A/N: Okay guys so the last chapter ended the prologue and now they will be longer and have more in them. I don't have a schedule for this so it might be a little erratic. That being said if I take too long don't be afraid to yell at me. It would probably give me motivation to go. Not sure how many chapters I'll end up with but I will reach an end point eventually. Jesus I did not expect that many notification emails on the first day out. Thanks guys it means a lot A review came in from AJGuardian, I appreciate the support bud. Well that's enough stalling, let me get this story rolling, see y'all at the bottom.
I don't own Naruto
Morning bloomed over the desert as the creeped upwards from the horizon. People were readying themselves for the day and businesses and shops were opening. Any that weren't currently awake were children both civilian schools and the ninja academy were on their break for the summer and it was time for them to rest.
Most of the adult ninja were taking missions or training, some with their genin teams, and a few high ranking ones were sitting in on a meeting with their Kazekage.
The man looked to be extremely irritated and for good reason. Whatever that Konoha child had done created a fresh crater in the desert. That wasn't an issue though and nobody was hurt except the enemy but the blood was everywhere. He could not let his son's team out for a mission because of the blood. If he saw it he would go on a rampage and might attack his siblings.
Very few could be trusted with the politics and neccessity of the mission, however, and it wouldn't do to let out too much information.
Suna was going to invade Konoha at the next Chuunin exam. The Leaf was to host the exams this time around and that would mean few from other villages would venture out to the home of the tree-huggers. If all went to plan the only ones that would take losses would be the Leaf, the Sand, and the new Sound village Otogakure. They would be the only ones fighting and even though two were to be allies some loss is unavoidable even in a victory.
One of the jounin in the room spoke up. "My lord, what if you sent your daughter to escort the Leaf ninja home. You could also make her help organize the exams. She could gather information for the attack and no one would suspect it."
Another raised his concerns with a worried look on the half of his face visible to the others. "Yes nut the ninja in question is very powerful. You saw the results of his battle just as clear as I and if he catches on-" He was cut off by another ninja's answer.
"Baki, you worry to much, he won't catch anything. If it makes you feel better we could have an Anbu team accompany them. He can't be strong enough to take her and them on in a fight."
""Enough," All of the ninja looked towards their leader awaiting his response.," Baki, I understand your concerns, but we can't let this chance pass by. Call her here and I'll brief her and send an Anbu team too. I don't want to explain it twice. Dismissed."
And with that all ninja present cleared out of his office and a new one came in.
A grey haired boy dressed in purple with large round glasses slid towards the desk with a grin so devious it nearly made the Kazekage shiver. "So, Lord Kazekage, have you decided how to infiltrate the village yet? Lord Orochimaru would be very glad to hear it if that is the case."
"Yes I believe so Kabuto, but I will need time to implement it. If you would like you can leave. I will send the details straight to Orochimaru when the plan is in finished."
"That won't be neccessary Lord Kazekage." A new voice whispered into his ear, "I was here the whole time. I know what your plan is and I support it... That is until the part where you betray me. That part is very undesirable the only way to prevent it would be to kill you..."
Gold dust got a hold of the mysterious voice's owner and dragged forth a pale dark haired man with a large smile and thin body. Before the Kazekage could react a sword shot out of the man's throat and pierced his heart.
Through gritted teeth he cursed the name Orochimaru and all it meant. He grabbed the sword with his gold dust and ripped it from his body. As he stood to fight he felt a pinch in his arm and looked down to see a senbon poking out from it. A poisoned senbon. With a loud thump he crashed to the ground and lay still.
"Kabuto be a dear and escort this man out of my office would you? I feel like I need to stay true to my word and brief my daughter for her mission." An evil smile grew across both men's faces as Orochimaru transformed into a carbon copy of the man that lay dead at his feet.
Kabuto gave his master a sharp nod before disappearing in a puff of smoke with the fresh corpse in tow.
Five minutes later Temari walked in with a team of four Anbu shortly behind her. Used to being greeted by her father's usual blank stare she was slightly unnerved at the sight of him smiling at her.
It was even worse when he finally spoke to her holding that same smile all the way through. "Ah yes hello Temari. I have a mission for you all. Your going to escort that Leaf boy back to his village and while you're there you will be helping to set up the Chuunin exams. Or at least thats your cover..."
A confused look took hold on Temari's face and was reflective of her thoughts at that moment. "Cover, father? What is the real mission?"
The smile spread even further much to the discomfort of those present as he spoke. "Your mission is to gather information on Konoha. Anything you can get will help so don't leave anything out. However for your reports prioritize information retaining their military."
"W-what? I thought we were allies, why do we need that kind of information on our allies?"
"We were allies, until we got a better deal that is. We are going to invade Konoha with aid from Oto and destroy the Leaf village. We plan on using this Chuunin exam gain access to the village. I can guarantee you that this is in our best interest so trust your father and obey your orders. Do you understand?"
Temari couldn't think of words so she just nodded her head in agreement. She was nervous, she had heard from the older ninja that war was terrifying and she wasn't ready to test their ideas. What if she died? What if her friends died? What if she was captured? What would happen? No. Everything would be ok. No reason to worry so much.
With a wave of his hand the room cleared and a maniacal laugh burst from his lips. He would finally get rid of Konoha, of that old man, of his past and then people would fear the name Orochimaru.
XXXXXXXX
Temari was walking through the hospital back to ninja she was assigned to babysit, thinking about her new mission when a loud crash and a groan came from the room said ninja was staying in. Worry crossed her mind as he was in bad shape last time she saw him and he was pretty important for her mission.
She burst through the door to find the blonde teen looking over the remains of his clothing. She had already checked for anything still worthy of being called clothing and it consisted of a black shirt with a large red swirl on the front and the disgustingly orange pants he was holding in his hands. Speaking of hands, weren't they supposed to be covered in cuts? Speaking of cuts shouldn't they be covering his entire body right now? Speaking of entire body was he taking off his hospital gown right now? The answer to all of those and more was yes.
Luckily for the girl he had found staring through his back in apparent horror, he didn't undress in front of her. Instead he leveled bis eyes to the headband hanging around her neck and smiled. "Oh hey, I almost didn't see you there, uh who are you and where are we?."
Temari's mind was blank. He was perfectly healthy. He shouldn't even be able to move until tomorrow, so how was he standing and talking to her? "Oh uh this is the Suna hospital. You've been here for about a day or two. You should not be out of bed until you heal fully and then we can take you home."
Naruto paled a bit at hearing he was in a hospital. That meant he wasn't good enough to win. That meant he wasn't strong. "I'm fine let me get changed and we can leave right away."
Temari stared pointedly at him as she spoke. "No, I'm going to have a doctor look you over and then we'll see what happens. You will not leave here until you're ready."
Naruto paled even further with that news. Hospitals were not anywhere near his idea off fun and now he was trapped in one by this angry looking blonde lady. 'Oh well' he thought 'at least now I'm awake'
After a few minutes of awkward silence Naruto spoke up. "So can I get changed or are you planning on staying for the show?"
A slight blush graced her face as she responded, " Oh, uhh yeah I'll go find a doctor to examine you, uhh sorry I still don't know your name."
"Oh my name's Naruto, what's yours?"
"Temari, nice to meet you Naruto."
That was a lie. She might end up killing him or his friends and family at some point in the near future. She shuddered at the thought of attacking a major village the way they were going to. She stepped out of the room to allow him some privacy and went around the hospital to find a doctor. The first few she ran into were busy but soon she stumbled upon one with thick rectangular glasses and mess of unruly brown hair. She had seen him around before but had never met or spoken to him. After getting his attention and explaining as much of the situation as she could understand she led him to the room where he was needed and knocked.
The voice from the other side was slightly muffled through the door but still clear enough to hear. "Come in."
Temari walked into the room ahead of the doctor see Naruto tying on his forehead protector tightly. The doctor dropped his clipboard as he started wide eyed at the boy before him that had completely healed from the most lethal injuries he'd ever seen in only a day and a half. Not only that but he had enough strength already to get dressed and move around felt freely. This boy just smiled expectantly at the newcomer's arrival, after all the sooner he was cleared the sooner he could leave and the sooner he left for home the better.
He couldn't stand this place for too much longer or he'd go insane. Oh how he longed for the trees he'd grown used to seeing and the shade they provided. He never would feel comfortable outside of Konoha.
Once given a once over by the doctor and proving he was OK Temari decided to let him leave the hospital. Unfortunately he had no money and would not return to the hospital. "Well then you'll have to stay at my house then because you will not be staying in an alleyway for the night." It was the best he could get at the moment and besides it would only be one night so Naruto accepted her offer.
When she led him to a giant mansion near the center of the city he was a bit curious of just who she was and apparently she could read his mind because she said," Oh, I'm the Kazekage's daughter. Ya know in case you were wondering 'why the hell is her house so huge' and close your mouth before you start catching flies.
Temari escorted him inside and through the house's kitchen, his room, and the nearest bathroom. The three most important rooms in any house. "My brother Kankuro is out on a mission right now so all you need to know is to stay in your if you hear anything. My youngest brother, Gaara, hasn't been out in a long time and he isn't a very pleasant person. We'll get up and go around seven so get some sleep. Goodnight."
With that and a wave good bye she was gone. He shuffled over to his bed and lie still until eventually sleep claimed him. His sleep was interrupted at seven thirty the next morning by the loud shouts directed at him from a seemingly battle ready Temari trying to rouse him. Once he pulled himself up and gestured to his battered clothes she remembered that there wasn't anything he could actually do to get ready because he wore it to bed the night before.
After grabbing some fruit for a quick breakfast the pair walked over to the city's gate to start their journey. Once they passed the gate they broke into a sprint towards the Leaf village. It would take almost two days to reach the walls of Konoha and that was enough to get Naruto excited.
He ran full blast over the sands the entire first day until Temari suggested making camp for the night. After an hour the next morning they started to see grass. Another five minutes and shrubbery was everywhere and finally after nearly a week of being in the sand, even if part of it was unconscious, Naruto saw the forest. His smile was brighter than the sun when they began jumping limb to limb, not that Temari minded the changes of scenery at all. The desert sun was a monster and the nights were cold enough to flash freeze you until morning. Not long after they reached the gates of the Hidden Leaf Village and the people awaiting their arrival. Besides the Hokage there was three other people standing jut within the gate watching and waiting for them to get closer. There was a tall grey haired man with most of his face hidden, a girl with pink hair and a red battle dress, and a boy with black hair wearing a deep blues shirt with a high collar.
Once they came within a few feet of the gate the smiles of the other ninjas were contagious and Temari felt... bad. Her village as planning on attacking this one and so far she liked Konoha. She felt bad for the lives they would loose, for the families they would destroy, even for the buildings they would undoubtedly ruin. But it was just the life of a ninja, kill or be killed after all. Except, here at least, she didn't feel like she was in danger. That might be because no one knew the plan yet and it definitely didn't hurt to still have her Anbu guard nearby. Obviously they couldn't come too close to the city, but they could stay near by to send and receive messages for her.
The now larger group led the way to the Hokage tower as Naruto's team tried desperately to fill him in on what he missed. Once their a short debriefing took place and everyone save Temari was dismissed. "So... Temari was it? The Kazekage's daughter? I hear you want to help with the exams this time around. Why is that?" The wizened old shinobi asked her.
Temari thought nervously for a minute before he spoke," I know of your father's treachery, child. I also know he was killed by his 'Partner' Orochimaru. Something tells me you don't, however. Have you not noticed anything strange about him lately? No? Ah, no matter, unfortunately there is still a danger that you might report this knowledge to him and we can't have that. Hmm, the question, child, is what to do with you. You can't go home, You can't go anywhere else, but I can't just throw you in prison, you're too young and I can see that you don't agree with his plans." He let out a groan as he lit his pipe and took a few puffs of it blowing smoke out of his mouth as he thought."I've got it. I'm going to place you under the watch of one of our ninja. That way we can keep an eye on you and guarantee your safety. Since the people that would come after you work for that snake they will be very dangerous. It'll have to be a strong ninja then... Ah how about Naruto? He's strong and he lives in a very inconspicuous location. It would be hard to assume the daughter of the Kazekage as staying in the slums... Yes you should be safe with him."
Oh that was lovely not only did this man know about her mission but her father was dead and she was going to be living with the blonde idiot she was supposed to bring back here. The world works in mysterious ways. As Hiruzen summoned Naruto back to the tower she sat and thought about the news she had received. Well her life was now officially a giant mess. What was she going to do now? That answer would have to wait for later because Naruto had just opened the door and entered the room.
"Was there something else you wanted to tell me old man? I was about to go get some ramen over at Ichiraku's." A stern gaze from his Hokage took away the boy's smile as the old man spoke."You have a new mission Naruto. Calm down, there's no need for you to get excited you won't be leaving the village. I'm assigning you to be Temari's escort and guard. She'll be helping us with the exams coming up and I was planning for her to stay with you for the time being."
Naruto seemed confused when he responded."Wait my house? I only have one bed though. Why doesn't she just get a hotel room?"
Well despite Naruto being an absolute knucklehead he did pose a point Hiruzen hadn't thought he would. This just got even harder."Well Naruto, I didn't think you'd be one to question your Hokage. I do believe you heard my orders, and I do expect you to not let Temari out of your sight."
"Oh, uh yeah sorry Hokage-jiji. It won't happen again." He said 'I will get you back later old man I just don't know how.' "So Temari, I can show you around town before we go to my house if you want. I was going to eat out tonight too so if you want some ramen that will beat anything you've ever eaten I know a place."
Temari nodded her head and pretended to listen as he led her from the the tower to a small ramen stand and motioned her inside. The warm smiles from the two people inside were if little concern to her as she placed her order and retreated back into her thoughts only to be snapped out of them when Naruto had asked for twelve bowls of ramen. The more disturbing part of the request was that she seemed to be the only one fazed by it. The old cook just nodded and got to work while Naruto spoke to the pretty young woman at the counter. He just went on and on about his mission in the sand and how he 'kicked a samurai's ass' before he smiled at her and said her brought her a gift back.
As Naruto pulled out a black box Temari wondered when he had the time to get anything in the hospital. After he opened it to reveal a beautiful gold necklace and handed to the ramen waitress he spoke up. "Just consider it a thank you for always taking care of me when I couldn't do it myself. I owe you guys a serious debt and even if I can never repay you that won't stop me from trying."
A serious look came to both of the staff's faces as the old man spoke."Naruto you don't owe us anything. What we've done for you was because we consider you family and I won't have my family going hungry in the streets. Now eat up kiddo, you can tell us about kicking ass later."
A sad smile was present on Naruto's face as he picked up his chopsticks and started eating. Much to Temari's suprise he actually finished all of his bowls before she did and went back to talking with the pair behind the counter.
"So Naruto who's you're date? She's cute, you know, and it isn't right to hide things from you're sister." said the waitress with a teasing voice that Naruto clearly dud not catch.
"Ah come on Ayame don't say things like that Sakura might be near by and hear you. I don't know what I'd do if she thought I was dating someone else." Naruto responded with a deep blush. He was clearly embarrassed and it seemed so easy that Temari couldn't help but pile on.
"Oh? And who is this Sakura? I never pegged you as the type to cheat on me Naruto-kun." Amidst a fit of giggles from the pair of women a hard thud could be heard as Naruto had fallen out of his seat in his flustered state. A sigh came from the brunette behind the counter as she spoke to Naruto. "See little brother, I told you it was just a waste of time to go after your teammate when there were other girls out there. Especially since she never shared your feelings."
Through his mutterings only a few snatches of his words could be understood. "Not dating... Temari... Sakura-chan... come around... eventually..."
Twenty minutes later he was unlocking his door as Temari stood beside him. Once it opened she was shocked at what she saw. The small apartment was a mess there were empty ramen cups everywhere and clothes thrown all around. Before she said anything ten clones of the boy to her side appeared and started tidying up. "Follow me and I'll show you your bed. You can stay in my room for the time being and I can take the couch."
Well at least she didn't have to worry about him trying anything she mused. She too was worried when the Hokage asked for him to house her. Now was not the time to dwell on her thoughts she'd been thinking all day. What she needed now was sleep, and lots of it. She readied herself for bed and snuggled into his blankets. Unsuprisingly, they, like everything else in the house, had the faint scent of ramen. They were still warm, though, and soon sleep took her away.
In the living room Naruto sat and contemplated what the Hokage had told him when Temari was deep in her own thoughts.
Flashback
"Naruto, listen. She needs to be protected and hidden from anyone wearing the sand or sound insignia. Ninja from both villages will be after her life if she doesn't report. While the sand ninja shouldn't be a problem for you, these sound ninja are very powerful I have assigned and Anbu team to guard your house and watch you."
"Hai, I'll do my best Hokage-jiji, but what about my team and missions? Won't they need me?"
"I'll tell them you've been assigned a special mission. They can use substitutes from our reserves until you get back on active duty."
"I see. Well then I have a mission to get to. See ya later old man." With a wink back at the Hokage he made his way to the door grabbing Temari on his way. The pair made it away before Hiruzen could laugh at his antics.
Leaving the old Kage alone with his enemy; paper work. Luckily his friend tobacco wasn't far behind and helped him along.
Flashback End
And now as the moon was climbing into the sky and darkness crawling over the ground he sat. He didn't know what was coming but he could tell it was big and someone dear to him would be hurt. He was scared for the first time in his life. Not even the annual fox hunts bothered him this bad. At least he could hide from a horde of drunken fools with weapons. This danger was unavoidable, Orochimaru could not be reasoned with. The only option was to prepare. Starting tomorrow he would train. He didn't know Temari would work into this but he would have to get much more powerful.
Then it him. That day in the desert. Those memories he didn't have. 'Clones' he thought. 'I have clones...'
The plan was simple. He apparently kept his clone's memories so maybe that would transfer to training too. That way he could send them out and learn without letting Temari out of his sight. With his mind finally at ease he could finally fall asleep.
The next day
Everything was peaceful in the village. The sun was rising over the forest and the villagers were sleeping in their beds. Or they were until a high pitched scream split the stillness of the village and Naruto jumped awake to land on the floor. There at his door stood a pale faced Sakura staring at the sight of the two people inside.
Naruto was in his boxers with his face firmly planted on the floor with a look of slight pain flashing on it. While Temari was barely more modest. She wore a shirt a few sizes to large and some unusually short shorts. It was clear what the implication was for both of them but right then they were both too tired to care.
Sakura was not as laid back as they were and let them know it when she yelled at them. "Naruto who is this girl and why she in your house dressed like that? Why are in your underwear? What is going on here?"
Naruto stood from his prone position on the floor and answered the questions as best he could. "This is Temari, she stayed the night last night and clearly just woke up. Nothing us going on here and I'm in my underwear because this is my house and I will do as I please. Is that all?"
Sakura just nodded dumbly before she spoke. "Kakashi sensei sent me to tell you not to worry about missions for the time being. Um, Naruto are you and Temari, uhh, dating?" Disinterested in as she was she knew several girls that would have fits if this kind of gossip went public. Hinata especially would freak out.
"No!" was shouted from both of them simultaneously. Temari was now blushing bright red at the idea of dating that half naked blonde idiot. Although Naruto had to admit she was kinda cute, especially like this. Her hair down and flowing down her back, her long toned and tan legs, and her pretty face framed on all side by her sandy colored hair. A mental debate played in between two Narutos over whether or not she wore a bra under that oversized shirt while the girl in question tried to explain the situation without giving away too much information.
"I need a guard while I'm here because I'm the Kazekage's daughter and he was available. He gave me his bed and he slept on the couch so I wouldn't be uncomfortable."
That seemed to work for Sakura who was now a little embarrassed herself at just assuming that. She waved good bye to the pair as they stood in the kitchen. Two loud rumbles changed the subject just in time and Naruto had an idea.
"So, uhh, Temari if you're hungry I've been waiting on an excuse to cook. Ayame taught me a few things. I could make you some breakfast before we go out."
Temari was about to accept the offer when another loud growl did it for her. Naruto smiled and went to the fridge. "How does an omelette sound?" He asked her as he lay the eggs on the counter and placed a pan down on the stove. Temari nodded her approval and sat to watch him work. The sight of his muscles moving from behind wasn't necessarily unpleasant and she blushed a bit at her own thoughts. Soon enough he joined her at the table with two plates and set one down in front of her. He sat and watched eagerly as she took a small bite and smiled when she suddenly picked up the pace and was basically shovelling her food into her mouth. "That good huh? Ayame taught me how to cook because 'It's the key to a woman's heart' whatever that was supposed to mean."
"I don't care what reason she gave you, she definitely knew what she was doing. I've never had anything that good anywhere in my life."
Naruto smiled and gave her a thank you before he ate his own meal. Once they finished he washed the dishes while she went and got dressed. Once his room was vacant it was his turn and since it was completely destroyed in his last battle, his outfit was without it's most defining feature, his jacket. He wore a short sleeved black shirt and a pair of orange pants and black sandals. They met up at the door and headed to the place they were supposed to meet the Leaf exam organizer. They would finally plan the exams and then she would have no more meetings to stress her out.
At least... for now.
A/N: Well there you go guys. Chapter three is the first full chapter for this story and is much longer than the other two. I don't think I'll have a set limit on my stories but I aim on keeping this one at least five thousand a chapter. I'm sure there will be outliers but for now it should be good. Guys I need help with this story i don't know what you want to see so if you any praise, criticism, or suggestions please share them with me and i'll see what I can do. See you guys next time.