I DO NOT OWN NARUTO? NARUTO SHIPPUDEN
Chapter 19
~ With Naruto ~
Naruto was currently walking through the training grounds when he was met with an attempt to release some pent up anger. Training ground '17' had looked like it had some been gone through by a tornado, he judged that that was precisely what happened judging by the figure lying on their back amongst the rubble.
He decided to see how they were going, they were clearly too tired to move, he could hear the panting from here.
The person laying down heard the approaching footsteps, unsure of who it could be, 'Fucking Kankuro! I told him to leave me alone!' Temari attempted to lift their head. In turn, she found that their muscles were so drained that even that small task was an ordeal.
Naruto leaned on a fallen tree, purposefully just out of sight. "How's it going down there?"
'That voice.' Where had she heard it last? It definitely wasn't any of the Sand ninja, those vocals had been ingrained into her well-trained mind. Questioning whether the voice was a threat, she decided to speak.
"Peachy," She dryly commented.
"I can tell, want some help?"
'Possible threat, reason to get close,' She mentally noted. Her body may have been strained, but her mind was still operating perfectly. Even with this, she knew that without help, she wouldn't be moving for some time.
Her vulnerable situation was very similar to those given to them in the Hidden Sand's Academy. Being taught ways to respond and act when at possible risk, Temari found herself unable to operate effectively.
When her pitiful attempts to find the origin of the voice end, she lets out a long and tired sigh.
"Sure."
Naruto pushed himself up, he walked over to beside the blond kunoichi to show her who it was. He squatted down beside her, noted her features, 'Princess seems to be an understatement.'
Remembering the talk with Jiraiya about Gaara, she was brought into the conversation as they were both siblings, children of the current Kazekage. Temari was often referred to in her village as the 'Sand Princess'.
Temari tensed slightly seeing the boy that had demolished Kankuro. Internally, she was confused. When Kankuro had effectively stabbed himself, the spike had evaded all internal organs. The damage definitely had the intention to incapacitate, not kill. On top of that, he had used her technique, she felt quite territorial about that Wind Scythe Jutsu.
All her analytical mind was able to voice though was, "You." She accused.
"Yes me," He effortlessly replied, still crouched down to her side, he snaked arms underneath her knees and shoulders. Picking her up bridal style with seemingly no effort at all caught Temari off-guard.
"Hey!" She said, her indignant stare boring into the back of his skull through his eyes.
"What?" He replied, had he done something wrong?
"Wh-what do you think you're doing?! I said I wanted help not carried like some damsel!" She said as she did her best to struggle out of his grip. Her cheeks had taken on a rosy hue.
"Sorry," He replied softly, not regretfully. "But a princess needs to be looked after right?" He jested smoothly, referring to her status. He could practically feel Temari's temperature rising in his arms.
When he turned back to her face, it was glowing with embarrassment and anger. "Why- you?!" She cried, her attempt to strangle him resulted in a limp effort to raise arms. He chuckled softly at the adorable sight, her face reddened further if possible as she ducked her head into her chest.
"Idiot," She muttered softly.
"Aw, don't say that you might hurt my feelings." Said Naruto, sticking his bottom lip out. Temari giggled at the face.
"Much better," Naruto commented.
"What?" She asked, genuinely intrigued.
"Your laugh, it's much nicer than when you're angry." Temari was too astounded to fully comprehend what he had just said. She stared at the gently smiling boy for who knows how long.
"Here we are," Naruto said, interrupting her stupor.
"Huh?" Was her intelligent response.
"I said we're here." He spoke as he carefully sat her against a tree that was outside of the debris. She nodded "Thanks." Once she was was finally comfortable.
"So, what's got you destroying our precious training ground?" The Jinchuuriki queried. She groaned in remembrance.
"Ugh... My sensei has been really angry recently, and he's taking it out on Kankuro and me." She stated exasperatedly.
"Well, that sounds fun," Naruto added.
"You don't have half a clue, and he can't do it to Gaara because it would get him killed." Temari hated the situation with her brother, to her he was the youngest. The one who should come to them when he scuffs his knee, asks for help with homework from the academy and everything that a child should have done.
She despised her father for it, attempting to assassinate his own child and put him through the worst kinds of emotional torture simply to shape a weapon.
It was vile.
"Mm, I see... Is 'Kankuro' at least... normal?"
Temari chuckled warmly. "He's likely the least normal, wears make-up, calls it 'war paint', plays with dolls. What a family I'm stuck with."
Naruto smiled at her admission. "Well they're family, and at the very least, they'll keep you on your toes."
"You couldn't be more right if you tried."
"What's it like?"
Temari looked up to the slightly downcast face of Naruto. 'It just doesn't seem right,' She mentally remarked. His face was made to smile, it just seemed to look so foreign the forlorn gaze into the distance. "What's 'what' like?"
"A family."
"Y-you mean yo-"
"Nope never had a real family, orphaned since birth. I mean I've got a family now but parents and siblings, I've got no clue." He admitted slightly to cheerfully. 'Covering', She deduced.
"I'm not sure either," she admitted with a despondent shrug. "Haven't had one since I was two."
"Being the children of Kages really has it's benefits, doesn't it?" Temari couldn't have had an idea that he was speaking about the both of them. Simply connecting his words to her and her brothers.
"It does," She answered softly. Her life had not been hard in any sense of the word, in fact, the most challenging part of it was the lack of interaction with other girls her age. Yome and Sen were the only other girls she hung out with, that was before she was dragged off with the mass of private tutors to study and focus on her Wind Style.
From what she had heard, the two girls had started attending the academy. It seems so ungrateful to complain about having the extensive amount of help but she couldn't help but do it, mentally of course.
The mood had fallen slightly between the pair, deciding to lighten he nudged her shoulder softly. "Did you like my technique in the prelims?"
Temari racked her brain at what he meant, her face matched her thoughts, similarly when she figured it out. "You stole my Jutsu!"
Acting mildly affronted Naruto guffawed, "I would never, I had simply heard of certain ninja in a foreign country who use similar techniques."
His hand on his heart, he continued. "I also needed more depth with the Executioner's Blade."
Temari huffed amusedly at his statement. "The fact that you know it is less surprising than you having the blade itself. How did you get your hands on it?"
He just shrugged in response, the excitement behind saying that you claimed it from a deceased member of the Seven Ninja Swordsman had lost its kick. "I was on a mission, we encountered Zabuza Momochi and a fake Mist hunter ninja, I used him and his accomplice as a punching bag."
Naruto was slightly glossy-eyed, many of the Leaf knew Haku was a touchy subject with the blond. They all but decided that that mission was not for conversation. "Haku—his accomplice—sacrificed himself to save Zabuza from my Sensei, Zabuza in-turn did the same to avenge Haku."
Naruto then flicked the handle that extended over his shoulder. "I took this to make sure no one forgets Zabuza or Haku. Zabuza refused to go back on his word, Haku showed me strength was gained through protecting those precious to you. I now live by those words."
Temari was silent her, her mind was a mess. This boy in front of her had apparently beaten Zabuza Momochi, the 'Demon of the Hidden Mist'. She mentally chuckled, 'Kankuro never stood a chance.'
"You seem quite committed to this," She commented idly. "It's odd really, they were foreign ninja— missing-nin at that—, and you act like this." She spoke, gesturing to him.
"Maybe," Naruto admitted with a shrug. "But just because we were from a different village doesn't mean I should just disregard them."
"Not many people think like you, you know that?"
"Obviously, if more people thought like me then I'd like to think war wouldn't be a possibility. Instead, we're constantly walking on eggshells."
Temari fought the urge to chuckle nervously as she thought, 'Instead of walking on the eggshells, we've dropped a house on them.'
In an attempt to continue the conversation, and potentially draw out any information she responded. "I see where you're coming from."
The conversation seemed too gloomy for two children to be talking about, Temari noticed this. "So what were you doing at the training grounds? Getting ready for your match?"
"Nah, right now I'm just taking a walk, Pervy-sage has been running me into the ground recently." 'When he hasn't been at the hot springs,' Naruto mentally added.
"Um... Pervy-sage?"
"Sorry," Naruto responded, with a wave of his hand. "Jiraiya of the Sanin," He amended to her comically dumbfounded. Expression.
"Yeah—before you ask—, he's a massive pervert and admits to it. He only really lets me call him that because we're practically family."
The questions in Temari's head were sufficiently answered, though the final statement threw her slightly. 'Practically, family? How the hell is an orphan practically family with one of the Sanin?' She wanted to ask, the topic was likely a touchy subject.
"No wonder you're so good then, being trained by one of the legendary Sanin."
"I'd like to think I have other reasons for where I am now..." He muttered, exaggerating depression.
"Oh, and what would they be?"
Naruto's grin wrapped around his face, "My devilishly handsome looks, for one."
Temari squinted her eyes and tilted her head, "I don't see it." In truth, Temari could quite easily rank Naruto in the upper percentile. He didn't have the benefit of what many women pursued, dark hair and stony features. Naruto's bright hair and ever-lasting smile though definitely didn't give him any problems.
In fact, his features were somewhat familiar. The golden yellow hair, azure eyes, defined frame and lithe physique. A figure desperately tried to claw its way to the front of her mind. Unable to make the connection, she relented.
"I guess, give you a few years, you might not be so hard on the eyes." She joked.
"So cruel Temari-chan," He muttered, wiping away a non-existent tear.
With unmistakable warmth, she laughed at the boy. She wished more people were like him, not afraid to talk just because she was the daughter of the Kazekage. It was quite an oxymoron, feeling like she wasn't be treated as if she was special, made her feel, well...
Special.
Amongst her young heart's desire to keep talking and enjoy her time with the boy, she remembered what they were doing in the village.
'Do not become attached. Misson precedence details: attachment is failure.' She recited in her mind.
Suddenly a growling noise emanated from the depths of the sandy-blond kunoichi's stomach.
Her temporary companion raised an amused eyebrow, "Hungry?"
Temari, reddened once more as she hung her head. "No point denying it, is there?" She said tiredly as her face was hidden behind her bangs.
"Nope!" Naruto cheerily replies, pushing himself off the tree. "Come on," He continued, gesturing for her to follow him. "I know where we can get some great food."
'It's not attachment, just getting some food,' Her stubborn mind amends to her rising peace with the current situation. Playing coy, she grinned seductively, "My legs are still awfully tired, would you mind carrying me for some of the ways."
"Of course, your majesty."
~ Later ~
"Well, here we are," Naruto said.
Temari just admired the small food stand, she had a similar store in the Hidden Sand. Her sweet chestnut and kenchin soups were often were what kept her going.
"Ramen?"
Naruto sighed tiredly, quite exasperatedly. "Don't tell me you've got a problem with it too."
Still, in his arms, she shook her head with a small smile. "It's just that ramen isn't ubiquitous in the Hidden Sand, lack of water and everything."
"In that case, have as much as you can. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts."
Temari's stomach tightened to the point where she almost didn't want to eat.
Her stomach beat her mind.
"Sure."
Naruto lowered his arm for her feet to fall to the ground. Though she stumbled to once again be caught by her fellow blond, Temari was on her feet. Making his way to the well known white and red flaps that read 'Ramen is the best pleasure', Naruto couldn't agree more.
Temari followed suit, both were immediately greeted with the rich smell of the broth and the sight of the two eternal cooks. Ayame brightened up at seeing the boy, "Naruto! Where have you been? We've almost run dry without our best customer." She quipped playfully, swinging her large spoon in the air.
"The Chunnin exams remember? I told you that I would be taking part."
Ayame chuckled sheepishly as she busied herself with stirring the broth. "That's right."
"Well, Naruto, I can see you certainly took your time to get back. Training, I presume?" Teuchi questioned.
"You bet! Got the final's coming up, got to be ready for them y'know?"
Temari smiled longingly at how easy it was for the trio to act around each other. It felt like they were a...
'Family.'
She mentally answered she would have killed to have her family act this way. No fear that the youngest would kill another at the drop of a hat. That the mother was killed during pregnancy as her unborn child was turned into a container for a crazed sand-spirit.
Teuchi smiled at the boy and nodded before he finally noticed his companion. "Who is the pretty lady you've dragged along with you?"
"Temari." She answered without skipping a beat.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I've seen you before?"
"I'm from Sand, here for the exams, Naruto and I are in the finals as he mentioned." Teuchi simply nodded in response.
"Then in celebration of your success, the first round is on the house!"
"Thanks, pops! The usual!"
Ayame's warm smile was the only recognition she had heard him before she began cooking the ramen. "And what will you have, miss?"
"Yasai to tōfu ramen please," She asked politely. Unlike some, she had not become arrogant simply because she was born into a family.
Pride comes before a fall.
"Coming right up!" the pair heard Ayame call out.
"So, Temari-chan?"
"Yes?"
"How have you enjoyed the village?"
"Not really, I haven't had time to, with the exams and now training," Temari stated, it was similar to not becoming attached, she didn't want to become emotionally involved and then weak.
Naruto frowned, there should have been plenty of time to see around the village. That was unless the only thing she did in her free time was train, he could respect that.
"In that case, I'll give you a short tour, y'know? Show you what the Leaf's got to offer?"
'Must remain detach-'
"I'm looking forward to it," Temari said, her fuzzy mind reasoning that turning down his offer might be suspicious. Her mind was clearly not in the right space for that to be a thought, was there something in the water?
"Order's up!" Ayame's voice cut in.
"Great! Eat up then I'll show you around."
"Thanks for the food!" The blonds chorused.
Temari and Naruto remained seated for the next twenty minutes as Temari ordered another bowl, simultaneously marvelling at the speed at which Naruto put away eight of them. "Thanks, pops! C'mon Temari-chan, we should head out before it's dark. Sunset's beautiful this time of year."
Wordlessly, they left the ramen bar. Temari noted Naruto paid for the both of them and left not giving her time to argue. He was quite a gentleman, she kept thinking.
'Boyfriend material,' She joked. Realistically, he wouldn't see the end of the month, none of them would. Hell, she would have made it a date if she knew that he would be around long enough to see it go somewhere.
'Shame.'
It was a silent walk to the Hokage monument, Temari for a short amount of time was confused at their direction before properly taking in the rock face. It is easily the most distinct feature of the Hidden Leaf village, even the other villages were also aware of its significance.
"Come on," Naruto ushered, as they reached the side of the mountain, Naruto began to scale the rock face. Temari only mildly sped up her walking pace as she followed the boy up the vertical.
The path they took wove directly between the second and third Hokage's faces, Temari felt slightly uncomfortable at the growing silence. "Which is your favourite?"
"Favourite... 'what'?"
"Hokage." She answered
"I'm not sure," He begins with a shrug. "The fourth was arguably the strongest and was revered as a very kind soul even with what happened during the Third Great Ninja War. The third has been a figurehead for close to half a century and is like a grandfather to me. The first? not sure don't really know much about him, Wood Style, captured the Tailed-beasts otherwise not really. The Second, the firsts younger brother and progenitor of the Flying Raijin, while apparently not the friendliest guy, was an incredible shinobi and leader."
Naruto gained a thoughtful expression, "I really don't know, but that doesn't matter. I'm going to stronger than all of them, then I'll take up their mantle."
Temari was unsure of how to respond, The boy didn't speak with arrogance or a great deal of hubris. But his voice did not waver, it clearly wasn't a statement he just threw out there. She found Naruto to be quite a calm individual, comparatively to the other Leaf Genin and shinobi she'd seen who all had their blinding quirks, Naruto seemed normal.
As Naruto rolled over the peak of the mountain, he let out a satisfied sigh. "Here we are."
Temari turned around and quickly found herself short of breath.
"One view, a thousand ri," Naruto softly stated, remembering his old talks with Hiruzen, the quote had come up. "One's desire for a thousand truths."
Temari herself was very fond of that statement, living with a man who she could never tell what he was thinking drove her to take some sort of comfort in those words. Rasa—her father—was a wall, he would never let others know what was happening until they needed to.
She had been told by her Jonin-sensei, Baki, that before the death of Karura—her mother—he was a much warmer individual. While he didn't outright say it, he also suggested the sealing of Shukaku into Gaara leading to the boys current state as well as the loss of his wife drove him into being the cold, distant individual he is now.
Even possibly that removing himself from the family was a punishment for what he had already done and not wanting to ruin it further. Temari refused to believe that; the multiple assassination attempts were a testament to that.
"Those truths are answered every time I look out at my village. I'm not incredibly well-liked, but I would—without a second thought—put my life on the line for this village and its people. Their all my family as much as they don't realise it yet."
'You'll have to be doing that sooner than you think,' Temari lamented.
"You're an interesting one, y'know that?"
"So I've been told," Naruto replied cheekily.
Silence once again reigned as the pair watched the sunset behind the horizon. This time though, Temari was not uncomfortable, in fact, she was more comfortable than she had been in some time.
"How are you feeling about your match?" She interrupted.
"Okay, I guess," Naruto replied, clearly not very bothered.
Somewhat amused by his carefree response, Temari continued. "Y'know, one would think that you should be more worried about his. The Chunnin exams are pretty big."
"Oh, yeah, I'm worried about the exams... just my match against Chojuro isn't really on my mind."
"What is?"
"Knowing I'll have to fight Gaara." He stated without missing a beat. She concluded that this must have been a real object of his thought with the way he replied.
"That's quite presumptuous, isn't it? That Mist kid, Lee and bug boy all seemed like quite capable shinobi, shouldn't they be what you're worried about?"
"Nah," Naruto replied with a wave of his hand. It wasn't cocky, in fact, he thought like a Chunnin should. He had assessed who the strongest opponent was and had spent his time focusing on a plan to beat him. Not to say that he hadn't planned for the other opponents.
Chojuro's blade was renowned for its ability to enlarge and change shape. Naruto had seen a massive flaw with this, the sword became incredibly heavy, that also meant that his opponent was likely to be very strong. If it was as heavy as he'd expected then his speed would win the match on his own.
His wind style could disable the use of the Hidden Mist Jutsu that Chojuro showed in the preliminaries. He also had the territorial advantage, that was unless Chojuro had a similar ability to the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. That ability would be able to perform Water Style Ninjutsu without a water source nearby.
Deciding that Chojuro likely couldn't do such a thing, Naruto continued on
his Toad techniques. If he had that inkling, Naruto would have focused more on elemental style Jutsu.
Lee, his sensei, Might Guy had admitted that the boy had become a Taijutsu master because he had no aptitude in Nin or Genjutsu. But in his match against Yoroi, his Taijutsu surpassed Naruto's. In a hand-to-hand match, Naruto would likely come out on the wrong end.
Quicker or not, that boy had such depth in his Taijutsu that Naruto just wouldn't be a match. That is to be expected when his sensei is Might Guy, the best Taijutsu user ever in the shinobi nations.
Naruto knew he would have to resort to long-distance fighting against Lee. Yet another reason to finish the Rasenshuriken. He would have to best the boy with Ninjutsu if he stood a chance.
Shino, Naruto was very aware of the stoic Aburame's fighting style. The cloud of insects, the insect clones, can be either diversionary or direct.
Naruto though—unfortunately for Shino—had already marked him. Meaning he knew whether he was fighting the real insect user or not.
Both knew the outcome of that match if it were to happen. Shino though, who had become less like his clan, would battle anyway, something he had gained from Naruto.
"I know that none of them are weak—in fact, they are all above that of Chunin—but none are like Gaara. You more than most should know that."
Half-amusedly Temari huffs, "I guess your right."
"What about your match?"
"Uchiha?"
Naruto hums a positive as they both continue to gaze out on to the darkening horizon.
"I'm not incredibly worried either," Temari says honestly. Though that was since no matter the outcome, the Sands plans to demolish the Leaf render the exams pointless. Temari couldn't say this.
"Sasuke's no weakling, he too might give Gaara a run for his money." Naruto conveys to the slightly growing worry of the female next to him.
If Naruto talks about Sasuke in that way—knowledge of his superiority—then Gaara might genuinely be in trouble.
Naruto becomes silent as the sun has its final peek before disappearing behind the jagged mountains. Seeing the time tick on, he turned to the beautiful girl beside him.
"It's getting late, and I've got to get to my house."
"Of course," Temari answers as they both prepare to leave.
Naruto gives her a cheeky grin as he states, "Keep your eyes peeled at the finals, you won't want to miss this." And with that Naruto bolts away, quicker than Temari's eyes can track.
~ Three Days On ~
Naruto knocks on the glass door once more, the signature inside does not ebb and flow as usual. It remains perfectly calm, still as the surface of an undisturbed lake. Remembering the owner, Naruto can't help but grow nervous, the decision has been made, and they are sure of it.
With the blinds still blocking all view, the door's lock clicked and slid open. A smooth arm brushed the lined blinds away with the back of her hand.
"Hi," Karin begins shyly.
Sure of her decision, she is still nervous about the whole 'family' situation.
"Hi," Naruto returns, the warmth in his voice helps remove the slowly building anxiety.
"I've made my decision." She resolutely assures. The chakra in his system is all Karin needs to tell her that Naruto is exceptionally nervous about her answer.
While Naruto's face holds its confidence, he sounds. "That's great, though no matter what, you will always have my support. Just make sure you ask."
"I'd hope so." Karin playfully responds, her crimson eyes sparkling with mirth.
Not always the quickest on the uptake, Naruto slowly understands as he continues to observe the bright smile of his fellow clansmen. "You want to stay?" Unsuredly, Naruto queries.
Karin nodded exuberantly. "Uh-huh!"
"Really?!"
Karin is almost unable to breathe before she was brought into a bone-crushing hug. The warmth and care she can feel emanating from within his clothing is all the red-headed Uzumaki needs before returning the affection.
"Are you sure?" He asks, his golden hair ruffles her ruby.
"Positive." She conveys softly.
Giving one final and reassuring squeeze, Naruto holds her at arm's length. "Would want to share a house?"
Seeing the girl become pensive, he blurts out. "If not that's fine, you can stay in one, and I'll stay in the other."
Her muscles relaxed in his grip as she let out a relieved breath. "Right now that would be great," She assures before giving him a befuddled stare. "You have two houses? How?"
"Ah right, both were left by my parents so yeah." He said honestly, while he wouldn't announce who his father was, smaller knowledge is fine.
"And you're fine with letting me stay in one? By myself?"
"Whatever makes you feel comfortable." He effortlessly sounds.
"Would you mind if I went and had a look at it?"
"Of course." He spoke, smiling gently at the still quite reserved girl. He knew that the decision she's made will likely take time to cement in her head, meaning that she will need space to think.
The clansmen depart the hotel, Naruto had been staying in his parents home—rather than his mother's house. Naruto decided it best that she stay there, away from populous areas, closer to the ninja operated and frequented stores.
The Senju compound had slowly been integrated with public areas. A spike of female children in the clan lead to many marrying into another household, the once-mighty Senju clan disappeared. What many would figure is that all clans—excluding the Hyuga—have introduced many Senju.
The compound itself had become a market place and temporary residential housing, hotels. The portion that was once inhabited by Kushina, four very generous houses were set aside for the cousin family of the Senju's.
The squared courtyard was a familiar sight for Naruto, living here for three years. It had never been home, but he had really enjoyed staying there. It was relatively peaceful, a small park that was once shared with the Senju. With the founding clan's dissipation, the small forest was locked off, only open to the Uzumaki compound.
"Amazing..." Karin muttered under her breath. Witnessing the small compound that had been formed by the first Hokage's Wood Style. That decision came after an apparent pestering from his wife, Mito Uzumaki.
"It's pretty nice, isn't it?" Naruto asked, somewhat amused by her bug-eyed expression.
"Ah... Yeah," Karin replied despondently.
The crunch of the gravel path underneath his feet told Karin to keep moving. He stopped in the circular opening and pointed towards a house. "That one—second from the left—is the one you'll be able to live in."
"Really?"
"You bet." Naruto chuckled. "But first, we need to do a few things first."
"What's that?"
"You need to get some clothing and food, but we'll do that after we go and see the Old man. Also, I wanted to ask you something."
"What is it?" Karin asked as she poked her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
"What do you plan to do? Be a kunoichi again?"
"I don't think so," She replied curtly with a shake of her head, her cherry locks flowing over her shoulders. "I think I might work in the hospital again."
Seeing his shoulders tense, she gave his arm a squeeze. "Don't worry, it won't be like it was in Grass. I'll work on my medical Ninjutsu, y'know? Just like other medics, I'll only let them bite me when it's really bad, okay?"
Naruto relaxed, "Good, if they make you do it, let me know alright?"
"Sure thing."
Accepting her answer, he let the silence permeate slightly longer. Eventually, he slapped his hands together, "Enough of this, let's go see Gramps, he wanted to meet you."
Karin was still too far into shock—being given a house does that to you—to acknowledge his casual name for the leader of the village. Nodding dumbly, Karin followed her fellow Uzumaki.
Saseru had not been at the desk when the pair arrived, Naruto was assured that it was only due to being ill.
Trudging up the familiar flight of stairs, Naruto gave a brief description of Hiruzen.
'A kind man willing to sacrifice himself for anyone and everyone in the village.'
From that alone, Karin was put at peace. She had had no interactions with the village leader, up until that point he was the 'God of Shinobi'. A man feared for his mastery of all five elements and renowned for his teaching of the Legendary Sanin.
The door swung open, and the two wandered in.
"Ah Naruto-kun," Came Hiruzen's warm welcome before he turned to the ruby-haired girl beside him. "You were quite correct about her, she definitely resembles Kushina-chan. Karin-chan I presume?"
"Yes Hokage-sama, m-my name is Karin Uzumaki; formerly of the Hidden Grass." She shrivelled under the hardened gaze of 'The Professor.'
"Well, as this is the first time we have met, let me extend my greetings from myself and the village." The elderly Sarutobi smiled warmly, his crows' feet' crinkling from excessive use.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Karin hurried out. "It's an honour to be here, to join the Hidden Leaf. I've only heard good things."
The Hokage's warm smile only widened, "Thank you, it is always good to hear that about our village."
"Gramps, you wanted to talk to Karin-chan about something?"
"Ah yes, unfortunately for us, business is still necessary. I wanted to ask you; what you plan to do in the village?"
"As I said to Naruto-kun, I planned to join the medical-corps, become a medic-ninja," Karin replied chirpily. She had always preferred the peaceful and support roles of shinobi. Hand-to-hand and Ninjutsu were definitely not her forte, sensory and healing involvements were more for her.
"Wonderful," Hiruzen cheered. "For someone to take up the same discipline as my student. The village will be lucky to have you, would you like for me to recommend you to the hospital for training?" He asked with a tilt of his head.
"Yes please, I'm reasonably skilled with the theoretical side and my medical ninjutsu but..."
The alert eyes of the Sarutobi catalogued that both Naruto and Karin grew nervous, the tightening of the shoulders was evident. Taking a deep breath for both clansmen, Karin continued. "I inherited an ability; that when bitten, the person draws upon my chakra to heal them and restore their reserves."
"Interesting, and why are you so pensive about this topic?"
"Because I don't want people to see Karin-chan as some snack bar!" Naruto interrupted abruptly.
"I see," The older man sighed, Naruto was quite protective and stubborn. When fighting for family, that would only increase ten-fold. "In that case, would you like to keep that ability to yourself? or would you to still like me to inform your would-be superior?"
"If you could keep it a secret that would be great," Requested the vermillion girl.
"Of course, this knowledge will remain 'misplaced' for the time being."
"Thank you Hokage-sama,"
"Please, do not worry," Hiruzen appeased with a raised hand. "If anything I should be thanking you, you are offering your services as a kunoichi. For that, I'm grateful."
A gentle nod of the head along with his appreciative nod helped Karin understand how Naruto saw this man as his grandfather.
Grabbing her by the wrist, Naruto led his fellow Uzumaki out of the office with a "Seeya Gramps." Without looking back, Naruto gripped the doorframe with his free hand.
"Keep an eye out at the finals Old man; blink, and you'll miss it."
~ Day of the Finals ~
Crowds lined the streets as the dignitaries trodded towards the arena. The noise of the footsteps of those carrying carts was drowned out by the endless buzz that seemed to be resonating from all in the village.
For all shinobi and civilians alike, the Chunin exams were a massive spectacle. The hum of murmurs echoed throughout the village. They spoke of all young ninja competing.
The Hyuga and Uchiha prodigies, the youngest and oldest siblings of the Kazekage's children. Talk of the inclusion of the Hidden Cloud and Sound, a junior member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Finally, there was small talk of a kid who would have seemed out of his depth had gathered some interest.
The stalls that lined the streets were brimming with food, the bustle of the jostling crowds.
The Village Hidden in the Leaves was preparing for the events to come.
Sorry, still more groundwork just for now. As you can guess though the Chunin exams begin next chapter.
I'm unsure as to whether to write out the time gap or not, If I do the story will differ further and personally I'd prefer to branch out.
Let me know.