Chapter 34: Finally Finding Lady Tsunade

The next morning Naruto woke up early his hand trembling again. No matter how good of a healer Kira could be, it still hurt after a while. He walked softly out the room to use the bathroom trying not to wake up the two sleeping figures.

After relieving himself he caught sight Shu the cat tossing a water balloon around like a cat toy until it popped. Watching the cat pop the water balloon gave Naruto the idea himself on how to pop the balloon.

He rushed back inside the room with the cat tossing it on Kira's sleeping chest. His best friend shot up confused by the sudden burst of pain. "Ugh!" She moaned in pain. Eyes wide as she looked around the room then seeing the cute feline and looking around just as confused as she was. "Naru?" she moaned sleepily staring at the blond in the corner scratching at a balloon making it morph into different shapes.

"Watch this!" She stared at him sleepily wanting nothing more than a few more minutes of sleep when it happened. All wishes of sleep vanished from her system when she saw it pop. Naruto had mastered the first stage!

"Did you just…"

"Yeah! Pervy Sage wake up!" Naruto ran to the old man trying to wake him up but nothing was working. Naruto was quick to work, grabbing another water balloon while the old man made noises as if he was listening. He finally did wake up to the feeling cold water splash over his face and soak into his pillow.

"AGH!" Jiraiya yelled in surprise. When he saw clearly he saw the triumphant look in Naruto's eyes. The never ending smirk spread across his lips. He held his water soaked hand out dripping onto his face.

"First stage cleared."

Jiraiya grumbled at being woken up so rudely. Wiping his face free of water and asked to see him do the first stage Jutsu.

"Alright! Pay close attention!" Jiraiya and Kira watch as Naruto held out the water balloon summoning his chakra to swirl the water around. He used his left hand to start scratching at the rubber surface making different dents to appear before it popped.

Jiraiya slightly impressed started to doze off once again. After waking the old man up once again Naruto proceeded to explain to Jiraiya his thoughts on how the cat must have done it so he tried as well.

The group of three quickly tidied up the room before checking out and getting on the road again to the next village. Naruto's new objective was to break the rubber ball. Stage two would be more difficult what with him not being able to feel the water circulate inside the ball this time.

"What about you? Where you able to master the first of Fire Jutsu?" Jiraiya looked over at Kira nodding to her hands. He watched her walk to a tree and start to burn the kanji for love in the bark. Why love he didn't know but Naruto thought it looked familiar.

Jiraiya nodded glad she mastered it. She was focusing on something other than her element. "Good now produce a flame." She gave him a stare like she didn't know how. He chuckled and blew a small burst of fire from his lips. Her eyes widen in surprise. That was like Sasuke's!

"Try molding your chakra into your lungs and exhale. Since you mastered Ichi you should be able to…" He felt the heat from behind. She blew a small burst of fire when he wasn't looking. Right now she had a disgusted look on her face. Her tongue hanging out of her mouth and looking around till she grabbed Naruto's jacket and started to scrub her tongue on the material.

"Hey!" He yelled trying to pull away from her. Trying to contain his snickers, she always acted like a kid when there was a bad taste in her mouth. Once he got her to rub her tongue with dirt to get rid of the sour milk taste.

"That tasted like Charcoal!" she grumbled unable to get rid of the taste. The pain had subsided, she felt like she drank hot tea too quickly and burnt her taste buds off.

"You'll get used to it. How did you produce that so fast?" Jiraiya stared confused. Maybe learning fire Jutsu's was a bad idea.

"Well Kakashi taught me how to control my chakra so that I could walk up tree's and on water. I'm just using the same technique that I used with Ichi and tree climbing." Kira explained scratching her jaw her skin started to itch incredibly.

"Good." He grinned nodding his head. "Well do it again so I can see." She grimaced but did as asked. Closing her eyes she focused on her lungs, she felt that happy feeling return to her when she thought of Gaara calling her. The number stuck in her pocket waiting to be used. Her chakra built up enough to produce a small flame. Her tongue felt like it was on fire and her lips felt like they were burning under the hot sun. This was going to be a problem eventually.

Jiraiya nodded.

Three weeks had passed and Naruto was still having trouble with Stage two. He was capable of popping the rubber ball but wasn't able to make it explode like Jiraiya had. It didn't help that Kira was mastering Fire Style faster than he was able to master this jutsu. He was practically green with envy watching her master yet another jutsu. This one was the Katon: Hi Shinten no Jutsu (Fire Release: Flame Spread Technique). It took her two days with maybe three hours of sleep to master the ability of catching her Kunai's on fire even her throwing stars and shooting them into a tree.

How was she mastering this so easily? And it really wasn't fair that Jiraiya was giving Her tips and not him. The old man wasn't even trying to help him at all. Naruto wasn't making it oblivious either. Kira could tell that Naruto was upset with her.

"Do you want to go into town and get some food?" She mumbled unable to meet his harsh stare. Naruto was getting so aggressive lately and it hurt. What was she supposed to do? Not get better? It's not her fault that she's doing genin style techniques and he was doing freaking Kage level jutsu! She was just finishing the last of the few Genin Fire Style Techniques. She was ready for something stronger, something strong like Naruto's.

"I'll go." He dropped his ball and walked away, throwing his hands in his pockets and stalked off into town. Kira frowned watching him leave what was she supposed to do? She didn't want Naruto to be mad at her but she herself needed to get stronger.

"Don't take it too personally." Jiraiya called noticing the distressed look on the kid's face. "What he's learning is incredibly difficult."

"But he's struggling." Jiraiya shrugged. "Can't you just help him a little? Give him a hint on how?" Jiraiya sighed shaking his head. Glancing over at her once again. She was worried. She wasn't hiding it like she usually was. No. She broke her mask and let the world to see how she truly felt.

Three weeks they've been gone and they still couldn't find Tsunade. Three weeks her brother and Sasuke have been bedridden. Every time she called home Guy would tell her the same thing. Kakashi hasn't moved. He'd still in his comatose state. She trained and trained but still she hasn't gotten any stronger.

"Try to get some rest while we wait. Naruto should be back soon." She shook her head no and went back to attacking a tree. "Depending on how Naruto's doing I might be able to help." he saw her pause for a moment before returning to her training.

When Naruto did return Jiraiya told him not to get too comfortable because we'd be leaving soon. We wouldn't even have time to eat. The two teens stayed quiet not really talking to one another Jiraiya sighed calling Naruto over. He grabbed Naruto's hand and drew a little mark in the center. Then when Naruto was confused. He pulled out a blank paper.

"Naruto look at this paper." Naruto stared at the blank paper looking all over not seeing anything but a blank piece of paper.

"Okay…?" Jiraiya pulled the paper back and did something to it.

"Now look again." Now on the paper Naruto's eyes zero'd in on the mark in the middle of the paper. When Naruto still didn't understand Jiraiya explained. "From now on, whenever you wanna focus on your chakra on your right palm. Make sure you concentrate your mind on the dot in your palm first."

That must have helped Naruto figure out what to do. He got his energy back and now he was ready to practice again.

"Kira this next technique is very dangerous. Karyuu Endan." Her eyes widen and a small grin made its way to her face. She finally got to learn a powerful jutsu. "Before you try to perform this jutsu you must build your strength." Jiraiya actually flicked the freaking tree and it knocked over, sending splinters all over the ground. Out of the rubble there was a large log leaning against a few other trees. "Carry this on your back while we walk toward the next village. While I'm gone, you'll continue your regular workouts."

Kira nodded watching Jiraiya walk off to do more research. Push ups. She really hated doing those the most. She figured if she finished those first then she could relax some...no.

"Wonder what he's going to teach you now." Naruto grumbled grabbing another rubber ball to practice. Naruto grumbled as he watched Kira get down on the ground and positioned herself to start her pushups. "How many do you have to do?"

"Fifty." It was the least amount she could do but the most she was able to do was eighty. Kakashi was able to do one hundred and fifty with her on his back before he stated to break a sweat. Kakashi was incredible, she wished she could be as strong as him one day.

"That's not too bad." She nodded already feeling her arms begin to shake. She really hates pushups. Naruto watched her with her one word answers annoyed. He wished she'd stop with this stupid silent treatment. "What's this jutsu he's going to teach you?"

"Karyuu Endan. I'll be able to send a stream of fire towards my opponent in the shape of a dragon. Seems kind of fitting don't ya think?" Only problem was, this jutsu was incredibly dangerous. It could not only kill her enemy but also destroy the area around her. Very risky.

Naruto's thoughts were rather loud as he went back to his rubber ball. 'I bet she'll master that too in like two days.' he grumbled for himself. Kira cringed to herself trying to ignore his anger. They'd just have to talk about it later when they had the time.

Hours rolled by, Naruto still wasn't getting the hang of making the rubber ball explode. He soon had a mountain of broken balls that only had one small hole in the side. Naruto groaned to himself slumping his shoulders and falling to the ground.

Kira glanced over at the boy resting on the ground staring at his shaking hand. Her arms quivered as she stopped mid pull up. She shook her head and returned to her work out. Her body was so sore, everything hurt. And she still had to carry that damn log around when Jiraiya returned!

She ignored the boy when he stood up once again, his body bent over as he concentrated on his chakra. The wind picked up and next thing Kira knew she was being propelled backwards and falling into a bush. Letting out a yelp of surprise.

Kira looked around confused. Jiraiya had come back just in time to catch Naruto's tumbling body. "You two okay?" Jiraiya called looking over the two kids. Kira nodded feeling twigs and leaves sticking out of her hair.

"I'm good."

"It's done…" Naruto panted his body aching he desperately wanted to nap. Jiraiya looked down at Naruto's hand and saw the burn marks.

"Hmm seems like you've mastered the second stage." Naruto had concentrated so much on his chakra to the point it burnt his hand. Naruto was amazing.

"Lets get started on the third stage quick…" Naruto moaned sleep filling his voice.

"Leave it for later we're gonna meet Tsunade now. I'll explain the basics of the third stage on the way." Naruto nodded resting his eyes for a moment before forcing himself to stand. Jiraiya walked over and helped Kira out of the bush. "You ready to meet Tsunade?" he saw the determined look in her eyes.

She looked almost like Naruto in that moment. She walked over to her stump and threw it on her back, her knees buckled due to the weight but she grit her teeth and forced herself to stand tall. Naruto, Jiraiya, and Kira set off down the road to meet the legendary Tsunade.

Jiraiya was quick to explain what Naruto's third stage was. Tossing the blond a regular balloon. It's Naruto's job to create the Rasengan without breaking the balloon. The three of them made it to a casino and Naruto made sure no one bothered him. When Jiraiya got his information they moved on.

Outside a few miles down the road they saw a castle collapsed. It didn't make any sense. What happened here? A man was running for his life.

"Hey! You over there! What the hell happened here?"

"You guys should run away too! There's a demon beast up there!" the villager yelled fearfully.

A demon beast? "This demon beast...what exactly was it?"

"A hu-huge snake! Toppled the building instantly!"

Kira froze. Huge snake? It couldn't be Orochimaru could it? Thoughts raced back to the second exam. Dropping the log Kira, Jiraiya, and Naruto ran forward searching for the snake. Though they didn't find anything. Nothing but rubble.

"Lets just get some dinner here." Jiraiya called starting to walk inside one of the pubs in town. Pubs aren't really good for kids to be in.

"But isn't this a pub?" Naruto called stating the obvious.

"Dumbass, information is always found in places like this."

"But aren't pugs bad for kids to be in?" Kira called up her back hurt from the harsh wood of that log. Even though she lost it hours ago it still hurt. Everything hurt. She wanted to get the splinters taken out of her hands and go to bed.

"Hey!" Jiraiya never answered. His attention was elsewhere. Sitting in a booth sat two women. One with short black hair and one busty blonde woman with a diamond shape on her forehead. And a pink pig in nice clothes.

"Tsunade!"

"Jiraiya…"

So that was Tsunade? She stared at the blonde haired woman shocked. She really was beautiful. There was no possible way that she could be the same age as Jiraiya…

"Why are you at a place like this?" She had a red stained face after a few too many sake's.

"Finally, we've found you." The three quickly joined Tsunade and her companion Shizune along with a pig. Naruto and Kira's stomach growled loudly at the sight of food. The lady didn't seem to care who Naruto or Kira were. She just watched them stuff food in their mouths as she spoke with Jiraiya.

"Today, I met with someone that brings back bad memories." Tsunade explained averting her eyes back to Jiraiya.

"Orochimaru? Did anything happen?" Shizune twisted her head to state at Tsunade but remained silent at the look she was getting.

"Nothing much, just a little greeting...you too. Why'd you come to see me?"

Naruto had a fish sticking out his mouth as he stared at the pretty woman. "To tell you the truth, the village of the leaf has issued a request for you to be the fifth hokage."

Naruto choked on his food with alarm. Kira's hand slammed down hard on Naruto's back as he coughed loudly, fresh air running down his lungs at the news.

"The third is…" Jiraiya spoke softly as being the bearer of bad news.

"It was Orochimaru's work. I heard, he told me." the two kids stare at the woman shocked. How could she...how could she even speak with that monster.

"The big snake guy?! He's the one that killed our Hokage?!" Naruto shouted standing up from his seat. "Who the hell is this bastard!"

"He was with us, members of the 'three ninja's.'" Jiraiya explained matter of factly like it wasn't a shock to two people who dealt with him personally.

"What the hell?!"

"What?!" Kira screeched she was seeing red again.

"Weren't the 'three ninja's' from the leaf? Then why?"

Tsunade seemed to be getting a headache staring at the two. "Who are these kids?" she grumbled her buzz wearing off.

"He is Uzumaki Naruto and she is Hatake Kira." Realization struck her. She recognized Naruto as the nine tails.

"How come she gets to be the Hokage? Why?" Naruto growled pointing a finger at the woman. Jiraiya tried to quiet the boy but Naruto wasn't having a good internal debate.

"Do you accept?"

"I decline." Boths kids heads shot up. She was just offered the job as Hokage and she refuses? How crazy is she?!

"You just wanted her to come back to the village so that she could check on Sasuke and Kakashi's health...right?!"

"Lady Tsunade, please! My brother and our friend need your help. You're the only one who is capable of healing them." Kira begged showing how worried she was. They finally found the only woman who could heal Kakashi and Sasuke. She had to come back.

Tsunade rolled her eyes and looked away. Did she just…?She just rolled her eyes at the idea of helping her brother! "Calm yourself, Tsunade is the only possible choice for the Fifth Hokage. Not only did she contribute greatly towards Konoha's victory during the turbulent era of great war, but there are still none who can stand shoulder to shoulder with her in regards to battle or medical jutsu."

Naruto and Kira stared wide eyed at the woman shocked, was it possible that this woman really was all that even if she acted like she couldn't care? "Furthermore, Tsunade is the granddaughter of the first Hokage. So she is a Konoha shinobi worthey bloodline."

"So what you're saying is, if we can get her to agree to be Hokage she'll have to come back home with us and can heal Kakashi?"

Jiraiya nodded tapping his nose at Kira's comment. "This is the decision of Konoha's highest ranking will, the counselors. So the opinion of one junior ninja don't really count." Naruto let out a hmph sound looking back at the table with a small pout on his lips.

"Heh, Jiraiya. Unlike your last disciple, this kid's got worse mouth, brains and even mug." Kira's eyes widen in shock did she really just say that about Naruto?!

"What?!" Naruto screamed standing from his seat aggravated.

"Are you kidding me? Naruto doesn't have an ugly mug! He's…" Kira felt herself blush with embarrassment. "He doesn't have an ugly mug. And he's smarter than everyone gives him credit for." she looked away from Naruto hoping not to show her blush.

"Aww, come on, everybody pales in comparison to the Fourth Hokage." Naruto stared at Jiraiya eager to learn more about his old disciple. Kira kept her head down refusing to face Naruto again. This didn't go unnoticed by any of the adults. "As a shinobi, his capacity was unparalleled, a true one of a kind. He was overflowing with talent for jutsu and intelligence, he was socially popular and well, he was quite the looker, just like me."

Kira made a pft noise unable to see how Jiraiya was cute. Jiraiya sent her a look practically saying he was hurt at her comment.

"But even with all that going for him, he died prematurely." Tsunade kept her head down clenching her fists. "Sacrificing his life for the sake of the village. Life is not like money, to risk and throw it away so easily is a fool's errand."

Was this woman being serious? "They say both my grandfather and the Second wanted to end hostilities more than anything and yet in the end they died in vain for the village, while still in the midst of pursuing their dreams."

'I don't like where this is going…'

'Me either. Is she insane? How can she talk down about the Hokage's?! She's got some balls to disrespect them. Especially if her grandfather was the first Hokage!' Naruto's thoughts screamed in her head. She didn't want to listen anymore to this woman. She just wanted the woman to come fix her brother. That is until she heard Tsunade talk ill of the Third Hokage.

"What…"

"The title of Hokage is a joke. Only a fool would take it."

Naruto was visible shaking as he lunged to take down the old woman. Jiraiya held him back the woman didn't even seem upset, she thought it was amusing.

"I aint going to just sit back and let you insult the old man or the Fourth Hokage!" Tsunade amused look changed to something of annoyance again. "I don't care that you're a lady! I'll slug you with all I've got!"

"Calm him down or something." Jiraiya ordered Kira annoyed that they were making a scene.

"Why should I? She's acting like a major disrespectful bitch." Lady Tsunade stood up leaning so that she was eye level with Naruto. "You two got guts, I'll give you that. To say that to my face come on outside with me brat."

Naruto followed after Tsunade so that the two were standing a few feet away from one another. She literally sent Naruto flying with just a flick of a finger. His headplate knocked off his head and leaving it lying a few feet away from him.

Kira shot forward getting a surprised look from Tsunade. Memories of a black haired girl rushing toward a fallen young Jiraiya filled her brain. 'Aiko…' Kira made it to Naruto's side looking over his head. "You okay?" she whispered softly rubbing the bump forming in the middle of his head.

"I will be…" he muttered. She reached over grabbing his headplate and gave it over.

"Hey kid before you pass why are you so sensitive about Hokage." Tsunade asked smugly, almost not expecting Naruto's answer.

"Because unlike you, I want that title someday. To be Hokage is my dream!" The sad look crossed her face, now was the time. 'I could, I could use that jutsu…'

'You can do it Naru,' Naruto smirked concentrating hard on forming the jutsu in his hand. He was able to get it but the winds were incredibly strong. Tsunade was not expecting that moving quickly she pointed towards the ground. There was a loud rumble as the ground opened up beneath them.

"Naru!" She called wobbling trying to keep her balance. Kira focused hard on her chakra, this woman was getting on her last nerve.

"Jiraiya was it you? Who taught him the rasengan?"

"I am his mentor you know, for the present."

"Hmph. The only ones who can manage that jutsu are you and the fourth lord. Playing mighty mentor by teaching him jutsu he has no hope of mastering? That's pretty cruel." Kira saw red, but she wasn't the only one. He's show her.

"Thats how dreamy eyed get started on the whole 'I'm going to become Hokage' farce!" The charcoal taste returned to her mouth, the familiar burning sensation bubbled on her tongue. All her learnings she felt the oxygen escaping her lungs but focused hard. Breathing in as much air as she could she blew, Tsunade wide eyed watching the flames dance toward her. She didn't master the Dragon Blast technique just yet.

All that happened was a jet of fire escaped her lips, burning the skin around her mouth another hole in the ground knocking Kira off balance made her fall, her concentration broken the fire escaped her completely. Her tongue felt like a hot ember trying to burn it's way out of her mouth.

"Agh!" her hands went to her face her tongue stuck out of her mouth steam literally lifted from her black tongue.

"You're trying to turn her into Aiko, aren't you?" Tsunade insisted her own rage building up as she glared at Jiraiya. "Aiko's dead, don't forget who's fault that is!" Jiraiya seemed stoney faced staring at his old teammate.

"Aiko will always be my mistake. I could never forget her." His voice sounded so grave, so broken. Naruto and Kira stared at the woman confused, what had happened to Aiko? What had happened between those two?

"Like I said, being Hokage is a Farce." She huffed wanting to leave.

"It's not a farce! Shut up! Shut up!" Naruto screamed wanting to hit this woman but he knew himself that she was strong. "Give me three days, and I'll master this Jutsu for you!" Naruto panted his body hurt but he wouldn't back down now.

"Feh, nice words brat. But a man doesn't break his word you know."

"He never goes back on his word." Kira spoke up to this old woman. Her eyes stung as she growled up at her, all she felt for this woman was hate.

"Thats my Shinobi way."

Tsunade let out a hmph sound giving Naruto a determined look. "Then lets make a wager." Both kids stare at the woman confused? Why would she want to wager? "I'll give you a whole week. If you manage to master this Jutsu in that time, I'll acknowledge that you are worthy of becoming Hokage, and I'll give you this necklace."

Tsunade held up a leather necklace with a seafoam blue gem stuck in the middle. It didn't look all that special but from the look her comrade gave her must mean it's something special.

"Lady Tsunade?! B, but thats…!"

"No thanks, I don't want some old necklace." Naruto scoffed, he didn't need that. Jewelry was not something he cared about.

"Now don't say that, Naruto. Its made from a unique ore that belonged to the first Hokage. You could buy three mountains if you sold it…" Jiraiya explained.

'If you got that necklace, everyone would know you have a blessing of being Hokage Naru.' Kira never took her eyes off the woman, she didn't trust her. She was up to something. And when trying to tap into her thoughts she was blocked off, almost like when she tried to listen in on Gaara's thoughts. She was able to block her thoughts.

"Oh...okay!"

Tsunade pulled out Naruto's frog pouch surprising both kids. "However, if you fail to master the jutsu by the end of seven days you lose. And all your easy cash is mine!"

'How did she get my froggie?!'

'She's sneaky!'

Shizune walked close to Tsunade speaking softly. "But why?! The necklace is…"

"Hmph it's not like he's going to manage it." Kira's eyes squinted suspiciously what were they talking about? Shizune wasn't as difficult to read, unlike Tsunade she was easier to read into. Shizune was thinking over these words: 'You need not give us your answer this very minute. However, we would like a response in one week's time.'

"Lets go Shizune."

'Whats wrong?' Naruto noticed his friends far off look as well as her face contorting into confusion.

'I don't know...I don't trust this woman, not yet anyway. I'll tell you when we're alone.' Naruto nodded forgetting about their troubles from earlier. Now was not the time to argue or fight, they needed to keep an eye out on these two. Make sure they didn't try anything.

"Tsunade...won't you come drinking a bit longer with me? For old times sake." Tsunade stared at Jiraiya refusing to speak staring at the man. An angry glare on her face. "Shizune could you take Naruto and Kira with you and go look for the night's lodgings?" Shizune had an unsure expression on her face "That okay with you?"

Shizune after getting the 'Go ahead' from Tsunade, Shizune nodded her head bowing to Jiraiya saying 'Yes sir!' but she felt somewhat relieved that Jiraiya was going to stay with Tsunade.

Shizune walked Naruto and Kira through the streets. All three were extremely quiet. Kira kept her eyes trained on the back of Shizune's head, she knew something. Something Tsunade was afraid she'd slip up and tell. But what?

What was Tsunade afraid Shizune might say? Shizune's thoughts was mostly those words repeating over and over again. That and 'Why is this kid staring at me like that? Does she know something?' she seemed nervous. When the three did get to the hotel Shizune left the two kids in a room.

Naruto and Kira waited till they were sure Shizune was gone. Kira went into detail on what she heard or knew so far. Naruto sat cross legged on one of the beds listening carefully to her words.

"So a weeks time something bad is going to happen?" Naruto asked making sure he head Kira correctly. He saw her nod and a worried look on her face.

"I bet my right arm it has something to do with Orochimaru." Kira muttered glaring at the ground, that snake has already made things hard enough as it was. He almost killed her team during the chunin exams, he killed the Third Hokage, he and his men destroyed half the village. It was a mystery why Tsunade would even speak to Orochimaru.

"What should we do?"

"Train like we've never trained before? If this has to deal with Orochimaru then we need to be prepared." The two kids weren't sure what to think. They could be completely wrong.

"I need to master the whateveritis-gan jutsu in a week's time." Naruto stood up staring down at the Kira. "I swear I'm gonna master that whateveritis-gan jutsu!"

"I need to master Karyuu Endan." Kira knew she had to get stronger. She had to build a resistance towards the fire somehow. She didn't think anyone else had to deal with this problem when it comes to Fire-Style.

"You were able to master those other fire genjutsus." Naruto muttered remembering how annoyed he was at how easily she had mastered those other fire style techniques.

"Fire style hurts more than you think it would…" she muttered softly she was surprised the burns weren't more noticeable. Naruto watched as she stuck out her burnt tongue. "Tastes like charcoal…"

The silence between the two was unbearable for a moment before Naruto burst into laughter. The two laughed completely. The tension between them finally gone. Or just gone for now. A knock on the door made the two stop. They were quick to pull out their weapons in case it was like last time.

"It's Shizune…" Kira muttered listening in case anyone else was out there. The door slid open and showed it was just her alone.

"Sorry to bother you so late, but there's something I'd like to share with you." Shizune spoke softly, her nervous expression showed how unsure if she was doing the right thing or not clear as day over her face.

"It's the middle of the night. Whats so important?" Kira called staring at the woman still clutching her kunai tightly in her hand.

Shizune glanced down at the weapon clutched tightly in the young girls hand, wondering why she held it so close to her side. "I need to rest up tonight so I can train early." Naruto grumbled at having to deal with this woman. She knew something and was going to get the two of them killed he just knew it.

"I'm sorry…" she looked down at the two kids hoping after she tells her tale they would understand why Lady Tsunade was the way she was. "But I don't want you to misunderstand Lady Tsunade. And I wanted to explain about the necklace too." She spoke softly like a mother to a child.

"Hmph! What do I care about that old lady!" Naruto grumbled loudly.

"Lady Tsunade isn't the kind of person you think she is! Please don't say such things without knowing anything!" Shizune actually yelled raising her voice to prove how wrong Naruto was.

"So she can talk down to us like we're nothing but if we talk bad about her she's a saint?" Kira shot back glaring up at the woman. Shizune frowned slumping her shoulders.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to raise my voice at you. She wasn't like that at all, long ago she was kind, compassionate, she really loved the village...but then she changed." Naruto and Kira glance at one another then turned to face Shizune wanting her to continue. "All because of that day."

Shizune looked heartbroken right then and there. "That day?" Naruto muttered wanting more to the story. "What do you mean that day?"

When Shizune looked up she looked fierce, like she wouldn't take anyone's bullshit anymore. "The day she lost everything. Her dreams, her love, even hope itself." Kira raised a brow staring at this woman, was she being serious? "All that remained afterwards was the necklace, loaded with memories. The necklace is as precious to Lady Tsunade as her own life. It's not something she would easily hand over on a wager."

"How would I know that? She's the one who put it on the table!"

"And the necklace is not meant for you! It's no ordinary necklace…" Shizune argued glaring down at Naruto for his disrespect.

"Are you going to tell us whats so bad about the stupid necklace or are you going to keep stalling?" Kira huffed glaring up at the woman clenching her kunai tighter than before.

"The necklace only acknowledges Lady Tsunade, if anyone else tries to wear it they all eventually die." Shizune went into the tale on how Lady Tsunade had a younger brother, someone around Naruto and Kira's age who's dream it was to be Hokage one day. The necklace was a birthday gift from Tsunade to her brother but on a mission her younger brother died. Then later she fell for a man named Dan, Dan also had the dream of becoming Hokage. Tsunade gave Dan the necklace and her hopes of being Hokage but he died as well.

It's easy to see how Lady Tsunade could lose her hope for living. "So please understand, since that day, Lady Tsunade's been torn." Naruto walked past the woman towards the door. "Naruto?"

"I'm gonna go train. Kira find me in the morning with some food." Naruto walked out the door and down the hall. Kira nodded to the request placing her kunai down on the bedside table.

"I understand she's upset, she lost her brother and her love but that doesn't excuse her for being a bitch. She isn't the only one who's experienced loss. Now get out." Shizune stared wide eyed at the girl, after everything she just heard she acted like she doesn't care. "Naruto isn't the only one who has to train." Shizune stumbled out the door wide eyed.

These kids…