Tip Of The Spear
Chapter Six
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strange)
It was a stunned Naruto that had managed to fight his way out of Tsunade's grasp. His mind was working overtime as the woman's word's rang in his mind, 'grandson', 'alive', 'our grandson'. What the fuck is going on he was asking himself. If he had grandparents where the hell were they when he and Sakura needed them? Deciding to make his displeasure known he opened his mouth.
"Grandson? What the hell are you talking about lady?Who are you really?" the blonde was yelling before his head met Sakura's fist.
"Baka! Did you take a bullet to the brain pan before we came back?" she yelled as she dragged Naruto up from the floor by his shirt, "Makoto sensei told you about them when we were ten! Or did you forget?"
"No, I didn't forget!," Naruto snarled back as he tried to reign in his temper, "I just didn't remember just like they didn't remember they had a grandchild in this fucking village!"
Tsunade and Jiraiya were stunned at Naruto's outburst. No one, not even Hiruzen Sarutobi expected him to react in such a way. The amount of pain in his voice as the old wound of abandonment was torn open was apparent. Sakura was the only one to react as she took her now sobbing husband into her arms. It hurt her to hear his words between his sobs.
"Why?...(sniff)...why didn't you come for me? Why did you leave me alone here?" he cried before he asked the question that cut his grandparents to the heart, "Did y...do you really hate me as much as the village did?"
At that question Tsunade fell to her knees as she cried in anger at what was done to her flesh and blood. Jiraiya was no better as he walked up to the boy and handed him a scroll that bore the signs of being crushed in outrage.
"We didn't know, Tsunade and I were on our way back to here after the fox's attack. A messenger hawk delivered this to us. Naruto, we...we didn't know. That bastard Danzo forged sensei's signature and sent these to us. It broke us, it...it wasn't until sensei called us home after you left did we...did we find the truth," he explained as he handed over the scroll.
As Naruto read it he began to leak Kurama's chakra. The fox and Sakura were both trying their best to control the boy before he did something he would regret later. Kurama decided to take a more direct action with his host as he made his way out of the seal and into the real world.
Sakura looked up at the fox and pleaded to him, "Uncle, please do something, I can't reach him!"
Kurama put his hand on the boys forehead and uttered one word, "Sleep."
Naruto collapsed in Sakura's arms. She and Kurama moved him to the couch and got him comfortable. The two Sanin were speechless, not only did the fox appear out of the seal but Sakura had called it 'uncle'.
On top of that he had put Naruto under with a touch and gently carried him like a small child to the couch.
Looking closely Tsunade saw the look on Kurama's face, it was one she had seen many times. The worried look of a parent.
Turning to the two stunned grandparents the fox glared at them, "Did it ever occur to you that a message like that could be faked? Did it at least once cross your mind to check with the source? Even if the kit had died you could have made sure he was given a proper burial. These two," at that his arm swept towards Sakura and Naruto, "spent their first years in hell because you two couldn't be bothered to make sure the kit was actually dead!"
Neither Sanin could respond, how could they? They both took the scroll at face value and never continued on to the village. Instead Jiraiya continued to spend his time 'researching' his books and meeting his agents in his spy network. Tsunade returned to her gambling and drinking. Both of them failures as far as Kurama was concerned. Foxes don't leave their kits to fend for themselves. If they do it's because they were dead and were not coming home...ever.
By now Naruto was waking up with Sakura by his side. Looking at his grandparents he just stood and looked at them waiting for them to explain themselves.
Sakura too was glaring at them, while she had a hard time on the streets with Naruto he had been mistreated far longer. On the day the fox took them in she had vowed to support and protect him from the hurts the world would give him. She was doing that now.
"Excuse me for being blunt but haven't you two done enough damage?" she asked.
It was Jiraiya that spoke, "It's not like it seems, the shock of the scroll telling us our grandchild was dead came on top of learning of our son's death. As much as we wanted to come home it was too painful to do so."
"Naruto needed you! He was shunned at best," she began, "beaten, almost killed at worse. On his birthday do you know what those oh so precious villagers would do to him? Have a god damned 'fox hunt' with your grandchild as the fox!"
"When I was four Naruto became my first real friend, he saved me from bullies. My mother and father threw me out into the streets because they only saw him as the fox and my friendship with him was ruining their business! Think of it, two four year old kids on the streets because no one fucking wanted them or if they did the council and my parents would block the adoption!"
"And you, his grandparents were too hurt to see if the message was real? Forgive me for not caring about your pain but my husband had to go to another world to be accepted and have friends. Uncle always gave him the choice to stay or come back here. He, for some reason, always chose to come back here but this is NOT...OUR...HOME!"
As she paused to catch her breath Naruto put his hand on her shoulder, "Baby, it's okay, trust me."
Turning to the stunned older couple he held his face in a neutral expression, " Forgive our outbursts elder ones they were uncalled for. My name is Uzumaki Naruto , this is my wife Sakura, we're...pleased to meet you..ahh.."
"Tsunade, Naruto, this is your grandmother Senju Tsunade," the Hokage said as he tried to regain some control in his office, "over there is your grandfather, Namekazi Jiraiya."
Sakura had finished composing herself as she looked at Tsunade, "Well husband of mine I can see where the blonde hair comes from but that doesn't explain your eyes."
"It's a trait of the Namekazi," Jiraiya began with some relief at the change of subject, "it skipped me because of my mother's dominant genes but Minato and Naruto seemed to have inherited them," he said proudly.
"I see," Naruto said, "What else did I get from my fathers side?"
"Not sure, Tsunade and I won't know until we spend more time with you, as grandparents if you let us," the Toad sage said.
"You really didn't know that I was alive?"
"No, not until sensei ordered us home. He informed us after a chewing out about us believing that stupid scroll. I have my spies looking for Danzo for that reason alone, on top of being a traitor. He did far to much damage to you, our family, the village and the world at large. Trust me, one way or another he will die. By my hand or anothers the bastard will die."
Turning to the Hokage Naruto looked at him with a blank face, "Grandfather, this has been a trying day, may Sakura and I take our leave? I have a lot of thinking to do."
Hiruzen looked at the human form of Kurama and then to Sakura, "You'll take care of him and not let him do anything stupid?"
"Of course Grandfather, I'll have Makoto get some of his comfort food from home and let him work this out," Sakura answered. Home being the world they grew up in not Konoha or the Land Of Fire.
Kurama just nodded and faded back into the seal. With that Sakura took Naruto by the hand and led him out of the office. The Hokage and Sanin just stood and watched as the door closed behind them.
"Well, that was not how this was supposed to go," Hiruzen stated before gazing at his female student, "And you Tsunade, what was that? Naruto grew up thinking that his family didn't want him and you just run up and hug him like that idiot woman holds her damn cat! What were you thinking?"
"I was just happy to see him is all. All this waiting for him to return got to me I guess," came the quiet reply.
"Well, due to your mistake I'll have to wait another day for their report regarding the assistant teacher Mizuki and the Uchiha's young clan head in waiting."
Leveling his gaze at his two loyal students he gave them some advice, "If you want to see Naruto and be in his life you'll have to win Sakura over. She is very protective of her husband. Kurama is another one you have to impress, believe it or not, the fox views those two as his own children, you would best keep physical contact to a minimum regarding Naruto. Growing up he had very few instances of physical contact that did not entail an attack on his person."
"What do you mean an attack?" Jiraiya asked. They knew very little of Naruto's early years, only in the past few were they updated as to his growth. Hiruzen felt it was not his place to tell them, he would leave it for the children to tell them. Deep down the man felt it would be a suitable punishment for their blindly believing Danzo's scroll.
"It's not my place Jiraiya, it's not even Sakura's. Naruto is the one that has to decide if you're worthy of him opening up to."
"There's more to that isn't there?" Tsunade asked, "I noticed signs of mental and emotional trauma in that outburst. Sensei, is he being treated for it?"
"According to the fox's reports he has received some counseling for PTSD," replied the Hokage.
"PTSD, never heard of it," Tsunade mumbled.
"You wouldn't, where they grew up it's called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You know it as combat fatigue. Naruto and his team were tasked with what would be S and SS class ANBU missions only instead of having a week or two of down time his were run back to back."
Tsunade cringed, that amount of stress over a prolonged period of time would drive a person mad if not treated. The bright side of the story was that her grandchild did seek and receive help. Still she had to be sure, "Sensei, just talking it over won't make too much of a difference unless a person desires to be free of the emotional pain they feel. With the exception of his outburst to us..."
"I know what you're going to ask, Sakura, that young lady is his anchor. Makoto told me that her and Naruto would spend every free moment after he'd return from a mission in bed together. It was his incentive to come back in one piece."
As the female Sanin nodded in understanding she caught sight of her male counterpart trying to suppress a giggle while writing in a note book. Walking over she gave the man a sickeningly sweet smile, "Jiraiya, you're not possibly planning on using our grandchild's sex life as a plot for your next masterpiece are you?"
Looking up with a deer in the headlights expression Jiraiya tried to reply, mind you he tried, "Ahhh n..n..no h.h.h...hime. Uh... ha ha, this may look bad but I remembered a bit of my research from the other day. I w..would n...n...never d..dream of using Naruto and S..S...Sakura-chan."
"Oh really..." came the reply as Tsunade moved at a speed that rivaled Mito Gai when he removed his weights, "then what the hell is this? 'Slowly the soldier removed the top from his pink haired goddess, her breath quickening from anticipation,' well? Got a better excuse?" she asked as she rolled up the sleeve of her top.
That day several ANBU and Jonin were sharing drinks when a cry of pain faded in and out of their hearing as a large white haired object flew over their heads. One of the group, Neko, held out her hand, "Pay up, Lady Tsunade just set a new record in the pervert punt event."
Hearing a loud crash in their back yard Naruto got up from his resting place on the love seat. Grumbling about faulty seals and people just 'dropping in' he walked out the back door. At first he saw nothing but as he walked towards the hot spring he heard a scream of surprise and then more sounds of pain being received. Hurrying to save the poor fool that surprised Sakura Naruto turned the corner to find his wife beating the crap out of his grandfather.
"Well that explains why the seal didn't work," he mumbled before calling to his wife, "Oi! Sakura-chan please don't kill one of my only relatives. At least don't kill him until after he explains why he just dropped in on us."
SIGH, "Fine I won't kill him," his wife told him before giving him a smile that promised lots of pain, "I'll just cripple him a little."
Seeing the look on Jiraiya's face Naruto smiled as the man quietly and pitifully squeaked out, "Help?"
"Just heal him after you're done playing, I figure the old man and Granny will need him for something important later on," Naruto told his wife as her walked back to the house.
Fifteen minutes later Naruto answered the door to greet the Hokage and Tsunade. Looking at the two it was the old man that spoke, "I understand if you would like to be left alone Naruto but Tsunade seems to have misplaced Jiraiya. Have you seen him by chance?"
"Yeah, he's in the back playing with Sakura-chan near the hot spring," Naruto answered as he led the pair through the house. As they stepped out onto the porch they heard Jiraiya's cries for mercy as the pink haired medic continued to rough the man up. Following the sounds of pain the trio stopped to see Jiraiya on the ground trying to stand while a naked Sakura was following through with a kick that just missed the man's head. While making his apologies Jiraiya was trying to fend off another kick to the head.
Hiruzen looked at his student and put his hand over his face in embarrassment. How the hell could Jiraiya if the Sanin, one of the three strongest ninja in the whole of the Elemental Nations get his ass kicked by a naked twelve year old girl that stood just under five feet was beyond understanding. Tsunade just smiled at the beating her teammate and sometime lover was getting. At least Shizune was on a mission to the capital at the moment, she would have had a field day scolding the old pervert. At least the man was trying not to look at his new granddaughter, he did have some standards regarding women and naked school girls were not on the list for him.
Shaking his head Naruto grabbed his wife's robe and yelled her name, "Sakura! Put this on, we have guests, you can kick the shit out of him later."
Sakura sheepishly donned the offered robe and walked over to Naruto. While she looked relaxed she was far from it, in a very discrete manner she had placed herself between her husband and their 'guests'. No one would get to her idiot without going through her first. Glaring at the pervert for a second she turned her attention to Hiruzen.
"Grandfather," she began noticing the flinch the other two had when she addressed the Hokage this way, "to what may I ask is the reason for this visit?"
Hiruzen just chuckled gently placing a soothing hand on her shoulder, his way of comforting the girl since she had been a tyke, "It seems that Tsunade her had misplaced her dirty old man. We were in the process of looking for him but it seems that you found him first."
"It would seem that way. Funny thing though, I don't recall either my husband or myself telling him to drop in anytime he felt like it."
"Yeah, that would be my fault," Tsunade told the girl, "Jiraiya is an author of mediocre talent, his claim to fame is a series of 'erotic literature' called the Icha Icha series. He was planning to use you and Naruto as the inspiration for his next book."
Sakura looked at the elder man once again and noticed the bruises she had inflicted on him, "Oh my, I really went overboard didn't I. Here Jiraiya-sama, let me heal you up, I'm sure that your nose must feel awful with it being broke like it is," she told the sage in a very sincere voice.
A stunned Jiraiya just looked warily at the girl as she healed him while she continued talking, "So you're the one that wrote that series of books? And you want to base the next one on Naruto and I?"
"Uh yeah," was all the man could answer as he tried to process what the girl was saying, "You...you like my b..books? Ho...how do you know about them?"
Sakura just gave the man a broad smile as Tsunade and Hiruzen stood by with puzzled looks on their faces. This shouldn't happen, a girl like Sakura should still be beating the man into the ground. What she said next, however, floored them.
Still smiling Sakura gave the man his answer, "Uncle said that Kushina-sama would read those books to Minato and he began to like them as well. When we were in the other world he had the collection sent to him via one of his clan so he could actually read them with his own eyes and not through those of his host. One day when I was about sixteen or so I saw the first one on the table and started to read it."
"You really like my books? You're not mad for wanting to put you in it?"
"No silly, Naruto and I love your books. It's been our dream to be in something like that. I mean, we ahmm, we've acted out some of the scenes in the second book, right Naruto-kun?"
"Right Sakura-chan, we always wanted to find out who wrote those things. It helped pass the time on our last deployment," Naruto said with his trademark smile.
At that all the older members of their family sweat dropped. They didn't know if the kids were serious or if they were to be victims of Naruto's next practical joke. Not able to stand the suspense Tsunade spoke up,
"Sakura, surely you two don't mean that you actually read that...that...trash?" the blonde asked.
"What do you mean trash!?" Naruto yelled out, "Those books helped to make our time in our last combat zone worth being in a combat zone! Isn't that Sakura-chan?"
"But you two are what twelve?" the blonde asked.
"Well our bodies are twelve and thirteen but we were twenty-two before we got blown up," Sakura told them, making sure that all of the 'adults' present understood that in reality she and Naruto were as old as most of their Jonin and senior Chunin.
Turning back to Jiraiya Sakura gave him another smile "So, what did you want to write about and how did you find out grandpa?"
The rest of the evening went by as smooth as it could be. Naruto still was coming to grips that he still had family that was not only alive but in the same village. Sakura on the other hand was beside herself, not only did she meet the author of her and Naruto's favorite book series, he was a part of their family.
Later that night found everyone at the young couples dinner table. While Naruto forgave he didn't forget, as far as he was concerned his grandparents were on probation and had to earn his trust and respect. That didn't stop either he or his wife from telling stories about their past lives.
"...I swear to Kami that's what happened. I was going to show how our M60's could shoot one round at a time. So I go up to the firing line and as I'm continuing the lesson one of the guys from Sakura's unit ran out from the side and tossed a fake snake about five meters from where I was standing."
"That would have been Beer Wolf and Rat Man dear," Sakura said giving the two unknown jokers names.
"Yeah, Beer Wolf and Rat Man, fucking nut jobs. Anyway, they toss this big rubber snake out near where I was supposed to shoot. Well I turn around and..."
"He turns around, yells 'Fucking snake!' and holds the trigger down. I swear those two guys were having heart attacks because they thought you melted the barrel," Sakura said as she began to laugh as she finished her husbands story.
Jiraiya looked at the pair as he asked a question that had been on his mind, "This M60, what is it exactly?"
Naruto stood and walked to their study coming back a moment later with a book in his hands, "It's better if I showed you. Trying to explain it would be too hard since things like that don't exist here."
As he opened the book Sakura began to speak, "What you are to see and here can not leave this room. If knowledge of these things were to be made known it could be the start of an arms and technology race the Elemental Nations could ill afford. Treat what you learn as an X class secret."
The next hour was spent showing the Hokage and Sanin the equipment that Sakura and Naruto had used in their last world. Not only that they were shown a collection of videos of Sakura in action while flying in a Hotel model H-60. The three could not believe their eyes at what the machine was able to do and were amazed that Sakura was accepted by the male crew members. Not only as a medic but a warrior as well.
Turning to Naruto Jiraiya asked him a question that he was curious about, "Did you ever use your shinobi training when you were on missions or did you just rely on what you learned in your old military?"
Looking thoughtfully Naruto took his time answering, after all, this was his first time talking about his missions with outsiders without worry of the consequences, "It depended on the situation Ero-Jijii, if it was just to train the locals in patrol techniques then no, I didn't call on my ninja training. That said, if it was just my team and we were in an active area, yes I did use them."
"Most of the time I would summon a fox that would act as a relay between me and other animals in the area. Most of the time it would be whatever cousins the foxes had but from time to time some of the wild felines would be my contacts. I also used shadow clones as a screen to give us more time. There were times that I would have to go into a target area and do a close quarters reconnaissance, that's where I would get to within a few meters, ten or less and observe both with my eyes and ears what was going on. The invisibility, tree climbing and henge jutsus worked great, my team could never figure how I could get that close to the target and not be seen. Genjutsu was another thing that I would use especially if the target had to be destroyed and the enemy agents terminated. If I could cast a genjutsu over one or two of them I could have them think their comrades were the enemy and let them do our dirty work. While they were fighting among themselves my team and I would come in and finish off the survivors."
"Other times I would summon a few of the foxes and have them plant exploding and incendiary tags in the area and then when we were a safe distance away I would pulse my chakra and set them off. The best thing about those tags were they could not be detected or suspected as anything other than a piece of paper with kanji script on them. The militaries and terror groups in that world use chemical compounds as explosives. It would be the opposite in this world we could detect a chakra bomb but not suspect a sheet of plastic explosives because no on has ever seen the things."
Tsunade looked at her grandson, "You said terror groups? What enemies were you fighting back there? The way you and Sakura talk they don't sound like a military adversary."
Sakura spoke up at that, "No, they weren't part of a nations military, well not a legitimate one anyway. No, what we were fighting for the most part were thugs hired by illegal drug cartels. To put things simply the amount of money these groups can make in a month can be more than a small country could generate in taxes over a year. The cartels were growing so powerful that they had declared a shadow war with legitimate governments. Naruto and I were deployed to damage, destroy and cripple the manufacturing labs that made the stuff and capture or kill the men and women that were involved in the trade."
Looking at her blonde fool Sakura smiled "It's a shame we can't dispatch an army of the best the five nations have to help fight that trash. Naruto proved that jutsus and ninja techniques were very effective there. Especially since the people we were dealing with were uneducated, illiterate and superstitious. They were very easily frightened by Whatever Naruto did and it was very demoralizing for them when things exploded or a fox would walk into a building and a minute later their entire warehouse was in flames with no sign of the fox anywhere. How do you blame a fire on a non-existent fox or other animal?"
"I see, but didn't you draw suspicion doing any of those things?" Jiraiya asked.
"Not really, clones would henge into farmers and peasants that inhabited the area and I only did my jutsus and techniques when no one else was around. I was seen a few times talking to the coyotes while training a few times and got the reputation of being an animal lover once I was mentally cleared," Naruto to the sage as Sakura laughed and added her say.
"Love, I believe you were sent to the headshrinkers because and I quote 'Petty Officer Namekazi has shown a mild disassociation disorder in his behavior that manifests itself in the following manner, he talks to and acts as if he understands foxes, coyotes and other wild dog species,' end quote. The Chief Corpsman thought you were nuts until I explained that in our upbringing in Japan foxes were revered and thought to be able to convey messages to our dead family members. Funny thing was that he bought it," laughed Sakura.
Hiruzen then stood up and stretched, "I know that this is bringing business into your home but I have to ask, did you find out anything today?"
At this the couple sat at attention as the evening had turned to a debrief and if there was one thing the pair learned in the Navy, briefings and debriefs were to be taken seriously. People's lives depended on the information passed out in these meetings. Naruto spoke first as he would cover their primary mission. As he spoke his grandparents and Hiruzen noticed the immediate change of mannerisms the boy displayed.
"Other than the not so friendly looks he was giving us at the beginning the target did nothing overt for most of the day. As far as anybody on the outside would be concerned Mizuki was doing his best at aiding Iruka-sensei with his tasks. However, it was during target practice with thrown weapons did we notice something amiss. At first I put it down to Sakura-chan's acting as a poor shot."
"And what was 'amiss' as your say Naruto?" Sarutobi asked.
"It was when I was throwing the set of kunai I was given, by Mizuki I might add, I was aiming for the six ring so while I might not be a great shot I also would not be a poor shot as well. Everyone of the kunai I threw at the six ring were hitting either outside or in the one and two rings. Just to check I threw to hit the center and the knife dropped to the left and down into the five ring. Sakura's score was about the same."
"And your conclusions?" the old man asked, his curiosity piqued.
"We looked as close to the weapons as we could without arousing suspicion and all things point to the knives themselves of being tampered with. Most likely they were either weighted of lightened to change the balance of the knives as we noticed some unusual spin characteristics while they were in flight. My guess is that each one has a different balance point so as not to arouse questions."
"Questions like?"
"For one, why does every blade drop the same amount of distance when thrown from ten meters. Or, why do they rise when thrown from the same marker. A changed balance point would also account for knives hitting handle first since the spin would be off.
As I said, Sakura and I are convinced the kunai and shuriken were tampered with in some manner. Since Mizuki made it a point to personally give us the weapons it's a reasonable conclusion that he is following some kind of agenda. One that was in place in my first year, he and a few holdouts are still trying to sabotage our education."
Hiruzen had a thoughtful look as he took in Naruto's report. There was nothing that could be proved but if things continued a case could be made by circumstantial evidence alone. But the Hokage wanted something tangible, something definitive. He wanted evidence that would prove that Mizuki was guilty of acts against the Uzumaki and Haruno clan heirs and head. Looking at Sakura he gave he a nod for her to begin her report.
"This afternoon during throwing practice Naruto mentioned how close one would have to be in order to make a knife kill. His description made several students uneasy and triggered a mild flashback for the Uchiha. Using this as an excuse I asked to speak to him alone. He consented and he confirmed that as Naruto spoke he began replaying his clan's massacre in his head."
"Using this as my opening I asked him if he had undergone any counseling or was it even offered after the tragedy. He stated that it was offered but he turned it down because of his father's and presumably clan's bias against seeking mental help.
He told me his father viewed a person seeking such help as weak and useless. He mentioned that he had overheard a cousin, Mikuru, I believe, talking to his father sometime before that night and his father denying her request to seek aid from the Yamanaka's. Sasuke related that shortly afterwards Mikuru committed suicide with an explosive note killing her lover as well."
"The Hokage pursed his lips, "Ah yes, I remember that night. In doing our investigation Fugaku was called into my office and we had some...unpleasant words regarding his method of running a clan and how his denial of mental services to the girl had not only hurt the village in losing two shinobi but the clan as well.
That was the day before I had a law passed that did away with a person needing their clan head's permission to seek counseling. All but one clan on the council thought it was a good idea. Care to guess who voted against?"
"I have a feeling that the person in question is no longer alive and could have prevented the loss of nearly all of his clan and his own life," Sakura replied in a calm tone, "To get back to Sasuke, during our talk he confided in me that he has trouble dealing with the guilt of surviving and is fearful that if he freezes in combat he could get someone besides himself killed. It is because of this that he has agreed to seek help. He stated that he will allow me to attend these sessions with him but no one else."
"He agreed?" Hiruzen asked in a surprised voice, "The last time it was mentioned he steadfastly refused, I think on principle alone. But why now, and why with a stranger?"
Sakura thought for a moment before answering, "I think it's because I'm just that, a stranger. I have no preconceived notions for or against him and I have nothing to gain from him opening up to me. Besides that, I'm married and therefore don't see him as an object for my affections or have a desire to 'fix' him."
"I am in his mind a serious kunoichi and not a fan girl. What I have to say carries weight unlike what someone, say Ino, would tell him. The others would tell him what they think he would like to hear. I and by extension Naruto-kun, will tell him exactly what he needs to hear, no matter if it's good or bad."
"That's good Sakura-chan, did he say when he would begin counseling?" Hiruzen asked.
"No, I told him that I would find someone that would allow me to sit in his sessions. I was thinking of talking to Ino's father though."
"I see, well Inoichi is the one you should talk to. Either he will take Sasuke as a patient or assign a member of his clan that is the best for the job. Continue with what you're doing and keep me and Naruto informed. Anything else?"
"Well I mentioned that if he needed to talk that he could speak to me or Naruto since we both have lived through some nightmarish events. His response was that he would talk to me before Naruto."
Hearing that Naruto spoke up, "Any reason why?"
"Yes," Sakura began, "He doesn't trust you yet. He said you have to earn his confidence."
Hearing that Naruto understood and knew why Sasuke had said that. Naruto was going to be the leader of the village at some point.
Sasuke had to, at some point, take the position as head of the Uchiha clan. There were very few left and he had to make sure that his clan would survive and flourish. Naruto had to prove his leadership and skills and the first step with Sasuke Uchiha was earning the guy's friendship and trust.
Once the reports were given, Naruto assured his grandparents that the three of them would start over the following day. Saying that earned a smile from the both of them, Naruto hated to admit it but knowing that he had an actual family in blood felt good.
Not that he would say that though, for all intents and purposes Kurama, the Hanyo of his clan and the fox minions were still his and Sakura's family. While they addressed Kurama as 'Uncle' he was more father than anything else to them. While the daemon wouldn't admit it, he actually cared for the two more that he would say out loud.
Seeing their guests off the young couple each made a shadow clone to clean up and prepare the next days lunch. Having done that they then made their way to the bedroom and turned in. After all of the days surprises they were both a little worn out but Sakura was still up for some fun.
As her husband was reaching for the light she leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Babe, I don't now about you, but, I kind of want to reenact the fifth chapter of 'Icha Icha Six, The Maiden and the Lost Ninja'."
Hearing that caught Naruto by surprise as he tumbled out of bed in the darkened room. Sakura giggled as she heard her husband mutter "Damn horny Vixens."
/
The rest of the week passed quickly as Sakura and Naruto got settled in and reacquainted themselves with the village. Naruto was still a little skittish the first time he and Sakura went to the market place however. Except for a few places that over charged them in the past they had always been thrown out of the shops there.
This time however things were different as the majority of the shops welcomed the young couple with open arms. Most of the shopkeepers were new however having heard the story of the missing successor to the fourth Hokage, moving into the village in the hopes of gaining the boy and his wife's favor upon their return. These are the stores that Sakura was making notes on as they, while being polite, weren't going overboard and kissing Naruto's ass like the business that had mistreated them years ago.
At the moment they were in a tailor shop talking to the owner regarding clothing for the both of them, " You understand that this is to be my clan's official wardrobe while on missions and on duty Aida-San?" Naruto asked.
"Yes Uzumaki-sama, while I can match the style and cut the pattern will drive the price up quite a bit. I've never seen anything like this, well, Kiri has a similar design but in two shades of blue," the man replied as he looked over the swatches of woodland and desert pattern camouflage cloth.
"If I can provide you the cloth from my own sources would that help you keep the cost down?" the blonde boy asked.
"If you could do that Uzumaki-sama I could give you a better price based on labor alone less the material Rei and I would need to use for the padding you require."
Naruto thought for a moment before looking at Sakura, "Well wife of mine? I think this is as good as we can do considering the 'deals' the others offered us."
"I think you're right dear, this is the most reasonable and sincere offer I've heard all day," Sakura replied as she absentmindedly looked over a red battle dress and black shorts combo.
Hearing the mention of other stores offers prompted the tailor to ask about them, "I beg your pardon Uzumaki-sama, but you and your wife mentioned other offers? M...m..might I inquire what they offered?"
Sakura looked at the man and smiled. This man was not from here so he wouldn't know of the agreed embargo the merchant guilds had placed on two small street rats. No, he was new blood, just starting out. The shop was actually nondescript and tucked in the space where once stood a toy shop that had been burned to the ground after the crimes of it's owner were exposed.
This man was no more than sixteen, seventeen at the most with a wife that was a quiet beauty. The girl was her husbands age, with red eyes, blue hair and alabaster skin. She also was very skilled with a needle as she deftly repaired a tear on one of Naruto's shirts. Sakura decided that this was the kind of place that she would be happy to help nurture and grow and if that was the case they deserved to know the truth about their competition.
"Aida-San, the offers to my husband and myself were not out of business concerns. They were actually at a loss to their proprietors, but they were given because of the past treatment of the two of us. The offers were made to assuage their guilt for mistreating Naruto and refusing to help clothe two homeless children."
"Lady Sakura, I..."
"Please, just Sakura and Naruto, Aida-san. My husband and I aren't that big on ceremony. As I was saying, the offers were quite generous but not sincere. You how ever have been both honest and kind, therefore we will accept your offer. One last thing, while Naruto and I won't be rebuilding his clan anytime soon, I would like for you to be the clans official clothier and I personally would like to offer the the support and protection of the Haruno clan."
"La...Sakura, this is an honor. Not only for me but my wife as well. I accept your offer of clan protection and please call me Kensuke. That is my wife Rei who is repairing your husbands shirt," the tailor replied in a stunned voice. He was not expecting to gain a long term customer of such stature as the Uzumaki clan as well as an offer to join the small but powerful guild headed by the Haruno clan.
Rei looked at her husband who had run out of words and shook her head. Having finished the repair she walked over to the counter and handed Naruto the garment. Naruto looked it over and was hard pressed to find the spot that he had torn the other day.
Smiling he opened his wallet, "How much Rei-san?"
The girl wrote some figures on a sheet of paper and in a quiet voice replied while handing the boy his bill, "Ten ryu Uzumaki-sama, while my husband is willing to bargain my skill in repairs is not cheap."
"And it's worth every coin Rei-san, worth every coin. I look forward to a long relationship with you and your husband. Kensuke, expect a delivery of the material in a few days. I should warn you however, it will be by a fox or two though," Naruto told the couple as he folded and sealed the shirt away."
"I will be looking out for it then. Is there anything else we can help you with?"
Hearing the question Sakura spoke up, "By chance do you know of a good shoemaker nearby?"
"My best friend and his wife migrated here with us," Kensuke told the girl, "If you take the alley on the side to the next street over. Right behind here is his shop, just tell Toji that I sent you."
As they bowed the couple offered their thanks and left. Kensuke walked to his wife and took her into his arms. "My father was right, taking a risk can pay off in the long run."
The rest of the shopping trip saw the couple settling the prices for replacement boots and other footwear that Naruto and Sakura would need as they once again grew into adulthood. The Suzuhara's were another young couple that had moved to Konoha in the hopes of a new start and life. Once again Sakura placed the store under her clan's protection. Her reasons were simple, the new merchants had nothing against her and Naruto and they also had nothing to make up for.
That was what turned her stomach the most, the fake smiles and insincere apologies they gave when they saw their future Hokage. Sakura didn't trust them and she would do all she could to protect Naruto and his happiness. As the couple were concerned, Ichiraku's and Shin Seki's were where they ate. If they needed flowers they went to Ino's parent's shop. The Aidas and Suzuharas would provide clothes and footwear for their clan as it grew and Tsunade was the only person besides herself that could medically treat Naruto.
The tailor and cobbler had both been struggling since they opened shop, now because of Sakura's actions they began to need help as the Haruno clan began to patronize both places. The clan came to their rescue when they proposed an apprenticeship program for orphans under their care that were not suited for shinobi life and did not have the connections or family to learn a trade in the more traditional ways.
Sakura smiled upon hearing that, in not more than a week from their return Naruto was already making changes in either directly or indirectly via her and her family.
The next round of changes were due this afternoon thought Sakura. Naruto had requested a meeting with Iruka-sensei. Sakura however was worried because Naruto was going to read the teacher into their primary mission regarding the man's assistant. As it was she was trying to get rid of Ino at the moment, the girls questions as to why she had come to school limping was becoming annoying.
"For the last time Ino, I'm not discussing my sex life with you!"
"Oh, so you admit you and Naruto-kun have sex then," her best friend said with a grin that would have put the Cheshire Cat to shame.
"Did I? Shit, Ino...just...just forget what I said okay?"
"Awww, but Forehead, it's so much fun to tease you," the girl taunted.
"Fine, you want to know why I'm limping? It because we didn't break in the stairs yet and Naruto lost his balance and we rolled down the steps. I landed with my hip on his..."
"Wait! Stop I get it, I get it! That picture is disturbing by the way, on the stairs Sakura? Really? You know what? You're right I don't want to hear anymore," Ino yelped in a panicky voice, in a way she wanted to know but... then her best friend mentioned the staircase. Ino's idea of love and sex was in the bedroom in front of a fireplace, Sakura was either teasing back or serious and the girl didn't want to know which.
As Ino walked off after her and Sakura parted ways the pink haired girl entered an office set aside for the meeting. Sitting next to her husband she smiled at their teacher as he walked in. Both stood in respect to the man and as they all sat down Naruto began the meeting.
"Umino Iruka,
Primary classification and assignment is Chunin Sensie. Konoha Shinobi Academy, fourth year, class one. Secondary assignment is to assist the Hokage at the missions desk."
"Yes sir," Iruka nervously answered.
"It says here that you've completed four hundred seventy-five missions, one hundred eighty-eight D, one hundred eighty-five C, ninety B and twelve A rank missions. Very impressive career indeed wouldn't you say Sakura?"
The girl nodded and replied, "Yes, very impressive. However, while your evaluations single you out yearly for advancement you refuse to take the Jonin exam. Care to tell us why?"
"I...I enjoy teaching. I remember seeing you two when I was starting out as a teacher's aid and hoping that I would have you both in my class, the Prankster from Hell and the girl with the brains. It was my dream actually and then you two were gone," seeing the look on his audience's faces Iruka composed himself, "As you have seen, I have many missions under my belt and I'm just twenty-three. Most of those I survived by luck. I decided to teach the new generations and give them a chance to survive by teaching from the mistakes I and others have made. If I become a Jonin I would have to leave the teaching to other...less capable instructors."
Naruto nodded at the man's statements, "I see, these less capable sensei's as you put it, would Mizuki fit this mold?"
Iruka looked at the boy and girl in front of him, what he saw shook him just as they had the first day he met them. These were not just his two students, these were the Fifth Hokage in Waiting and his wife the Lady Sakura, Matriarch of the Haruno, Namekazi and Uzumaki clans. His future leaders.
Taking a breath he answered the question posed to him, "Yes...I'm sure you have his file in front of you there but yes, Mizuki is not a good choice as a Sensei."
"And your reasons?" asked Naruto.
"He shows favoritism for one, the Uchiha boy is a prime example as well as favoring some of the more influential civilian children. He's also vindictive if a student gets the better of him, the Inuzuka boy is a good example. For some reason Mizuki dislikes him and goes out of his way to demean the kid," Iruka told Naruto and Sakura.
"Why haven't you reported this to the headmaster?"
"I have Uzumaki-sama, but that's as far as it goes."
"I see, then that's another matter to look into. Umino-san, you do remember what I said about being given authority to a degree and that extends to the academy for now?" seeing the man nod Naruto continued, "Then believe it when I tell you this, at the end of the semester there will be changes and it looks like the headmaster's job is going to be the first one to open."
"Now, on to why you're here. What you are told from this point on is an S class secret, I trust you understand the penalties in talking about this meeting? Good, Mizuki is under investigation of sedition, treason and espionage. We, Sakura and I were placed in your class to figure out what he's up to."
"You are now read into our mission," Sakura said as she continued the briefing, "we're not sure if you knew but Mizuki has been issuing tampered kunai and shuriken for target practice. He has also placed a mild genjutsu on Naruto during testing sessions, or at least tried to."
Iruka felt his face get warm and red with rage, Mizuki was not only under an investigation for serious charges but from the first day of their classes been sabotaging their future leader. As he began to leak KI the Uzumaki's smiled, this man in front of them was as loyal as Hiruzen said. Maybe more so, but now it was time to calm him down.
"Iruka-sensei," Naruto called out, "Your anger is well placed but you have to control it for the time being okay?"
"I understand my lord, what do you need of me?"
"First off, address me as Naruto as you always do. Second, you are to note but not act on any misdeeds Mizuki commits in class unless it endangers the students. Their safety is your primary concern, do you understand me?"
"Yes, I understand, ensure my students safety. Anything else?"
"Yes, while you refuse to take the Jonin exam and you can't be forced to, you will accept this instead," with that Naruto slid a storage scroll to the man, "Your record is one of dedication and distinction, you more than anyone deserve this. Well open it, Tokubetsu Jonin Umino."
Startled Iruka opened the scroll to find a Tokubetsu Jonin vest such as his girlfriend Anko wore. He looked at Naruto and Sakura one more time and smiled, "Smart, reading me into a mission and using an advancement hearing as a cover. Well I got my wish."
"What was that sensei?" Sakura asked.
"I have the prankster king in my class," replied a proud Iruka.
Sakura smiled at the man as Naruto spoke to him, "This isn't a prank, you get your full pay in your new rank. Iruka-sensei, this is not a gift or convenient cover story, you earned this."
/
Over the rest of the school year many things changed or happened. As promised, Naruto removed the current headmaster for dereliction of duty concerning Iruka's reports being ignored. Mizuki was still sore over his friend's promotion and went out of his way to make back handed comments about Iruka's worthiness of the rank. The biggest thing outside of the young couple closely bonding with the other students was Sasuke.
With Sakura sitting in on the sessions the boy began to receive the help he had put off for years. As time went on Sasuke began to allow himself to get near his classmates, seeing them as friends and not persons beneath his station. The biggest surprise was when he sat next to Ami at lunch one day and just talked to her. Soon the talks became walks as they would circle the academy's training grounds at lunch.
The walks around school quickly became walks to her house after class and then walks around the village. In about three months Naruto and Sakura had become old news, the new, hot couple was Ami and Sasuke. And while Ami had been a fan girl, the talking at lunch time let her see the real Sasuke. By the time their first date arrived they had found out all there was to know about each other and they still wanted to spend time together.
At the same time the new couple were welcome to come by the Uzumaki residence anytime they pleased. Over time Naruto and Sasuke had developed not only a friendship but a brotherly rivalry. Naruto still did not trust the Uchiha with his future plans but the seeds were there. The talk of the village however was the friendship between an Uchiha and one of the last Senju as Naruto was Tsunade's grandson and related by blood to three of the four Hokages the village had seen.
It was Sasuke that began claiming that Naruto and Sakura were the true village royalty when he learned of Naruto's title as the last Prince of Uzu and the Lord of Whirlpool. Slowly the friendship was being cemented. Sasuke remembered what his father and clan had said about the blonde trouble maker when he was young. Remembered the way the villagers mistreated him and Sakura and hated them for it.
Whether by design or accident Naruto would find himself shielded from the villagers by Sakura on his right and Sasuke and Ami on his left. Kiba and Hinata would sometimes walk with them while Shino and a kid named Sai would shadow the group from the sides. Ino, Choji and Shikamaru would usually follow close behind. Other changes in the class had happened as well. The basic taijutsu forms the academy taught were gone replaced by one of the combat forms Naruto had learned as a SEAL.
While die hards complained, the new form was shown to be learned quickly and since it was new it had very few counters. The students all liked the new form as it was designed to quickly end a fight in as few moves as possible unlike the academy basic and other well known forms that were created to wear down and prolong the fight so the loser would be the one to be the one with low chakra reserves.
During the winter the Uzumaki's would wear long six pocket trousers with their, now official, clan wear. The colors also changed as the desert pattern could blend into the fall and winter landscapes. Black boots were exchanged for tan suede and the boots had a unique feature, Toji the cobbler had added a sheath for a fighting knife. Not a kunai but a modern blackened knife the type they both carried in combat in the other world. It was meant to be a backup as they still carried the inverted one on their web gear but they didn't wear that part of their kit while in class or in the village.
The biggest change in the way things were to be done was the announcement near the end of the school year that there would not be the traditional three man team assignments. All graduates would be placed in a 'Genin Pool' with another pool for the Jonin senseis. No missions would be assigned higher than a D rank for the first six months post graduation. C ranks would be on a case by case basis with a Genin team of six with two senseis to supervise and train.
Also in that year Genin with good chakra control would receive specialist training to be trained as combat medics. Tsunade and Sakura had devised the course and as a bonus, all graduates that requested would be trained in advanced first aid, while the combat medics were Konoha's paramedics these would be the villages EMT's. To be honest, chakra was not needed in most cases as much as quick stabilization of the injured. New doctrine regarding deployment of Genin teams would have at least one EMT on missions ranked C and below. Anything higher and a Combat Medic would be assigned. Part of the reason there were to be no C and above missions for the first year was to let everyone finish their post grad education and see who works best with who. But that was in the future and Naruto was dealing with the now.
/
Five weeks before graduation Sai walked into Naruto and Sakura's office. The pair shared one on the floor below Hiruzen's in the Hokage tower and it was from here that they discussed with input from the Hokage, the Sanin and others changes in policy regarding the academy and Genin program. It was also where their classmates could come and pass the time of day. This day however their visitor had another reason to visit.
Naruto stared at the paper in front of him before looking at his guest, "You sure?"
"Yes, he's targeting Kiba since he's the one supposedly having the most problems passing the written test."
"Okay, at least we know he took the bait and what he's after. The question is, who is he going to take the scroll to afterwards. Sai, you and Shino have done well, keep up the good work. Ask Kiba to stop by when you see him please."
Naruto's classmate just smiled, "As you wish, Sasuke is outside and wishes to see you by the way."
Naruto nodded, "Send him in as you leave, and Sai? Be careful, the bastard fails to realize that the class has been activated for the last few months. If he does figure it out..."
"All our work is for nothing.. Don't worry the traitor will be caught and made to pay."
A minute later Sasuke entered and sat down in front of Naruto's desk. Over the months the two boys had become closer with Naruto still viewing Sasuke as a brother. In fact the bond had gotten stronger to the point Naruto had been looking into something in regards to Sasuke and his family's... misfortune. Without a word Naruto slid a folder to his friend.
Sasuke picked it up and looked at it for a moment, "What's this?"
"Something that may shed light on your brothers actions. Looking at what was gathered from the raid on ROOT several years ago it seems your brother was also a victim."
Frowning at that suggestion the dark haired boy opened the folder and began to read. The more he read the madder he got. In it was a summary of the intel gathered in the raid. Evidently Itachi had more than a few doings with ROOT over the time he'd been in ANBU.
At some point the papers said ROOT, upon Danzo's orders, had begun using some kind of genjutsu to place a post hypnotic suggestion into the minds of those that Danzo thought to use later. Like a delayed action bomb just waiting to countdown to zero, Itachi and others were planted in the village to sow damage and confusion, all they needed was the trigger phrase. The destruction of his family, Sasuke realized, was meant to weaken the village. Reading further into the folder Sasuke saw the original reason for Itachi's rampage. The Uchiha elders, along with the head, that being Sasuke and Itachi's father, had been planning a coup because of rumors saying that the clan his in the compound shelters when the fox ran free.
Danzo had been the one to begin that rumor campaign before he betrayed the village and ran like the coward and thief he was. Hiruzen had been trying to talk sense into Fugaku's head but the man just apologized and told the older man the time for talk was over and the elders had began to put the coup in motion before leaving the old man's office. Conferring with his advisors, Tsunade and Jiraiya as well as the ANBU commander they summoned Itachi to make one last ditch play to either convince the planners of the coup to stop and stand down, doing so would grant them a full pardon from not only Hiruzen but the Fire Lord as well. If they refused and continued then only the active plotters were to be terminated with extreme prejudice,but it was supposed to be just the active plotters. One of Danzo's agents in deep cover intercepted Itachi on his way to his clan's district and uttered the trigger phrase. The only survivors of the massacre were Sasuke, who had been attending summer sessions at the academy so he would improve his skills so his father would praise him. There were also Uchiha on duty at the military police headquarters that lived to see another day as well as a number of chunin and jonin away on missions and finally a large number of younger children and their adult escorts had been attending a rite of passage working the fields and tending the livestock of their retainers two days journey from the village at the clan's hidden lands.
Sasuke looked at Naruto, "I will wait a reasonable time but when you take that hat you are to give the mission to terminate my brother to me and me only."
"Your brother was as much a victim in this as you were Sasuke. Don't let hate cloud your judgment in this."
"You don't understand, it's not out of hate that I request this. My brother would be broken if he realized what he had done. This is not out of hate Naruto, it's to be a mercy killing. Itachi would be broken if he knew that he not only killed our mother and father but most of the clan as well. My brother loved the village and our clan, trust me, if he were sane he would want this."
Naruto sat in silence looking at his friend, "You've said once before you wanted to avenge your clan, are you sure you're not asking for that now?"
"No, I have better things to do with my life. Ami and I decided that after graduation I will start acting as clan head. On that note by the way I will need your help. Itachi was the heir, I was the back up, just in case the village suffered another attack like the foxes," as the words left his mouth he realized that he may have insulted or upset his friend. If he did however Naruto didn't let it show, the blonde just gave Sasuke a grin that promised grief at his expense.
"Ami and I?" Naruto teased, "So... will there be some purple haired Uchihas running around soon?"
"NO!...no, there will not be any purple haired Uchihas, well not any time soon. It's just between her and the counseling sessions I feel that I should start acting like a clan head and start taking care of my cousins. The ones in foster care I mean, I've been visiting them after training as much as I can."
"What about the adults? The ones that were on missions when Itachi did his deed?" Naruto asked wanting to find out what Sasuke had in mind.
"The older cousins have told me that they would work out a plan to take care of the younger members. Before you ask, I plan on using the clan funds to make sure they all are taken care of and to make up for the missions the elder cousin have to turn down," Sasuke answered.
"You've thought this out then, or did Ami help you?" Naruto was having fun at Sasuke's expense but he decided to be serious for a bit, "Don't answer that, look, while I'm sad to have given you something that opens an old wound, I hope the information answered some of your questions. I'm also happy that you have a plan for your and your clan's future."
Sasuke smirked at his leader, "I have Sakura to thank, my god, could you imagine what I could have been without the help she's given me?"
"I don't know, a dark and brooding emo that ignored every pretty girl that talked to him?" Naruto sniggered getting a bigger smirk from the Uchiha.
"That... would be scary, and it almost happened..." Sasuke began but trailed off.
"But it didn't, look I don't trust anyone in this village but a few. You and the rest of the class are the ones I trust the most outside of Sakura-chan. In a few years I will be in the office upstairs, when that happens I need people that will have my back. You're one of them, anything I can do for you let me know alright?"
"Yeah, one last thing, Mizuki has made a few remarks about leaving the village to me in our 'private lessons'. He's upset that Iruka-sensei was promoted and he wasn't, well, that and you're still living and are smarter than him. He's also trying to plant the idea that I join him, something about 'the daemon brat getting the attention and status that I as an elite of the village deserve. The fucker is up to something and he's working for someone. I can't prove it but I can feel it in my guts. Naruto, be careful and watch your back, please."
"I will, besides do you really think he can outsmart the Prankster King From Hell? Oh man, Akamaru is smarter than him," Naruto joked before he turned serious, "Any mention as to where he plans on going to?"
Sasuke shook his head, "No, he's tight lipped about that but he still thinks I want revenge and don't like the attention you took away from me. I did see him talking to a Genin from time to time. Don't know about what but they sure weren't talking about the weather. And before you ask, didn't get a good look or a name, sorry."
"No, it's okay. Just keep to the script, the operation is on track. Sai mentioned that he's targeting Kiba for whatever he has planned. Now take off, Ami is most likely waiting for you and I don't need you uglying up my office."
"Later Dope," Sasuke called as he left.
Naruto smiled and called after him, "Bastard!"
A/N:
I understand that this is a long chapter but there was no good place to stop. Once I started to write after several false starts, I found that I couldn't interrupt the flow.
Two quick things, number one, Naruto and Sakura have activated the class as reserve Genin. Once they had heard Naruto's briefing and the classification of the mission the youngsters have geared up to aid their investigation of Mizuki. After all, it's not often an academy student has the chance at an S rank mission. They are playing to the script Iruka-sensei has given them and are now setting Mizuki up for a sting operation with Sai and Shino as undercover operators. Their bugs and painted animals are perfect to get information and do surveillance but with limitations.
Kiba is the key in this part of the story and he and his pup are doing their part to make it work since this is their and their classmates real graduation exam. Since Naruto has authority concerning the academy he can do anything within reason regarding the students and staff.
Number two, Sasuke. Yes, he is way OOC but as I said in the summary, I threw most of the canon out the window. This Sasuke is what he should have been had he received the mental help he needed. Since Itachi did not kill his clan to prevent a coup but as a means of revenge by Danzo the timing of the attack was changed leaving members of the clan alive albeit estranged from the heir to the clan.
With Sasuke getting treatment and a girlfriend in Ami he has begun to look towards the future of the Uchiha, yes they are reduced in numbers but they are not decimated to one male with bad intentions. And to answer the question of 'Why Ami?' My answer is Why not? She is the perfect blank slate for an author to give life to. Since Sakura was not at the academy growing up the girl may or may not be the bully she is in canon. She could, for all we know, have been the perfect soulmate for Sasuke after all.
And isn't it time to have a more lively Uchiha that the cardboard cutout he's become? More than the emo that we all dislike if not outright hate for all the things he did to Naruto and Sakura? While I don't read a lot of them I applaud the efforts of those writing stories pairing Sasuke and Hinata. I hope you enjoy what my version of Sasuke will become. He is based on all the time travel Sasukes that have come back and decided to protect and follow his Hokage instead of looking down on him. Team Tensai's Sasuke is a good example.
Anyway, the next chapter will be up in a few days in not the next.
And Naruto's story about the fake reptile and the M60? Let me say this, 250 rounds will cut a rubber snake in half and to this day I still hate fucking snakes.