I'm not going to sit around for him to come to me. Besides I know deep down he wants to be found. "Now come on, we need to get back."

Karin was about to follow Naruto when she realized she was forgetting something. She turned around to see various scrolls lying on the ground. At firsts she wanted to take them all back with her, but upon further thinking she realized that they would be probably be confiscated from her. She had however, read several of them and made mental notes. She didn't care if she got heat for it later on. As an Uzumaki it was her god given right to read the scrolls. She quickly picked up the rolled pieces of parchment and placed them back inside the box they were sealed in. She motioned for Naruto's help and together they closed the stone box.

"Promise me something," whispered Kairn.

"What?"

"Promise me that once all of this is over you'll have these ruins restored."

"..."

"Our clan's home was wiped out ages ago and what survivors were left were forced into hiding. I never thought I'd ever see anything as majestic as this place, and that's now, in the condition that it's in, and I can't but imagine how amazing it would be to see it up and running. It warms my heart knowing that this belongs to us, we have a piece of our heritage right here in Konoha. So it's only fitting that it be restored, and since you've taken up being head of the Uzumaki clan now it's your responsibility to make sure it happens."

"How did you know that?"

"What, about you being the clan leader?"

"Yeah."

"Well at one point I was following you ,remember. I had to keep tabs on you, and so I saw you going to clan leader meeting. Besides it's not like there are any other Uzumaki who can take the job now are there."

"..."

"So are you going to answer me?"

"I agree with what you're saying about restoring this place. I know that everything was kept from me because at the time it was for my own protection, but I know who I am now, and there's no more hiding. Now that I know that these ruins are here I'll make sure that it's tended too."

"So you'll do it?"

"Yes."

"Thank you Naruto, now all you need to do is make sure that you survive," teased Karin as she made her way towards Naruto. He picked her up bridal style and together they left the Uzumaki ruins behind.


The way back to Konoha was far more eerie than the trip to the forest of death had been. Karin held onto Naruto as they made their way back towards the village. The air was cool and still, and the empty village gave Karin a sharp chill of fear that coursed through her veins. Even the cold weather felt warmer compared to the bite of frigid fear she felt. Anything that had to do with Sasuke always did this to her. It was a feeling that encompassed her and she couldn't help but feel nauseated and repulsed when she thought about him. She looked up at Naruto who was also looking at the empty buildings. He moved passed the empty hospital building and gingerly ducked beneath some low hanging branches of a tree. He quickly advanced the next few yards with ease. Here he paused and surveyed the area he was in. Like Karin had said the village was indeed empty. All that was left were vacant business and homes. For several minutes Naruto remained motionless. The cool autumn breeze washed over him as he took everything in. Karin was right, Naruto could definitely feel the tension in the air, and it made the fresh air thick and heavy. Naruto did his best to shake the feeling of dread off him and in a few moments time he could see Tsunade and his team on the roof of Hokage tower. He landed next to his friends and he gently set Karin down so that he could approach Tsunade.

"Now before you say anything Baa-chan I want to say that I'm sorry if I caused you any strife with Karin. I made her leave her room at the hospital, but believe me when I say that she refused right away, but I convinced her to leave, so I take full responsibility," said Naruto as he bowed down in front of Tsunade.

Tsunade swifty smack him on the back of his head. Instinctively Naruto covered himself from any other blows. Everyone watching held their breath. Tsunade was a force to be reckoned with, and it didn't help that she had so much on her plate either.

"You're lucky I don't break every bone in your body Naruto," whispered Tsunade through clenched teeth. "I have the entire village evacuated and then out of nowhere Karin is unaccounted for. Do you have any idea what I've been going through because of your actions?!"

Naruto flinched for a few seconds, but he gathered his wits and began his apology.

"I'm really sorry Baa-chan, honestly I am, but I need her."

"..."

"You can't stay mad at me forever, afterall I did solve a major problem."

Tsunade shot Naruto a warning look, but she couldn't hold it for too long. Despite everything he was right, his actions, while insubordinate and annoying, had indeed helped them incredibly and so Tsunade did her best to release her anger.

"Mad is one thing, incredibly annoyed is another" muttered Tsunade. "So then you're sure that the Bijuu will behave?"

"They have orders to be on their best behavior, they shouldn't attack even if they are met with hostility, I trust them. I just want to show them that I can hold my end of things by making sure that they are treated with respect once they show themselves."

"Fair enough, I'll alert the other villages of this development. Lucky for me communicating with them has been fairly easy."

"Are you going to make them antidotes as well?"

"I'm making more yes, but transporting them is another problem. I'll discuss it with the alliance, and the other Kages, so don't you worry about that."

"Alright Baa-chan. Well we all better be leaving. I just need to drop Karin off at the evacuation tunnels."

"I expect all of you to watch out for one another. Sasuke is incredibly dangerous, so listen to everything Naruto says, your lives depend on that. Now hurry up and go, I'll hold down the fort."

"Right,you can also count on all the clones that I have spread out across the fire country. Also don't forget that one of the Biju's will be coming here to protect the village while I'm gone."

"Understood, now get going."

"Yes Baa-chan."

"And Naruto."

"Yeah?"

"Give him hell."


Naruto was followed by his team as they made their way towards the evacuation center. Karin wondered what they looked like. She had never heard of a mountain being used to evacuate a village.

"So you guys go to the evacuate tunnels inside the mountain?"

"Yeah, it's been that way for years now, but it's gotten much needed upgrades."

"How so?"

"After Pain destroyed Konoha Yamato-taicho was put in charge of not just rebuilding a good portion of the village, but also for redesigning the tunnels within the mountain. His wood based jutsus made building new structures incredibly fast and efficient. Thanks to his efforts the accommodations within the mountain have become a vast improvement. The biggest change is the edition of a hospital,and actual housing inside. Patients can now be evacuated to a facility where they can continue getting the care that they need if the village is evacuated, whereas before they would have to stay inside the hospital in the village. It was highly guarded,but it still ran the risk of being infiltrated."

"It would seem that the devastation caused by Pain really made the villages evacuation protocol strive for an upgrade."

"Yeah it's kinda twisted how devastating events can have a positive impact."

Naruto and Karin arrived at the entrance to the evacuation tunnels and there to greet them was Iruka. He sighed heavily when his gaze met Naruto's.

"You know at first I thought Karin went missing on her own accord, but I couldn't help shake off the feeling that you were somehow involved. Then just a few seconds ago I received word from Tsunade-sama over my intercom with an explanation and sure enough my gut feelings about this whole thing was right."

"What can I say Iruka-sensei, you really do know me," said Naruto as he placed Karin onto the ground.

"That's an understatement," replied Iruka as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Now then I'll make sure that Karin makes it back to the hospital personally."

"Thanks Iruka-sensei."

"Well then I guess this is goodbye then," said Karin.

"Goodbyes are depressing, so how about I'll see ya when I see ya."

"God you're such a kid," sighed Karin but she couldn't hide her smile from Naruto.

"So it looks like I'm growing on you."

"Maybe, but I wouldn't read too much into things if I were you."

"I'll keep that in mind then," chuckled Naruto.

Karin removed Naruto's jacket and handed it to him. Without saying anything he took it and put it back on. He was just zipping it back up when Karin hugged him.

"Our clan is far too small to lose it's leader. You have to come back so that you can be reunited with your wife and child. Plus you did make me a promise,and you can't keep it if you die."

"Karin.."

"I'll find Sakura and tell her about everything, and I'll do my best to watch over her, and your son."

"Thanks Karin."

"You're the only person who can stop Sasuke Naruto, don't get yourself killed."

"I won't, like you said I have too much to live for."

"You most certainly do, now go out there and end this madness."

Naruto gave Karin a thumbs up before heading off with his team. She and Iruka watched until they could no longer see them.

"Naruto really is something else," said Karin.

"He really is isn't? There's no one like him."

"I still find it hard to believe that our lives rest in his hands. Had I not spent the time with him that I did today I'd say that I'm crazy for trusting a fool like him."

"Naruto may have his immature tendencies from time to time, but there's no else in this world that I just trust more than him,"said Iruka.


The inside of the evacuation tunnels was buzzing with activity. A combination of both civilians and shinobi were walking around, but most were shinobi who were reporting to their designated areas. There were numerous areas within the mountains walls that needed to be filled so that all the villagers were protected at all times. When new shinobi came back from missions they reported to Tsunade, who would then assign them to a certain duty within the village. If those individuals were appointed to the tunnels then whoever was in charge of the area would give them their assignment, in this case it was Iruka. Konohamaru and Moegi were sent to the evacuation center due to Konohamaru's drive to protect the village that meant so much to his grandfather. He had really matured significantly after Pain attacked, and he had also become a formidable shinobi since then. His chunin status and past experiences with protecting villagers made both him and his team the perfect candidates for being appointed to the evacuation tunnels.

When both Konohamaru and Moegi reported to Iruka he knew exactly where to put them, and that was inside the hospital. There they were put in charge of several genin and other chunin. It was the first time Konohamaru was in charge of others and he couldn't help be feel proud of himself, it was just step closer to beating Naruto so that he could claim the title of Hokage. On top of that being inside the hospital had another advantage, and that was being able to check up on his little cousin from afar. He had learned that the children of fellow shinobi were being taken care of in the hospital waiting room, and so he'd drop in to check on her when he wasn't busy.

Konohamaru casually turned the corner of one of the hospital wings. He slowed down and ever so slightly he looked over so that he could look into the waiting room. Inside his little cousin was playing with two other children. He relaxed when he saw how content she was. A few hours ago she wasn't too happy. Leaving her wasn't as easy as he thought it was going to be. Mirai had cried and cried when Konohamaru attempted to hand her over to one of the tending women. The toddler had clung to his scarf for dear life and for a few tense moments Konohamaru wasn't sure if he was going to be able to leave her there. Thankfully the women there were able to successfully take Miari from him, and they reassured Konohamaru that behavior like this was normal for someone her age. He quietly stayed there for a few more minutes and once he was satisfied he left so he could continue with the tasked he was appointed. He had just started walking down the hallway when someone came from behind him and patted his back.

"Hey I've been looking everywhere for you," said Moeji.

"Sorry, I was just checking in on Miari."

"Awe well look at you being such a good big cousin," teased Moegi.

"Yeah yeah, so whats up? Is everything ok?" Asked Konohamaru as Moeji made her way next to him.

"Yeah everything's good on my end, I just finished my rounds with some patients, but everyone is stable, so the head nurse said I could go ahead and leave. I decided to check in on the genin that are watching over the elderly in the northern part of the hospital, and everything seems to be in check."

"Awesome," smirked Konohamaru as he placed both his arms behind his head. "It's our first time being in charge and so far things are going smoothing. It feels pretty cool doesn't it?"

"It does," giggled Moegi."

"Yeah it's pretty sweet if I do say so myself. Our teams really moving on up."

"Speaking of our team I found out where Udon is."

"You don't say, so where is the slacker?"

"He's here in the hospital with his mother. It looks like she caught what he has so they were both admitted."

"You see I told you it was her cooking."

"Or it's just a stomach virus that she caught from watching over her son you big goof."

"Yeah exactly, bad cooking."

"Shut up Konohamaru," giggled Moegi.

She playfully shoved him away from her, but he was expecting it so she failed in moving him that far from her side.

"So you don't mind if I hang with you so that we can patrol together?"

"Sure I don't see the harm in that. You said everything is good on your end and we have our communicators so if anyone needs us they can contact us."

"Good point, I guess I'm not thinking straight."

"Why would you say that? Are you alright?"

"Yes of course I am, I mean why wouldn't I be?"

"You call that lying," laughed Konohamaru "You've always been horrible at it Moegi, now come on what's bothering you?"

"Oh alright, I have a confession to make, but you can't tell anyone Konohamaru, it's embarrassing."

Konohamaru slowed his pace and looked over at his friend who was now fidgeting with her fingers.

"Now you got my attention, so what's on your mind?"

"You swear you won't say anything?"

"Geez Moegi have a little faith in me will ya."

"I mean it Konohamaru, you have to swear."

"Alright calm down, I swear I won't say anything."

"Okay here goes…I'm scared out of my mind...there I said it!"

Moegi's confession of sorts made Konohamaru stopped dead in his track.

"Is that all?!" Blurted Konohamaru. "Man you had me thinking there was something wrong with you or something."

"Konohamaru you big jerk!" Snapped Moegi. She swiftly punched him in the arm with some force and then stormed off to a bench that wasn't too far. She heatedly seated herself and crossed her arms. She then gave Konohamaru a glare and turned her body away from him.

"What the hell Moegi," complained Konohamaru as he rubbed his arm. "That actually kinda hurt."

"You're lucky I didn't break or arm," muttered Moegi.

"Hey look I didn't mean to get you mad," said Konohamaru as he sat down next her.

"..."

"Come on Moegi at least look at me."

Moegi quickly turned around to face Konohamaru. Her face was flushed and her eyes were watery.

"You can be such a jerk sometimes Konohamaru!"

"I said I was sorry didn't I?"

"The damage is already done, and do you even know why you're apologizing?"

"I was.."

"Don't say you're sorry if you have no idea why you're apologizing."

"God Moegi what do you want me say? I thought I was apologizing because you took my comment as me being insensitive, that's usually what you tell me when I upset you."

"..."

"I'm sorry, but honestly I thought you were going to tell me something else. Being scared isn't what I consider something embarrassing let alone a confession, especially from you. I mean I just don't get that vibe from you, that's all."

"That's why this was a confession Konohamaru."

"Moegi, have a little faith in yourself. We'll be able to take whatever is thrown at us."

"I know, it's just that I can't help but remember when we were in these tunnels hiding when Suna and Orochimaru attacked. It's still brings chills when I think about it."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well we were so young back then, and we weren't able to do anything to protect ourselves, let alone others. I remember being so scared, but the older shinobi watching over us made me feel safe. Now we're the ones others are looking to for protection, and it just feels a little odd. I don't want to disappoint them, let alone fail."

"I guess I never thought about things that way. I just remember being pissed that I wasn't strong enough to help. Back then I thought being a great shinobi was all about being in the front lines, but I was wrong, I came to that realization when Akatsuki attacked. I learned that day that staying home and protecting everyone is just as important as being in the fray."

"I was terrified back then too. My fear makes me question if I should even be a kunoichi at all."

"Fear isn't a weakness Moegi, it's a drive, it's what motivates us to no end. It's what insures us to accomplish our missions because we have that fear of failure in the back of our minds, and we strive to prove that fear wrong. In other words, you can't have courage without fear."

"Konohamaru…"

"So don't sweat it, we'll be fine."

"Thank you," whispered Moegi as she wiped some tears off her face.

Konohamaru stood up and offered Moegi his hand for some help. She took it and together they started walking once again. There was brief moment of silence between them, but Konohamaru couldn't stay quiet for too long and within a few minutes the two friends were chatting once again as they walked the halls of the hospital. They passed fellow chunins as the continued walking through the corridors and in no time they were reaching the last section of the hospital, the maternity wing. They continued talking when they ran into two familiar people, Sakura and Ino.

"Oh my gosh Sakura-san!"

"Oh, hello Moegi, Konohamaru."

"Yo," replied Konohamaru as he nodded at both Sakura and Ino.

"Did you have your baby?"

"I sure did Moegi."

"Oh my goodness, did everything go alright?"

"I'm very pleased to say yes, Naruto and I were blessed with a healthy baby boy."

"Oh wow congratulations! I just adore babies!" Squealed Moegi.

"Would you two like to meet him? Ino was just helping me walk a little bit, but I'm ready to go back to my room now."

"Oh Sakura-san that would be so awesome!"

"I figured you like that," laughed Sakura.

"This is great, we couldn't have bumped into you guys at a better time," said Ino.

"Why, what's up?" Asked Konohamaru.

"Well I'd love to continue keeping Sakura company, but I can't. I need to check on Shikamaru, and afterwards I need to report to Tsunade-sama so I can see where she wants me. It would be great if you two could take my place."

"Of course we can.. Konohamaru and I are assigned to the hospital anyway. I'm sure we can afford to spend some extra time here, that or we can take turns staying with Sakura-san."

"Thank you Moegi," said Sakura. "I really appreciate the company, now come on let's get going."

Sakura and company slowly made their way towards Sakura's room, which wasn't too far from where they had met. The room was dimly lite, the main source of light was from a small lamp that was fitted to the wall. Sakura had complained of sensitivity to light so the room was darkened to make her more comfortable. Everyone walked inside and in an instant the women focused on Sakura's mother, who was holding the baby. Konohamaru on the other hand couldn't help but stop midway into the room. He could sense that they were being watched. He quickly surveyed the room and within seconds he saw what had grabbed his attention. There in the darkest corner of the room were two silhouettes, and even though he couldn't make out their features he knew exactly who they were, ANBU agents. They looked everyone over but neither of them moved, nor spoke. It was then that Konohamaru realized that whatever was going on was serious, especially if Sakura had ANBU agents in her room. Konohamaru couldn't help but gup nervously, from that moment on he knew he needed to be on guard at all times.

"He's so tiny and adorable," whispered Moegi as she looked at Kaito.

"Would you like to hold him?" Asked Hanako.

"Really?"

"Of course," said Sakura as Ino helped her into bed. "I'm sure my mom needs a little break."

"It's hard to leave this little man, but I do need a quick break. I need to find out where your grandmother, aunt, and uncle are. They were never able to make it to the hospital because of the evacuation. I'm going to see if I can find where they are."

"I better be heading out too," said Ino. "Take it easy Sakura, there's no need to stress."

"I'll do my best Ino, and you do the same."

"You can definitely count on that," replied Ino as she winked at Sakura.

"Just be careful you two."

"We'll be fine Sakura," said Ino.

"And I'll be back sooner than you," said Hanako.

"Alright Ino, and I'll see you soon mom."

Hanako stood up from her chair and carefully handed her grandson over to Moegi. She showed the young kunoichi how to hold the tiny infant and after a few adjustment she left Moegi in baby bliss. Then she and Ino walked out of the room together. Moegi gently pulled off the blanket that covered Kaito's head and she awed softly when she saw that his hair was blonde like his fathers.

"Konohamaru just look at him, he's a little bundle of perfection," cooed Moegi "What did you name him Sakura-san?"

"Kaito."

"Kaito you really are a cutie," whispered Moegi as he she stroked his silky hair.

Konohamaru had been keeping his distance, but he slowly walked over to Moegi so that he could see Kaito for himself. He looked over her shoulder and he was quickly amazed at how much the little infant looked like Naruto.

"Wow, he looks just like Naruto nii-chan."

"He does, he's like a mini clone of him," replied Moegi.

"Yup that little man is indeed a perfect carbon copy of his father," said Sakura as she tried to make herself comfortable in bed. "Speaking of which have either of you seen him?"

Both Konohamaru and Moegi looked at one another before they answered Sakura.

"I'm sorry Sakura-san but we haven't."

"I tried looking for him early this morning but I found no trace of him, just rumors from villagers that lived closed to his apartment building," added Konohamaru.

Sakura sighed heavily, she knew it was a long shot, but she couldn't help but feel disappointed that neither of them had heard or seen Naruto.

"When was the last time you saw him Sakura?"

"Right after I delivered Kaito Konohamaru. He was here for the birth and he stayed for a little bit, but he left soon afterwards. He actually waited for me to fall asleep before he took off. I know he does that so that I won't worry, but in all honesty I've been a bundle of nerves even when he was here."

"So you have no clue where he went?"

"No, all Ino was able to tell me is that he came back to the room so that he could check in on us and to get dressed, once he did he left."

"That's odd," said Moegi.

"No not really, that's typical Naruto Nii-chan behavior. You know he doesn't wait to act. Knowing him he's probably on the move."

"You really do know Naruto," said Sakura.

She was about to say something else when a sharp pain took her breath away. She clenched teeth, her pain medication was beginning to wear off.

"Is everything alright Sakura-san? Do you need me to get you anything?"

"Yes actually Moegi I do need something. The spinal anesthesia that I received is beginning to wear off. I need to start taking my oral pain medication. If you look at my chart the name of the medication and dosage is there. I'd really appreciate it if you can get that for me."

"Of course I can I do that for you," replied Moegi. "Here Konohamaru you can hold Kaito until I get back."

"Wait what?"

Before Konohamaru could argue he was handed the infant and was given the same instructions Hanako had given Moegi.

"Just keep his head supported and you'll be fine," said Moegi.

She walked over to Sakura's bed and retrieved her medical chart. She flipped through the pages and once she saw what she needed she left the room and made her way towards the pharmacy. Konohamaru sighed, for some reason today was his day to be around children, and everyone who knew him knew that kids weren't his forte. They always made his feel nervous, and he wasn't one for voluntarily putting himself in such a position. Konohamaru looked down Kaito again and relaxed once he noticed that he was fast asleep. Despite being in pain Sakura couldn't help but smile when she saw Konohamaru looking her son over.

"Just think Konohamaru, you're probably holding your future student."

"You think so?"

"Of course, by the time he's in the academy you'll be old enough to have a team of your very own. Instructors might not tell students, but sensei's do indeed have a say on who gets assigned to their teams, and I'm pretty sure that you'd love to train him."

"You bet I would," replied Konohamaru. "Naruto nii-chan's never been my official sensei, but he's always taught me what he knows whenever he's had the chance, and that's come in handy," said Konohamaru as he thought back to his own battle with one of the six paths of pain. If it hadn't been for Naruto teaching him the Rasengan, Konohamaru would have lost not just Ebisu's sensei's life, but his own as well.

"Just you wait kiddo with training from your dad and myself you'll be unstoppable," said Konohamaru as he spoke to Kaito.

"I'm sure he will be," said Sakura.

A sudden movement to her left caught her attention; it was the Anbu agents. In an instant they were at the entrance of room blocking the way in.

"What in the world is going on?" Asked Sakura.

"It looks like someone is trying to get in," said Konohamaru.

He quickly made his way to Sakura and gently handed over Kaito. He then positioned himself in front of Sakura's bed with Kunai in hand.

Sakura listened intently and sure enough she could make out what sounded like a woman's voice arguing with the Anbu members. Sakura tried to get a better look and for just an instant she saw a woman with striking red hair outside her room.

"Karin?"

"You see did you hear that, she's expecting me you idiots!" Snapped the voice from outside.

One of the agents moved out of the way and approached Sakura.

"Are you indeed waiting for Uzumaki Karin?"

"Yes?"

"She has been listed as a fugitive."

"She really can't be considered one if she's here in the room now can she."

"I highly urge you to think this over."

"Contact Tsunade-sama, I'm sure she'll set things straight. In the meantime let her in, I want to speak to her."

"As you wish."

The Anbu agent nodded at his partner who stepped aside. He then pressed his communicator so that he could talk to Tsunade. Karin waltz in and made her way towards Sakura's bed.

"Are you sure about this?" Asked Konohamaru.

"Yes, it's okay."

Konohamaru brought down his Kunai, but he still held onto it tightly. There was no way he was letting his guard down.

"Sorry for barging in like this, but you and I have a lot to talk about Sakura."