Chapter Six: A lovely time, Unexpected Changes
*FLASH*
The girls looked around in confusion, realising Naruto had used the Flying Thunder God Jutsu to teleport the five of them to the fanciest restaurant in all of Konoha, the 'Sage of Six Courses' restaurant.
Naruto landed sitting at the head of the table and the four girls sat alongside it facing each other. Naruto grinned as he reached forward and picked up the kunai he had left sitting there, "I hope you girls don't mind, I ordered the Hokage Banquet for us all." He said with a grin as a waitress approached the table.
"Hello Naruto-san. I'm glad you made your booking, we were worried you'd forgotten." She said with a smile and a bow.
Naruto nodded, "Sorry about the delay, I was really tired…" Naruto said and trailed off, unsure of what to say next.
The waitress took this as her queue and turned to the whole table, "What would you like to drink? The banquet is being prepared now." She said with a smile.
Naruto smiled at the girls, nodding to Tayuya, "Some water is enough for me." She said with a grin.
"I'd like some Rosehip tea thank you." Fuu said quietly.
Tenten grinned as the waitress looked to her, "Ginseng please."
Hinata smiled, "Just water would be great." She said.
The waitress turned to Naruto, who was grinning mischievously, "Two bottles of Sake, five saucers and a jug of water for the table." He said, causing the girls to look at him with wide eyes as the waitress smiled.
"Be right back with your order." She said before turning and leaving.
Naruto smiled and turned to his girls, he watched for a moment as Tenten and Tayuya talked about the amazing design of the restaurant.
"Naruto-kun?"
Naruto turned to Fuu with a smile, "Yes Fuu-chan?"
The caramel Jinchuuriki smiled timidly, "Umm, thank you for taking us out. This place is wonderful." She said happily.
Naruto grinned, "I'm glad you like it," he said before turning to Hinata, "What about you Hinata-chan?" he asked.
Hinata nodded with a smile, "This place is amazing, I've only been here once with the clan elders. This is the most asked for restaurant in Konoha." she said.
Fuu gasped, "R-Really? We can't eat here then, won't it c-cost a lot of money?" she asked with wide eyes.
Naruto grinned, "Don't worry about that Fuu-chan, since this is our first real date I'll be paying for it all." Naruto said.
Tayuya tuned into the conversation, as did Tenten, "Did you say you're buying Naru-kun?" Tayuya asked.
Naruto raised a brow before nodding, causing Tenten to smile, "We get dessert right?" she asked.
Naruto chuckled at her question while pulling on his uncomfortable tie, causing Hinata to get a glimpse of something under the neckline of his clothes, "Naruto-kun, what's that on your neck?" she asked.
The girls tried to look at Naruto's neck curiously as he let the tie snap back into place as he chuckled lightly, "Well I got a couple of little things on the training trip," he said before turning to Tenten, "My clone told you about Kisame right?" he double checked.
Tenten nodded, "The Shark guy? Yeah, it said that was where you met Fuu-chan." She said.
Naruto nodded, "Well, other than these," Naruto said as he opened his mouth and ran his tongue along his teeth, which were jagged like Kisame's, "I also have gills." Naruto explained with a smirk.
The girls' jaws hit the table except for Fuu who already knew, "You have gills?! Show me!" Tayuya practically ordered.
Naruto chuckled and took off his bow tie and undid the top button on his shirt, he flared his neck muscles, making the gills open up, three on each side of his neck.
The girls watched in interest as Naruto relaxed his muscles, making the gills seemingly disappear as they closed on his neck. The girls leaned forward as Naruto covered them back up with his tie.
Naruto laughed at their heavily interested expressions, "What about your neck Ten-chan? I can't help but notice my little messenger." Naruto asked with a curious smile.
The snake shook happily and relaxed its head on Tenten's collarbone as she giggled, "Little Shushu-kun delivered your sheathe back to the house while you were upstairs. I think he likes me." Tenten said with a smile towards the little snake.
Naruto smiled, "Shushu-kun?" he asked, finding the nickname funny.
Tayuya had turned to Fuu and the two were comparing the old Naruto to the new one that Fuu has only known as Tenten and Naruto's conversation continued.
The snake looked up and nodded before hissing a question towards Naruto who raised a brow, "I don't mind at all. I'll ask her for you." Naruto said before smiling at Tenten, who everyone was looking at in interest.
"How would you like to make a bond with him Ten-chan?" Naruto asked.
Tenten's eyes widened, "A Bond?"
Naruto nodded, "He'll be able to return to your side freely at any time and do the same in reverse. His Bond will leave a small mark on your body and if you channel chakra to it, he'll feel it and respond to your call. Kind of like a single snake summoning contract." Naruto explained.
The snake looked up at Tenten as she smiled down at it, "Is that what you want Shushu-kun?" she asked.
The snake nodded and hissed lightly in approval, causing Tenten's smile to grow, "Okay, let's do it!" she said happily.
Naruto reached his hand out over the table and Hinata leant back to let him past as she smiled, glad she'd have a close up view of how this was done.
Shushu moved down Tenten's arm and stopped on the outside of her elbow, just above a chakra point. Naruto held his chakra and rubbed the top of the snake's head as it slowly bit into Tenten.
She hissed in pain as Naruto's chakra passed into the snake then through it's fangs. In a few seconds it was over and Tenten's skin was marked with two black dots that was surrounded by a tiny snake biting it's own tail.
Naruto leant back and Shushu dispelled, "Go ahead and test it out Ten-chan." He said with a smile.
Tenten channelled only a little bit of chakra to the seal and in a small poof of smoke, Shushu was wrapped around her arm once again.
She smiled and cheered as Shushu moved back up to her shoulder. Hinata giggled, which made Naruto's attention turn to her. He smiled as they held hands under the table.
A moment later, their drinks arrived and Naruto poured a shot for each of the girls followed by himself, "To us. Let's be together for the rest of our lives." Naruto said as he held his glass in the air.
The girls all held their cups up as well, "Cheers!"
######
Fuu, Tayuya and Tenten walked out of the restaurant laughing loudly as Tayuya and Tenten hung off of Fuu's arms while dragging her forward, obviously more intoxicated than the short green haired girl. A few steps behind them, Naruto was watching with a smile as Hinata rested her head against his shoulder.
Naruto watched as Tayuya stumbled, thus pulling all three of them a few steps to their left. As they got their balance again they laughed together and continued walking, causing Naruto to smile wider.
He looked down at Hinata who was watching the girls with the same expression he was sure he wore, "Hinata-chan, why don't you go join them?" he asked.
Hinata shook her head and cuddled Naruto's arm, "No thank you, it's not often I get to have you to myself." She said with a smile up at Naruto.
Naruto grinned, "In that case," he said before wrapping her in a one armed hug, holding her to his side comfortably, "Feel free to stay for as long as you want." He said before kissing her on the head.
The two walked in comfortable silence, watching the three tipsy girls laugh and talk in front of them. It was a nice relaxing time, somewhat of a new experience for Naruto.
His arm trailed up and down Hinata's back comfortably, making her sigh happily and lean into him more. Naruto looked down at her and smile, 'I never imagined life could be this perfect.'
"Hey girls, you having a good time tonight?"
Naruto looked up and scowled as he saw a couple of guys standing in front of the girls ahead of them. Hinata gripped Naruto's arm, "Naruto-kun, those two were in Nii-san's graduation class." Hinata informed him.
Naruto's eyes narrowed, 'But I don't see headbands, and neither really have a ninja's air about them…they probably dropped out or quit.' He thought as he stepped out of Hinata's grasp, but held onto her hand as he walked towards the group.
Fuu's insecurity and mistrust was obvious, she was shaking slightly as she gripped Tenten's arm. Tenten was smiling at the man in front of them politely and nodding as he kept talking, but as he stepped closer to them, she would step back slightly, not liking the look on his face.
Tayuya was openly laughing at the other guy, which he obviously thought meant his attempts at picking her up were working. While in actual fact, she was laughing at him, not with him.
Naruto frowned as he saw the guy place a hand on Tenten's shoulder forcefully, holding her from moving away, Naruto nearly growled as he heard the guy speak, "Tell ya what, come with me tonight and I'll be sure to make it worth your while." He said with a chuckle.
Tenten smiled politely, "Sorry, I have a-"
"I wasn't asking." The guy cut in as his grip on her shoulder tightened.
Naruto was about to take action, but Hinata pulled his arm back. "Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked incredulously.
Hinata just smiled and shook her head while pointing back to the group.
Naruto turned back to see Shushu wrap around the guy's wrist.
*CRACK*
The little snake constricted around his wrist and snapped it painfully, causing the man to shout in pain before Tenten reached up and took a hard grip on his injury while simultaneously letting Shushu climb back onto her arm. He cried out in pain again as Tenten flipped him to face away from her and Fuu with the grip she had on his wrist, she then stomped on his shoulder blade, pushing him onto his face and popping the arm out of its socket.
The guy cried out again as Tenten dropped his arm as dead weight before literally walking over him, pulling Fuu alongside her, who was trying to stutter out an apology.
Naruto stared in shock before glancing at the one Tayuya was talking to, to see that he was still having the one sided conversation to an empty space.
Tayuya had stumbled over to the other two girls and linked arms with them as she laughed loudly and held up the alcoholic beverage she had taken from him, "What a douche! He hasn't even noticed my Genjutsu, he'll be here all night at this rate." She said with a loud laugh that was echoed by a cheery Tenten and a timidly smiling Fuu.
Naruto sighed in relief as the three girls continued back to the Uchiha District, Tenten and Tayuya unfazed while Fuu was slowly calming down with them.
Hinata began pulling Naruto forward by his hand, "Come on Naruto-kun." She said with a smile at Naruto's stunned expression.
Naruto smiled as he was dragged along, 'Guess they don't need me to look after them.' he thought happily.
"Hinata-chan!"
Naruto and Hinata turned to see a somewhat dirty looking guy running up to them with flowers, Hinata sighed as she turned to the guy, making Naruto scowl, "Whose that?" Naruto asked.
Hinata smiled at Naruto, "Just give me a moment." She said as she took a few steps forward to meet the guy.
Naruto stood, completely unsure of what to do in the situation he found himself in, as the guy talked to Hinata, after a few moments he offered her the flowers. She declined and shook her head before gesturing to Naruto. The guy stood with a smile than ran up to Naruto, making Hinata look uncomfortable.
Naruto turned to face the guy fully as he began talking, "Hello, Mr Uzumaki." The guy said with a polite bow and a smile.
Naruto raised his brows, "Umm, hi." He replied in confusion.
The guy stood straight, "My name is Kaiba Yamanaka, I was wondering if I could ask you a favour?" he asked.
Naruto glanced at Hinata who was standing behind the guy nodding, "Sure Kaiba-san. What do you need?"
Kaiba held up the flowers, which made Naruto raise a brow at their lack of life, "Inoichi-sama has hired me to work at the flower shop, and I received some Mountain Roses from the Land of Stone just earlier today but they're already dying. They've been ordered by Hiashi-sama for his daughter's private wedding with Gaara-sama." He said pleadingly.
Naruto nodded, "Oh, yeah I can help you with that, these roses don't need much water, so you may have accidently drowned them. Just make sure they have direct sunlight in a humid environment. But why did you ask Hinata-chan to help?" he asked as he leant forward and blew a green mist onto the plants.
Kaiba smiled as the plants were suddenly gleaming with life, "Ah thank you Uzumaki-sama! Hinata-chan has been selling some of the rare plants in the Hyuuga compound to the Yamanaka shops lately and she's the only one who knows how to look after them correctly other than Ino-chan. I asked for her help because she seems to have a green thumb." He said with a friendly smile directed at the girl, he then faced Naruto again and bowed, "I'm sorry but I really have to get going, thank you so much for this!" Kaiba said happily as he ran off towards the Yamanaka flower shop.
Naruto watched the guy jog off happily as Hinata stood next to him again, "He reminds me of someone." Naruto said with a raised brow.
Hinata smiled, "He is the son of the first marriage between the Yamanaka and the Inuzuka, the theory was that he could track anyone and then infiltrate their entire group." she said as the two of them began walking again.
Naruto raised a brow, "Sounds pretty good." Naruto said.
Hinata hummed as they entered the district, "Unfortunately, his Yamanaka blood made him incompatible with the technique of bonding with animals. And his Inuzuka blood made his senses too sensitive for the Yamanaka techniques, when he'd enter someone's mind he would be unable to function with their 'lack' of senses." She explained.
Naruto nodded, "But he still had the Inuzuka's senses?" he asked.
Hinata was about to reply but a raindrop hit her nose. The two looked up to see the beginning of a storm coming that would probably last until the next day. A few more drops of rain fell so the two linked hands and jogged through the district towards the house.
Naruto turned to Hinata as they stepped under the shelter of the balcony, "So, Kaiba has the senses and stuff?" Naruto re-asked.
Hinata nodded, "He does, which is why he was temporarily assigned to the gennin formation team of Choji, Ino, I. Unfortunately, once we became Chunnin he didn't like risking everything on the higher missions, so he dropped out of the Shinobi ranks." Hinata explained as they stepped up to the door as they kicked off their shoes, seeing the girls' heels at the door as well.
Naruto nodded before realising the girls must've let themselves in, he reached for the door handle, but it opened from the inside thanks to Tenten.
Tenten smiled and reached forward, grabbing Naruto and Hinata's hands before pulling them inside the house, "What took you two so long?" she asked, hinting something more.
Hinata blushed, while Naruto didn't even notice the innuendo, "Just talking to a friend, how are you guys?" Naruto asked as the three of them walked into the lounge room.
Tayuya was lying across the couch, resting her slightly more than tipsy head on Fuu's lap, who was obviously sobered up as she patted Tayuya's hair while listening to her rant about her seals and Genjutsu.
Tenten fell into the love seat and grinned, "Naruto-kuuuuun, did Sakura-chan tell you about the changes yet?" she asked a bit too loudly.
Naruto smiled, "No Ten-chan, what changes are you talking about?" he asked as he sat on the other couch, Hinata sitting next to him.
Tenten smiled, "We moved in today!" she announced cheerfully.
Naruto stared at her for a moment in shock, "Huh?"
Tayuya rolled her head to look at him, "Sakura-chan pulled in some favours and moved our stuff into –hiccup- the four rooms here and moved all of your stuff into the master bedroom. And she did the same for Sasuke and his girls over at the other house." She slurred out with a smile.
Naruto blinked before turning to Hinata, "Is that true?" he asked.
Hinata nodded, "Sasuke would've rather stayed in this house, but he knew that your basement work shop would have been much too hard to move over their without letting people see what you're doing down there, so he agreed to this set up." Hinata said with a smile.
Naruto nodded slowly before glancing at the clock, "Well, it is eleven o'clock, why don't I tuck you girls in yeah?" he said with a smile as he stood.
Tenten got to her feet shakily, "Okaaay." She said before stumbling over to the stairs.
Naruto smiled at the two sober girls in the room, "Sorry, do I mind if I help her first?" Naruto asked.
Fuu just smiled while Hinata waved him off, Naruto took the few steps needed and wound his arm around Tenten's waist as she stumbled onto the first step. She looked up at him in confusion before smiling, "Naruto-kun!" she exclaimed as she leant into his warm embrace.
Naruto chuckled at her behaviour as they walked up the stairs, when they reached the top, she stumbled forward. So Naruto bent down and picked her up bridal style, causing her to squeak in shock before wrapping her arms around his neck.
As Naruto carried her around the top floor, he looked in each of the bedrooms to check whose room was whose. After a few moments, he realised that the only he could tell was Tenten's because it was covered in a ridiculous number of weapons on each wall.
He nudged the door open with his foot and stepped in. Looking down, he noticed Tenten had been smiling up at him the whole time while stroking his hair softly. This made Naruto smile happily, which she mirrored.
Naruto lay her down on her bed and moved to kiss her forehead, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to kiss her lips.
They stayed together for a moment before he pulled back and smiled as she didn't let go. He reached up behind his neck and unwound her grip, causing her to pout cutely. He smiled before standing up again, "Come on Shushu." Naruto said.
The little snake sound it's way up Naruto's arm and seemed to smile before it dispelled. Naruto smiled, "Good night Ten-chan, I love you." he said softly before leaving the room, not without looking back once more as he was closing the door.
"Love you too Naruto-kun, nighty night." She said, watching him until the door closed.
######
Naruto closed Tenten's door with a smile before turning around, seeing Fuu and Hinata almost carrying an unconscious Tayuya up the stairs. He quickly went to them and knelt in front of Tayuya, letting Hinata and Fuu place her on his back with a sigh of relief.
Naruto stood, feeling Tayuya subconsciously hug herself to him as he turned to the other two girls, "Which room is hers?" he asked quietly.
Hinata pointed to Kin/Gaara's old room, and Naruto nodded in thanks, "I'll be right back, do you guys want to wait downstairs for me?" he whispered.
The girls nodded and Hinata turned to walk downstairs, Fuu followed behind her happily.
Naruto turned to Tayuya's room and pushed it open with his foot. He walked in and slowly sat on her large round bed, 'I don't think I've ever seen a bed that's circular…where do I tuck her in?' he thought as he looked to his left and right.
Tayuya's grip on Naruto loosened and she fell back onto the bed, snoring softly with her mouth wide open. Naruto stood and turned to look at her and had to hold in his laughter as her deeply unconscious expression.
He saw that there were a few pillows behind her, so he lifted the blanket and picked her up bridal style to lay her underneath it, placing her head softly on the comfy looking pillow.
He stood back and watched her roll to her side and hug one of her pillows before sighing happily and muttering in her sleep, "Love you, Naa ru..kun." she said between breaths.
Naruto smiled and leaned down to her eye level, he stroke some hair away from her eyes and cupped her cheek with his hand as some of the lightning from the storm lit up the room, giving him a beautiful view of her face, "I love you too Tayu-chan. Goodnight." He whispered.
Tayuya smiled and rubbed her face into her pillow. Naruto stood and left the room quietly, closing the door as soft as he could before he went downstairs.
Naruto walked into the lounge room to see Fuu and Hinata talking softly on the largest couch, "…I think they like me, I'm honestly not sure." Fuu said quietly with a small smile.
Hinata nodded, "We like you Fuu-chan, you're part of the family now." She said with a kind smile as she saw Naruto sat on the arm of the couch behind Fuu.
Naruto slinked his arm around Fuu, who turned to look up at him, "Are you girls tired? Or would you like to stay up?" he asked with a kind smile.
Hinata tilted her head, "I am feeling pretty," she yawned widely, "…tired." She said with a small smile.
Some rolling thunder moved over Konoha, making Fuu shiver as she saw a flash of lightning. Naruto felt the shiver and looked down at Fuu in concern, "Fuu-chan? Are you ok?" he asked, knowing about her fear of natural lightning and flames.
Fuu shakily shook her head, "N-Not really, but I should be soon." She muttered, cringing as another clap of thunder shook the sky.
Naruto looked up at Hinata, "I think I'll let Fuu-chan sleep with me tonight, that was the only way to comfort her on the training trip." Naruto said while standing.
Hinata sighed and nodded, "Alright then." She muttered, a little disgruntled that it wasn't her that was going to be in Naruto's embrace all night.
Luckily for her, Naruto noticed, "Would you like to join us Hinata-chan? We'll just be sleeping so I don't mind." Naruto said with a smile.
Hinata blinked happily before looking at Fuu to see if she minded, Fuu reached out her hand, welcoming Hinata. Who smiled and took the offered hand before the three of them walked up the stairs.
Naruto gave Fuu a hug before stepping up to his door and turning to the girls, "Go get changed into your night wear, I'll come back out when I'm ready." Naruto said.
The girls nodded in agreement and went to get changed as Naruto did the same.
Two minutes later, Naruto stepped out of his room wearing a long sleeve light blue shirt and some slacks at the same time a flash of lightning and a crash of thunder sounded. He stumbled back as Fuu wrapped her arms around his chest in a hug, seeking the protection of his arms which he happily gave, only now noticing her lime green flannelette pyjamas.
Hearing another door close, Naruto looked up to see Hinata wearing a violet singlet and matching sleeping pants. She walked over to the two and opened Naruto's bedroom door, letting them in before she followed behind.
Naruto let go of Fuu to prepare the king sized bed, spreading out the pillows and lifting back the blanket as thunder clapped louder. Naruto turned, expecting Fuu to be mid run for him, but smiled as he saw Hinata holding Fuu and patting her back, making Naruto be reminded exactly how tiny Fuu is for her to be burying her head in the crook of Hinata's neck without having to bend at all.
Naruto smiled to Hinata in thanks who happily smiled back. She held Fuu close as Naruto lifted the sheets for them, letting them stay in their hug as they lay down. Naruto climbed in the other side of the bed and moved over to them as he pulled the sheets up.
He lay down next to them, behind Fuu who was still holding on to Hinata's torso as the bluenette rested her head on one of the plush pillows. Naruto lay down and lay one arm across the two, curving his body to Fuu's while hugging Hinata.
The three slept in the warm, comforting embrace as the storm rolled overhead, the only competing noise being Tayuya's drunken snores from a few rooms away…
#####
*CRASH*
Naruto instantly shot up at the loud noise, making Hinata and Fuu stir as they slowly woke up. Naruto leapt out of bed and ran downstairs ready to beat the fuck out of any thief or intruder, only to see Tenten picking up the shards of plate from the kitchen floor.
Naruto went over and pulled Tenten back, setting her in a seat as he looked at her face that was stuck in a frown, "What's wrong Ten-chan, are you ok?" he asked.
Tenten nodded before her shoulders slouched, "My hangover hurts. I'm starving and don't have time to cook, and if I don't get to the ANBU headquarters in ten minutes I lose my privilege." She said on the verge of breaking down.
Naruto placed a green glowing hand on Tenten's head, causing her to look up at him as he smiled, "In ten seconds your hangover will be gone. Go upstairs and get ready. I'll have some food here for you and then I'll take you directly to ANBU headquarters. You have nine minutes, go." He said as he pulled his hand away.
Tenten smiled as she suddenly felt much better, she hugged Naruto before standing, "Thankyou Naruto-kun, I'd be lost without you." she said before running up the stairs.
Naruto smiled as he watched her go before stepping over the plate shards and turning on the tap, using the water as he formed a single one handed seal, "WATER CLONE JUTSU!" he declared.
A water clone appeared and started picking up the remainders of the plate as Naruto looked through the cupboards. He found some bread and tossed it into the toaster before grabbing some butter from the fridge. He placed it on the table before unsealing two of his tri-pronged kunai from the emergency ring he always wore on his right pinky finger, which held three of his kunai.
Hinata and Fuu came down the stairs, not hung over in the slightest but curious about the water clone that was walking out the front with a small plastic bag in one hand and one of Naruto's kunai in the other.
"What happened Naruto-kun?" Fuu asked softly as her and Hinata approached the kitchen table.
Naruto smiled to them and held a finger as the toast popped, he began spreading butter onto the toast as his clone came back in and reached into a cupboard, taking out a Shinobi sustenance bar.
Naruto turned and walked out as the water clone sat at the table and began to explain, "Ten-chan is stressing out a little about a mission she's starting in," it glanced at the clock, "Three minutes. She dropped a plate and stuff but the Boss is handling it." the clone said.
Hearing someone running down the stairs, the two girls looked over to see Tenten in ANBU attire but without the mask. She took the toast and inhaled it before grabbing the bar and hugging the original Naruto.
*FLASH* (1)
The two girls looked back at the clone for an explanation, it just placed the second tri-pronged kunai on the table in front of it, "He's just dropping her off." It said before standing up and leaping out the window, dispelling in midair onto the flowers.
The two girls looked at each other and blinked in slight confusion,
*FLASH*(2)
#######
*FLASH* (1)
Naruto and Tenten appeared in a flash of light of the Hirashin, appearing on the ANBU headquarters rooftop next to the kunai that the water clone had thrown when it was outside.
Naruto kissed her lightly, she turned to leap down before he smacked her butt lightly causing her to jump in shock and turn to face him, he just chuckled before stepping back.
"Three minutes Ten-chan, good luck today, just stay calm and you'll do perfect." He said with a smile.
*FLASH*(2)
######
*FLASH* (2)
Naruto appeared sitting at the kitchen table, grasping the kunai in front of him. The two girls looked away from each other and looked at Naruto, who smiled before sealing the two kunai back into his ring, "Get it?" he asked with a grin.
The two girls giggled and smiled at his two part explanation before they heard a groan from the bottom of the stairs.
Naruto looked up to see Tayuya mid stretch before she relaxed and rubbed the sleep in her eye, "Why are you shouting?" she mumbled as she walked over and fell into the seat next to Naruto and leaning against his shoulder.
Naruto smiled and placed a green glowing hand on her forehead as Hinata stood. Naruto and Fuu looked up at her in confusion as she smiled, "What would you guys like for breakfast? Should we go out?" she asked.
Naruto pulled his hand away from Tayuya who smiled as she seemed fully awake, "Yeah! Let's go to Uchi-raku's!" she said with a smile.
Fuu smiled at the girl's behaviour, 'I'm so different to her, I wonder why Naruto likes people like us…' she thought.
Naruto nodded as he stood, "Let's go get dressed then head out." Naruto said as he turned to the stairs.
######
Naruto walked with Fuu while Tayuya and Hinata led the way, Tayuya was asking about Hinata's training with her father.
Fuu held Naruto's hand and looked up at him, "Umm, Naruto-kun?" she asked.
Naruto turned to her and smiled, "Yes Fuu-chan?"
She smiled timidly, "I, umm, I really like it here…with you." she said as she blushed.
Naruto knew of Fuu's timidness and smiled, "I love you too Fuu-chan."
Fuu smiled timidly and curled into herself while glowing like a tomato, feeling a little embarrassed at his straight forward proclamation.
Naruto's smile turned into a grin as he watched her reaction, he then looked up to see Hinata and Tayuya turning to them, "We're here!" Tayuya said happily as she practically skipped up to the entrance.
Naruto chuckled at her behaviour as they entered the establishment, upon seeing Tayuya, a waiter practically ran over to seat the group, "Tayuya-chan! It is good to see you again!" he said with a bow and a grin before ushering the group to a table near the back.
Naruto watched as all the workers in the establishment seemed happier when Tayuya came in, Fuu looked up at him in confusion as they followed behind the redhead, "Why do they seem so happy to see Tayuya-chan?" Fuu asked.
Naruto shrugged, "I'm not sure," he said before the four of them sat at a table, Naruto turned to Tayuya, who had just finishing ordering a pitcher of water and four glasses, "Tayu-chan, why does everyone here seem to know you?" Naruto asked.
Tayuya turned to him with a grin before pointing to a wall at the back, Naruto turned to look and his jaw hit the floor.
On the wall was a picture of him when he was younger, he was giving a thumbs up while holding his chopsticks at the old Ichiraku ramen stand, the number 38 was above his picture on a white board.
To his horror, and the reason his jaw was on the floor, was that there was a picture of Tayuya on the wall above his picture, the number 50 written on the white board above it.
Tayuya laughed at Naruto's expression, "Care for a challenge Naruto-kuuuun?" she said with a challenging smile.
Naruto turned to Tayuya completely serious in a way that only Tenten had seen before when Samehada accidently cut her hand, "Bring it." he said darkly as his eyes became slits.
Tayuya grinned and turned to the waiter who just placed down the pitcher of water, "I've found another challenger, and this one is gonna be for real!" she declared.
The entire restaurant went quiet as the waiter nodded, "Right this way please." He said happily as he led the two of them over to the six person bench that faced directly into the kitchen.
Naruto looked in to see Ayame smiling at him, "Hey Naruto-kun! Sasuke-kun said you'll be by to visit!" she said happily as she leaned over the bench and pulled him into a sisterly hug.
Naruto grinned and they separated, "I'd love to chat Ayame-nee-chan, but Tayuya needs to learn who the Ramen King is around here." He declared loudly.
"Ooooooo." The waiters and chefs of the restaurant, as well as many of the customers, said in unison.
Tayuya just laughed, "Whatever sweetie, its nice that you feel confident in yourself." She taunted right back.
The waiter looked into the kitchen, "Teuchi-sama! This newcomer has challenged Tayuya-chan!" he yelled.
Teuchi stepped out of a separate room into the kitchen and approached the bench, he smiled as he saw Naruto, "This is no newcomer, this is Naruto Uzumaki! The boy who'd eat twenty in a row before he was seven!" Teuchi declared as he pulled up his sleeves.
The crowd oooo'd again while Tayuya turned to Naruto in shock, "Is that true Naru-kun?" she asked.
Naruto smirked at her darkly, sending a shiver up her spine, "I take my ramen seriously." He said before turning to Teuchi, "Think you can keep up old man?" he asked as he grabbed a pair of chopsticks, Tayuya mimicking his movements.
Teuchi grinned as he turned to his staff, "I want a person each on noodles, broth and ingredient preparation for the both of them! Place you things in my pot for Naruto and Ayame's for Tayuya. This will be a hard one to keep up with, ARE YOU READY?!" he yelled to his chefs and cooks.
They all bowed, "HAI TEUCHI-SAMA!" they chanted before moving to their stations.
Within moments, the first bowl of ramen was set in front of the two Uzumaki, the original waiter held his arm up, causing most of the visitors and employees to hold their breaths in anticipation.
"READY!"
Naruto and Tayuya snapped their chopsticks apart.
"SET!"
They pulled their first bowls forward and prepared.
"GO!"
#######
Twenty minutes later found Tayuya beginning to slow down, the waiter had pulled a mega-phone from somewhere as he gave the blow by blow to the crowd.
"She's broken her old record! Tayuya is currently on her 51st bowl of ramen! She has now had two of each kind of ramen and an extra seafood!" he yelled as Tayuya placed the bowl down.
"ANOTHER!" Tayuya yelled
"FIFTY TWO!" the waiter yelled.
Everyone was focussed on the champion, until Hinata and Fuu cheered out over the crowd, "Naruto! Slow down!"
Everyone looked at them in confusion, except for the waiter who looked at Naruto, "Unbelievable!"
People looked at Naruto and gasped as the waiter continued, "Naruto Uzumaki, the Bottomless Ramen Pit, has just finished his 60th bowl!"
Naruto was keeping pace, at the beginning, Tayuya was much faster than Naruto, but as she slowed, he caught up and in the last two minutes had overtaken her, all with a smile on his face.
Naruto slammed down an empty bowl, "Keep em coming old man! Boy your ramen's gotten even better than ever!" he said with red slitted eyes as he gulped the whole of the next bowl in two gulps.
"NEXT!" he yelled with a laugh as Tayuya slammed down her 52nd.
"ANOTHER!"
######
Tayuya sucked down her last noodle in the bowl then slid it forward with a groan. The crowd gasped in anticipation as she glanced to Naruto.
He was still steadily moving forward, eating only slightly slower than he was earlier. This caused Tayuya to sigh and rest her head on the counter, "I'm…done." She said quietly.
The waiter stood tall, "HE'S DONE IT! NARUTO HAS DEFEATED THE UNBEATABLE TAYUYA!" he yelled loudly, causing the restaurant to burst into cheers.
Naruto turned to the crowd and gulped down his noodles as the waiter stepped up to him, "Naruto! You are amazing! Tell me what is your secret?!" he asked before shoving the megaphone into Naruto's face.
Naruto blinked his eyes returning to normal now that his title was back, "Ugh…I just like ramen." He said before smiling.
The crowd cheered at Naruto's simple statement before the waiter asked another question, "Is there anything you'd like to say in victory?"
Naruto grinned and rubbed the back of his head, which is when a camera flashed his picture, "Yeah, can I get another Pork Ramen?"
The crowd burst into cheers and laughter as Naruto received his bowl and gulped it down in a moment before grabbing a toothpick, "Thanks for the challenge Tayu-chan! Thanks for the ramen old man Ichiraku!" Naruto said with a grin as he stood and stretched.
Tayuya grumbled as she stood and leaned on Naruto, "I barely finished bowl Seventy Six, what about you Naru-kun?" she asked.
Naruto smiled as he hugged Tayuya with one arm, "Not too many more, you did really well." He said with a smile.
"Ahem."
Naruto turned to Teuchi who was smiling, "The bill Naruto?" Teuchi asked with a gesture to the huge piles.
Naruto blinked before swearing under his breath, "Shit! Okay, how much?" Naruto asked as he rested his hand on the sheath he wore across his lower back.
Teuchi smiled and wrote it down on a piece of paper, that he gave to Naruto. Naruto's eyes bugged out in shock before he sighed and reached into his sheathe seal.
He passed Teuchi a whole scroll, "This is blood sealed. Just a drop of your blood will open it, there's a small tip in there for you and your staff as well. And I mean small literally, I didn't know your prices would have gone up so much." He said before turning back and linking arms with Tayuya, "Let's go Tayu-chan!" he said as he walked out the door and met up with Hinata and Fuu, who had finished their breakfast nearly an hour earlier.
The four left the establishment as people got back to their days, a person ran out from the back room with Naruto's new picture and a pen. He took Tayuya's picture and put it over Naruto's old picture, rubbing out the old number then writing her 76 in place.
The employee stuck up Naruto's picture in the top frame then rubbed off the old number, he shook his head in awe as he wrote the new record. 101 bowls consumed.
######
"Is there anything you girls have on today? Or something you want to do?" Naruto asked as the four of them walked aimlessly forward.
Hinata spoke up, "Actually, Jirobo wanted to see you at some point today."
Naruto raised a brow, "Hm? I wonder what for." He thought out loud as the group came to a stop, "Where can I find him?"
Tayuya grinned, "The Fat Ass has his own business now, he's a builder as well as the first successful patient of your 'Mechanical Body' implants." She said proudly as she led the way back through the Uchiha market district.
Naruto's brows rose in shock, "Wow, that sounds awesome! Do you know who performed the surgery?" Naruto asked as Tayuya led them into a building.
Tayuya shrugged as Hinata answered while they walked up to the first floor, "It was Shizune-san, she has become somewhat of a specialist in the amputee field of medic arts." She said as Tayuya led them down the small hallway and knocked on the office door at the end.
"Come in!"
Tayuya opened the door to see Jirobo glance over at them, he was much fitter than before and wore a white dress shirt that was rolled up to his elbows and suit pants, he smiled at the group and gestured to seats along his wall with his silver arm, "Thanks for coming you guys, could you have a seat? We can talk when I'm done helping the Nigatsu family." Jirobo said with a friendly smile before turning back to his customers.
Jirobo sat at table opposite a young couple, the woman obviously pregnant. As the four sat off to the side, Naruto looked on in confusion as Jirobo rested his hands on his desk, which Naruto realised had a large rectangle of stone sitting as the top of it.
Jirobo smiled to the couple, "Since we have finalised your blueprints, I have the final product prepared. Feel free to tell me if you want anything changed." Jirobo said as he focussed chakra through his arms.
Naruto stared in awe as the stone from Jirobo's desk morphed into a model of a small one story house, surrounding the house was a small picket fence and the stone even stuck up in a display of foliage and grass.
Jirobo stepped back and smiled, "How's this?" he asked the couple who were looking at the little stone house in amazement.
The man nodded, "It's exactly what we wanted!" he said with a smile.
The woman smiled, "My friend said that we can see the inside as well?" she asked.
Jirobo nodded and walked around to the said of the large table, he casually rested his hand on top of the house and it's outer walls sunk back into the desk, showing the inside of the house down to the detail of the light switch.
The couple wow'd in awe as they looked through, the woman pointed to one of the rooms, "Look honey! Even the cradle is here!" she exclaimed happily as she poked the tiny stone cradle.
Jirobo smirked and stepped back to his seat while aiming small lights at the house, "One moment please." He said as he flicked a few switches under his desk.
Small tricked out lights turned on, colouring the house in the requested colours, "As you can see, the only real difference I made was adding a back balcony, the estimated cost is a maximum 74% of what you wanted to spend," he said with a smile at the happy couple's expressions, "What do you think?"
The woman hugged her husband as they smiled, "It's perfect! Thankyou Jirobo-sama!" the husband said as he stood and shook Jirobo's hand gratefully.
Jirobo smiled, "I'm just doing my job, what time would suit you for the construction? It should be twenty minutes to take down your old house, half an hour to work out the utilities, a minute or so to build the house, then finally I'll have my men paint and input everything you requested, which will be take the longest out of everything. I estimate the full process to be approximately three hours." He said confidently.
The man helped his wife to her feet and she smiled widely, "You're truly amazing Jirobo-san! thank you so much!" she said while bowing slightly, her husband doing the same.
Jirobo grinned, "It's times like this I'm glad I stopped being a ninja." he said happily before pulling a piece of paper from his desk draw, "If you'd sign this and write down the time you wish for it to be done, our business is finished and I'll collect payment after I ensure that you are happy." He said while passing a pen to the husband.
The man nodded and signed away, he then turned to his wife, "We are going to your mother's house for breakfast next Saturday, should we make it then?" he asked.
The wife nodded, "That would be great!" she said happily as her husband filled in the time slot and gave the form back to Jirobo.
Jirobo rested the sheet on top of the house and signed it before shaking hands with the husband and wife respectfully, "It's been a pleasure doing business with you, and don't worry," he said with a wink, "It'll be Done By Lunch."
The couple laughed at Jirobo's pun then nodded, "Anytime Jirobo-sama! We'll see you next time!" the couple said as they left.
As the door closed, Naruto moved up to the model and looked at the intricate detail, "Jirobo, this is amazing!" Naruto exclaimed as he reached on to the little balcony and swung the hanging chair back and forth.
Jirobo smiled as Naruto stood tall, "Thanks Naruto!" he said before raising a brow and grinning, "Hehe, you're not a shrimp anymore! You're as tall as I am." The orange haired man said with a laugh before putting his hand on his desk again and pulsing his chakra, letting the small house turn back into an average stone slab.
Naruto grinned as well and shook the guy's metallic hand, "How've ya been while I was away? And how do you plan to build a whole house in only a few hours?" Naruto asked.
Jirobo smiled, "I have been great, I wanted to see you so that I could thank you for my arm and leading the mission that took me to this village." He said before he gestured to the table, "As for building a house in a few hours, it's easy if ya know what you're doing." Jirobo said with a grin.
Naruto scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "You should be thanking Sakura-nee-chan, she's the one that saved your life." Naruto said with a smile.
Jirobo laughed, "That's almost what she said about you when I did thank her!"
Naruto laughed with him until he remembered something, "Oh yeah, I was curious, what's so funny about your 'Done By Lunch' statement?"
Jirobo just raised a brow then pointed out the window.
Naruto looked out the window to see a moderate sized billboard advertisement with Jirobo on it with a smile, he stood in front of a beautiful stone shrine and stone duplex house. Printed over the picture was the words: 'DONE BY LUNCH, INSTANT BUILDERS AT MINIMAL PRICES'.
Naruto laughed as he noticed the billboard and finally understood Jirobo's joke from earlier as Tayuya turned to Jirobo, "Yo Fatty, have you seen Kimi-kun around?" she asked.
Jirobo sighed and placed a hand on Tayuya's head, ruffling her hair and showing her how short she was in comparison to his muscular built frame, "I may have, but I ain't telling you till you stop calling me fatty." He said with a grin as Tayuya frowned at his actions.
Tayuya knocked his hand off her head with a frown, "But I've always called you fatty, it's too late to change that now." She explained with a nod.
Jirobo chuckled and turned to Hinata and Fuu as Naruto began walking back over to them, "Hello Hinata, I'm sorry I don't recognise your friend." He said with a polite smile as he held his hand out in offering.
Fuu bowed to the large man timidly, not shaking his metal hand, causing Naruto to place an arm around Jirobo's shoulders, "Sorry Jirobo, Fuu-chan gets intimidated easily. But trust me, you do not want to be on her bad side when she gets mad." He said with a chuckle.
Fuu blushed as she pouted, "I-I said I was s-sorry about that Naruto-kun." She said timidly.
Jirobo smiled at the green haired girl, "Welcome to my shop Fuu-san, how do you know these three?" he asked.
Fuu looked up at Jirobo before looking at her feet and mumbling her answer, "I'm one of Naruto-kun's girlfriends." She said.
Jirobo burst into laughter and slammed his hand on Naruto's back in a friendly way, "You sure do have varying tastes Naruto!" he said with a chuckle before moving to his desk, while gesturing Naruto over.
Naruto raised a brow in confusion before following, Jirobo sat and folded his hands together under his chin, entering his 'business' mode, "Naruto, I was wondering if there was a way for you to put your wood style chakra into a seal or something that someone else could then use. Do you think it's possible? And would I be able to buy some off of you?" Jirobo asked.
Naruto raised a brow, "Funny you ask that, Sasuke wanted to know the same thing," Naruto said as he unclipped his sheathe and set it on the table in front of him, reaching into his seal as he talked, "He couldn't find a way to use my chakra for any jutsu, but I could form a jutsu with my chakra and he'd absorb the energy into a seal like this one!" he said as he pulled out a seal and placed it on the table.
Jirobo leaned forward and glanced at the seal before turning to Tayuya, who was looking over his shoulder at the seal, "What will it do?" he asked her.
Tayuya frowned a little as she read through the seal work, "As far I can tell, it is like an elemental seal, but he's modified it to catch the jutsu instead of the element. Like, if someone launched a fireball technique at you, most elemental seals would take the fire and the chakra would therefore dissipate. With this one it takes the actual fireball, chakra and all." She explained.
Naruto blinked in shock, "Wow, you really are good with seals Tayu-chan." He said as his mouth formed into a smile.
Tayuya grinned back at him at the compliment as Jirobo talked again, "So what technique is in this seal Naruto?" he asked.
Naruto smiled, "That's just one of my plant stimulation jutsus, it's a general one that causes grass to grow from nothing to almost needing to be mowed in minutes and gives a little extra health to existing plants in the area." He said as he looked over to one of the plants Jirobo kept in his office and held his hand out.
He pulsed his wood chakra and Jirobo nodded in appreciation as the small plant became fully bloomed and healthy, "Very very good!" he said with a smile, "Can I buy some off of you and Sasuke?" he asked.
Naruto nodded, "Sure, you wanna keep this one for free and I'll talk to Sasuke-Nii-san about it?"
Jirobo grinned, "Sound like a plan to me!" he said as he and Naruto shook hands in agreement once more.
*POOF*
Everyone looked to the dissipating cloud of smoke to see and ANBU messenger, "Naruto-san. you have been drafted for a double A-rank mission. Please report to Hokage-sama and Sarutobi-sama immediately." He said as he rose from his crouch.
Naruto smirked slightly as everyone but Hinata was focussed on the ANBU, "Sure thing, I'll head there now." He said with a nod.
The ANBU nodded in reply before disappearing in another smoke cloud.
Naruto turned to the others, "Sorry guys, guess I'm off." He said as went to leave, "Tayu-chan, would you mind introducing Fuu-chan to Ino? I think they'd get along well. Oh, and if you can't find her then definitely Shino." He said with a smile.
Hinata interrupted his departure, "Shino-kun is in the Stone Village on the exchange program Naruto-kun." She said before walking over and grasping his hand, "Can we please talk in private before you go?" she asked.
Naruto raised a brow before nodding, "Sure Hinata-chan, what's up?" he asked as the door closed behind them, they began walking down the hallway before Hinata stopped and hugged him to the wall.
Naruto raised a brow in confusion before hugging her back, "Hinata-chan?" he asked.
She stepped back and onto her toes before she pulled him into a deep kiss, he returned it, but felt the desperate and worried feeling from Hinata. She pulled away and held his face between her hands, "Whatever your plan is, whatever you are going to do. Please remember those who love you. Remember that no matter what, I will be here for you." she said seriously.
Naruto nodded, "I know that Hinata-chan, where did this come from all of a sudden?" he asked.
Hinata frowned as her eyes started to get teary, "I can see you Naruto-kun, I've seen your hidden glares and dark grins," she said, making his eyes widen in shock, "Just promise me when your plan comes to it's end, we'll still be together. No matter what." She whispered as the first tear fell.
Naruto wrapped Hinata in his arms and embraced her, "Hinata-chan…I swear on the grave of my mother and father, I will never let us come apart." He said before kissing her deeply, trying and succeeding in conveying his emotions. Which Hinata mirrored as her tears slowed.
After a minute in each other's embrace, Hinata stepped away, "Go on your mission Naruto-kun, come back to me." She said softly.
Naruto smiled and gave her a thumbs up as he winked, "Always and forever."
*FLASH*
######
*FLASH*
"Reporting for duty Baa-chan." Naruto declared as he appeared in Tsunade's office.
Tsunade smiled at his entrance as Sakura and Sasuke turned to face him along with a third person.
Sarutobi spoke from his place next to Tsunade, "We received intelligence from a contact of mine and Jiraiya's. The Akatsuki's spy among Orochimaru's ranks is supposed to meet up with Sasori at Tenchi bridge in two days. I am positive that none of the Akatsuki will try to fill in for the dead man so you will go disguised as Sasori and capture the spy. This will give us the perfect chance to steal both Orochimaru's and the Akatsuki's secrets." He explained as he passed the scroll to Sasuke.
"You are in charge Sasuke, let's see your hunter skills in action, but Kakashi will be meeting you at the gate." Tsunade said with a smile.
Sasuke nodded as Naruto raised his hand, "Umm, this is cool and all, but whose this guy?" Naruto asked as he gestured to the pale Chunnin standing near Sakura.
He turned to Naruto and smiled in an obviously fake way, "My name is Sai. I hope we can work well as team mates Naruto-san." Sai said.
Naruto took a step back and glanced at Hiruzen who nodded, "You can trust him Naruto, I am sure Sai here will have some interesting techniques." He said, implying that Sai was the ninja who once spied on the Uchiha household.
Naruto nodded, "Aight, should we go Nii-san?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke nodded, "You have twenty minutes, we'll meet at the main gate and head off as soon as possible." He said before fading from existence in his 'Mirage Shunshin'.
Sakura's legs glowed rainbow and suddenly she was gone, Naruto was about to disappear when Tsunade spoke, "Hold on Naruto, I have an official resignation letter from Iruka here for you. He knew you were about to go on a mission so he said he'll talk to you afterwards." She said as she held out the letter for Naruto.
Naruto took the letter with a smile, "So, are Pikkon and Iruka-sensei tying the knot?" he asked.
Tsunade and Hiruzen chuckled, then Sai burst into an obviously forced laughter and stopped just as suddenly. The group glanced at him oddly so he just smiled weirdly, again.
Hani appeared from the Genjutsu behind Tsunade, "Naruto-kun, maybe you should take Sai-kun with you. I know he is already prepared for this mission so you should go get ready as well." She said before stepping away.
Tsunade laughed at Sai's face, which went blank as he noticed Hani appear and disappear. Suddenly, Hani's ruler came out and whacked Tsunade's forehead, causing Hiruzen to laugh and Sai to watch, not understanding what was going on.
"Back to work!" Hani declared as Tsunade rubbed the red mark.
Feeling a grip on his wrist, Sai looked to his right to see Naruto grinning at him.
"Off we go!"
*FLASH*
########
Chapter End.