How Deep Is Your Love?

by IloveBrittney1994

A queen in search of a man who could survive her kiss and prove themselves to be her soulmate, finds that in Naruto due to him being a Jinchiruki and tries to steal his heart from Sakura. How will Sakura, who has been hiding her love for Naruto for years, react? (Loosely inspired by one of my favorite Smallville episodes.) Rated T to be safe.

1. Chapter 1

"Character's talking"

'Character thoughts/ words of a flashback'

How Deep is Your Love?

A red-haired, gray eyed woman sighed disappointingly as another man dropped dead at her feet after she kissed him. She snapped her fingers, and not even a few seconds later two of her servants came in and dragged the body out.

"Why are all of these men so pathetic?" The girl questioned disgustingly as her head dropped slightly. "21 years of my life, and I still haven't found a man powerful enough to withstand my kiss. Surely, there must be one." She whispered to herself hopelessly.

She stood up from her throne and her 5'3, curvaceous figure never failed to have all of her servants drooling from the mouth. She had on a tightly fitting red dress that matched her long red hair that stopped in the middle of her back. She always made sure the dress was long enough where she didn't reveal anything, but short enough to where she made it clear that she was trying to tease you.

Her gray eyes scanned the entire room for her right-hand woman but noticed she wasn't in the room. "I need one of you to find Yui and tell her to report to me at once." She demanded.

"Hai!" The whole room echoed before they all swiftly cleared out in search of Yui.

She looked at the empty room for a few more seconds before sighing and sitting back down. "So many weak men in my village." She pouted at the thought. "If I could just find one man that can withstand my kiss, we can be together forever."

Before she could finish her thoughts, her right-hand woman walked in. "Yes, Lady Akari? You called for me?"

"I did Yui. Did you ever find any information for me?" Akari questioned.

"Hai." Yui replied simply.

Akari put her fist her to cheek, signifying she was growing impatient very quickly. "And what did you find?"

Yui pulled out a paper from her pocket and asked permission to walk closer to Akari's throne. "May I?"

Akari simply nodded.

Yui walked up closer to Akari and unfolded the paper she had in her hand and began to explain her findings to Akari. "Okay, so I believe that I may have found a man that could be your potential soulmate, Lady Akari." Yui said with a genuine smile.

This quickly piqued Akari's interest as she removed her hand from her cheek and focused her eyes fully focused on Yui. Truthfully, Yui was the one person she trusted, and she knew if Yui was willing to share whatever she found with such confidence, it had to be reliable. "Go on…" She prodded.

Yui nodded with a smile and continued. "There is a man that lives in a village named Konoha and he is 21 years old just like you. He is next in line to become the Hokage in his village."

So far Akari wasn't really impressed. "That Kage title means nothing. I already kissed a Kage and he fell to my feet even faster than these pathetic men off the street that keeps showing up thinking they are worthy of me."

Yui's confidence however wasn't shaken. "Yes Lady Akari, however, that is only the beginning of what I have to tell you about his man…"

"Okay, go on…" Akari allowed her to continue.

"This man also saved the entire planet when he was only 17, and he also appears to be a Jinchuriki." Yui explained with a small smile on her face.

Yui could see Akari was now a little more interested and she took that as a good sign. "Saved the world when he was 17, huh? Not bad…" Akari praised, genuinely impressed. "But what does this Jinchuriki thing have to do with anything?"

"If my information is correct, he has the 9-tailed beast inside of him which means that the rush of your kiss wouldn't kill him. Which also means that he would be the perfect man for you." Yui finished.

Akari stood up with a bright smile on her face. "Now we're talking!"

Akari blushed slightly at the thought of finally meeting her equal. "What is this man's name? What does he look like? So I don't waste my time on all the other pathetic men in that village."

"I didn't manage to get his name or what he looks like yet, but rest assured that I am working on it." Yui replied assuringly.

Akari noted the nervous look in Yui's eyes because of not gathering the important details and she stepped down and placed her hand on Yui's shoulders, breaking her from her nervousness. "It's okay Yui, you did what no one else could." Akari comforted her with a small smile. "Just make sure that you send a message to me as soon as you figure out those details."

Yui's eyes widened slightly at Akari's words. "Send you a message? Does that mean?"

Akari smiled confidently. "Yes, I'm going to Konohakagure in search of this man and I will bring him back here where we will spend the rest of our lives together." She replied in an giddy tone as she started to head for the door.

Yui smiled for what seemed like the millionth time. "Should I get the transport arrangements ready for you?"

Akari looked back at Yui with her back still faced to her. "No, I'm going on my own. There isn't much on this planet that could hurt me anyways."

"Good luck Lady Akari." Yui wished.

Akari stopped in the middle of the door and looked back once more with a smile of confidence. "I don't need it. No man can resist me."

---

21 year old Naruto Uzumaki walked through the village with his hands in his pockets. The more the years went by, the more he fell deeper in love with his pink-haired best friend. To tell the truth, they were closer than ever, they were basically inseparable, but the key word was 'friend' and even though Naruto got to spend time with her everyday, he wasn't satisfied with being just her friend.

What was weird to him was that when Sasuke came back, she never pursued him and even though that made him happy, he was also confused as to why she didn't. Regardless of that fact, she always made it clear that Naruto and her would always just be best friends. But as with everything, even if it took him until the day he died, he vowed to find a way to finally make her look his way.

He sighed to himself as he made his way to his pink-haired teammate's house. He was planning on doing the usual. Asking her to get some ramen with him, and then letting her take over the rest of the day, which usually included her going shopping, Naruto volunteering to always pay for her stuff, and him carrying all of her bags. That, or Naruto would usually help her study as Sakura always wanted to become a more knowledgeable Medic-Nin and it was never a dull moment for Naruto because all that mattered was him getting to spend quality time with her.

Naruto finally made his way in front of Sakura's house and no matter how many years he has spent around her, he always gets butterflies in his stomach at just the thought of being around her. He knocked the door. "Sakura-Chan!" He screamed, causing all of the neighbors to open their windows and shoot angry glares at him.

Naruto had made this a routine thing. He would come to Sakura's house early in the morning and scream her name which always woke up the neighbors. If this was years ago, Sakura would have punched him into oblivion, but he noticed lately that Sakura only laughs at Naruto's back and forth with all of her neighbors.

He knocked once more. "Sakura-Chan!" He called out again but she still didn't come to the door. "She must not be home." Naruto thought out loud.

"YOU DON'T SAY!" Naruto heard one of the neighbors scream at him. Naruto turned to the neighbor flipped him off causing the neighbor to gasp in an appalled fashion before putting his head back inside and closing his window.

"That's right! You better go back inside!" Naruto barked back with a balled up fist.

Naruto turned back to face the door and noticed a piece of paper with his name on it that he didn't see the first time around. He picked it up and opened it.

'Naruto, I'll be out with Ino today. Come by my house later, and we can get some ramen together. My treat. – Sakura.'

Naruto smiled brightly at the thought. Sakura and ramen were his favorite combination. He folded the note and put it in his pocket. With his hands behind his head and his smile still on his face, he began to walk to Ichiraku's but stopped when he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

"Nii-Chan!" Naruto turned around with a closed eye smile to the direction of the voice.

"What's up Konohamru?"

Konohamaru finally stopped in front of him, doubled over and breathing heavily. "What's up Nii-Chan? I've been looking for you since yesterday."

"Hmm? Why, what's up?" Naruto asked with a confused look.

Konohamaru's demeanor changed as he looked to the floor which caused Naruto to start to get concerned. Naruto placed his hand on Konohamaru's shoulder causing Konohamru to look into his eyes with a sad look. "What's wrong Konohamaru?"

"It's nothing… it's just…you and Sakura has been spending sooo much time together lately that you hardly have time to spend with me anymore." Konohamaru explained in a sad tone.

Naruto laughed which made Konohamaru start to get upset. "What the hell is so funny?!" Konohamaru questioned angrily.

Naruto put his hand in Konohamaru's hair and ruffled it. "Is that all? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Konohamaru looked down once again. "Because, I know how much you love Sakura and I know every second with her counts to you. I didn't want to come in between you and her."

Naruto's eyes widened slightly and then he smiled warmly at the kid that he has come to know as his little brother. "I really appreciate that Konohamaru, but just because me and Sakura-Chan spends a lot more time together doesn't mean that I won't have time for my little brother…"

Konohamaru smiled brightly at Naruto. "Really? So we can spend more time together from now on?"

Naruto's smile never left his face. "Of course, as a matter of fact I was planning on going to Ichiraku's right now. You want to come?"

"Do I? Of course I do, Nii-Chan!" Konohamaru exclaimed happily.

Naruto flashed him another closed eye smile. "Alright, let's go. Curious to see how much bowls you can eat now."

"More than you!" Konohamaru declared confidently which caused Naruto to laugh.

"In your dreams!" Naruto barked back as they began to head towards Ichiraku's.

---

After a few hours, Akari finally made her way in front of Konoha's gates. Her gray eyes scanned the entire village and she wasn't very impressed at what she seen so far. "So this is Konahagakure? Doesn't look like much. I hope Yui is right about this man." Akari said to herself as she walked inside of the gates and instantly all of the men stopped to look at her, but she ignored the stares and continued walking through the village until she saw a man that caught her attention.

He was tall and had bit of muscle. He had brown hair and green eyes. And to her, he was potentially the guy that Yui was telling her about. She smiled in an almost flirtatious manner and walked up to the man confidently, tapping his shoulder. "Excuse me handsome."

He turned around and looked at her with an equally confident smile to which she noted. "What can I do for you beautiful?"

Without saying a word, she gently grabbed both of his hands to which he reciprocated. "I am Akari, Queen of Hoshikagure, and I believe that you are the Jinchuriki of Konohakagure that I've been looking for." Akari explained to him softly as she bit her lip at how he was looking at her.

He raised an eyebrow, confused at what she was talking about, but he quickly replaced that with a lecherous smile as he got the chance to really look her over. "Uhh, yeah. I'm whatever you want me to be."

She blushed slightly and closed the gap between them. She then stood on her tip-toes and brushed her lips against his and whispered, "Come with me then so I can give you a taste of what you will have for the rest of your life."

His lecherous grin got even wider. "How about you let me lead the way?"

Akari happily obliged. "Sure, lead the way." She said as a slight blush tinted her cheeks while he had her in tow.

He finally stopped and let her hand go. "Here we are."

She looked up to where they stopped and then up to his face. "What is this place?" She questioned.

"This is my house." He responded as he began to fish in his pockets for his keys. "Figured we could use a little more privacy, if you know what I mean."

Akari smiled flirtatiously at him, seemingly understanding what he was getting at. "I didn't expect the hero of the planet to be such a naughty boy."

He chuckled as he finally found his keys and let her inside. "That's only an understatement."

They sat on the sofa and without hesitation they started kissing each other. He wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him and she placed her hands around his neck, smiling through the kiss. They kissed for what felt like hours before finally releasing the kiss.

Her gray eyes looked deeply into his green ones and she could tell he was hooked as he smiled almost uncontrollably which made her bite her lips at the way he was looking at her. He moved in for the second round, but stopped mid-way as he spit up blood.

Akari looked at the blood that was oozing from his mouth and her eyes moved up to his. She could see the look of shock in his eyes at the blood that was oozing from his mouth to the floor. She met his wide-eyed stare with a look of anger. "You lied to me. You're not the Jinchuriki of Konohakagure."

"What- what's happening to me?" He asked as he was choking on his own blood and fell over off the chair, still gripping her hips.

She looked down at him, remorse non-existent in her eyes. "You're dying…" She trailed off. "You're not the man I was looking for, and as a result, my kiss was too much for your heart to handle. Only a Jinchuriki can withstand the effects of my kiss."

Akari removed his hands from her hips and got up. She ignored his labored cries for help as she made her way to the door. When she opened the door to go out, she heard him take his final breath before she closed the door.

"It seems the men of this village is just as pathetic and weak as the ones in my village, but I will find that Jinchuriki and he is coming home with me." Akari promised herself as she continued through the village with a determined look in her eyes.

---

Akari wasn't the only one that had eyes constantly gawking at her. 21 year old Sakura Haruno as of recently shared the same trait. Sakura has to turn down more men than Naruto could make Shadow Clones almost every day. Sakura had grown even more curvaceous over the years. Her hair was still shoulder length, but she removed her headband and she now had a red plastic band on her hair. Her normally green, vibrant eyes had become even more dazzling over the years along with her smile. Ino chalked that up to her always spending time with Naruto now, but Sakura always denied it.

Truthfully, Sakura never even admitted it to Ino, but Sakura had come to realize how much she truly loved Naruto. She had to realize her feelings for Sasuke wasn't what she thought it was before she could realize her feelings for Naruto, and it was none other than Naruto himself that helped her do that without him knowing it.

Ino yawned, still not completely awake after Sakura woke her up super early in the morning. "Couldn't you have just done this with your boyfriend, and left me to get my beauty sleep?"

Sakura blushed, but covered it up with mock anger. "Naruto isn't my boyfriend! And no I couldn't have done this with him. I need you to help me look for a gift for him, since his birthday is tomorrow."

Ino smiled mischievously. She always found an opportunity to tease Sakura about Naruto. Even though Sakura never admitted it to her, Ino's 'woman's intution' told her that Sakura wasn't being truthful about her feelings for Naruto, and she always thought it was matter of time before they ended up together.

"I didn't even mention a name, why would you assume I was even talking about Naruto, forehead?" Ino questioned as she lightly nudged Sakura in the side.

"Do NOT start, pig." Sakura snarled.

Ino's demeanor changed to serious in a quick second . "Sakura, I know Naruto has that never give up no matter what thing going for him, but one of these days if you don't admit to him that you love him, some other girl will come and snatch him from right under your nose."

Sakura thought about that very thing everyday, but she wasn't ready to reveal her feelings to Naruto just yet. Naruto hasn't asked her on a date in over 4 years ever since Sasuke returned. She wanted to make sure that Naruto loved her as she much as she loved him.

"Naruto is my best friend, and if that happens, I would happy for him." Sakura lied. Ino could tell she wasn't being truthful by the look in her eyes.

Ino could have easily just read her mind to know the truth, but out of respect for her best friend, she never did it. She wanted Sakura to trust her enough to tell her. "Would you really be forehead?" Ino questioned in disbelief?

Sakura's emerald eyes shifted to the ground in thought but back up to Ino in a quick second. "Yes, Ino. If that happens I would be truly happy for Naruto. He deserves someone who would love him and keep him happy." Sakura flashed Ino a fake smile but Ino saw through it right away.

"Don't give me that fake smile Sakura!" Ino accused in an almost insulted tone. "Perks of being your best friend is knowing when you're lying and telling the truth, so try again!"

"I'm being completely honest Ino. I just want Naruto to be happy… he's been through so much pain over the years…" Sakura felt a sharp pain in her heart at her own words.

"Yeah, you're right forehead. He needs YOU." Ino cut her off, causing Sakura's eyes widen slightly.

"What-what are you talking about?" Sakura questioned, still looking at Ino in slight shock at her statement.

"You already know what I'm talking about. Everyone but you apparently could see how much Naruto loves you. He's loved you since forever. But, you're so busy thinking of ways he could be happy, that you don't even realize that you being with him is what keeps him happy everyday."

A visible blush tinted Sakura's cheeks, she looked to side in an attempt to hide it. "I don't think you know what you're talking about pig. Naruto and I are just best friends and that's where the line stops…" Sakura trailed off as she seen Ino place her hands to her temple with a mischievous grin on her face.

"What are you doing?" Sakura questioned as she placed her hands on her hips.

"How about I just find out for myself how Ms. Haruno truly feels about Mr. Future Hokage." Ino tried to stifle her laugh at how red Sakura's face was getting.

"You-You better not! Or I promise I'll punch you into the next village!" Sakura threatened with balled fists, her face still red.

Ino nudged her slightly in her side once more, her mischievous grin still present. "If you're telling the truth, you wouldn't mind me reading your mind just to verify it for myself. After all, best friends shouldn't hide secrets from each other, ne Sakura-Chan?" Ino questioned in her best Naruto impression.

Sakura's blush deepened at Ino's 'Sakura-Chan' comment, but she expertly ignored it. "I'm not hiding anything from you pig. It would just be weird to have you probing my every thought is all."

Ino playfully closed her eyes as if she was starting to read Sakura's mind causing Sakura's eyes to widen in fear of Ino uncovering her secret. "Piiiigggg." Sakura growled out, clenching her fists.

Ino opened her eyes slightly and saw Sakura's reaction, causing her to burst out laughing. "Relax, forehead. You're my best friend, I wouldn't dare to invade your thoughts. I'm sure if you wanted me to know you would tell me."

Sakura sighed inwardly and then pouted, turning her head to side and changing the subject. "Are you going to help me look for a gift for Naruto?"

"What's in it for me?" Ino teased in between laughter.

Sakura smiled and gently pulled Ino's cheeks. "You get to make your best friend very happy today." Sakura explained as if she was talking to a baby.

It was now Ino's turn to playfully pout. "Doesn't really sound like a fair deal…"

A mischievous grin now plastered Sakura's face. "And I won't tell Shikamaru about all of those drunken love letters you've been writing about him."

Ino gasped as a blush colored her cheeks. "You wouldn't…"

Sakura pulled out one of said letters from her purse and flashed it to Ino, her grin never leaving her face. "I would."

"Y-yeah, but what about the drunken voicemail you left of how sweet you think Naruto is?" Ino swiftly countered.

"Already deleted." Sakura checkmated, still smiling.

Ino pouted once more. "Fine, forehead. But you owe me for this."

Sakura smiled brightly and hugged Ino. "Thank you pig! I knew you would've seen things my way."

Ino smiled and returned the hug. "Whatever forehead."

---

Akari sighed as she continued to make her way through the village. It was a lot bigger than she anticipated and so far, every man she seen was too weak for her tastes. Her gray eyes continued to scan the village. "I really hope Yui finds the information so I could narrow this search down. I'm really starting to grow impatient."

"YOU CALL THAT A HIT? THAT DIDN'T EVEN TICKLE!" Akari heard someone roar, the voice cutting through the air. The mere ferociousness of the voice intrigued Akari. She walked in the direction of the voice which lead her into a sake shop.

She walked inside and saw none other than Kiba, drunkenly beating up a couple of men for talking about Hinata in a perverted way. Akari could sense the pure ferociousness, the confidence, the pure wild instinct oozing from Kiba and she bit her lip at the sight of him. "Now this is more like it." Akari whispered to herself.

Kiba dusted off his hands and sat down to order another cup of sake. Akari took this as her opportunity to approach him. "That was really impressive." Akari said as she placed her hands on Kiba's biceps, causing Kiba to look over in confusion.

"Huh?" Kiba muttered, but quickly blushed when he saw Akari smiling warmly at him.

"The way you put those guys in their place was very impressive, and I love nothing more than a strong man who knows how to defend himself." Akari whispered softly to Kiba, emphasizing the word 'strong.'

Kiba smiled goofily. "That was nothing!" Kiba exclaimed confidently, causing Akari to giggle. "It's become a routine thing now, anyone who tries to pick a fight with me at this point would have to be crazy."

Akari moved her hand to his cheek, locking her eyes with his. "Oh really? So I'm guessing you're one of the strongest men in the village then?"

Kiba's eyes widened slightly at Akari's sudden action, but he slid his finger under his nose and went back into his confident demeanor. "THE strongest!"

Akari smiled flirtatiously at him and faced him completely. "I am Queen Akari, and I am confident you are the man that I have traveled long distances for. And you are?" Akari questioned.

"K-Kiba." Kiba muttered. "And you've been looking for me?" Kiba questioned in disbelief as he pointed his finger to himself.

Akari smiled. "Kiba? I like that. And Yes. I traveled for hours to come and find the jinchuriki of Konohakagure and I believe I have found that in you."

'Jinchuriki? She's looking for Naruto?' Kiba snarled at the thought. 'That bastard already ripped Hinata away from me.'

Kiba returned her smile. "Well then, you have come to the right place, because I am the Jinchuriki that you have been looking for." Kiba slurred out.

Akari began to lean in for a kiss, but mid-way in Kiba turned his head slightly as thoughts of Hinata's smiling face flooded his mind. Akari stopped and looked into Kiba's eyes with the cutest confused look he had ever seen.

"What's the matter? Don't you want me?" Akari questioned softly.

"I mean who wouldn't? You're beautiful, you're sexy…" Kiba said causing Akari to blush. "But, I'm kind of in love with another woman."

Akari smiled and leaned in, brushing her lips against his ears, sending warm sensations down Kiba's spine. "All you have to do is kiss me once, and I promise you will see what you've been missing all this time." She whispered as she placed a small kiss slightly behind his ear.

Akari could still sense Kiba's indecisiveness. She gently placed a kiss on his cheek in an attempt to release all doubt from his mind and whispered in his ear once more. "Trust me." Was all she needed to say to send Kiba into overdrive.

Kiba gently put her hands into his. "I think we'll need a little more privacy." A slight lecherous grin forming on his face as he lifted her bridal style. "A queen needs to be treated like a queen." Kiba hiccuped.

Akari blushed and giggled at Kiba's actions. "I like where this going."

Kiba took her to the back of the sake shop in an alley. Kiba couldn't resist her anymore and he couldn't wait to go any further. Something about the kiss on his cheek and the way she looked in his eyes made her irresistible to him. The part of him that loved Hinata however, still tried to fight it. He placed her on her feet and they looked into each other's eyes. Akari bit her lip at the way Kiba was looking at her. He looked at her with the pure hunger of a wild animal. And she liked it.

She could still sense however that something was still holding Kiba back from fully giving himself to her. She placed her hands on his cheeks gently and spoke to him. "You don't have to worry. One kiss will prove that you and I are meant to be together."

Kiba blushed as she stood on her tip-toes, snaking her arms around Kiba's neck before pulling him down and pressing her lips to his. Kiba had always dreamed of sharing this moment with Hinata, but he didn't mind this at all. Kiba finally embraced Akari all the way and put his hands on her hips, bringing her closer to him. He was roughing her up a little out of pure lust, but she loved every second of it. They finally released the kiss and Kiba started to smile uncontrollably.

"W-Wow!" Was all Kiba managed to get out. His heart started racing faster, he felt more animalistic than he ever did, his adrenaline tripled as he grabbed her and went in for another kiss. Akari started to giggle in the middle of the kiss as he moved down to kiss her neck, but was soon disappointed when she saw blood start to drip from his mouth.

Akari rolled her eyes disappointingly as she watched Kiba clutch at his heart and drop to his knees. "What-What's happening to me?" Kiba snarled out in pain.

"I'm so sorry." Akari apologized as she turned her back to him.

Kiba looked up to her, one eye closed. "You have something to do with this?" He growled out.

"Only a Jinchuriki can withstand the effects of a kiss from me. I really wanted you to be the man I was looking for, you were so confident, had such a ferocity about you, but you were also so sweet and genuine." Akari said with slight remorse as she began to walk away.

"H-hey! Where are you going?! You can't just leave me here!" Kiba screamed as he watched her disappear into the shadows of the alley.

Just as Kiba was about to pass out, he saw a familiar figure leaning over him. "Kiba-Kun!" He heard the feminine voice say before he fully passed out.

---

Kiba's eyes fluttered open to the sight of Akamaru sleeping next to him. He reached over and petted Akamaru. Kiba laughed when Akamaru immediately jumped on him and started to lick his face. "Alright boy! I missed you as well!"

Kiba looked over to the corner of the room and his eyes widened in shock at seeing the girl of his dreams, sleeping. He placed Akamaru back in the spot he was previously in and called out to her. "Hinata?"

Kiba watched as Hinata opened her eyes. He smiled inwardly. Everything she did was so dainty and cute. She focused her white eyes on him and smiled brightly at him. "Kiba-Kun? You're awake?" Hinata asked in almost a surprised tone.

Kiba flashed her a toothy grin. "Of course I am. Why do you sound so surprised?"

Hinata brought her chair closer to his bedside and Kiba couldn't help but blush at how beautiful she managed to look all the time. She took his hand in hers and this made Kiba's blush deepen. "Be-because they doctors said that there was a good chance that I wouldn't be able to see you again." Hinata admitted with a sad look in her eye.

Kiba laughed heartily. "Hinata, Hinata, Hinata. It would take much more than a simple heart attack to keep me down!" Kiba said trying to calm Hinata down, but he could see she wasn't going for it.

Hinata furrowed her eyebrows slightly in anger. "It isn't funny Kiba-Kun! I could have lost you today." Hinata's voice was still soft, but Kiba could tell she was serious.

Kiba gulped audibly, he didn't know Hinata even had the ability to get upset, but he definitely liked it as he smiled inwardly at how much she cared for him. He squeezed her hand gently. "You don't have to worry Hinata. I'm not going anywhere for a looongg time." Kiba assured her with a smile causing Hinata to return a small smile. "How did you find me anyways?"

Hinata reached over and pet Akamaru. "Akamaru sensed that you were in trouble and led me to you. But the man in the sake shop told me that you went in the back with some woman…" Hinata said that last part with uncharacteristic venom. "Who was she?"

Kiba noted the change in her tone and smiled teasingly. "If I didn't know any better, I would swear that you seemed a little jealous." Kiba teased.

Hinata's white eyes widened slightly as she blushed at Kiba's statement. "I'm-I'm not." She stuttered out. "I just want to know what happened."

Kiba laughed at Hinata's reaction. "I'm only messing with you Hinata. And to tell you the truth, I don't remember much. I was drunk and this girl walked up to me. No matter how much I tried to resist her, it was like I couldn't. We went into the alley and then she kissed me. Everything was a blur after that."

Hinata gasped silently causing Kiba to raise his eyebrow in confusion. "What's wrong?" He questioned in worry.

"She-she kissed you?" Hinata questioned as if that was most unbelievable thing in the world.

"Yeah, I mean who wouldn't? I am the most irresistible man in this village after all!" Kiba joked, but Hinata didn't laugh.

He felt Hinata squeeze his hand a little harder causing him to wince a little. He could tell she focused a little chakra in that squeeze. "Hinata, are you okay?" He asked, concern on his face as he noticed tears in her eyes.

"I'm fine." Was her simple response to him. Kiba's eyes widened slightly. He had never seen this side of Hinata before.

"Why are you crying?"

Hinata unleashed on him. Her voice stayed soft, but he could tell she was stern about what she was saying. "I'm always worried about you! You go to the sake shop everyday just to drink for hours on end, you're constantly getting into fights, and you never tell me what's going on! Now I see you today, near death and you're just going around kissing women you don't even know! I could have lost you today!" Hinata then leaned in and embraced him with a tight hug.

For the first time in his life, Kiba was genuinely speechless. He blushed at Hinata's tight embrace and after a few seconds he returned the hug. "W-wow Hinata. I didn't know you cared so much."

Hinata released he hug and looked at Kiba with a look of hurt at his statement. "Why would you assume that I didn't care about you Kiba-Kun?"

Kiba figured that now could have been the perfect opportunity to reveal his feelings, to reveal why he was always in the sake shop for countless hours every day. He didn't want to lie to her anymore. "Because it's always Naruto this and Naruto that…" Kiba trailed off causing Hinata's eyes to widen. Kiba noticed Hinata didn't have anything to say, so he continued.

"How do you think it makes me feel when he's all you talk about. You're beautiful, sexy, gentle, intelligent, and Naruto doesn't see that. All that idiot sees is Sakura, Sakura, Sakura!" Kiba finished angrily.

Hinata's eyes had a look of shock in them. "W-what are you saying Kiba-Kun?"

"I'm saying that I love you damn it! And I could treat you at least 100 times better than that idiot Naruto ever could!" Kiba admitted but came back to his senses when he seen the way Hinata was just staring at him. Her entire face was red, but her eyes were wide and he got worried. He looked over for Akamaru, but Akamaru was already hiding under the bed in case Hinata got upset at how he was badmouthing Naruto.

"Wha-what? Hinata gasped.

Kiba sighed, realizing there was no turning back now. "Look Hinata..." Kiba trailed off, his heart beating erraticly at Hinata's stare.

"I've been in love with you for a long time. Longer than I could ever remember. I've always wanted to tell you how I feel, but I felt like there was no point because of how you felt about Naruto. So, I decided to just love you from a distance and watch over you instead until I finally had a chance to tell you. I'll understand if you would prefer to keep your distance now that you know how I feel. It wouldn't change how I feel about you. Nothing could." Kiba finished with pain in his voice, his eyes closed.

Kiba's eyes snapped open when he felt a pair of soft lips on his cheek. He blushed furiously as Hinata pulled back slightly with a shy smile, an even deeper blush on her face.

"Hi-Hinata?" Kiba questioned incredulously.

"I'm glad that I didn't have to admit it first." Hinata giggled, her voice soft as chimes as she placed her hand on his cheeks.

"Wha-what?" Kiba was severely confused at what was going on. He looked at Akamaru, who was just was confused. This earned another giggle from Hinata.

"Well, you see Kiba-Kun. I've noticed over the years how you looked at me. How you always go all out to protect me and to make sure I was always happy. You make me feel more confident and comfortable than I've ever felt around anyone else; And that's when I noticed something really important..." Hinata spoke softly as she leaned in closer to Kiba's face.

"What-what's that?" Kiba stuttered out at their close proximity. He had never seen Hinata act this forward before, but he was mentally thanking Kami for the moment.

"That you love me unconditionally and you look at me as if I'm the only woman in your world, and no one, not even Naruto-Kun could ever make me feel the way that you do." Hinata finished as she planted a quick yet loving kiss on his lips, a huge blush on her face as she pulled back. "In other words, I love you too, Kiba-Kun." Hinata confessed, satisfying Kiba's confusion.

Kiba immediately jumped out of his bed in happiness. "YES!" But regretted his decision just as quickly when he felt a sharp pain shoot through his body. Hinata gasped when Kiba fell, but let out a sigh of relief when Akamaru caught Kiba just in time and dragged him back on the bed. Kiba chuckled sheepishly which earned a small giggle from Hinata. "So, do you want to do something tonight then?"

Hinata responded with a small smile. "I would like that Kiba-Kun." Hinata said as she got up to go and start to get everything prepared for their first night as a couple. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and started to walk out, closing the door behind her.

Kiba's head plopped down on the pillow, he felt like he was on top of the world. He looked over at Akamaru. "She loves me Akamaru! I can't believe it!"

"Arf!" Akamaru responded in happiness.

Kiba's eyebrow raised in disbelief as he smiled at Akamaru. "If you knew she loved me all along, why were you hiding?"

"Arf! Arf!" Akamaru barked back.

"You tried to give us privacy?"

"Arf!" Akamaru responded back.

"Yeah right! You were totally scared you little coward!" Kiba said through laughs as he pulled Akamaru closer to him and hugged him causing Akamaru to bathe his face in kisses.

---

Akari was standing on top of a building scanning the entire village. She sighed hopelessly. "Maybe this man Yui was talking about was just a legend and nothing more? So far, every man I have come across in this stupid village has been disappointing." She said quietly to herself as she sat down on the edge of the roof.

Just as she said that, she noticed one of her birds flying towards her with a note. The bird landed on her, dropping the note in the palm of her hand. She rubbed the bird's head and sent him back to her home. She opened the note smiled brightly at Naruto's picture that also revealed all of his information.

She bit her lip as she took in the picture. "Now, we're talking! He looks strong and majestic. And he's extremely handsome on top of it." Akari squealed excitedly.

She pulled the picture to her chest and flashed a determined look to the village. "When I find you Mr. Uzumaki, we will be together forever."

---

"Hey! That's not fair Nii-Chan! Your bowl's smaller than mine!" Konohamaru accused as Naruto finished his seventh bowl and Konohamaru was still on his first one.

"I already told you, I'm the best at anything ramen or ninja!" Naruto declared as he ruffled Konohamaru's hair.

Konohamaru pouted. "Yeah, well. I bet my Sexy Jutsu is curvier than yours!" Konohamaru challenged.

Naruto spit out the wad of noodles that was in his mouth. "Whaaaa? There's no way your Sexy Jutsu is curvier than mines!"

Konohamaru scoffed at Naruto's statement. "I believe you've lost your touch Nii-Chan." Konohamaru said with a daring smile.

Naruto shot Konohamaru an insulted look. "The best never loses his touch!" Naruto corrected him with a closed eye smile.

Without saying a word, Konohamaru transformed into his Sexy Jutsu, causing all of the nearby men to catch nosebleeds except for Naruto. Naruto clearly wasn't impressed. He simply yawned as Konohamaru transformed back into himself.

"You have a long way to go little bro." Naruto stated with a boredom laced tone.

Konohamaru raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What do you mean Nii-Chan?"

Naruto stood up and towered over Konohamaru with his 6'3 frame and flashed a toothy grin. "That wasn't too bad Konohamaru, but you're missing one key."

"A key?" Konohamaru echoed, still confused.

"Yup, you got to model yours after a woman that you deem the most beautiful woman in history. Only then will you attain true beauty! I modeled mine after the most beautiful and sexy woman in history; Sakura-Chan!" Naruto explained, his grin never leaving his face. His eyes then turned into white circles as he threw his fist in front of him. "NOW! PREPARE TO SEE WHAT REAL BEAUTY LOOKS LIKE!" Naruto exclaimed, ignoring all of the stares on him.

"Hey! Pay for your ramen first!" Naruto heard the assistant ramen owner call out to him. Tuechi and Ayame went on vacation, so they hired a temp to take their place until they came back. Naruto hated him already.

Naruto turned around and went to pay but realized he forgot his wallet. "Damn it! I forgot my wallet again!" Naruto whispered to himself.

As if on time, Akari sat down next to Naruto, taking Konohamaru's previous seat. "Don't worry, I'll cover you handsome." She said flirtatiously as she pulled out a small hand purse. "As a matter of fact, can we get two more?" Akari requested.

Naruto flashed her a toothy smile. "Wow! Thanks!" Naruto exclaimed as the temp owner placed a bowl in front of him and her. Akari looked at the bowl of ramen and pushed it to the side, disgusted by it. "Ugh." she groaned out before turning all of her attention on Naruto as he scarfed the bowl down in mere seconds.

She bit her lip and started to trace her fingers along Naruto's whisker marks. Naruto, however, ignored her actions and pointed at the uneaten bowl of ramen next to her. "Are you going to eat that?"

She pushed the bowl towards him and was amazed at how fast he downed the next bowl. Akari moved in closer to him and took Naruto's hands into hers, leaning in close to him. "Strong, heroic, and a huge appetite. My kind of man." She purred in his ear causing Naruto to look at her in confusion.

Konohamaru seemingly knowing what was going on walked up to the other side of Naruto. "Hey Nii-Chan, who's the babe?" Konohamaru whispered as he waved at Akari with a lecherous grin.

Naruto flashed a look of confusion at Konohamaru. "Babe? I don't see Sakura-Chan around." Naruto responded causing Konohamaru to deadpan.

"No, I mean the girl next to you." Konohamaru replied.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea. She's a little weird, but she bought me ramen, so I guess she's a new friend of mine." Naruto turned to her. "Hey, what's your name?"

Akari faced him and turned his chair so he could face her. She now had both of his hands in hers, causing Naruto to raise an eyebrow at the action. "I am Queen Akari, and you're the man that I have traveled long distances for."

Naruto turned to face Konohamaru to let him know Akari's name, but Akari stopped him from turning his chair. "How about you give me a tour of the village and maybe you and I could get to know each other along the way." Akari requested with a blush on her face at how beautiful she thought Naruto's eyes were. For the first time, she actually felt like she was being swept off her feet with a simple look.

Naruto smiled at her. "Sure!" Naruto turned in his seat to face Konohamaru. "Hey Konohamaru, you want to come along?"

Konohamaru facepalmed. Naruto just couldn't see that this girl was flirting with him. Konohamaru knew it was because his love for Sakura was so deep and infinite. "Nah, I think I'll head home. Maybe tomorrow Nii-Chan." Konohamaru said as he turned on his heels to go home.

Naruto looked at him until he got out of view and shrugged before turning back to face Akari. Akari was adjusting her dress so her breasts could pop out more and so her thighs could be more visible. Naruto stood up and she bit her lip for the millionth time. He was a whole foot taller than her and that made him even more godly in her eyes. She grabbed his hand and Naruto only smiled confusingly at her as she did it. Akari took the first course of action, gently tugging on his arm so Naruto could follow suit and begin their 'tour' through the village.

"So, I heard that you saved the planet." Akari said, wrapping her arm around Naruto's waist as they kept walking.

"Yeah, I was a big part of it. But so was Sakura-Chan and Sasuke-Teme." Naruto answered.

'Sakura-Chan?' Akari thought to herself, noticing the way his heart raced when he said her name. "Who is this Sakura-Chan?" Akari inquired.

She could see the blush forming on Naruto's face as he explained. "She's this woman I've been in love with since forever. But, she's in love with someone else." Akari could see the sadness in his eyes as he explained it. She smiled inwardly as this gave her the perfect opportunity to steal his heart.

She stopped and placed herself in front of him, taking his hands and putting them on her waist. "Someone as sweet as you doesn't deserve that. You deserve way better, and I could give that to you."

Naruto was confused once again. "Huh?" Was all he managed to get out.

Akari closed the gap between them and slid Naruto's hands down to her hips as his blue eyes met her gray ones. "You know." She whispered to where only he can hear. "I love having big, strong hands all over me." She gently slid his hands down to where they were placed on her butt before standing on her tip-toes. "Kind of like yours, handsome." She bit her lip as she finished her sentence.

"We only need to kiss one time and I promise all of the pain you're feeling will go away. I will be the woman that will keep you happy." Akari then put her hands around Naruto's neck, bringing his face down to hers and before he could register what was going on, she crashed her lips into his. It sent a huge surge of electricity through her body. She wondered if this was all the men previously felt like when she kissed them. She didn't want this kiss to ever stop, but she stopped and looked into his eyes and she could see that Naruto was now looking at her with a look of pure want.

She blushed at the look of hunger in his eyes for her. She giggled as he lifted her up bridal style and took her to the side of a building to continue kissing her. She smiled when she noticed that Naruto was actually able to commence a round 2 with her, signifying that Yui was right. She put her arms around Naruto's neck as he pinned her to the wall of the building and started kiss her on her neck causing her to moan softly.

It didn't matter who was looking at them. Akari had never been happier. She finally found her equal and she wasn't going to let anything get in the way. She now took control and pinned Naruto to the wall, completely ripping open his shirt. And they started making out again.

---

Still not having any luck finding the perfect gift for Naruto, Sakura sighed as her and Ino sat down on a bench eating ice cream. Ino looked at Sakura and noticed she was just fiddling with the spoon, stirring the ice cream. She placed her hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Hey, Sakura?"

Sakura flinched at Ino's touch, it was as if she forgot Ino was there for a second and shifted her emerald eyes to the platinum blonde. "Hmm?" She hummed.

"You know you don't have to kill yourself to find Naruto a gift. He's a pretty simple guy. As long as you're there with him, that would make his birthday perfect." Ino said softly.

Sakura looked back to her uneaten ice cream. "I know Ino, but he's been surprising me for my birthday every single year with special gifts. It would only be right if I did the same for him."

Ino smiled softly at her best friend. "You always give him the most special gift of all, forehead." Ino said as she poked Sakura's seal.

"Yeah? And what's that?" Sakura asked, clearly unconvinced by Ino's words.

"You." Ino simply stated as she took a bite of her ice cream causing Sakura's eyes to widen slightly.

"Me?" Sakura questioned in confusion.

Ino smiled at her best friend. "Yup. And trust me forehead, that's all Naruto needs." She then put her arm around Sakura's shoulders and flashed a mischievous grin. "You admitting that you love him would be the icing on the cake though." Ino whispered.

Sakura blushed at Ino's statement. "How many times do I have to tell you, I am NOT in love with Naruto, pig!" Sakura lied.

"Yeah, and I'm next in line to be the Hokage." Ino quickly countered.

Sakura began to fish in her purse with a calm expression. Ino watched her intently, her eyes widening when Sakura dumped a mountain of love letters that Ino had been keeping in her dresser on the table. "You have two options…" Sakura threatened causing Ino to sweat slightly.

"What's that?" Ino asked nervously.

"You could be a good little pig and help me look for a gift, or you could spend the rest of the night explaining to Shikamaru what these notes are all about." Sakura finished in a sweet tone, accenting her threat with a sweet smile.

Ino gulped with a nervous smile on her face. "Would you really do that to your best friend, forehead?"

"Would you like to test the waters and find out?" Sakura countered, her smile never leaving her face.

"Alright, alright." Ino surrendered as Sakura flashed her a triumphant smile.

Ino started to look around, until she finally laid her eyes on something that she was sure that Naruto would like. "Give me a second forehead, I think I see something that he might like." Ino informed as she started walking to the stand.

Sakura smiled. "Okay. I'll meet you over there after I pay for our ice cream."

Ino made her way to the stand but got frozen in place at what she saw at the side of the neighboring building. "Naruto?" Ino whispered to herself. Her eyes widened at how Naruto and Akari were making out with each other. She always teased Sakura about it, but she didn't know that Naruto would actually end up doing it.

"I can't let Sakura see this."

Ino turned on her heels as she saw Sakura heading in her direction. She tried to intercept Sakura, but Sakura wasn't allowing it. "What are you doing, Ino?"

Ino laughed nervously. "Nothing Sakura, I went over there to check out the gift, but I don't think Naruto would like it so much after all."

Sakura raised an eyebrow at Ino's strange behavior. She placed her hand on Ino's forehead and checked her temperature. "Are you feeling alright, pig?" Sakura said through a chuckle.

"I'm fine Sakura!" Ino hissed. "It's just, if you truly want to find a gift that Naruto would like; then going over there would be the wrong place to look.." Ino tried to convince her.

Sakura placed her hands on her hips and looked at Ino with a look of confusion before trying to walk past her to see it for herself. But was held back by Ino. "What is going on Ino?" Sakura could feel the desperation in Ino not wanting her to go to the stand, and that only made Sakura want to check it out more.

"Just trust me." Ino pleaded. "We would have much better luck going somewhere else and getting Naruto's gift."

Sakura smiled at Ino and faced her. "It would only take a minute for me to check it out pig, and then we could go wherever you want to go next."

Ino sighed hopelessly. Sakura had become as stubborn as Naruto over the years and if Sakura was determined to do something, there was no talking her out of it. Ino let her hand go and allowed Sakura to walk in the direction of the stand. "I'm sorry Sakura." Ino whispered to herself, pure sadness in her eyes at what Sakura was about to witness.

As if on cue, Ino witnessed Sakura become frozen in place as she dropped her purse on the ground in pure shock. Ino ran over to Sakura to try to neutralize the situation because she knew that regardless of what Sakura said, she wouldn't take seeing Naruto kissing another woman lightly.

Sakura felt as though her heart was ripped directly from her chest. Her emerald eyes widened with pure shock and sadness as she watched the man she had fallen in love with making out with another woman. She heard Ino talk about this very thing happening, but she never expected it to actually happen. Her eyes were stricken with pure horror as she watched Akari rub her hands all over Naruto's bare chest and she watched Naruto grip Akari's hips back in return. The non-stop kissing was what was really getting to her. That was supposed to her and nobody else.

Ino looked at her pink-haired best friend in sadness. She could tell Sakura wanted to say something, but the shock she was in proved to be a lot. Ino wanted to kick Naruto in the balls so hard right now for hurting Sakura like this, but she knew she couldn't be upset at Naruto for doing what he thought was right for him.

Sakura took a closer step, her eyes still widened in pure shock. She managed to get a word out. "Na-Naruto?"

At the sound of his name being said by the pink-haired love of his life, Naruto snapped out of the hold Akari had him under and his vision started to come back to him as he recognized Sakura standing a couple feet away from him and Akari with a pained look in her eyes. "Sakura-Chan?"

Akari looked back at Sakura and then back up to Naruto before placing her hand on his cheek. "Just focus on me handsome." But it proved to be fruitless as Naruto continued to stare at Sakura and completely ignored her.

Sakura's eyebrows furrowed slightly in anger as she turned to Ino. "Come on Ino, let's go."

"Sakura-Chan, wait!" Naruto called out to her, but Sakura ignored him while having Ino in tow.

Akari desperately placed both her hands on Naruto's cheeks and forced him to look into her eyes. "Let her go handsome. I'll show you why I'm better for you." But her pleas fell on deaf ears as Naruto ran after Sakura without hesitation, leaving Akari angry.

"Sakura-Chan! Wait!" Naruto called out to her once again, having success the second time around.

Sakura turned around and Naruto flinched at the look in her eyes. He could tell she was angry, but she also looked like she was on the brink of tears. "What do want Naruto?!" Sakura spat with venom.

"Sakura-Chan, it wasn't what it looked like. I do.." Sakura cut Naruto off before he could finish.

"So making out with some woman you don't even know isn't what it looks like?! Or do you mean the way she had her hands all over your chest while she was doing it? Either way, IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE!" Sakura's voice cut through the air, earning looks from nearby villagers.

"Calm down Sakura-Chan. Let me explain." And that's all it took to make Sakura explode.

"CALM DOWN?" Sakura exclaimed. "DO YOU HONESTLY THINK THAT I'M NOT CALM RIGHT NOW?" Sakura questioned as she slightly closed the gap between them causing Naruto to flinch in fear.

"I'LL ONLY SAY THIS ONCE! YOU AND I WILL NEVER BE ANYTHING MORE THAN FRIENDS! I DON'T CARE WHO YOU MAKE OUT WITH! I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR LOVE LIFE, SO KEEP THAT EGO OF YOURS IN CHECK NARUTO!" Sakura screamed, poking his chest with every word.

Sakura's heart clenched in pain at saying these words to Naruto because she knew the opposite was true, she did care to the point of blinding jealousy. She does want to be more than friends with Naruto, she wants to marry him someday, have kids with him and grow old with him. The pain in her heart increased at least 10 fold when she noticed the extreme pain in Naruto's eyes at what she said about them never being anything more than friends.

Sakura turned around and started to walk away before the look in Naruto's eyes inevitably melted her heart and made her reveal things to him that she wasn't ready to reveal. Ino quickly intercepted Naruto before he could even think about chasing after her.

"Maybe you should leave her alone for a little while Naruto. I'll go and make sure she's alright and I'll let you know when the coast is clear." Ino assured with a smile before turning on her heels to go after Sakura.

Naruto looked at Sakura and Ino until they were no longer visible. Sakura's words rang in his mind repeatedly like a broken record causing his heart to thump in pain. He then remembered the red-haired girl who somehow seduced him into kissing her against his will. He turned around to the spot that him and Akari was previously doing their make-out session in, but she was gone. Naruto narrowed his eyes in determination. He was about to get to the bottom of the whole thing and make things up to Sakura.

---

Ino finally caught up to Sakura who was sitting on a bench. Ino's features saddened as she seen the look in Sakura's eyes. She could tell Sakura was holding back tears the whole time she was unleashing on Naruto. Ino took her place next to Sakura placed her hand on Sakura's back. "Are you okay, Sakura?"

"Who does he think he is Ino?" Sakura questioned softly. "Does he really think that I care who he makes out with?" Sakura huffed in anger.

Before Ino could respond, Sakura kept speaking. "H-how could he just go around kissing random women he doesn't even know?"

Ino was sure there was some unspoken words that Sakura didn't say. Namely; 'How could he go around kissing any woman that isn't me.'

"I'm sure there's an explanation for it Sakura." Ino tried to assure her best friend.

"There had better be… besides, that slut wasn't even his type." Sakura said with a pout causing Ino to smile knowingly at her. Ino didn't need to hear anymore to know that Sakura was definitely in love with Naruto.

Ino tried to engage her. "Oh really? Then who is forehead?"

Sakura responded without thinking. "I am, damn it!" Sakura shouted before coming back to her senses. She immediately covered her mouth at what she had just revealed. "I-I mean.."

Ino continued to smile at Sakura. "Was that so hard to admit Sakura?"

Sakura blushed, her emerald irises shifting to her knees. "You tricked me." Sakura softly accused.

Ino patted her back. "It's about time you admitted it forehead."

Before Sakura could respond, a shadow engulfed their figures. Both Sakura and Ino looked up and saw an angry Akari standing over them. Her gray eyes staring them down like a cheetah does a gazelle. "So you're this Sakura-Chan my Naruto couldn't stop talking about." Akari said as she sized Sakura up. "I don't see why he would ever choose you over me."

Both Sakura and Ino stood up, both arms folded. "You know Sakura, it's funny." Ino said with a smile.

"What is, Ino?" Sakura questioned with a matching smile.

"The fact that we were just talking about SLUTS, and one just happened to magically land right in front of us." Ino responded.

Sakura chuckled. "Yeah, that is pretty funny."

"And the icing on the cake is that we don't even have to find her to kick her ass now." Ino said before effortlessly getting backslapped 30 feet away by Akari.

Sakura's eyes widened as she seen Ino's unconscious form land on the ground. "Ino!" Sakura screamed as she ran over to her platinum- haired best friend. Sakura placed her fingers on Ino's neck and checked Ino's pulse and sighed in relief at the fact that Ino was okay. Sakura focused some of her green chakra on Ino's body to mend any injuries she obtainted. When Sakura was sure Ino didn't have any injuries; she focused her eyes on the red-haired queen, anger plastering her features. "You're going to wish you never did that!"

Sakura stood up and allowed her fists to become drunk in chakra as Akari started making her way towards her. "You should have just left him alone!" Akari exclaimed. "Now I can't allow you to live!"

"What are you talking about?!" Sakura questioned as she started walking towards Akari.

"He loves you so much!" Akari answered. "And I could tell that you love him just as much! The bond you share with each other is too strong, that's the only way he could have resisted my kiss and the hold I had on him so easily! If I let you live, it would only compromise my plans."

'A hold.' Sakura thought to herself as she smiled inwardly, sighing in relief. 'So that means that she somehow forced Naruto to kiss her. I knew Naruto would have never kissed her on his own.' Sakura mused before locking in on Akari.

"And what are those plans exactly?!"

Akari smiled. "Once I get you out of the way. Naruto and I will spend the rest of our lives together."

Sakura cracked her knuckles, completely focusing on Akari. "Naruto isn't going anywhere. You would have to kill me first!"

Akari's smile never left her face as she quickly closed the gap between them and surprised Sakura with her speed. "How funny." Akari responded, mocking Ino. "That's exactly what I had in mind." Akari said as she was face to face with Sakura.

---

Naruto was running from rooftop to rooftop in search of Akari, but he wasn't entirely focused. The entire altercation with Sakura invaded his mind. The look in her eyes pained his heart, and the fact that he caused it only made the pain feel infinite times worse. Sakura snapped on him before, but it was never to this magnitude. Then his thoughts shifted to Akari causing his eyebrows to furrow in thought.

"I have to find her before she hurts someone." Naruto thought out loud. As he kept jumping from roof to roof, he heard a familiar voice call out to him from the ground. "Yo, Naruto!" Naruto smiled as he made his way down to meet them.

Naruto landed with a dull thud, and was greeted by Hinata. "Hi, Naruto-Kun."

"What's up Hinata! What's up Kiba?" Naruto greeted before noticing the bandages on Kiba's chest. "What happened?"

"A red-haired demon happened." Kiba replied. "Long story short, this girl kissed me and the rush of the kiss was too much for my heart to handle. When she looks into your eyes, she can seduce you into doing whatever she wants. Luckily, Hinata was there to save me." Kiba finished with a smile as he looked at Hinata.

Naruto's eyes widened slightly. Kiba's story sounded familiar. "Gray eyes, red dress?"

"Yup. How did you know?" Kiba inquired.

"I'm looking for her right now." Naruto looked down to the ground in embarrassment as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "She kind of got to me as well… Sakura-Chan's upset with me because of it, but I can't understand why."

Kiba and Hinata looked at each other with knowing smiles. They both knew that it was obvious that Sakura was jealous. "I mean, it's pretty obvious, don't you think?" Kiba questioned, trying to throw Naruto a bone but deadpanned at Naruto's clear confusion.

"Go on…" Naruto responded as he tilted his head slightly still trying to figure out what Kiba meant.

Hinata intervened, her voice soft as chimes. "You will find out when the time is right Naruto-Kun." Hinata assured him with a smile.

Naruto shrugged at Hinata's answer and turned back to Kiba who looked like he was in thought.

"What's going on Kiba?" Naruto asked.

"She was looking for you specifically, Naruto. Before I passed out, she told me that only you could survive her kiss because of Kurama. And since you're still alive after kissing her, that means her theory was right. Which also means that you are the one that she wants to spend the rest of her life with."

"What are you saying Kiba-Kun?" Hinata questioned.

"Naruto said that Sakura was upset when she seen him and Akari kissing. That means Akari now knows who Sakura is. Since Naruto was able to break out of the hold due to Sakura, that means that Akari most likely would want to try to eliminate the threat. Which means…" Kiba trailed off.

Naruto's eyes widened slightly, signifying he knew what Kiba was getting at. "She's going after Sakura-Chan." Naruto finished Kiba's sentence.

As if to confirm Kiba's words, Naruto felt the earth shake under his feet. He immediately knew the force of Sakura's punches were the reason behind it. But then he felt the earth shake under him again, but this one was much more violent. He knew Sakura would still try to hold back in an attempt to protect the village and those around her, so Naruto immedatiely realized that Akari was the reason behind the more violent seismic tremors.

Without hesitation, Naruto took off at a high speed. But before they could register anything, Naruto came back and stood in front of them, noticing the fact they were holding hands. He smiled goofily at them. "Don't forget to invite me to the wedding!"

Kiba smiled proudly at the blonde jinchuriki as he watched Naruto take off again at a high speed. He placed his arm around a blushing Hinata's shoulder. "As long as you return the favor when it's you and Sakura's turn!"

"Working on it!" Naruto yelled back with nothing but determination in his voice.

---

Sakura realized two things. Akari's strength was unreal. It definitely matched her own. Sakura believed that Akari might even be a little stronger. But her speed was what kept surprising Sakura. Her speed rivaled Rock Lee's. Sakura spent most of the battle on her heels looking for an opening, but it proved to be extremely difficult.

Sakura gritted her teeth as she noticed the smile on Akari's face. "You finally started to realize it didn't you?"

"Realize what?" Sakura growled out.

"That I was just playing with my food this entire time."

Just as she said that, she threw an extremely powerful punch that Sakura had just barely blocked. The shockwave of the punch caused the entire village to shake violently beneath their feet. Sakura couldn't believe how powerful Akari proved to be. ' I have to try to end this fight quickly before someone ends up getting hurt.'

Just as Akari was getting ready to launch another attack at Sakura, the voice of a man stopped her in her tracks. "Stop right there! And don't make any sudden moves!" The police force chief demanded. "If you do, we will shoot!"

Akari turned around with a confident smile on her face as her gray eyes looked over the entire police force on the rooftops. They all had their guns pointed directly at Akari, ready to fire if need be. "Guns? You guys are funny." Akari mocked as she took a step forward, causing Sakura's eyes to widen slightly at how daring Akari was.

That sudden step was all it took for the chief to demand them to shoot at her, they unloaded every single bullet they had at her but it proved to be useless as all of the bullets were just bouncing off of her. Sakura's eyes widened at Akari's superhuman feat, and soon the police force followed suit when they realized that their weapons had no effect on Akari.

The chief lowered his gun, his eyes widened in complete shock at what he just saw. "Great Kami."

"Oh you're finished?" Akari yawned. A menacing smile replaced her look of boredom. "Now it's my turn." Akari threatened as she jumped at them, ready to rip them limb from limb.

Sakura gritted her teeth as she watched Akari launch herself at them. 'I can't let her get close to them, she will rip them apart.' Sakura scanned the area swiftly before laying her eyes on a tree. She ripped the tree clean from the root and quickly flashed in front of Akari, intercepting her before she reached the force.

Akari's eyes widened as she saw the pink-haired kunoichi appear in front of her, a huge tree in hand. "SHANNAROOO!" Sakura roared as she sent Akari flying all the way to Konoha's forest. Sakura then took off after Akari's flying body, realizing that she couldn't allow Akari any time to catch her breath or it might prove to be fatal.

---

"SHANNAROOO!"

At the sound of Sakura's voice, Naruto stopped on one of the rooftops and he could see what looked like Sakura hitting Akari out of the village into Konoha's forest with a tree and Sakura chasing after Akari's flying body.

Naruto flinched at the impact of Sakura's blow on Akari and then he smiled, admiring the love of his life's amazing strength. 'That's my girl.'

Naruto took the time to scan over the village, his eyes widened slightly when he noticed Ino's unconcsious form slightly covered in a pile of rubble. Amongst that, he could see that other villagers got caught in the crossfire as well. He immediately summoned a few dozen of Shadow Clones.

"Alright! I'll grab Ino, the rest of you guys will grab the other villagers! We're taking them to the hospital!" Naruto commanded.

The Clones nodded in unison before taking off at a high speed, rounding up all of the injured villagers.

Naruto landed in front of Ino's unconscious form. He immediately hoisted her into his arms and began to run towards the hospital. This caused Ino to stir, though she still wasn't fully conscious, she could still slightly grasp her surroundings.

"N-Naruto..." Ino whispered softly, still weak from the Akari's attack. "S-Sakura... she's..."

"Sakura-Chan will be fine. Nothing could beat her when she's determined to win!" Naruto declared through a reassuring grin. "I'll go for her as soon as I get you to the hospital."

Ino chuckled weakly as she looked at Naruto with only one eye slightly opened. "Thanks Naruto. Sakura couldn't have given the key to her heart to a better man."Ino said softly, causing Naruto to blush heavily.

"Huh?" Naruto looked down to Ino with a shocked expression on his face but noticed she was unconscious again. He mentally shrugged, chalking Ino's words up to her not fully being aware of what was going on.

---

Akari landed on the ground. She wouldn't admit it, but Sakura hitting her with the tree kind of hurt. Before she could get up, Sakura came flying down with half of the tree and slammed it on her. Sakura then got on top of Akari and started to punch her in the face repeatedly with chakra-enhanced blows. Before Sakura could land another blow, Akari caught Sakura's punch and sent Sakura flying into the base of the Hokage Monument with a powerful punch of her own.

Sakura barely blocked the punch, but the constant punches from Akari who was throwing each blow at full strength was starting to take effects on Sakura's body. Sakura began to pull herself from the rubble that her body created from slamming into the base of the monument. She narrowed her eyes in complete determination as she watched Akari casually walk towords her as if none of her attacks had any effect on her, her hips swaying sensually with an almost daring smirk on her face, a smirk that was daring Sakura to get up. Sakura however, refused to lose and that was something she had in common with the man she loves.

Akari finally stood a couple of feet away from Sakura. She wiped the blood that was slowly flowing from her mouth to her chin with the back of her palm. She was genuinely impressed with Sakura. No one had ever drew blood from her before. "When it comes to strength and pure brute force, you are every bit my equal!" Akari admitted which earned a smirk from Sakura who noticed the blood that Akari wiped from her mouth. "But, it seems that when it comes to speed and stamina... I have you beat!"

Sakura merely chuckled as she began to make her way to her feet. "You hurt my best friend and you manipulated Naruto..." Sakura then regarded her with a icy stare. "And for that, I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life!"

Akari couldn't help but giggle at Sakura's confidence. "You are fighting a battle you can't win! I am willing to let you go if you just concede defeat and accept the fact that Naruto is coming home with me! I will make him a very, very happy man." Akari finished as she licked her lips sexually at the thought.

At this, Sakura's eyes narrowed. She quickly flickered in front of a surprised Akari and swung at her with a chakra enhanced punch that Akari barely blocked. "Keep Naruto's name..." Sakura started to warn Akari in a low, threatening tone."Out of your mouth! Shannaroooo!" The volume of her voice raised.

Akari smirked at the now seething Sakura. "Hmph. So, I was right after all. You are in love with my Naruto..." Akari's words were confirmed when she noticed the blush on Sakura's face. "Which makes taking him from you so much more worth it now!"

"Like I said earlier. Naruto isn't going anywhere but home with me."

Akari scoffed at Sakura's declaration. "Oh, so now you want him? He's been in love with you for years while you gave your heart to someone else! You never even noticed that you had the perfect man right there in front of you! Now, when you notice that you have some competition, now you decide that you want him?! You don't deserve him! You wouldn't know how to treat a man like him! If I take him home, I will make sure that he stays happy for the rest of his life!"

"That's where you're wrong. I've loved him for a long time..." Sakura trailed with a pained expression. "But unlike you, I was willing to do whatever it took to keep him happy.. even if it wasn't with me. Even if it meant... even if it meant pushing him to someone who I felt would keep him happier than I ever could."

Akari's face took on a disgusted expression. "Are you dense?! Blind?! Or both?! You're obviously the one he loves! By doing what you're doing, you're only hurting him more because you're his happiness as much as I hate to admit it! And for that, you must die! Because as long as you're around he won't want to be with me!"

Sakura's eyes widened at Akari's words. Certain words in particular stood out to her. It reminded her of what Ino discussed with her earlier. 'Am I really Naruto's happiness? Have I been hurting him all this time by trying to help him find happiness in someone else other than me?

Sakura's musings were cut short when she seen Akari charging towards her at great speeds with all intent to land a fatal blow. Sakura instinctively dodged the attack and launched a punch of her own, which successfully connected and sent Akari into the ground. Sakura grabbed Akari from the floor and slammed her into the base of the monument and then into the trees before throwing her at a high speed through the trunks of the trees to the other side of Konoha's forest.

Sakura quickly made her way through the broken tree trunks to the spot where Akari landed but noticed that Akari wasn't in the spot she had been thrown in. Sakura began to scan the area quickly because if she learned anything about Akari it was that it would take a lot to keep her down and her speed was a definite killer. She looked down, to the left, to the right. Sakura's eyes widened when she realized she forgot to look up and when she finally did, she saw Akari's fist within inches of her face. Akari successfully connected the punch and then in rapid succession, Akari used her superior speed to dance around Sakura while hitting her at the same time.

Sakura grit her teeth in an attempt to numb the pain she was feeling. Akari's strength coupled with her speed made Akari one of the hardest hitters she had ever faced. Sakura was certain that not even Rock Lee could move this fast.

"What's the matter? Can't keep up?!" Akari taunted as she landed another punch on the pinkette's face.

It was a good thing that Sakura's determination matched Naruto's because Sakura never had it in her to lose or quit. And after being with Naruto, she learned what it was like to truly never give up. Sakura mentally pushed herself to ignore the pain she was feeling and she started to focus on Akari's blurry figure. Trying to time an attack.

Finally seeing an opening, Sakura extended her arm out, causing Akari's neck to hit Sakura's forearm before launching an chakra enhanced punch at Akari's surprised face which sent Akari flying to the top of the Hokage Monument. Akari attempted to get up, but was pinned to the ground by Sakura's knees on each of her arms. Sakura began to hit Akari in the face once again repeatedly with Chakra-Enhanced Blows. Sakura smirked mentally when she noticed that her hits were finally starting to take effect on Akari when she saw the cut that she caused earlier start to bleed out more. Before Sakura could land another punch, Akari managed to kick Sakura off her with a powerful kick.

"Is that really the best you can offer?" Sakura gritted her teeth as she watched Akari get up as if her punches had no effect on her. Sakura's eyes widened in surprise when she realized that the cuts on Akari's face were rapidly healing. "I can't believe my Naruto actually considers being with someone as pathetic as you."

At Akari's words, Sakura immediately made it to her feet , a determined glint in her eyes. She wiped the blood from the side of her lip with the back of her palm with a smile. "I'm just warming up."

Akari tilted her head slightly, a teasing grin on her features. It was obvious that she wasn't taking Sakura seriously and Sakura was going to make it a mission to make sure that nobody took her lightly. Sakura began to run at Akari at a speed that she didn't know she was capable of. Akari watched Sakura with an amused smirk on face. Sakura quickly flickered in front of Akari, once again surprising Akari at how close they were now. Without hesitation, Sakura grabbed Akari and kneed her in the face and then quickly flickered away when Akari tried to launch an attack of her own.

Sakura appeared at the side of Akari and began to hammer at Akari's ribs a couple of quick jabs and quick flickered away before Akari hit her with own attack. Akari didn't know how Sakura was moving so quickly all of a sudden, but she was determined to put a stop to the battle once and for all. She was tired of playing games. Akari's eyes widened when she noticed that Sakura flickered in front of her once again with a determined smile.

"What's the matter, can't keep up?" Sakura parroted Akari's words back to her before sending an extremely powerful chakra-enhanced punch into Akari's gut that sent Akari flying into the sky. Sakura knew how crucial it was to keep the attacks coming, because she knew that even letting Akari catch her breath for a second could change the tide of the fight. Sakura focused chakra into her legs and leaped after Akari's flying body, then when she was just above her, Sakura sent Akari diving back down into the ground with another punch. "When you talk about Naruto, YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT ME! SHANNAROOOO!"

Sakura watched as Akari's body went into the ground like a missile, a huge tremor shaking the entire village at the impact. Akari wouldn't admit it, but the entire exchange knocked the wind out of her body. She realized that she couldn't take Sakura lightly anymore, she had to end the fight fast. She realized that there was a possibility that for the first time in her life, someone could actually take her life from her.

As Sakura landed back on the top of the monument, she waited for the dust to clear, expecting to see Akari's body in the crater that the impact had formed, but gasped silently when she realized that Akari wasn't there. Sakura looked up first, not wanting to make same mistake from the first time. She looked to the left, to the right, under her but couldn't see a trace of Akari anywhere. Sakura's eyes widened slightly when she saw a huge boulder come flying at her. Sakura punched the boulder causing it to shatter on impact, but was caught by surprise when Akari appeared through the debris of the rock and drove a hard punch into Sakura's ribs. Sakura supressed a scream of pain that was threatening to fly through her lips. She didn't want to give Akari the satisfaction.

Sakura attemped to get up as quickly as she felt the sun that was shining on her being eclipsed by a figure. She opened her eyes slightly to see Akari standing over her, a menacing smile on features. Akari's eyes narrowed when she noticed strange markings forming from Sakura's eyes all the way down past her cheeks to her chin. Her eyes widened slightly when she noticed that Sakura's cuts and bruises were beginning to slowly disappear.

'Her cuts and bruises are completely gone. Is this some sort of healing factor like mine? Or is this something else?" Akari mused as Sakura's face was now completely healed.

At this, Akari immediately placed both of her knees on Sakura's arms, preventing her from moving.

A smirk formed on Akari's lips as she punched Sakura in the face hard enough to shake the entire village. "Now, let's see how you like it." Akari said as she began to unleash on Sakura's face with repeated punches, each stronger than the last.

Sakura tried her best to ignore the pain, but each punch hurt more than the last. Sakura bit her lip, trying to break free but Akari had her secured tightly under her torso. Sakura knew if she didn't think of something quickly, this could possibly be the last fight she ever participated in.

"I tried to give you a chance to just walk away!" Akari grunted each word with every punch she landed. "But you chose my Naruto over your own life." Akari stopped punching Sakura in the face and grabbed Sakura by the neck with one hand, lifting her off her feet and choking her.

"And that... was your last mistake." Akari threatened in a low tone before slamming Sakura back into the ground, creating a crater in Tsunade's head. Akari smirked when she saw a little bit of blood fly out of Sakura's mouth at the impact.

Akari mounted her again and began to resume punching Sakura in the face. "Now, Naruto and I will be attending your funeral. Then, I will be the one to comfort him and steal his heart away!"

A image of Naruto's smiling face appeared in Sakura's head as Akari said her last sentence. Sakura refused to lose. She refused to lose Naruto, especially to someone like Akari. Sakura's eyes snapped open as she used the chakra in her arms to break one of her arms free. She then grabbed Akari's fist before the punch could connect. Akari watched in surprise as Sakura's Byakugou began to heal all of the bruises on Sakura's face that Akari created. Sakura focused chakra into her hands and began to squeeze Akari's fist, causing Akari to wince in pain. Sakura squeezed her fist until Akari clutched at their hands with her other hand and dropped to her knees.

"I won't lose this fight, and I won't lose Naruto... especially not to someone like you." Sakura growled out through a determined smile as she punched Akari into the ground, a bit of blood flying out of Akari's mouth at the impact. "Now, how about I return the favor?" Sakura said as she mounted Akari again, both of her knees pinning Akari's arms to the ground. Sakura began to unleash with chakra-enhanced punches of her own, deciding not to hold back anymore. This was when Akari realized that Sakura didn't just rival her in pure brute strength, she surpassed her.

Akari felt the welts that were forming under her eyes at Sakura's blows. Akari managed to break her arm free and she quickly poked Sakura in the eyes, temporarily blinding her. Sakura began to clutch at her eyes, trying to regain her vision but was kicked in the stomach by Akari.

Sakura tried to open her eyes, but her vision was completely blurred. Sakura felt her anger building when she heard Akari's laughter. "I guess my Naruto will see that I'm better than you in every way...in looks, in combat..." Akari then kneeled down next to Sakura and whispered in her ear. "And he will see that I could satisfy him ways that you couldn't even imagine."

Sakura began to seethe, she wanted to rip Akari's head off at this point. Sakura grabbed at the direction where Akari's voice was coming from, but only grabbed air. Akari allowed Sakura to get up and laughed at how Sakura was wildly throwing punches in any direction that her voice came from. Akari then backhanded Sakura, sending her to the edge of the monument.

Akari walked over to Sakura with a confident strut and a confident smile to match. Even though Sakura couldn't see, she could sense Akari's close proximity. "Don't worry. I'll take care of my Naruto for the both of us." Akari said as she punched Sakura in the face, sending her plummeting off of the monument.

Sakura's vision started to come back, her surroundings beginning to materalize in her vision. She could see Akari looking at her with a evil grin on her face as she fell. She tried desperately to get her foot to touch the stone of the monument in an attempt to stick to the monument, but her feet were too far away. The fact that she was refusing to look down made the fall feel so much slower. Her eyes snapped shut as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. She couldn't die here, she didn't even get to achieve any of her goals. Naruto appeared in her thoughts, making the tears that she tried so desperately to keep in start to fall. She never got to tell Naruto how much she loves him. Her last memory with him would be her lying to him about how she really felt and pain that placed in his eyes at her words. She promised herself if she managed to survive, the first thing she would do is tell him how much she loves him.

Akari chuckled as she watched Sakura fall through the trees. "Now that she's out of the way, Naruto's all mine."

Sakura fell closer and closer to the ground. She racked her brain for ways she could try to survive this fall, but she didn't have to think too hard as she felt herself get caught in strong, firm arms. She looked up into the oceanic eyes of Naruto, who was smiling warmly at her. She returned the warm smile.

"Nice catch."

"I told you anytime you fell, I would always be there to catch you Sakura-Chan." Naruto responded, his warm smile never leaving his face as he gently landed on the floor with her in his arms.

Sakura blushed slightly as she couldn't help but think Naruto's response had some sort of double meaning behind it. She reached up to touch Naruto's cheek as she remembered the fact that Akari somehow forced Naruto into kissing her. "I'm so sorry Naruto."

Naruto blushed at Sakura's touch. Her fists were literally the most formidable weapons in the world, yet they were so soft. Naruto laid her gently on her feet. "Why, Sakura-Chan?"

"For the way I acted earlier." Sakura spoke softly as she now engulfed Naruto in a loving hug, earning an even deeper blush from Naruto. "I said so many things I didn't mean Naruto..."

Naruto smiled warmly at the love of his life. He finally returned the hug and felt a surge of warmth shoot through his body when he felt Sakura nestle herself even deeper into his body. He wanted to hold her like this forever, he wished he could. He would trade the Hokage title, the key to the universe just to hold his Sakura-Chan like this forever. Nothing beats having the woman of your dreams in your arms while feeling like nothing else in the world matters.

"It's okay Sakura-Chan. That stuff doesn't matter to me." Naruto said in a soothing tone. "Besides, I like when you yell at me." Naruto admitted as he scratched his cheek with his index finger bashfully. "It's kind of..."

Sakura released the hug slightly and looked up into Naruto's eyes with extreme interest. "It's kind of what?"

"It's kind of cute." Naruto said, flashing her his trademark closed-eyed grin.

Sakura blushed at Naruto's words, thanking Kami that Naruto couldn't see it. "You think me yelling at you is cute?" Sakura asked in a flat tone of disbelief.

Naruto nodded, his smile never leaving his face. "Yup." Naruto replied without hesitation, unaware of the effect that his words were having on Sakura.

Sakura shifted her gaze to the left in attempt to hide her blush. "What's so cute about it Naruto?"

Naruto blushed at Sakura's question. "Well, when you yell your nose always crinkles up slightly. Your eyes widen a little, so I get to see more of your green eyes, and I already like hearing your voice, so when you yell I get to hear it even more clearly."

Sakura's eyes widened, her blush deepening. She stared at Naruto for a couple of seconds in an almost dream like state. She couldn't believe that Naruto appreciated her this much. She's his everything, the air he breathes and she couldn't see it because she always thought she wasn't worthy of him and his love. She didn't know what she ever did to deserve to have the love of man like Naruto. But she always made sure to thank Kami for it everyday.

"Sakura-Chan, are you oka-" Naruto was cut off as Sakura enveloped him in another hug. Her face felt extremely warm on his chest. Naruto blushed heavily as his arms moved up slowly to hug Sakura back.

"Thank you, Naruto." Sakura murmured softly, as she pressed her cheek onto his chest. She didn't thank him just for the compliment but for loving her unconditionally. "Maybe later on, you could let me treat you to some ramen like I promised." Sakura offered as she released the hug.

Naruto beamed brightly at Sakura. "Like a-like a date?"

Sakura's heart fluttered at Naruto's question. Naruto hadn't asked her that in such a long time, and this made her feel like the happiest woman on the planet. She rolled her eyes playfully, a playful sigh escaping her lips. "Yes Naruto. Like a date."

"YATTA!" Naruto exclaimed in happiness causing Sakura to giggle at Naruto's antics. "Let's go right now!" Naruto exclaimed as he grabbed Sakura's hand.

"Not so fast baka." Sakura smiled hopelessly at Naruto's confusion.

"Huh?"

"We have to get rid of her first and we have to get rid of her fast." Sakura cut into Naruto's burst of joy, pointing at Akari's figure on the monument. "Because if I keep fighting her, either one of us will die or the village will end up destroyed, and I'm afraid if I cut loose, someone will get hurt."

"And I can't fight her because I can't put my hands on a woman." Naruto deduced as he placed his hand under his chin and let himself get in thought for a second before coming up with an idea.

Naruto's eyes widened in discovery. "I got it!"

Sakura quirked an eyebrow in confusion. "Got what? What are you talking about Naruto?"

Naruto giggled like a child, placing his hand over his mouth. "I got an idea, Sakura-Chan!"

"Really?" Sakura asked in complete shock. "What is it?"

Naruto then proudly whispered his plan in Sakura's ear, shocking Sakura even further. The idea itself disgusted her a little but Naruto's ability to come up with ideas on the fly never ceased to amaze her, and that was one of many things she loved about him.

"That plan is amazing Naruto! I don't think I could have thought of a better one." Sakura praised him, causing Naruto to blush at her compliment.

"Thanks Sakura-Chan! They don't call me the most intelligent ninja for nothing." Naruto declared as he pointed his thumb to his chest with a confident smile on his face.

"… I don't think I've heard anyone call you that, Naruto." Sakura joked, trying to stifle her laughter at the way he looked at her.

"Saaakkkuurrraaa-Chhhaaaannnn." Naruto whined out through a pout. "I'm extremely intelligent, I'll prove that to you right now, tebayo!"

Sakura smiled warmly at the man who captured her heart. "Okay. Prove it to me then."

Naruto flashed her a determined grin as he cracked his knuckles and placed his fingers in a familiar hand sign. "Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" Naruto screamed out, producing two shadow clones.

Naruto put the two shadow clones in a huddle and explained his plan to them to which one of them objected.

"No way!" One of the clones yelled out in defiance.

Naruto grabbed the objecting shadow clone by the collar. "The faster we can get this over with the faster I can go on a date with Sakura-Chan." Naruto whispered through gritted teeth.

The clone looked at Naruto and then to the other clone before finally agreeing to Naruto's plan. "Alright, alright. But I get to stay as myself." The clone bargained, causing the other clone's eyes to widen.

"I hate you so much." The second clone growled to the first clone as he transformed into Naruto's sexy jutsu.

One made it's way to the top of the monument to where Akari was while the other scaled the opposite side. When the clone that stayed as Naruto spotted Akari, he started walking in her direction and spoke causing her to turn around and smile warmly at him. "I couldn't spend another second without you." The clone said in disgust.

"I knew you would have came to your senses handsome." Akari responded flirtatiously as she walked to the clone to meet him halfway. "I promise you won't regret this decision." She finished in a closed eye smile.

Akari extended her arms out to hug Naruto, expecting Naruto to embrace her in return, but she found that she hugged air much to her surprise as the clone walked straight past her and started making out with the with the other clone that transformed into the sexy jutsu. Akari's eyes widened in complete terror as she watched the scene unfold before her.

"H-handsome?" Akari whimpered in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "He's mine! Let him go!" Akari pleaded. She wanted to rip the sexy jutsu clone's head off, but she was bound by her shock.

But The two clones ignored her and kept kissing. Akari could feel her blood pressure raising as she watched the way the sexy jutsu's hands moved all over 'Naruto's' body and that's what did it for Akari. Not being able to take it anymore, Akari felt light headed, her blood pressure brimming at the scene that was unfolding in front of her. She found herself unable to move, bound by the shock of watching the man she deemed as her soulmate kissing another 'woman.'

Noticing this, Naruto moved to the next part of his plan. He looked at Sakura with a determined smile, nodding to her to which she returned. He lifted her up and leaped into the sky, and right at the peak of his jump, tossed Sakura in the sky to where she was floating over Akari. Sakura then started to propel herself downward, her fist cocked back, drunk in chakra, ready to punch Akari in the face.

"SHANNAROOO!" Sakura roared, waking Akari from her stupor. Akari's eyes widened when she looked up and noticed how close Sakura's fist was to her face. Sakura's punch connected, leaving Akari knocked out on the monument.

"YEAH SAKURA-CHAN!" Naruto cheered, pumping his fist enthusiastically in the air as he watched Sakura knock Akari out cold. "That's the woman I put all of my confidence in!"

Sakura giggled at Naruto's antics as she began to drop to the ground and was gracefully caught by Naruto. Naruto's eyes locked with Sakura's, both offering each other warm smiles. Sakura blushed slightly at the prolonged eye contact, and shyly shifted her gaze to the left, her warm smile never leaving her face. Naruto continued to look at the woman of his dreams, allowing himself the rare opportunity to drink in all of the perfection that was Sakura. He was then interrupted by loud gagging sounds coming from the top of the monument.

Naruto placed Sakura gently on her feet and focused his attention to the clones. His eyes turned into white circles as they immediately began to throw up on the monument.

"Hey! You're hurling all over our dad's head!" Naruto screamed at them with balled up fist.

Both clones however, shot Naruto an angry glare and pointed at him. "DO NOT summon us again!" They both roared in unison before dispersing; causing Naruto to stare at the spot they were in with an insulted look.

"I'll have to figure what two clones those were so I could summon them and kick their asses over and over again until I feel satisfied." Naruto muttered out loud.

Sakura was a little disgusted at what she saw, but Naruto never ceased to amaze her. She looked up at him and reached her hand up to place it on his cheek once again. "You know Naruto…" Sakura trailed off softly as Naruto looked at her, a clear blush on his face.

"You really are the world's most unpredictable, intelligent ninja." Sakura finished softly with a warm smile.

"R-really, Sakura-Chan?" Naruto inquired.

"Yes." Sakura simply replied. "No matter the situation, you always manage to find a way out of it. But I also say that because, you always seem to find new ways to keep a smile on my face."

Naruto's eyes widened slightly, but quickly flashed her a bright smile. "I always try my best to make sure that you're happy Sakura-Chan! That's what matters most to me."

Sakura hugged him again, a warm smile forming on her lips as she buried her face into his chest. Even though she knew Akari forced Naruto into kissing her, she didn't want to let him completely off the hook yet. "You're not supposed to be making me smile so much baka. I still want to be mad at you."

She giggled when she felt the chuckle forming in Naruto's chest and up to his lips. "It's a good thing that you do, because when I make it up to you, it would make everything so much better Sakura-Chan."

Sakura just continued to hold Naruto tightly. Enjoying his warmth, the way his strong arms felt around her made her feel safe from any dangers that life threw at her. And even though she knew that Naruto would never give up on her, after what she saw today, it made her realize that she didn't want to spend another day without her being the one who would keep him happy forever, the one who he would spend the rest of his life with. She decided that for once in her life she would be selfish, and she wouldn't allow anyone to take Naruto from her. Her smile deepened at his words. "Baka."

Before Sakura could relish in the feel of Naruto's arms a second longer, her platinum blonde-haired friend came to her mind. Sakura's eyes widened as a gasp escaped her lips.

Naruto pulled back slightly to look into Sakura's worried eyes with a worried expression of his own. "What's wrong Sakura-Chan?"

"Ino..." Sakura whispered softly, but loud enough for Naruto to hear. "We have to go back for her..."

Naruto grinned at Sakura, taking in how amazing Sakura is. How caring she is towards her friends. "Ino's okay Sakura-Chan. I found her earlier and I took her to the hospital. We could go and see her right now if you want."

Sakura looked up into Naruto's eyes with gratitude, then with relief. Sakura didn't have to verbally thank Naruto for him to know that Sakura was grateful for him taking care of Ino. Words couldn't find their way out of Sakura's throat. The way Naruto always made her feel was indescribable. So, she nodded at him with a smile.

Sakura prepared to take off with Naruto at her side but blushed when she felt Naruto lift her up in his arms bridal style. She loved the feeling of being in his arms. But that didn't take away from the fact that she considered herself to be an extremely strong and capable kunoichi. She didn't go through all of that blood, sweat, and tears for nothing.

"Naruto, what are you doing? Put me down. I am capable of moving on my-" Sakura was cut off by how Naruto was looking at her. The look in his eyes was almost hypnotizing. Like looking into the ocean when the sun hits the water just right. His smile only made him much more harder to resist. It was impossible for her to not give in to his every request.

"I know you're capable Sakura-Chan. You're the strongest person I know. But I love when you allow me to do things like this for you even though you don't need it. It really means everything to me, you know?"

Sakura's blush deepened at Naruto's words. She smiled warmly as she rested her face against his chest. "Okay baka." Sakura smiled inwardly when she saw the happiness in Naruto's eyes. "I guess I could allow it, just this once."

At that, Sakura witnessed the brightest smile she had ever seen from Naruto. The brightest smile she had ever seen in her entire life. And she wanted nothing more than to be the woman who put that smile on his face for the rest of her life.

Naruto made his way into the village, jumping from rooftop to rooftop with his Sakura-Chan in his arms. To say that Naruto was in Heaven would be an understatement. He stole a quick glance at her and smiled when he noticed the content smile on her face as she took in the blurry surroundings at how fast Naruto was moving.

"Naruto?" Sakura said his name softly.

"What is it Sakura-Chan?" Naruto replied.

"Before we visit Ino, can we a make a quick stop at Shikamaru's house?"

Naruto quirked an eyebrow in confusion, but didn't want to question it. "Yeah, of course Sakura-Chan." Naruto answered as he quickly changed directions and made his way towards Shikamaru's house.

---

Ino, now fully conscious, sighed in a fit of boredom. Even though she had medical abilities herself, she hated being the patient. She liked always having something to do and she didn't know how much longer she could take just sitting in the hospital bed with nothing to dissipate the boredom she was feeling. But, according to the doctors, she would have to stay in bed for at least a few more hours before she could get back to 100 percent.

She picked up a book that was sitting near the edge of the bed. It was about advanced medical techniques. She smiled to herself as her pink-haired friend popped into her mind. 'Heh. Forehead would enjoy reading a boring book like this.'

Ino closed the book and placed it under her pillow so she could give it to the Sakura when she saw her again. Ino placed her fist on the side of her cheek, continuing to wonder how she would manage to survive 3 more hours of inevitable boredom. She wished Sakura was in the room with her, they never had a dull moment together and it was always fun to tease her about Naruto. Ino sighed once again, her mind now moving to the object of her affections; Shikamaru. She found herself wishing that Shikamaru would keep her company. It would definitely relieve her of her boredom and she could use it as an opportunity to get even closer to him.

Just as Ino's thoughts were starting to get more sexual, she heard the door open. Her eyes widened in happiness when she saw Sakura standing in the door frame with a small smile on her face. "Forehead!" Ino exclaimed in happiness.

"Hey Ino-Pig." Sakura replied as closed the door behind her and walked up to Ino's bedside. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling a lot better now! I don't know what I would have done if you didn't show up!"

Sakura chuckled. "That's kind of sweet of you pig." Sakura said as she gently pulled Ino's cheeks. "But I meant, how are you feeling physically?"

"I keep telling the stupid doctors that I'm fine, but they won't release me. They're saying that I have to stay a couple more hours."

Sakura smiled at how Ino pouted at having to stay in the hospital longer than she needed. "I have a feeling that you'll be glad that the doctor didn't release you yet."

Ino quirked an eyebrow at Sakura's words. "Why would I be glad that these bastards are keeping me here against my will?"

"You'll see." Sakura replied in a cryptic tone.

"You know I hate it when you do that forehead! Now you have me all curious!"

"Let's just say that I'm givng you your birthday gift early." Sakura then slapped Ino's hands away from her temple. "And you can't read my mind to find out what it is either!"

"The last time you gave me my birthday gift early was when you thought that Sasuke liked you because you had long hair!" Ino's eyes widened slightly when she noticed the blush forming on Sakura's face. "Oh my God! Something happened between you and Naruto didn't it?!"

"Wha-what?" Sakura stuttered as her blush deepened.

"I didn't stutter forehead! Something happened between you and Naruto didn't it?" Ino watched Sakura's features intently, noticing that Sakura shifted her gaze to the left, a warm smile on her face. Sakura's actions confirmed the answer to Ino's question. "Did you and him do it before you got here?"

Sakura quirked an eyebrow at Ino's question. "Do what?"

"You know... it." Ino said as she demonstrated what she meant with a slight humping motion, causing Sakura to blush furiously. "Wow Sakura, you really went all out with the gift..."

"We didn't do anything like that you perverted pig!" Sakura hissed.

"Oh... then what happened? I haven't seen you this happy in years."

A slight blush made it's way to Sakura's cheeks. "Naruto asked me on a date..."

"Really?" Ino smiled as she noticed the happiness in Sakura's eyes. "And what did you say?"

"I told him that it was me simply treating him to ramen to make things up to him for how I acted earlier. But, I told him that he could consider it as a date."

Ino sighed. "I'm guessing that since you didn't manage to find a gift for him, that this is the gift that you're planning on giving to him?"

Sakura nodded, a confused glint in her eyes. "Yeah. But why are you saying it like it's such a bad thing?"

"It isn't a bad thing forehead. I'm sure he felt like he was on top of the world that he's finally getting a chance to take you on an actual date. But, maybe it's time that you gave him a little more. He's been in love with you for as long as I could remember and as we all saw today, you clearly love him just as much. Maybe you should just tell him."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly at Ino's words, her heart racing erratically at the thought of revealing her feelings to Naruto. "Do you really think that me telling him that I love him will be a gift that he truly wants? Do you think that it would make him happy?"

'Sakura-Chan's fine! Nothing could beat her when she's determined to win!'

Naruto's words played back in Ino's head, causing her to gently grip Sakura's arm. "With the way that he talked about you today, the look in his eyes when he said your name.. I can guarantee that nothing else would make him happier forehead." Ino finished with a warm smile.

Sakura blushed, her eyes widening at what Ino revealed to her. Naruto's words began to play back in Sakura's mind.

'I love when you yell at me! I think it's cute!'

'I know you're capable Sakura-Chan. You're the strongest person I know. But, I love when you allow me to do things like this for you even though you don't need it. It really means everything to me, you know?'

'I told you that anytime you fell, I would be there to catch you Sakura-Chan.'

Sakura smiled warmly as Naruto's words played over and over again her head. She refused to doubt Naruto's feelings for her any longer. Naruto was a man of action and his actions always told her that he loved her to pieces. She was just so focused on trying to keep him happy that she didn't see herself as worthy of his love. But the thing that she didn't take into account is that she was his happiness all along, and she was causing him the most pain by trying to keep him happy. She couldn't help but smile at the irony of it all.

"You're right Ino. I think I'll tell him." Sakura leaned down and embraced her gently. "Thank you."

"As much as I've teased you over the years, you better believe that through all of that, I always want to see my best friend happy." Ino admitted as she returned the hug.

"For someone who loves to tease me about not confessing my feelings to Naruto, you sure love to keep your feelings for Shikamaru hidden." Sakura chuckled as she released the hug but noticed that Ino didn't laugh with her. She looked into Ino's eyes and saw nothing but sadness causing sadness and concern to plaster Sakura's features.

"Your situation is different Sakura..." Ino trailed off with pain in her tone but continued speaking before Sakura could say anything. "Naruto has been in love with you since we were kids. He's always made that clear. You know that you could confess your feelings to him and he would accept them without so much as a thought." Ino sighed painfully as she looked down to her knees.

"I'm just a girl who realized that she loved one of her most precious people when it was too late." Ino lips curved into a pained smile. "Besides, it seems that he's really happy with that Temari chick and that's what matters."

Sakura could tell that Ino was lying. Sakura knew that Ino wanted the same thing with Shikamaru that she did with Naruto. To spend the rest of their lives together. Sakura continued to look at Ino with a pained look of her own. Even though they fought a lot, Ino was best friend to the point of being like a sister she never had. "Ino..." Sakura said softly but was cut off when Ino gently grabbed her hand and flashed her a fake smile.

"Hey..." Ino spoke in a soothing tone. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Maybe someday I'll get him to look at me the same way Naruto looks at you; but until then I'll be okay." Ino tried to assure her but noticed that Sakura had a stubborn glint in her eye, signifying that she knew the opposite was true.

"But..." Sakura trailed off as Ino cut her off once again.

"I'm serious forehead. You have a date with Naruto tonight, I don't want you to miss out on that because of me. I could handle a couple more hours by myself."

Sakura chuckled. "You know, for someone who has the ability to read minds, you sure are clueless when it comes to how someone feels about you." Sakura teased, earning a look of confusion from the platinum blonde. "Did you really think that I would allow my best friend to stay in pain while I got my happiness?"

"Huh?" Ino replied in complete confusion. "What are you talking about Sakura?"

Sakura offered Ino a small smile as she looked back to the door. "You can come in now!" Sakura said, her voice raised slightly.

Ino shifted her eyes from Sakura to the door, her eyes widening as the door opened; revealing Shikamaru who was smiling warmly at her... in his own Shikamaru kind of way of course. Ino blushed as Shikamaru slowly took his place next to Sakura and looked into Ino's eyes in a way that Ino only dreamed of. He took her hand into his. "I didn't know you felt that way Ino." Shikamaru drawled out with a smile.

Ino smiled warmly as she brought Shikamaru's hand to her lips and placed a gentle kiss on it. "Well, now you do."

Sakura watched the whole scene with a warm smile on her face. She couldn't allow herself to be happy while her best friend was in emotional turmoil. Sakura turned on her heels to give the new couple privacy. But stopped in her tracks when Ino called out to her. "Forehead!"

Sakura turned around and walked back to Ino's bedside. Shikamaru moved to the side so Sakura face Ino fully. "What is it, pig?"

"Did you kick her ass?" Ino questioned with a determined smile.

Sakura smiled at her best friend. "Naruto and I made her regret ever stepping foot in Konoha."

Sakura and Ino gave each other a fist bump as they looked at each other with determined smiles. "Couldn't have asked for a better best friend." Ino said causing Sakura to chuckle.

Sakura turned on her heels once again to leave. She placed her hand on the door knob and opened the door, but was stopped again when Ino called out to her. "Hey, Sakura?"

Sakura turned around and could only see Ino's smiling face as Shikamaru took a seat by her bedside and blocked her body. "What is it, Ino?"

"Thank you." Ino mouthed out the words silently.

Sakura smiled warmly and winked at her best friend before closing the door to give them privacy. She saw Naruto standing a couple of feet from the door, waiting patiently with his arms crossed. She smiled warmly at the man who stole her heart and walked up to him, surprising him by looping her arm through his. She smiled inwardly at his noticeable blush and how she could practically feel his heart racing in his chest. She was glad that only she could make him feel this way.

"Sakura-Chan? H-how is Ino?" Sakura could tell that Naruto was trying to hide how he felt about her being so close to him.

"Ino's fine Naruto." Sakura smiled as they made their way out of the hospital. "How about we go on our date now."

Sakura giggled when she saw how brightly Naruto smiled. "Yeah! Let's go Sakura-Chan!"

---

Naruto and Sakura was making their way to the their date. Sakura continued to have her arm looped through Naruto's. She bit her lip as she looked up at Naruto's face which had a content smile on it. Her heart started to beat a lot faster than usual at what she was about to do. She began to have second thoughts about confessing her feelings to him but Ino's words started to ring in her head.

'He's been in love with you for as long as I could remember and as we all saw today, you clearly love him just as much. Maybe you should just tell him.'

'With the way that he talked about you today, the look in his eyes when he said your name.. I can guarantee that nothing else would make him happier forehead.'

Sakura smiled warmly as she looked back up at the face of Naruto who was now smiling goofily the closer they got to their destination. She promised herself that if she survived the fight between her and Akari that she would confess to him. He deserved it, and God damn it, she deserved it as well. For once in her life, she was going to be selfish.

"Naruto?" Sakura said his name softly as she stopped walking causing Naruto to stop as well.

Naruto blushed at how Sakura was looking at him. "What is it, Sakura-Chan?"

Sakura shifted her gaze to the left shyly as a blush covered her cheeks. "I know your birthday isn't until tomorrow.. but I couldn't wait anymore to give your gift to you..."

Naruto's lips parted slightly as he looked at the object of his affections. "You didn't have to get me anything Sakura-Chan, you going on a date with me..." Naruto was cut off by Sakura placing her finger to his lips, her blush deepening.

"No Naruto... I want to give this to you." Sakura said softly as she closed the gap between them, their bodies almost touching. "Close your eyes for me."

Naruto closed his eyes without hesitation, his blush deepening at how close they were. His eyes immediately snapped open when he felt Sakura wrap her arms around his neck, pulling his head down to hers, before softly pressing her lips to his. His mind went into overdrive and his heart felt like it was going to phase out of his chest. He didn't think it was real until she spoke.

"I love you." Sakura whispered softly against his lips. She pulled back with a brilliant smile on her face when she noticed the effect that her gift had on Naruto. A range of emotions washed over his face. First she could tell that Naruto was in complete shock. Then confusion, but it turned into a look of pure happiness. Sakura was confident that no one else could ever be as happy as Naruto was right now.

"I take it that you liked your gift?" Sakura questioned through a giggle as she gently cupped his cheeks.

"Like it? I LOVE IT!" Naruto exclaimed as he kissed Sakura's forehead, earning a small blush from the pinkette. "It's the best gift I could have ever asked for Sakura-Chan!"

Sakura tried her best not to show how happy she was, she figured she could leave that to Naruto. She knew nothing in the world could ever make her happier. She opted to loop her arms with his again, but instead nestled into Naruto's body with a content sigh when he wrapped his arm around the length of her shoulders. They continued to walk to their date, both with content smiles on their faces. Naruto knew that for as long as he lived, he didn't need anymore gifts, because Sakura, his Sakura-Chan, the woman that he has loved since they were kids was what he wanted and always needed.

Sakura looked up at the man that she was going to spend the rest of her life with and couldn't help but feel a warm feeling wash over her at the effect that her gift had on him. She nestled herself even deeper into Naruto's body, refusing to ever let him go.

'Heh. Guess Ino-Pig was right after all.'

END:)