Naruto found herself looking over the valley. "So this is where Konoha will be built. No wonder it feels like home," She grinned when the fireflies came up to greet her. Glancing over the valley, her mind overlapped the Konoha she knew with the forest. It was wonderful and she knew where she was standing. This was to be the Hokage monument. Looking down at the cliff face, her heart knew this was the place for the Yondaime Hokage. She felt her heart filled with warmth and took in a deep breath, "Aaaaaahhhhhh!" She yelled with her arms thrown up in victory. She felt good. Better than she had in days now that she knew. Naruto knew it would be hard to keep the truth from her friend but she also didn't want to hurt the precious people that she knew by ruining their future.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto placed one foot off the edge and then plummeted down the side of the mountain face. She felt the wind whip at her face as the cold night cut at her cheeks but she felt exhilarated. Arms wide like a bird, Naruto took everything in. The betrayal of her sensei. The harrowing news about being a jinchuriki. The unbelievable truth about her dreams. Naruto took it all in as she got closer to the ground. Grinning, Naruto flipped herself around and channelled chakra to her hands and feet and gripped onto the mountain face to slow her descent. She couldn't feel the rough surface dig into her hand but it was the only thing she could touch in this world. The earth. Her descent slowed down until she found it safe enough to jump down the rest of the way to the ground.

Naruto felt as light as ever as she took off into the thick forest. Although knowing that she didn't need to dodge the trees, she wove around them expertly and flipped over and around any obstacles. Her body pumped furiously and she loved the feeling. The feeling of excitement and the unknown. She slid her body under a fallen trunk before flipping back onto her feet and took off again. Naruto stopped her run once she knew she was at the heart of Konoha. Taking in a deep breath, she could smell the warmth of the forest and felt at utter peace. She couldn't feel anyone's negative emotions and she could breathe freely. Naruto's ears twitched as she heard rustling and sent chakra to her ears. Picking up the light breathing and treading of feet. Naruto turned just in time as Tobirama burst through the forest before her. She recognised the panic in his eyes as he scanned her to make sure she was alright. He looked dishevelled and worried.

"You. Idiot!" Tobirama yelled at the blonde, marching up at her. Momentarily forgetting that he couldn't touch her as he tried to throttle her. "Why did you yell?! Better yet, why the hell did you throw yourself off a cliff?! Are you a madman?! Do you have a death wish?!"

"Tobi!" Naruto shouted, cutting him off from his ranting. "I'm fine," She spread her arms wide and spun around so he could see that nothing was wrong. "I was just letting off some steam."

Tobirama wanted to pull at his hair at her ridiculousness. Though he held his tongue once he saw the sparkle in her eyes. The same sparkle she had before her sensei had betrayed her village. He opted to sigh, "Let's get out of here. It's not safe down here."

"It's fine," Naruto quipped, "There's nobody here." She saw his annoyance and slipped into the forestry. Making her way through the forest until she entered the area she knew to be the future red light district - her home. Despite all the distasteful rumours, Naruto loved where she lived. The street women were always kind to her and chased off those that wanted to harm her. They had even given her the traumatising sex and period talk. "Y'know, I've always respected prostitutes. It's easy to not acknowledge them because of their job but y'know a person has to do what they have to do to live. Even if it means selling their bodies. They're the smartest people I know and they know the signs of a dangerous person. They also know a whole lot of things since nobody likes to look at them."

Tobi kept quiet as he followed the blonde. He didn't particularly like the women of the night and debating with Naruto was more draining than anything else.

"Kinda like shinobi," Naruto paused near a small sapling. Squatting down, Naruto knew that this would be the tree that was right outside her apartment. She just knew it in her gut. "They get paid to do assassinations. Their bodies were used and abused by the paying client. They also know the signs of a dangerous person." She wrinkled her nose. Naruto felt like she sounded like the old man.

Tobirama found light in her words but he still didn't budge from his own opinion on them. "Why are you telling me this?"

Naruto shrugged as she stood, "Dunno. You won't understand cause you come from a noble family. Talking to those less fortunate than you really opens your eyes, dattebayo."

It was times like this that Tobirama saw Naruto as a much older figure. Not a loud mouth blonde. "Did you leave my room?"

Naruto bit the inside of her cheek, recalling the feeling of the trio of girls. "Yeah, so what of it? I had to go somewhere."

"Somewhere?" Tobirama frowned, "Where is there to go for you? You don't live in the Fire Country."

Naruto looked away, "There was a place I saw a few times came here and went exploring. You were out on missions back then so I had nothing to do."

He accepted her answer for now. It was plausible. "Did you go around on my clan grounds?" he said firmly, making her face him fully. She was nervous when he folded his arms. "Did you?"

"I swear I was just going to go to the wall," Naruto quickly said.

"But?"

"But I heard people laughing and I could feel their emotions. It was so potent, Tobi, so I went to have a look." Naruto explained, shivering as the feeling resurfaced, "It was so dark. Greed. Bad ambition."

"Who? Describe them." He ordered though he knew who she was talking about.

Naruto's eyes widened, "W-well, three girls. I think your age. A-ahh they were wearing fancy kimonos and were really pretty actually," She flushed when she recalled the image of the cruel girl in purple, "I didn't hear much, I swear. I couldn't be around them long after what they said. They're bad people, Tobi, I know they are."

Tobirama sighed, "Naruto, those three women are daughters of nobles. Calling them bad with no evidence is unjust. They have been staying at the estate for a month and not once have they shown an ounce of bad deeds."

Naruto felt her heart clench, "W-why? I know what I sensed. They're bad people, Tobi. Especially that girl that wore purple. Kakashi-sensei says people like her are gold diggers."

"You can't just say that because of your sensory abilities, Naruto. Are you sure you're not confusing what you felt? There have been times you have determined emotions wrong." Tobirama pointed out, "Besides, it's been a month since your last visit. Although I'm not entirely sure why they are staying with us. Father has been having several meetings with the noblemen."

Naruto felt her heart get tighter. She was in shock. "Why?" She whispered with a slight crack in her voice.

"Why?" Tobirama arched a brow, "What do you mean why? Why what?"

"Why are you defending her?" Naruto hesitantly whispered, gripping onto the side of her sleep shirt tightly. She knew that she was shaking but she couldn't understand. They had been friends for years yet he wasn't listening to her. He was defending somebody else. Hearing her first friend defend the noble girl made her heart clench and she felt her throat close up.

"I am simply saying what I have observed in my time getting to know her. She is an elegant woman worthy of her status," Tobirama sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why must you get so worked up over this?"

Naruto felt something snap within her, "Because I'm your friend, dattebayo!" She yelled at him furiously. It was the first time she had ever blown up at him and by the shock on his face, he was surprised. "Friends are supposed to keep friends away from bad people, dattebayo! She's not elegant! She only cares about money and that you're from a good clan! She doesn't care about you!"

"Don't be ridiculous. Lady Kara would do no such thing," Tobirama sniffed, he couldn't understand why he was feeling frustrated at the blonde but the more she barked at him the more irritated he got. "You're being unreasonable and rude."

"Rude?" Naruto furrowed her brow, "Rude! Then you're the biggest idiot I've ever met! Those meetings are to arrange a marriage between you and that bitch!"

"Naruto!" Tobirama raised his voice and made her flinch, "That is enough. Arranged marriages are common in noble clans and Lady Kara will understandably be a welcomed addition. Stop being so jealous."

"Jealous," Naruto whispered the words to herself. She hugged her body tightly, not looking up at the teenager as her mind raced. "Y'know, the reason I couldn't stand being around her wasn't because of her dark emotions. It was the way she talked about Itama-chan. She was supposed to marry him and she laughed about his death. Even if she did marry him, she planned to kill him and they all laughed. How can someone joke about killing a child? – I thought. How can somebody joke about a dead man? – I thought. Go ahead and call me jealous and rude all you want. I just wanted to protect you because this is the only way I know how to. I can't protect you like your family can. So what if I'm still a child, I know that friends are meant to look out for each other." Naruto cleared her throat and took a step back, "I have to go but I wish you a happy marriage with Lady Kara, Tobi." she glanced up at him before she dashed as fast as she could away from him. So fast that he couldn't follow her.

Ignoring the call of her name, Naruto didn't stop running till she came across Kurama's home and launched herself towards the beast. Fat tears rolled down her cheeks as she cried her heart out on the Kyuubi's paw. She was thankful at that moment to the Gods for allowing her to touch the beast and to be comforted by his warm breath.

Diary entrance:

I confronted Lady Kara's entourage as soon as I returned home. They easily caved and let me know in detail of Lady Kara's vile personality. I'm such a fool. Of course, I should've trusted Naruto. Not once has she given me a reason to believe that she was using me or leading down a bad path. I've told father of my findings and the marriage has been dissolved. As far as I know, they have been banned from ever setting foot in Senju territory. However….

…. I've hurt her. I broke my own promise. I know I made her cry. I would be a further idiot to deny my actions. When she returns, I will apologise to her and do what is necessary to gain her forgiveness. If she forgives me, that is. Some friend I am. I couldn't even keep my promise.

Diary Entrance:

I've barely had time to sit down and write. How long has it been? two, maybe three, years since I've last seen her. The fighting has gotten more ridiculous but Anii-chan says it will end soon. I believe him. I know Naruto comes but she continues to ignore me. I can never catch up to her in time. This is ridiculous. I'll train harder to become the fastest ever. I will catch her and apologise profusely. That idiot has me worried.

How much has she grown? I hope that she has been taking care of herself.

XXXX

Hiruzen sighed as he put down the diary. Just in time as Naruto entered the room with a cheeky grin. It had been a weekly ritual of sorts and they both enjoyed the company. "Naruto," He said sternly as he poured her a cup of tea, "It's been three months since you've talked to Tobirama-sensei. You can't avoid him forever. In his time, he was the fastest person in all of the elemental nations. He will catch up to you rather soon. I wouldn't be surprised if he's currently the fastest man in the Fire Country."

Naruto pouted, "But Jiji, he's my first friend and..." She sighed and looked off to the side, sadly. She was still hurt by Tobirama's behaviour. Naruto wondered how he was doing and if he was okay, but she couldn't bring herself to face him when she could hear him calling her name.

Hiruzen placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder, "It's okay to have these feelings, Naruto. Although I can't understand what it feels like but don't you miss talking to him? You two are close friends. Probably closer than you are with Shikamaru and Choji." He was her biggest supporter and the two kept what was happening between themselves. He even knew her companionship with the Kyuubi. Although he still didn't approve of their companionship, the way Naruto spoke about the Kyuubi made him at least acknowledge that the beast would take care of Naruto when she went to the past.

Naruto narrowed her eyes at the old man, "So what if I do. He might get mad at me cause I've been avoiding him. I don't even know how long it has been for him. Tobi usually tells me."

"Oh, so you admit that you're stupid," Hiruzen arched a teasing brow. Biting the inside of his cheek at her reaction. He knew there'd be a large age gap between the two when they meet next but he always refused to let the girl know about any details he read in Tobirama's diaries. For now, Hiruzen knew that his sensei was worried and resentful. Outside of his family, Naruto was Tobirama's first friend and by not being bonded by blood it didn't erase the tension between the two.

"It was one time, old man! One time!" She scowled, "I learnt my lesson alright. I'll always come to you when I make a new seal."

"I know you will. It just feels good to gloat," He joked, "However, now that you're progressing well in fuinjutsu, I don't want you to abandon your other areas of study. I'm happy that you've taken an interest in the art but a shinobi must also hone their basic skills and be well rounded."

Naruto listened intently to the old man. She knew that with her relationship with the Hokage that she was getting more than what her peers would be learning. She didn't want to take his words for granted and tried her best to listen to his advice. Of course, there were plenty of times she ignored him and both of them having a yelling match at times.

Hiruzen beamed at the growth of his beloved child. She was no doubt the light in his life, especially when his wife passed away in the attack.

"Y'know, when you said that Tobirama was the fastest man alive, were you being foreboding?" She prodded.

"I can't say," he said offhandedly. Holding back his grin when a crack appeared in her cup due to the pressure she used.

"Damn it, you old fool! Let me read those damn diaries! You've been reading and giggling over them more than your pervy books!" Naruto stood up and pointed at him heatedly. "You've already read them a million times!"

"Heh and where's the fun in that. Not happening, brat." He flicked her nose, making her yelp and clutch it like a wet kitten.

"Just you watch, Jiji, when I get that hat I'll read all of it. Even your diaries!" She threatened.

"Good then you can read about all the shit I've talked about you in it," He laughed when she launched herself at him. He easily got up and sidestepped her. "Oh is that the best you can do, Godaime-sama," He teased, continuing to laugh as she chased him around his office. He would always cherish these moments with Naruto and he knew she would too.

XXXX

Naruto looked around the familiar forest and the accompanying river bed and groaned, "I swear I had this down. I was supposed to wake up at the temple!" Naruto shook her fist to the full moon before sighing. Running her fingers through her loose hair, she dreaded the long walk to visit Kurama. "Better start now or I'll never make it before I wake up," she muttered to herself and crossed the river. Naruto felt Kurama's soothing chakra make its way through her body, not harming her but keeping her calm. Making it past the river, Naruto reached the edge of the clearing and leapt back in surprise as she was shocked. "What the–" Naruto mumbled and tried walking forward again, only to hiss as she was mildly electrocuted. "What. The. Fuck!" She huffed and gathered chakra in her hand and touched the invisible wall that was stopping her. Ignoring the jolting pain, Naruto's eyes scanned the large barrier that trapped her within the clearing and the twelve points of paper seals that held the barrier in place. Naruto felt herself start to panic, she was trapped.

Naruto rushed to the nearest seal and scanned the fuinjutsu diligently. "No no no no that's not possible," She hissed to herself as she recognised the stabilizer seal being fortified by several raiton seals. Her trained eyes easily picked up the underlying katon seal under the raiton and cursed. "Of course he would find out. He's smarter than you, Naruto," She scolded herself and palmed her forehead. "Calm down, you've got this. Simple, just break down the seal and then be on my way. Haha simple," She joked lightly to herself as she channelled chakra to her fingertip and began decoding the seal as efficiently and quickly as possible into the dirt. "Shit, it's powered more with spiritual chakra than physical. A tough one but I think I can overwrite it. Just...a few...more…" Naruto growled as she tried to keep her hand still as she wrote. Her hands were already cramped from helping the old man with his paperwork. Naruto's eyes widened when her work was washed away with water and screamed, "Ahh my seal!" Whirling around on her heels, Naruto held up a single hand sign and took in a deep breath. Blowing a powerful gust of wind at the bastard that sealed her within the clearing. Seeing the bastard fly out of the barrier and slam into the tree made Naruto smirk. However, she paled a second later when a large torrent of water was sent her way and not being able to move far in the barrier, she was washed up against the barrier. Being suffocated by the water and electrocuted by the barrier. "Ah!"

Naruto wheezed due to the powerful suiton jutsu. Getting up on her hands and knees, Naruto glared up at the bastard, "You've locked me up, bastard," Although soaking wet and jumpy, Naruto smirked at his ruffled appearance. Sighing, Naruto sat up and leaned back on her forearms, "How did you figure it out? That I'm able to use chakra."

Tobirama sighed and sat down next to her. "Every time I tried catching up to you, I noticed signs that you were using chakra and leaving marks on the earth." He commented, raking his eyes over her body. She hadn't aged as much as he thought she would. However, Tobirama noticed that she was starting to grow into the body of a woman. "You have no physical body so it was the only theory that you're drawing upon spiritual chakra. I've read up on ghosts and phantoms and there is a rumour circulating in the spiritual community that one way to trap spirits with an element with a high frequency, raiton. I had the seal altered to alert me should–" Tobirama paused, sighing as he ran his fingers through his shaggy hair, "That's not why I set up the barrier. I sincerely apologise, Naruto. I had no intentions of hurting you the way I did. It was foolish of me to treat you the way I did and I swear I won't do it ever again. Shit, I'm sorry, Naruto."

Naruto's eyes widened hearing the future Nidaime swear. She could feel his anguish and anger. Yet the anger wasn't directed at her, it was towards himself. "I...ah–" For the first time in her life, Naruto was speechless. "Why twelve points?" She asked instead.

Tobirama snorted at her weak acceptance of his apology. He knew moments like this made her feel awkward. "Aren't you mad at me for trapping you in here? It was the only way I knew how to talk to you without having you run off."

Naruto shrugged, "You would've caught me sooner or later. You're really fast, dattebayo," The blonde leapt to her feet and went back to the seal. Examining it leisurely now that she was caught by the one person she was afraid to meet. Their meeting went better than she expected.

Tobirama stood, seeing her eyes widen as he towered over her. "Also, twelve so it would slow down your escape. I can never be too careful when it comes to you. The only people I've seen with such a talent live far from here," He said and approached her, seeing her mouth drop. He frowned at her reaction, "What is it?"

"What?" Naruto gaped before throwing her arms wide, "I'm barely even half your size, Tobi! I even had a growth spurt last summer. I ate vegetables, fruits, protein," Naruto listed off on her fingers, "that nasty ass green stuff and more!" She shook her fist at him, "Damn you, Tobi."

Tobirama just smirked, "It does help that I'm seventeen now, Naruto. A brat like you can't keep up." He chuckled when she pouted, turning her head away from him. She saw her eyes shimmer in excitement as she looked over the seal again. Tobirama would always be amazed by Mito's creation when he offered her his idea and within two weeks she had a seal for him. He also respected the woman for not prying. "Friends?"

Naruto cast him a quick glance, "We will always be friends. I'm sorry that I yelled at you like that. I was really hurt when you were defending her.." She frowned as she traced the seal with her eyes, "I'm almost twelve, by the way, next month. Anyway, looking at this seal I know it's not yours. I can't figure it out but whoever made this left their chakra signature tied to it. It's small but it is there."

Tobirama stood beside Naruto and felt around. Sure enough, he could feel faint traces of Mito's chakra. He would have to let her know. Tobirama knew his fair share of fuinjutsu but nothing complex like his brother and his betrothed. He looked down at Naruto and saw the intensity in her eyes. It reminded him of Mito or any Uzumaki when it came to fuinjutsu. He filed his observation away for later when he saw her grin mischievously, "What is it?"

Naruto looked up to Tobirama smugly, "This," Naruto held up a hand, gathering chakra and placed her hand over the seal. Holding up her other hand in a single seal, Naruto concentrated and flared her chakra.

Tobirama gaped as he saw the barrier fall as the other eleven seals disintegrated. He stared down at Naruto in fascination. She had just broken one of Mito's seals within minutes. "How?" He asked curiously as she ran out into the open with laughter. Tobirama rolled his eyes and chased after her, knowing exactly where she was heading.

"I'm still no good," Naruto said over her shoulder with a large grin, "But Jiji says that in a few years I could be a fuinjutsu master. Jiji taught me all he knew so I've been experimenting on my own with supervision." Naruto laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head, "I accidentally blew up an entire training ground trying to make a concentrated paper bomb. Maaan Jiji got so angry at me and even Kakashi-sensei chewed my ear out." Landing near the cliff of the monument, Naruto took in the familiar sight. Having spent the dream time with the Kyuubi of the past, Naruto didn't dare to visit this place in case Tobirama found her. "Jiji says he'll have another teacher for me but it'll be a long time before he can come since he travels everywhere." Naruto looked up at Tobirama and found him looking at her, "What?"

Tobirama shook his head, "It's been three years since I last saw you. I feel like you'll disappear at any minute if I'm not watching you."

"Oh," Naruto looked off to the side with a pang in her heart. This was the feeling that Kurama had warned her about, "Well, we live far apart. I can't keep sleeping to visit you, y'know. I mean, I like seeing you and all but…" She huffed, not knowing how to explain herself.

Tobirama looked at Naruto fondly. Although she couldn't hold his gaze, he knew she was just as worried as he was. One day, one of them would die and they wouldn't know until they died themselves. "I understand, don't get so flustered." He commented and sat down at the edge. He didn't move when she joined him, sitting closer than what he was used to but this was Naruto. A young lady that didn't follow the rules and traditions. Them being alone like this was scandalous enough if others could see her. "Where are you?" He asked her boldly.

Naruto hummed, listening to the swaying trees. She pointed in the direction of where her apartment would be built, "I'm far away. Where I am there is no war and the children can still laugh. How's the fighting on your end?"

Tobirama stared off in the distance of where she pointed. It was in the direction of Uzushiogakure but it wasn't certain. He couldn't sense the full scope of her chakra except that it was warm. She was talented in fuinjutsu and by the use of her fuuton, she was skilled in ninjutsu. It wasn't enough. "We're in the heat of war by now. I estimate another three or four years before the war is finally over and we can rest. Many have fallen, from both sides." He let out a tired sigh.

Naruto felt conflicted before asking, "How are you doing?"

Tobirama glanced over at her, seeing the concern clear on her face. He was stunned that she actually asked him instead of hesitating as usual. "I'm okay. How are you?"

"That's not what I mean," The blonde huffed, she pointed to his heart and asked again, "How are you doing?"

The Senju was about to rebuff her question but the hard look in her eyes made him reconsider. She was far younger than him but he knew that look. She wasn't going to let it go until he answered appropriately. He sighed, "As well as one can be during war. Exhausted. Tired of all the fighting. All the planning. Constantly watching our backs. One cannot relax for too long around here."

"That sucks," Naruto said after a while, making Tobirama snort in agreement. "It'll get better one day, dattebayo, I just know it."

Tobirama stared at her blankly, "How can you say that so easily? War and death is not as straightforward as you think–"

"I believe in you," Naruto cut him off, returning her gaze to the valley below. It was odd to see the same view but without the lights of the buildings yet it was still mesmerising. "I also believe in your brother,"

"You don't know him." Tobirama pointed out. Unsure where her confidence came from. Even he had doubts about the war.

"True, but I know you and I believe in you, Tobi. You believe in your brother, so I believe in him too." Naruto insisted as she heard the owls coo. She swung her legs over the edge happily as she let the pride fill her, knowing that this place would soon be her home. "I just know it," She whispered, already hearing the sounds of a bustling street as children ran around laughing and the old women gathered in a circle gossiping.

Tobirama saw the soft smile on her lips at the sparkle in her eyes. He felt an uncomfortable thud in his chest at the sight. Her confidence astounded him that he let out a little chuckle and said "You've come far from when we first met," He saw her tense, "It's a compliment," he cleared up, seeing her fidget under his gaze as she glanced over to him. "Did I say something to offend you?"

"A-ah, I'm just not used to them," Naruto muttered as her cheeks darkened, "I don't think I ever will be."

Tobirama filed that away along with everything mysterious about her. The women he knew basked under praise and acknowledgement. Naruto was humble or perhaps awkward. "Naruto," He caught her dark blue gaze and held it, "Are you okay?" He asked softly, seeing the way her eyes softened and her lip curling just slightly. She was touched by his concern but now it was his turn.

"I won't be okay for a long time," Naruto answered Tobirama honestly. She knew she didn't need to explain what she was talking about as his reassuring nod let her know everything she needed to. She never sought help after Itachi left and she never brought it up. It was locked in her heart but Naruto trusted Tobirama. He was her first friend and he would never intentionally hurt her. "It's a long rant," She warned, turning her body to face him.

"I've been waiting for three years. I have mastered patience with you."

Although his voice was void, Naruto laughed at his joke. "Thanks. It might sound silly but I want to believe in Itachi-sensei," She heard Tobirama's breath hitch and was grateful that he didn't say anything, "I want to find him and ask him why he did it. I don't believe that he went crazy with power. I know him well, I'd like to think that I know him." Naruto pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them, "Itachi...I see him as my best friend, dattebayo. We understood each other, especially through our fists. If I told anyone about my true feelings then they would no doubt tell me to give up on him...but...I want to save my best friend. I don't want to turn my back on him."

Tobirama didn't agree or disagree with her words. He was there when she was absolutely devastated by his betrayal and he was the one to help her get back onto her feet. Tobirama would be a child to claim that he helped her all on his own. There were those precious to her in her village that helped her but he was the one she could be open with. In return, he could be open with her. "I'm not saying I agree or disagree," He gave her his thoughts, "But you have to consider that he is a criminal. Nobody will be happy with you affiliating with a criminal, they might see you as an alias."

Naruto sighed, "You're right. I know it's an idiot's quest but I'm not giving up on it."

Tobirama saw the stubborn fire in her eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Very well but on one condition and I will agree to your idiocy."

Naruto straightened her back and lit up, "Really? What is it?"

"Should your village ever cast you out, seek me out and come to my village." He said firmly, giving the blonde girl an option should she ever want to leave her village. "I live in the fire country. That is a starting point."

Naruto, although baffled by his request, nodded hesitantly.

Tobirama noticed her reaction and said, "Nothing bad will happen to you, I swear."

Naruto shook her head, "That's not it. You were strongly against us knowing who we were. You've changed a lot, Tobi-chama."

"It's -chan," He quickly corrected and softly smiled when the blonde laughed.

"Tobi-chan?"

Tobirama's face hardened, "No."

Naruto laughed harder, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "Y-yeah, you're right. -Chama suits you better."

"Neither suit, Naru-chan." He smirked when she paled at the name.

"No no no please don't. I swear I won't do it again," Naruto pleaded. It was bad enough that Kakashi had picked up the name and whenever he called her sweetly, it made her want to gag.

"It suits you, Naru-chan. Very feminine for a tomboy," He chuckled when she stuck her tongue out at him. However, his smile didn't last long when he saw her body start to fade, "Naruto–"

"I promise I won't run away again," Naruto grinned, cutting off the future Nidaime Hokage. "I'm sorry for acting childish but I'll start talking it out with you, dattebayo. Ah, also, get some rest. You look like shit and find some time to relax when you can. I'll be back before you know it!"

Tobirama couldn't help but chuckle as she faded away. Nagging at him. He felt lighter, having seen her again after so long. He felt refreshed as if the war wasn't looming over his shoulder. Tobirama spent a few more minutes overlooking the forest before making his way back home. It was the early hours of the morning but his clansmen knew of his late night habit. Despite his cousin's jabs that he was out getting laid, nobody could find proof that it held true. Heading into the Senju compound, greeting the guards with a nod, he made his way over to the main house and found Mito already up with a cup of tea. He hesitated till her eyes beckoned him over to join her. Sighing, Tobirama complied and sat across from her. Waiting till she poured him a cup of tea before saying, "Your seals have a fault in them," He ignored her spilling the tea, "You leave residue chakra deep within the seal. A keen sensor would be able to pick it up with enough concentration."

Mito gathered her graces and tucked her hand on her lap. Looking over her future brother-in-law, she noted that he seemed lighter. "The seal works then,"

Tobirama took a sip of the green tea before answering, "Yes but it was also broken in a minute."

Mito gasped, "That's not possible. I went over that seal numerous times."

"Perhaps there is a better fuinjutsu user than you,"

Mito wasn't pleased, "Who do you keep meeting, Tobirama-kun? Running after ghosts will not help you in the long run."

"I understand that," Tobirama frowned, placing down the tea. "I'm no longer thirsty," He stood up and left the tea room. However, he hesitated at the door and asked, "Are there any blonde hair and blue-eyed people in the Uzumaki clan?"

Mito swallowed thickly, seeing the small flame of hope in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Tobirama-kun." Flinching when his eyes grew cold and marched off. "Blonde hair and blue eyes, huh?"

Tobirama slammed his door shut and paced the length of his room. "Of course it would be too good to be true." Taking a deep breath, Tobirama rummaged through the floorboards and pulled out his diary. Writing or drawing had always cleared his head more than training ever did.

Diary Entrance

I finally saw the idiot today. I will never get over how unpredictable she is, having completely bypassed Mito-san's seal that I used to keep her still. I did, however, manage to apologise to her and it appears she has no hard feelings. I'm glad to have my friend back. It appeared the same for her too, she was relaxed in my presence. It was as if we never had a fight. She is a forgiving and understanding person.

Naruto is alive and well, that's all I could ask for. Ah, I tried to compliment her today and it didn't work out as planned. She shies away from then, almost awkward to a point. There's so much to write that I don't even know where to start. I was able to touch her today, momentarily. It takes a lot of concentration on my part and drains my energy. It was not as pleasing as I initially thought. Almost like touching a wet fish or a hard wall. My mind is racing but my body is tired after a long day. This is all that I will write for now but I will leave one last thought. I wonder if Naruto wishes to touch too. I do not mean to sound perverse but it is a struggle to comfort her or flick her head in certain situations. I have no idea what runs through her mind but I know that she is far smarter than she lets on. She will make a fine kunoichi.

XXXX

Naruto:

"Damn it you hard ass!" Naruto threw a pebble at Kakashi, the small stone thacking on his vest as he calmly read his orange book in front of her. "At least show some shame! How dare you seal off my chakra and throw me off a cliff?!"

"Maah maah, it builds character, Naru-chan," Kakashi said, looking over his book to see the blonde puffing out her cheeks in anger. She looked like an angry kitten with her glare barely affecting him. "I could've tied you up too."

"This is revenge isn't it?" Naruto hissed, "For not taking the genin exam this year. Well listen up, buddy, you and I have got another year before I take the exam and I ain't budging."

Kakashi was tempted to throw Naruto off the cliff again as he narrowed his eye at her. "We could be on B-rank missions right now, you little shit."

"Hey, it's not my fault you're trigger happy for dangerous missions. I'm doing you a favour by keeping you in check," Naruto rebutted. When they had first met, they were both broken and hurt but slowly, through the years together, were both able to mend each other to the point they could banter like old siblings. "Let me guess, you're in an even sour mood because Anko tried to feel you up again."

Kakashi felt his brow twitch. He couldn't stand the Snake Mistress and her 'attempts' to woo him. It put him off more than anything else. "She was in my shower this morning. I have no idea how she broke into my apartment."

Naruto wanted to laugh but held back when she felt that he was weary and paranoid. The colours silver and burning purple. "Wanna stay at mine for a while? Jiji has banned her from stepping foot into my place after what happened the last time I pranked her." She giggled when the jonin immediately perked up and offered, "Wanna go to lunch?"

"Sure," Kakashi quipped and pulled his eyes towards his orange book. "There's a nice okonomiyaki restaurant not far from here. We can train afterwards if you're up for it."

They walked in comfortable silence to the restaurant with Kakashi glaring at the restaurant owner as they entered. Making sure they sat near the kitchen so he was in a position to watch the staff prepare their food. It had become his habit when he took Naruto under his wing. "How are you coming along with you ninjutsu."

Naruto sighed, "Eh it's alright, I'm still having trouble with the Katon jutsu you taught me."

Kakashi nodded as he started the grill. He'd let Naruto cook since her cooking always tasted better than his, even when they cooked with the same recipe and ingredients. "I wouldn't be surprised. Fire is your weaker element but it's good to at least know a few katon jutsu," He warned, handing her over the bowls of ingredients. "But don't neglect to work on your chakra control. Your reserves are always growing. I might even have to make a new chakra control exercise for you."

Naruto frowned, "Are you even up for that amount of hard work, Lazy-sensei"

Kakashi glowered at her comment, "Hey, I'm only lazy in the morning."

Naruto snorted and rolled her eyes, "You'll be saying that in ten, maybe fifty, years. You can't keep blaming the mornings."

"Until I can't, I'll keep using it." Kakashi flipped a page in the book when he realised, "That's right. So who is it?"

"Who's what?"

"Who are you dating? Shikamaru or Choji."

Naruto spluttered as her face turned red. "How many times do I have to tell you that they're just friends. I'm not interested in boys," She explained as she worked the savoury pancake.

"Oh?" Kakashi arched his brow, "This is a first. Girls?" He was teasing her but he enjoyed the way she would always stutter and turn red.

Naruto tossed the spatula at Kakashi. Only to have the man grab it out of the air and throw it back at her, "No, baka-sensei. I don't want to be in a relationship, period." She sighed seeing his curious and comforting look, "Why aren't you married with kids? You're old enough and way past your prime."

"Oi, I happen to still be in my prime," Kakashi rebutted, but understood where she was coming from. He simply wasn't interested in settling down, getting married, and having children of his own. Although not common, there were still kunoichi that didn't want to get into a relationship or have children. "Fair point though."

Feeling comfortable with her long time teacher, Naruto asked, "Ne, Kakashi-sensei?"

"Hmm,"

"Have you ever had deep feelings for someone you can't be with?"

Kakashi placed down his book and looked over at the blonde. She held her gaze to the cooking food but one look at her posture told him that his answer was important to her. She wanted his honesty, just as she always did during their conversations. "I have," He admitted quietly, "It's not easy, Naruto. There have been times I've forced my image of them on another person and hurt that person deeply." He saw her frowned but he had to tell her. "It's a tough pill to swallow."

Naruto sighed, "Thanks, Kashi-baka," She plated a small portion for the Hatake. The man always had a small appetite but Naruto always made sure he ate something.

Kakashi eye smiled at the blonde, "Anytime, dumb blonde."

They both shared small smiles with one another before digging into their food.

XXXX

Tobirama:

Tobirama sighed, sitting in the middle of the small garden behind the main house. The meeting with his brother gave him a headache, as always. Hashirama was never one for politics and that's where he would come in. Yet, Tobirama knew that Hashirama was born to inspire and lead and Tobirama supported him fully. He planned to scold Hashirama once he got back from his walk with Mito. Hashirama had almost cost them their main supplier.

"What's got you in the wallows?"

Tobirama glanced up to see his cousin entering the gardens. They were the same age as she was just a head shorter than himself. Despite her classic beauty, she was quite the troublemaker and minx. With her long, straight black hair and large, dark brown eyes she was the epitome of Senju beauty. She was dressed in a blue kimono with a gold obi, fitting her lithe frame delicately but Tobirama knew not to let her appearance fool him. She was still a well-rounded kunoichi.

"Emi," Tobirama nodded in greeting, "It has been a while,"

"Oh come, don't change the subject now." Emi teased and sat down beside him. Although they weren't closely related, they were still cousins in a sense. "Hashirama being his usual self then or is it that you haven't gotten laid yet?" She chuckled when he glared at her in warning, "Oh come on, I'll be your ear. I've always been good at listening."

Tobirama snorted, "You've been good at spreading rumours," He noted the hungry glint in her eyes, keen for information. "And it was Hashirama that has been in the wallows, as you've put it."

Emi pouted, tucking a strand of her loose hair behind her ear, "Boo, that's no fun. You know you're at the age to get married. Hashirama was your age when he was betrothed to Mito-sama."

"After what happened with Lady Kara, I have no interest in getting married any time soon," Tobirama said coldly and it was true. That woman had put him off the very thought. "Also, those two have been madly in love long before their betrothal."

"I'm really getting nothing out of you," Emi sighed before perking up, "Okay then, how about this?" She said eagerly, holding up a single finger, "Who is your ideal woman?"

Tobirama folded his arms at the question, "This is getting ridiculous,"

"Humour me then. I'm bored," Emi pouted and shook her cousin in frustration.

"Fine." He snapped with the shaking stopping almost immediately, "I prefer a woman that is open about her feelings and not afraid to show them to me. Someone who doesn't get jealous when I'm working with other women and is independent yet knows when to rely on others. She will have to be a splendid kunoichi with a fiery will."

Emi considered his words and pointed out, "There aren't a lot of women like that. Once kunoichi gets married, they retire and have children. They know the basics and those that do make it onto the battlefield don't last long before hanging up the kunai."

Tobirama ran his fingers through his hair, "You're still a functioning kunoichi. Whatever happened to your boyfriend? Tanake?"

"Tamaki," Emi corrected as Tobirama stood. She joined him, "And I dumped him a long time ago. We only knew each other for a week before he started spouting nonsense like getting married as soon as possible. I couldn't handle such an open and clingy man. The quiet and serious ones are more my type," She shrugged.

"Right, well good luck in your hunting. I'm going to train," Tobirama nodded and swiftly ditched his cousin. Hanging around her for too long gave him a headache. His ears picked up his cousin's light footsteps and paused, glancing over his shoulder at the grinning woman, "Do you need something?"

Emi just smiled, "Let's hang out,"

Tobirama frowned, "No," He declined and continued on his walk. However, he could still hear her following him and withheld his sigh. The white-haired Senju opted to walk faster, knowing how difficult it was to move in a kimono. He could hear her pacing picking up but she wasn't able to keep up with his long strides. As soon as he passed the gates, Tobirama sped off and far away from the clan. He didn't need others interfering in his training and he wanted to work with the seal he was given by Naruto.

Heading towards the clearing, Tobirama got started and warmed up his body. Running laps on the river, building up a light sweat and maintaining his chakra control. He spent a good thirty minutes warming up before he started practicing his kata, never moving from the river. He felt his blood pumping as a light sheen of sweat gathered on his face. It felt calming. With each new position, he gathered chakra through his body and made the river move with him. Making small spouts of water rise and fall with each swift move. His control with suiton was getting better and better by the day that even Hashirama had praised him.

"Oh very nice,"

Tobirama tensed as he heard clapping behind him and turned to see the blonde girl sitting on a large rock watching him. She had surprised him. How long had she been watching? "Naruto? What are you doing here?" He questioned, seeing that it was rare for her to be here when the sun was up. The time she did come was when...Tobirama frowned, "Are you in the hospital again? Who hurt you this time?" He marched over to the girl with worry. Though his face didn't show it, he knew that she could feel his rolling emotions. When he reached the rock, he looked up at her to see her beaming down at him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I'm just meditating and I found myself here." Naruto quipped and leapt off the rock to join Tobirama down below. She knew her appearance was roughed up but that was because of the training Kakashi always put her through. "Just before, I had to climb up a rock face without chakra while Kakashi-sensei kept throwing kunai at me. You're really good with suiton, dattebayo. I wanna be as good as you but with fuuton."

Tobirama shuffled on his feet. The visit was unexpected but wanted. "I was training," He commented before returning to the river to finish his kata. It would do him no good to just chat and waste an entire day doing nothing. There was still a war going on after all. "How is training for you?"

"Really good but soon it's going to be troublesome," Naruto scrunched up her nose as she watched Tobirama train. "I have a year before we're being placed in teams. I just hope I'm on a decent team. I'd go crazy if I was on a team with Sasuke-teme. You remember me talking about him right?" She saw Tobirama nod before she continued, "I tried being his friend, dattebayo, but he's such a dick–" she didn't see Tobirama faltered in his movements as she ranted, "–but there are times he does talk to me since I'm not like his fangirls. He's just lonely and angry, I know that much but I can't claim that I understand what he's going through. Oh my god, his fangirls are so annoying. Just thinking about them makes me remember their screaming. Do you have anyone annoying? You can rant to me, dattebayo, since I do it all the time."

"I need to train, Naruto, but I don't mind listening to you." He heard her snort as he moved onto working on his hand sign speed. "Very well. My idiot brother almost cost the clan our main supplier of food and goods. He called his daughter a 'cow with no manners' when the merchant offered her as a potential bride for me." He heard Naruto giggling and looked over to her. Her eyes were sparkling as he spoke, absorbing all he had to say. "I quickly had to fix that mess and declined the marriage proposal anyway. I also have a bad feeling about my cousin–"

"Emi-chan?"

Tobirama nodded, "–She has been visiting a lot lately. Mostly to get information out of my brother and I so she can gossip with other women. The whole village is a big gossip centre."

"Every village is a gossip centre," Naruto said dryly, watching as he released the same water jutsu over and over again. Her eyes picked up how each succession of jutsu, his hand signs became faster or he would drop a hand sign. To her it was incredible and where she picked up to master her wind jutsu like Tobirama did for suiton. "There's a rumour going around in my village that I'm some sort of succubus that has Kakashi-sensei under a spell. He's a lazy dude but apparently he's a seasoned shinobi."

"I find it quite humorous that you're quite close to adults than people your own age," He pointed out and saw the deep blush on her face, "Did I say something?"

"I-it's not t-that I can't make f-friends my age," Naruto stuttered, clenching her fists in embarrassment, "They're just a-annoying. They're all mean or fangirls!"

Tobirama arched his brow, "Surely they're not all mean," He had his fair share of fangirls and didn't bother to dispute them.

Naruto looked away with a pout, "No, I've just been around those older than me so I'm used to talking to them more than people my age. Besides, they all think I'm an idiot and make fun of me." She tugged on her ponytail nervously, looking at the bright blonde colour and winced.

Tobirama saw all of her movements and sighed, "Then they're idiots. You're a good person. Loud and angry but you're a good person." He approached the upset girl and flicked her forehead with a chakra laced finger. Gaining her weak glare and pouty lips, "Don't surround yourself with people you hide from, baka. Find people you're comfortable with and stick with them."

Naruto eyed Tobirama as he knelt before her. There was kindness in his stoic gaze that made her heart leap. Looking down, Naruto confessed, "Sometimes the girls in class would get really mean to me when I would talk to Sasuke. I just wanna be the bastard's friends but they all yell at me and call me out saying that I'm trying to get precious Sasuke-kun all to myself," She said bitterly, feeling her eyes sting. No matter how much stronger she got, she was still a crybaby. Getting stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually didn't change the fact that she was able to get hurt with harsh words. "They kept calling me ugly and gross and that's why I have no parents. That they left me 'cause I was such an ugly baby and why there are no blondes like me in the village! Girls are so mean, Tobi-chama~"

Tobirama watched as she cried, letting her heart out. He had his suspicions about her family but this all confirmed that she was an orphan. Almost ten years knowing her and this was new information to him. If what they were saying was a constant in her life then it would affect her confidence. Tobirama knew first hand that the blonde was filled with confidence but nobody was 100% confident in who they are, and for Naruto, it was her appearance. "They're all idiots," He started, as Naruto looked to him through wet lashes, "Out of all the females that I have seen you are by far the most beautiful of them all and you will continue to grow even more beautiful. More so than those vile women who put you down. Ugly souls have ugly faces. Besides, any decent person with half a brain would know that you like talking to people."

"You mean it?" Naruto asked, visibly cheering up when the white-haired teen nodded. "You're so cool, Tobi-chama,"

Tobirama's eyes widened a fraction.

"Y'know," Naruto wiped away the last of her tears as she leaned forward, their noses almost touching. She had a large grin on her face as she admitted, "If I ever met you in person, I would probably fall in love with you, dattebayo."

Tobirama used a hand to cover the lower half of his face as he looked away, "Idiot," He muttered, though she couldn't hear him as she started to fade away from his sight. Falling to his bottom, Tobirama took a deep breath and moved his hand to his eyes, revealing the light blush on his cheeks.

XXXX

Naruto:

Naruto opened her eyes with Kakashi's hand on her shoulder as he shook her back to consciousness.

"Naruto?" Kakashi asked softly, seeing the tears start to dry on her cheeks. "Is everything okay?"

The blonde looked up to her sensei and asked, "Ne Kakashi-sensei, am I ugly?" She saw the man freeze before his eye scanned her face seriously. It made her squirm and flush under the intensity.

"Nope," Kakashi said cheerfully, "But don't let it get to your head and be shallow," He laughed when she screwed up her face, "What made you ask that?"

Naruto rubbed her nose in embarrassment, "I was told that I was quite a lot in school."

Kakashi frowned and sat down next to the girl. "Maah maah I'm not one for comforting people but they say those that bully people do it because that person has a certain quality that they're jealous of and want for themselves."

"Who says that?" Naruto asked curiously and paled when she recognised the glint in his eye.

Kakashi whipped out a purple book and proclaimed, "Icha Icha academy addition. A heated love between the most popular boy in school and a loner nerd, meeting between the aisle of the library to drown each other in their passionate love."

Naruto snorted before full on laughing. "You're such a weirdo, Kashi-baka."

He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and offered the book to Naruto. Hiding his smile when she took it instead of ripping it up like other women tended to do, "Ignoring all the smut it has a good underlying message, dumb blonde. Get some rest and I'll see you bright and early tomorrow." He laughed awkwardly at her blank stare, "I'll be there before 10, no later."

Naruto's lips twitched up in a small smile, "Okay, I'll hold you to your word."

Kakashi shook his head as he ruffled her hair. The things he did for his cute student.