Ay sat in a darkened office with only his rage and a half-empty bottle of whiskey for company. He was contemplating what could only be considered an insurrection he'd experienced. Shi using medical ninjutsu to render him unconscious and then Darui and he sneaking their Raikage out of a village. As if he were some disobedient child and not their supreme commander! If that weren't bad enough, they said both B and Yugito planned to surrender to stop any attempts on his life.

His enemies had his brother. His enemies thought him a coward. And his most trusted men did this to him. It was a minor miracle he hadn't killed the both of them. He still might, the desire was there. He didn't care about their justifications, it was not their job to question or challenge him. He ordered, they obeyed. And to think, he considered Darui as his future replacement. How could he now? How could he continue to have either of them around him when he couldn't trust them?

Ay took a hard swig from the glass bottle. The burn of the alcohol a mere afterthought. He'd have to stay his hand for now. His first attempt failed, spectacularly and B gave Konoha significant leverage. But it wouldn't matter, he would see Konoha fall regardless of what his idiot brother promised. He'd have to be smart. Wait until the perfect time. He'd also need an ally that excelled in deviousness.

"Mabui," Ay shouted with a drunken slur.

"Yes, Raikage-sama," she answered from the door.

"I need you to dictate a letter and send it high priority." his assistant came into his office, pen, and pad in hand. Ay took a moment to gather his thoughts trying his best to decide how to get the Ol' Fence Sitter to join his cause.


"Ahh," Tsunade said as she slid down into her office chair basking in the comfortable familiarity. It wasn't a long trip back but it was a trying one as the female container, Yugito, kept shooting dirty looks at Naruto. To his credit, he ignored her but the Godaime wanted to launch her back to Kumo via fist or foot. The only thing more annoying than Yugito's scowling gaze was B's incessant rapping. Everything came out as a rap. Everything. And once again, she had to give credit to her surrogate nephew as he didn't seem to mind the large man's odd form of expression.

Either of those could be dealt with except Tsunade was also worried about her friend. Orochi had been subdued during their return. Not silent or withdrawn but decidedly flat. It was clear something was bothering her which is why it wasn't a surprise she requested Koharu join them. So, the three women sat as two waited on Orochi to start.

"So, I may need your help planning a wedding," Orochi said. "Guests lists, decorations, the whole deal. I never really thought about it so I'm somewhat at a loss. You think Naruto-kun would have some opinions? I don't imagine wedding planning is high on the list of concerns for men of any age but I really don't know." Once she finished, Orochimaru looked to see surprised faces aimed at her. "What?"

"Details, girl! We need details," Koharu exclaimed.

"Not much to say really. After we got reacquainted-"

"By bangin'," Tsunade interrupted but was ignored.

"He told me he loved me, found out I was pregnant and then gave me a ring as he went to chase down Ay," recounted Orochi as she blandly went through the events.

"You make it sound like a mission report, Orochi-chan," Koharu remarked. "What did he say when you said yes?"

"I haven't said yes, yet."

Tsunade looked a little concerned as she asked, "Are you having some doubts? You don't have to do it if you are."

"Kukuku, no, that isn't it. He was in mission mode so it wasn't the time and I was wondering how long I had to plan. I don't want to be huge in my wedding photos," she reasoned. The reactions of the other women in the room annoyed her.

"Stop grinning like idiots."

"Don't be like that, Orochi-chan," Tsunade said, teasingly.

"Yes, if we're going to undertake this planning, then be nice. It's good to remember you can act girly on occasion. Just know, I am not sewing your kimono. Tsunade can do that."

"With what time and what skill? You're retired and are like her mother so that responsibility would fall to you," Tsunade argued.

"And as her surrogate sister, I say you do it or I'll cane you."

"I'll just go to a seamstress," Orochi said.

"Yea, no. We can't chance you being a bridezilla and ripping some poor soul in half," Tsunade responded.

"Give me some credit. I haven't done random acts of violence in yea… months."

"I rest my case," Tsunade said looking blankly at her best friend.

"I agree with Tsunade-chan. That's why she'll handle it. And while we're brainstorming maybe you should tell your young man his proposal has been accepted?" Orochi nodded and excused herself.

Once Orochi was out of earshot, Koharu's smile faded into a hardened mask as she looked Tsunade in her eyes. "You have a tough choice to make, Tsunade," Koharu informed her. Tsunade didn't ask what the choice was, she already knew. The Godaime turned away from her longtime mentor to look upon the village.


Kakashi entered his apartment, relieved to be home. The trip had been trying in a way he hadn't experienced since he'd left ANBU. Having that many high ranked ninja in one location was just begging for an incident and it appeared Ay really wanted to stir up some trouble. The Copy Ninja couldn't believe Ay really ran in fear of them, there was more to the story but the truth would hardly matter; the story to come out of the Chunin exams would be Ay fleeing from Konoha's contingent and his brother begging for the Raikage's life. That would eventually lead to conflict.

"Hey, Kakashi," Obito said from the couch. Kakashi responded with an eye smile to his roommate. The initial meeting between them had been awkward. Some part of him hated Obito for taking Minato-sensei away, for the damage he'd done to Sasuke and Naruto but most of him just felt sorry for his friend. To have watched Rin die, to be broken down by Madara Uchiha of all people, it was just too much. Kakashi understood why he gave up on the world. He also understood the desire for redemption even when knowing it was likely to never come.

They had to form a new dynamic, they had grown and experienced too much to fall into old habits but Kakashi felt lighter having his old friend around. Obito had a long road ahead of him but Kakashi wouldn't abandon him.

"How was Suna?" Obito asked, scooting over so Kakashi could join him on the couch. Kakashi then explained the events, including the foiled ambush and the arrival of Kirabi and Yugito. Obito laughed. The bastard laughed.

"There's no way you got paid enough for that."

"No, no I did not," Kakashi answered rubbing his one visible eye. "Things are going to get bad and I am not prepared to send my kids off to war, especially since I may not be there to watch over them," Kakashi confessed. Obito only nodded. With having one student as a Jonin and the others as experienced Chunin, chances are Kakashi would be pulled away to more pressing or specialized missions.

"Don't be so preoccupied with discussion with the future you don't allow the present to have its say," Obito cautioned.

"Mah, mah, Obito. Sounding all wise and stuff, that's going to take some getting used to."

"Ha ha ha," Obito laughed sarcastically. "It is generally the failures and the screw ups who are the most wise, if they live long enough to mature. We know everything not to do."

Kakashi forwent correcting his former teammate knowing he often thought of himself as a failure even when others would vehemently disagree. "Then, can I borrow some of that hard earned wisdom?"

"I can try but I make no promises," Obito responded. "What's up?"

"What's up is I can't for the life of me make sense of why the Raikage seems to have a special and focused dislike of Naruto. If things go for the worst, I have no doubt he'll have assassination squads for much of the next generation but there is something about Naruto that just really gets at the man and I can't imagine why."

"Because he saw sensei as a rival?" Obito questioned knowingly and Kakashi nodded. "Like with many a broken boy, you must look to the father, Kakashi. From the information Zetsu provided me, Ay plateaued after his father's death meaning he likely never surpassed the man in strength-"

"And given his belief that you rule and govern through strength he sees himself as what, a pretender?" Kakashi asked, interrupting the Uchiha.

"Maybe or somehow not altogether worthy."

"And how does that relate to Naruto?"

"As strong as Ei was, he was not considered the strongest Kage of his era. He was not able to define the era either. Who was?"

"Sandaime-sama," Kakashi answered, his genius level intellect erecting a full picture. "Ay gets a dossier from Rasa warning him of a burgeoning ninjutsu prodigy, having mastered all five elements and creating original jutsu left and right; excellent weapon user with a great lineage. He thinks Naruto could have been his Hiruzen?"

"Yup and the Sandaime didn't have the strongest of the bijuu sealed in him. If Naruto were just powerful or extremely fast like sensei, Ay probably wouldn't regard him as he does. But you know how hard it is to create one original jutsu, no telling how many Naruto actually has. Ay sees the next God of Shinobi before he reaches maturity and sees a way to finally eclipse his father. This could only be more textbook if the guy secretly wanted to fuck his mother," Obito explained. When he was met with silence he saw Kakashi looking at him blankly.

"What?"

"You were sounding really smart right until the end there, dummy."

"Shut it, Kaka-teme. You know I'm right."

"I don't read any books about men wanting to screw their mommies and I've read some wild porn in my day. I didn't know you got it like that, Obito." Kakashi teashed. Obito squawked in protest.

"I'm talking psychology!"

"Mah, mah, I don't kink shame, Obito."

"Stupid, one-eyed bastard. What do you want for lunch?" Obito asked, heading to the kitchen.

"Oh, I'm not picky. Just don't put an eye out or people might wonder about your preferences." Obito said nothing but Kakashi saw his neck muscles tense in annoyance. He didn't laugh, choosing to savor his silent victory instead.


Yugito looked around the Hidden Leaf Village and found nothing appealing about it in the slightest. The trees were too tall, leaves too green. The people lacked discipline, too relaxed for a military installation. A surprise attack would likely lead to a great deal of chaos. Even the air bothered her. It was too plentiful? Too easy. In the mountains of Kumo the air was thinner, you fought to breathe easily but at this level everything was simply given to you.

"Here we are," said the voice of Konoha's weapon. He'd led them to where they'd be staying, pointing to the single level dwelling of wood and brick. "It has all the standard amenities, functioning utilities and a fully stocked kitchen. Since you are a guest of the Uzumaki clan, it only made sense you reside on our land," he explained.

Yugito detested how at ease he was around them, as if two of Kumo's best couldn't possibly pose a threat to him. He even removed the seals he'd placed on them in a show of supreme arrogance. That thought triggered the memory of her being breathlessly paralyzed in the deserts of Wind Country. She tightened her fist as she willed the memory away.

"As guests you'll have access to all the public areas within Konoha and if you want to train we have private grounds or I can arrange something if given enough notice. Of course, you are to stay away from any restricted areas and avoid general mischief. As an added gesture of goodwill, Tsunade-sama will be assigning a team of ANBU helpers for you."

"Helpers?" Yugito asked in disbelief.

"Yea, if you need something and I'm unavailable they will help. We're a friendly bunch in Konoha, Will of Fire and all that," Naruto answered with a smile. Yugito found it offensive, like everything else connected to this village. They were hostages, pretending otherwise wouldn't fool Kirabi or her.

"9-0 wants to befriend the Killa, Killa. Include Miss 2 and it's a bigga thrilla; fool, ya fool," B said, slapping his bicep for emphasis.

"See, Kirabi gets it. Well, you two settle in," Naruto spoke and then shunshin'd away. The two guardians of Kumo entered their temporary dwelling, Yugito thoroughly checking the place out while Kirabi simply hopped on the couch and laid down. However, before he could fully relax he was engaged by Gyuki.

"What's up, Mr. 8? Feeling great?"

"No, not at all. What do you know of that boy, Kirabi?"

"Not much but he respects the funky flow, what else I need to know?"

"I spoke to the Kyuubi as we traveled back, Nibi and I both. The boy's chakra reminds me of someone, someone that predates the shinobi era and was incredibly powerful. I also believe he has my brother's full cooperation. He's dangerous, Kirabi."

"Maybe so but if we don't start none won't be none."

"And what's the likelihood your brother will change his course?"

"Big bro will see the light; to protect Kumo he'll do what's right. War with the Leaves ain't the vibe so why vie via jutsu or weapon grippin'? New tricks up new sleeves, new beliefs is what we need."

"Good luck convincing Ay of that because if it comes to a fight I'm not sure we can defeat Kyuubi's container." As B continued to speak to Gyuki, Naruto was conversing with his own bijuu.

'So, how did speaking with Nibi and Hachibi go?' Naruto asked as he strode along his lands.

'I believe my message was conveyed but both have grown arrogant over the years with their incessant backtalk.'

'That isn't very nice, Kurama. They are your siblings, not your subordinates and it wouldn't hurt to be a little softer, 'ttebayo," Naruto lightly admonished. Kurama huffed before responding.

'Maybe but they needed to understand the futility in attacking us and if I have to be unpleasant now to avoid greater unpleasantness later I believe that is a worthy sacrifice.'

'Granted,' Naruto said as he approached the Uzumaki Manor, 'but I just don't want you to push them away if you don't have to. If Kirabi and Yugito try anything then that's just what it is. Did you three discuss anything else of note?' Naruto asked and heard a pause. 'Kurama?'

'... There is something I need to tell you, something that insufferable squid noticed though I had hoped he wouldn't.'

'Ok, what's up? Whatever it is, we'll handle it.'

'You know of my father Hagoromo, you know he created us. What you do not know is that he had two real sons,' Kurama said and was swiftly cut off.

'Kurama, you and the other eight bijuu are his real children. That's not decided by biology but the bonds you forged,' Naruto relayed and while Kurama would never admit it, he was incredibly pleased with those words.

'Fine, biological sons; Indra and Asura. Indra was considered a genius, creating the hand signs you still use for your modern day ninjutsu. So gifted, he started to rely solely on his own problem not trusting or seeking the help of others. The younger brother, Asura, was a screw up early in life, seemingly untalented in all Hagoromo tried to teach him. However, Asura was a natural in making friends and truly never met a stranger in his life.

When it came time to choose a successor to Ninshu, Hagoromo gave his two sons a final test. Asura passed, Indra didn't. Indra became angry and resentful, instigating a feud between brothers that would go on for generations, only stopping when the two prime abortion candidates of Madara and Hashirama created this village.

Indra was the progenitor of the Uchiha, Asura of the Senju and Uzumaki. As Indra and Asura both died before resolving their feud, it is possible each would leave an imprint on one of their descendants," Kurama explained.

'Like reincarnation?' Naruto asked.

'Transmigration, as the influence of either is more like an echo than each brother fully inhabiting another body and the effect is most evident when each transmigrant interacts with the other. Do you recall when you learn to accept your darker self? The door you couldn't open?'

'Yes,' Naruto answered. The special process the panthers subjected him too was extremely memorable and just what he needed after the Land of Iron and his blow up with Jiraiya. 'My father said the reason I couldn't open the door was because the time hadn't come and it never may.'

'I believe that door to contain Asura's echo and your father would be correct that it would require more to untap it than a simple ritual or training,' Kurama said.

'Ok, so how can Hachibi tell this? And why didn't you tell me?' Naruto asked out of curiosity not anger.

'All of the training you have undertaken, pushing your chakra in ways none before you have had the effect of increasing its potency and signature closer to Asura's own. Not only is it incredibly potent but in near perfect balance, that is more than a rarity in this age, Naruto, it doesn't happen.'

'But doesn't all that disprove your own thesis? You said Asura was a screw up but I've been ahead of the curve since I started seriously training myself. Yes, I struggled but I was attempting things that should have been beyond me at that age,' Naruto argued.

'Ah, the wrinkle. You did, initially, struggle at the academy. The lectures were too long and slow, explanations simply not worded in the way you absorbed knowledge. If you had relied solely or primarily on the academy I believe you'd only be unlocking much of your potential now and even then, it may never reach the levels you have obtained. Hagoromo trained Asura, if not always personally, he instructed his attendants how he wished them to proceed. My father was a great man but it was not a perfect one. Just like your academy instructors didn't understand what you needed, Hagoromo may not have understood how to truly train Asura.'

'So… if I am this transmigrant then everything I can do is because of that? All my work and boasts that anyone could have broken these barriers was a lie?' Naruto asked, sounding genuinely disappointed.

'No, you fool!' Kurama yelled. 'Your mate proves that subelements can be learned or have you forgotten that?'

Naruto chuckled, 'Yea, I actually had, 'ttebayo.'

'Idiot. You had your advantages, of course. You were born with higher than average chakra reserves, my presence enhanced that so you could train longer. But having me meant your chakra was tilted toward yang so all the bookwork you did was a real struggle until you started balancing your chakra. You earned your breakthroughs, Naruto. Minato, Asura, nor I can claim credit for that.'

'Thanks, Kurama,' Naruto said and Kurama huffed in response. Naruto was learning he did that when he was moved or pleased and didn't want to admit it. 'So, if I am this transmigrant that means what for Nibi and Hachibi?'

'Indra and Asura made Madara and Hashirama look like children in comparison. For you to give Hachibi even a hint of a familiarity suggests you'd be powerful enough to defeat him and Nibi. That we were able to freely communicate means you have my full cooperation. Hachibi knows his bothersome container couldn't defeat us and that worries him.'

'Ok, that all makes sense but you still haven't explained why you didn't tell me you suspected this,' Naruto reminded the bijuu.

'It didn't seem relevant. If you were Asura's transmigrant you'd demonstrated you couldn't access whatever lay within you and I have no idea how to either. Also, you had no relationship with any of the existing Uchiha so the rivalry was either settled with Madara and Hashirama, as who else could it have been so there was nothing to look out for, or something veered you off the course and it is still moot.'

'So, you're saying there's a reality where I'm super obsessed with Sasuke or some other Uchiha instead of being mind-blowingly awesome? That would have been a waste.'

'If that's how you choose to interpret that I won't argue but I will never agree with it either,' Kurama retorted.

'You know you love me, Kurama!,' Naruto teased but continued before the fox could get indignant. 'I do understand why you never told me, while interesting it isn't the most actionable of intel. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the Crimson Maelstrom and I chart my own path.'

'Sure you do… tomato head,' Kurama teased back knowing it'd make his idiot container irate.

'Why you! Take that back or I'll come into the seal and beat your whole ass, dattebayo!'

'I'd like to see you try, pipsqueak! I'll use you as a chew toy!,' Kurama barked.

"Kukuku, having a private conversation, Naruto-kun?" Orochi said from behind. Naruto turned toward with a beaming smile. He'd been so wrapped up with talking to Kurama he'd stopped at the door and stopped fully paying attention to his surroundings.

"Something like that," he answered before thinking, 'We'll finish this little exchange later, Kurama.'

'I look forward to it, whelp," Kurama replied before going silent.

The discussion with his lifelong companion ended, Naruto scooped Orochi in his arms and gave her a kiss. "Hey," he greeted as he let go of her and opened the door, "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."

"Well, we need to talk, do we not?" Orochi asked rhetorically. Naruto nodded and led her to the front room. The two snuggled up on the couch, a habit of theirs. Naruto sat in silence as he watched Orochi had a pen and pad, having seemingly materialized from nowhere.

"Ok, a few things. One, I'll be showing soon enough and if anyone tries to touch my belly I'll kill them," she explained.

"Could I negotiate you down to a maiming? Maybe a severe beating?"

"I'll kill them, Naruto-kun, so you'll have to see to their protection if you care to. Secondly, all of my lab equipment is at my manor but I'd presumably be spending a majority of my down time here."

"I can run some tunnels to your labs or dedicate some clones to building you some labs here," Naruto said.

"An addendum, our housing situation. We have two. I doubt many people want to buy mine and I'm not keen on selling it."

"Uh huh… well, and this is wholly dependent on you but there can traditionally only be one heir. Should we have more than one child, the second born might like to have their own space to inherit. Like hey, not the heir but here's a big ass house!"

"Kukuku, trying to leave me barefoot and in the kitchen, Naruto-kun? I never knew that was your type."

"I think you'd agree I do some of my better work in the kitchen, Orochi-chan," Naruto responded.

"Indeed but regardless, I won't become an Uzumaki baby mill. Speaking of, how many kids do you want?" Orochi asked and felt Naruto shrugged.

"Honestly, I don't have a number in mind as I didn't think we could have one. So, I don't know." That surprised the Snake Sannin.

"But you've wanted a family, why didn't you think I'd figure out a solution?"

"Because not having children wasn't a problem and knowing your age I'd accepted being with you presented some realities. It just wasn't some grand sacrifice. I could take on students, adopt or whatever else. And while I am so excited we are having a child together, it was never a dealbreaker. I want you, Orochi-chan. We could have figured everything else out when the time came." Naruto was awarded a quick kiss on the cheek for his answer, it happening so fast and going unacknowledged that he could have been forgiven for doubting it happened.

"I would like some yuzu trees. I like the fruit and the smell they give off. My feet get cold at night, I will be putting them on or under you for additional warmth and expect no complaints. Anko and I have tea twice a week and once you let her in your home she'll be impossible to get rid of. Treat her kindly."

"Those are doable. Anything else?" Naruto asked.

"I'm sure there will be but we'll have a lifetime to figure them out," Orochi said as she retrieved the ring box from inside of kimono, opened it, and slipped the ring on.

"I look forward to it," Naruto said, gently pulling his wife-to-be closer. The two shared a quiet moment, each looking forward to their future together. The moment ended when Orochi felt a rumble in Naruto's chest and heard a chuckle. She turned to her fiance and saw him smiling brightly.

"Since you said yes, I guess it is time to pay your bride price," Naruto observed.

"Not even the Daimyo still do that, Naruto-kun; besides, I don't think you have enough to afford me."

"Well, let's call it an engagement present then," he said as he retrieved a scroll from his kunai holster. Naruto unfurled the scroll and unsealed a single item. He placed it in Orochi's hand and laughed at her confusion.

"A water balloon?" she asked in disbelief.

"This is only step one, Orochi-chan. This is a gift but it's one you have to earn; however, once you do you'll have this," Naruto said as he formed a Rasengan in his hand. As soon as Naruto ended the jutsu he was mounted, Orochi's tongue invading his mouth and her hands in his sanguine locks. She felt herself being pulled closer as Naruto wrapped his arms around her slender frame.

"Eww, get a room," said a deep voice from an entryway. The newly engaged couple broke apart, though Orochi never left Naruto's lap as she glared at her fellow Sannin.

"Technically, Jiraiya, every damn room in this house is my room," Naruto said.

"Yea, whatever. Look, I didn't scar my psyche with the sight of you with her but your Nara teammate is coming to the door-" a jittery and fast knock was heard just as Jiraiya announced Shikamaru's arrival.

"Ok, that's weird. I'm probably going to have to go," Naruto said while gazing up at his wife-to-be. "Can we continue this later?" She nodded as she slid off his lap and another vigorous knock was heard.

"Jiraiya, can you walk her through the first step of learning the Rasengan, please?" Naruto requested and to Orochi's surprise Jiraiya didn't refuse.

"You move faster than even your father and he wanted to marry Kushina after their first date," Jiraiya replied wistfully.

Naruto shot him a smile before saying, "Counter clockwise, Jiraiya," and then departed.

"Well, are we doing this now?" Jiraiya asked with zero enthusiasm.

"What did Naruto-kun mean by counter clockwise?"

"It's the orientation of your chakra, when you start forming the Rasengan it should go counter clockwise," Jiraiya explained.

"How could he know that?"

"Easiest way to check is to see the direction the hair grows at the crown of your head. Naruto see the top of your head a lot, Orochi?" Jiraiya asked suggestively.

"Infinitely more than you've ever seen Tsunade's," Orochi shot back. Knowing he'd lost this one.


"Troublesome," Shikamaru said when he's third attempt at knocking was interrupted by Naruto storming out of the door.

"What's up?" Naruto asked.

"Kurenai-sensei is in the hospital, it's time," Shikamaru explained. He then felt Naruto grab onto his shoulder and instantly found himself in front of the hospital. "That was weird," the Nara said. Naruto rolled his eyes at his friend as the two raced to the maternity ward. Upon arrival Naruto noticed he was the last one there and was thankful he'd managed to make it back today. Team Asuma, Shino, Hiruzen and Anko had taken seats in the waiting room and Naruto grabbed an empty one by the Aburame.

"Naruto," Shino greeted.

"Shino," he greeted back. After that, Naruto couldn't really recall too much about any other conversations as they all waited for news. He wondered how Asuma was managing and if he'd be a good, supportive partner for Orochi-chan. As he sat in the waiting room, much of pending changes to his life were starting to feel more real. He was going to be a husband and a father soon. He wasn't scared, which surprised him. Not that he felt ready but he had so many people to lean on for support that he was confident he could manage.

A little over an hour later and Asuma returned to the waiting room to announce the arrival of Mirai Sarutobi. It was another twenty minutes before the young men of Team Kurenai were allowed to see their sensei and her new born. As they were ushered into the room, setting eyes on a clearly tired and elated Kurenai holding onto her little girl, it was Shino that spoke what they all noticed.

"She bears a striking resemblance to you, Sensei."

"I suppose so but I see a lot of Asuma in her, too," Kurenai replied softly. "I'm glad all three of you could be here for this new addition to our family. When I see the three of you, there are so many characteristics of yourselves I hope you can impart on Mirai-chan. Asuma and I debated back and forth but I couldn't pick between you three so I hope you'd be fine splitting duties as Mirai's godfathers."

"Of course, Sensei" Naruto answered with a beaming smile.

"It would only be right," Shino said.

"It wouldn't be troublesome," Shikamaru agreed.

"Excellent. I know with the three of you helping to watch over her she'll be a very happy and well protected little girl."

"Yea, we'll have her whipping S-rank genjutsu before she leaves the academy."

"Uzumaki Naruto, you will not teach Mirai-chan any S-rank techniques before she becomes a Chunin, do you understand me?"

"What if it's a light S-rank? Like barely S-rank?"

"Do. You. Under. Stand. Me?"

"Yes, sensei," he replied as his two teammates laughed at him.

"Don't you two laugh, I expect restraint from each of you as well. No advanced tracking and assassination techniques, Shino."

"But they will be incredibly useful, why?"

"Don't care, wait until she's out of the academy. And Shikamaru?"

"What could I possibly do?"

"Oh, I see how you manipulated Choji and Ino to get them into shape. No neuro linguistic programming until I say otherwise."

"What a drag," Shikamaru said but relented under the stern glare of his sensei. "Fine, I won't but you have to admit of the three of us, Naruto was the one to most likely teach her something inappropriate."

"Affirmative," Shino agreed.

"Well, of course," Kurenai added, causing a depression cloud to form over Naruto's head.

"I'm not that bad," he whined, which caused another round of laughter. Naruto soon joined in, soaking up this perfect moment hoping it'd last.