..Chapter Six..

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Hours passed by and soon Hanabi and her husband Konohamaru left with their son to go home. It was another part of the compound, but, the thing was huge and they had a long walk ahead of them. Ryu waved goodbye to Kei and Shin, grinning madly as he slipped out the door.

Kei laughed softly behind her hand at his antics. He really was a good friend.

All that were left in the large room was Gaara, Naruto, Hinata, Neji, Tenten, Shin and Kei. Kisho had long gone to bed.

They all sat around the large table, laughing and talking about times gone past. Shin and Kei were sitting at one end of the table discussing the exam tomorrow. She kept trying to get a smile out of the boy who was only younger than her by one year. She laid her head on her folded arms on the table and looked sideways at him. He had such a kind face, even if he didn't know it himself.

"Kei-san," he said in his soft voice. It was almost too soft to be that of a young boy's.

She smiled lightly. "Yes, Shin-kun?"

"Are you worried about tomorrow?" He looked down at his hands. The worry didn't show in his face, but he was. It would be his first time taking the exam. His father wasn't a hard man. He always pushed him to do his best, but never too hard. If anything his mother was more brutal on him about working hard. Between the two of them he was still very lucky.

She sat up and looked at his hands as well. "Well, not really. The only reason I've failed the last three times is because I was too stubborn." She shrugged. "I know I should have just used the Shadow Clone technique like Papa told me to. But, for some reason I just had to take it up a notch." She chuckled, recalling the look on Iruka-sensei's face when she'd done it. Konohamaru-sensei just stared at her while Iruka all but fainted at her beauty in sexy no jutsu. It appeared her teacher was far too use to Naruto and himself using the technique to be affected by her own.

Shin nodded. "I know I can produce the clone... I don't know why I'm worried, to be honest." His lips twitched slightly. "Hyuuga's aren't suppose to get worried, huh?"

She smiled widely, prettily at him and reached out, gently taking his hand.

He looked up at her and then looked down at her hand. He blinked a few times and then he felt a warmth in his face.

Her voice was kind and calm, warming his insides. "Shin-kun, even Neji-sama get worried."

He nodded and allowed for a small smile as well. "I suppose, Kei-san."

They were drawn to a sharp laugh from Naruto and Tenten was speaking.

"Oh Kami! Do you remember when you tied up Sasuke so you could steal a kiss from Sakura?" She laughed some more. "I wasn't there that day, but Shikamaru told me how he looked when he finally got out of there. He said Ino wanted to kill you." She laughed some more along with everyone else.

Kai blinked. "Oi, Papa!"

Naruto was still smiling and looked down the long table to his daughter. "Yes, Kei?" His eyes were alight with laughter.

"Who is Sakura and Sasuke? Have I met them before?" She blinked some more. And then became rather confused as the whole table went silent. Neji looked down at the table and shifted in his seat. Tenten looked over at her husband nervously. Hinata looked like she was trying to hold something in when only moments ago she'd been laughing happily. Gaara was silent as always, but, his eyes seemed troubled as he looked at Naruto. Naruto looked down at the table as well, his hand on his lips as he slightly slouched in his chair.

"Papa?" she questioned again.

And then he suddenly smiled, brightly. The little girl had no idea how forced it was. "They were very dear friends to me, Kei. To everyone."

"Are they dead?" He sounded like he was talking in the past tense. "Who are they?" She felt like she peaking in on a secret she really wanted to know more about.

"No, they're not dead." Naruto looked to his wife for strength. She stood next him, placing a hand on his shoulder. His went over hers own for a moment. "When I was just a Genin and graduating from the Academy we were all split into three man teams based on skills and weaknesses."

Neji smiled and looked over at Kei. "Your father was placed on Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura's team because she was the brains of the class and Sasuke was the top student that year of graduation next to me."

She placed her elbows on the table, very intent on listening with wide blue eyes.

Naruto smiled at her enthusiasm and continued. "I was madly in love with Sakura and she wanted nothing to do with me. Instead, she was more interested in Sasuke. He and I became instant rivals. I disliked him for his bored yet unfriendly attitude. He disliked me because to him I was just a dropout."

"Drop out? Like me?" She blinked curiously as she shifted in her chair with anticipation. "And what about mommy? Didn't you love her?"

He chuckled. "Later. Let me finish the story, child."

She pouted. "Ok."

"Anyway..." he reached for his glass of tea, taking a small sip. "We were assigned to the same team. And Kakashi-sensei was our teacher. I'll tell you the story of the bells some other time. Maybe after you make Genin." He set his glass down. "We went on many missions together. Slowly, the rival-like relationship he and I had turned to friendship. He became my best friend, Kei. No one pushed me more than him and he I. Sakura never did take me up on my offer for a date, but she was there for me when I needed someone to talk to."

"Like me and Ryu-kun, Papa?" She grinned and looked over at Shin. He looked just as interested in the story as well.

He smiled sadly. "Yes, like you and Ryu-kun, Kei." He turned his glass with his hand, looking down at it. "Then, during my first Chuunin exam a war broke out during the fight between Gaara and Sasuke. It was then Sand was secretly our enemy and Gaara was suppose to help in the fight to destroy Konoha."

Her eyes went wide and she stood up, slamming her hands on the table. "Uncle Gaara!?" She looked over at the red head in disbelief.

He smiled at her. "I've since changed, little one. Have no fear."

She sat down, still intent on hearing the end of the story about these two people. But it was all so odd. How had she never heard any of this before? And Uncle Gaara... Leaf's enemy? She didn't believe it.

Seeing she'd calmed down once more, Naruto continued. "I beat Gaara and eventually as the years passed Sand and Leaf became one united front among the five great villages. But, this has nothing to do with the two you're wondering about. I'm getting to it." He took another sip and then refilled his glass. "During the first part of the exam, an evil shinobi who defected from Leaf attacked Sasuke with the cursed mark. You know his name. He's one of the three legendary Sanin."

"Orochimaru."

He nodded. "Yes. Sasuke started to doubt his abilities. You see, long ago someone killed his entire family. But then, you already know the story of the Uchiha clan. Well, he's the last. He left on a mission when we were all still very young, intent on finding the man who hurt his family. Sakura... loved him more than I ever understood. She left with him."

"That's so sad..." she whispered.

He nodded. "It is. Very sad."

"There's more?" She was dying with anticipation.

He nodded. "Sasuke left to seek out Orochimaru with Sakura. He trained with him for years so he could kill the man who hurt his clan."

"That's horrible! How could he do that? How could she?" She bit her lower lip.

He waved his hand down to get her to stop. "Do you want to hear the rest of the story or just ask questions?" The rest of the table chuckled despite the sad air in the room.

"Ok, ok... I'm listening." She looked intent again.

"Well... Something happened to Sasuke and Sakura. Something... well... you could call it a miracle. This miracle changed their minds about Orochimaru and made them want to stop him. So, they joined up with the Akatsuki, who, we are still worried about to this day. Even now, the man Sasuke thought killed his family for terrible reasons, his brother, is helping him with the other members try and hunt down Orochimaru."

"And then what? Aren't the Akatsuki bad people, Papa?"

He blinked, thinking. "Well, yes, but that's another story in itself. One that little girls who are going to take the Genin Exam should not hear about. At any rate, know that they are good, honorable people. And then they are done with their mission they'll come home to Konoha with Sasuke's brother."

She grinned, happy despite the bit about not needing to know about the Akatsuki. "I'd like to meet them that day, Papa. Can I?"

He smiled sadly again, but she didn't catch it. "Yes, you can meet them that day, Kei. But, for now, you need to go to bed. It's getting late. Say goodbye to Shin-kun. You have an exam tomorrow."

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Ok, Papa." She hugged her friend and said goodbye as everyone left. Only Gaara stayed behind. She gave him a hug and peck on the cheek before wandering off to her room with Hinata. "Night, Uncle. Night, Papa."

"Goodnight." They said in unison, the only two left at the table.

A long moment passed. Hinata would be busy for a long while and she would probably meet him in bed later. She knew he'd need some time alone with Gaara. Not that Gaara and her were not close, but it was different with them because they were both keepers of tailed beasts. They understood each other in a way no one could. If she were a jealous woman it might be enough to make her wonder.

He sighed and took another drink from his warm glass. He was troubled. Reliving all those memories.. And telling them to her, of all people... Why'd he do it? He had to ask himself. Because, she was precious to him. If anything ever happened to his two dear friends she would be all he had left of them. In her own unique way, he loved her differently than Kisho, his own son. He wouldn't say more. It would just always be different with her. He prayed he never had to tell her who they really were to her because of the promise he made to Sakura.

"I'm surprised you did that." Gaara's voice was soft.

"She has a right to know, even if she doesn't know all of it yet." He reached over, refilling the red head's glass.

He nodded. "I am worried about one thing though."

"Hm?" He set the pot down and looked at him with raised brows and curious cold blues.

"She's going to start going on missions now, Naruto. You know she's going to pass tomorrow. What happens if she comes into her eyes?" The question seemed to hang in the air. Naruto understood. If Kei gained the Sharingan like Sasuke had in a moment of increased stress... everyone would question her true identity and her parents. Naruto was not an Uchiha and Hinata was a Hyuuga. They would instantly want to know why she had an Uchiha technique.

He sighed again and looked off across the room and he rubbed his chin. What would he do? She wouldn't want to hide her ability. Since she wasn't a Hyuuga by blood and did not have the Byakugan.. she'd instantly feel like she had gained something. Something like the rest of her family.

"It's a problem. I've thought about it before. But, I've never really worried about it because she's been in the Academy for so long. And when she failed the test three times both Hinata and I were secretly happy for those same reasons."

Gaara nodded. "What are you going to do, Naruto?"

And suddenly the door opened and twin sets of eyes, one ice blue and the cool green blue stared at the entryway. A wind blew through the door and a few leaves came in. Was a storm starting?

"He's going to probably deal with it the best way he can when the time comes. Right... Naruto?"

Naruto blinked as he stared at what looked like a ANBU member. He wore the lavender vest like the all did and the black suiting just as the rest. But his arms were covered in black gloves all the way to his upper arms. They were silver plates around his forearms and on top of his hands were metal plates as well with the Leaf village symbol. On his left arm, Naruto's right, was flame type swirl with a smaller line curving beneath it. Strapped to his back was a short katana with a hilt wrapped in black-white material. Over his face was a red and white mask of what looked like a weasel...?

Naruto blinked and tried to recall some of the ANBU he knew. He didn't recall telling any of them about Kei. His eyes suddenly narrowed and his body tensed up. "Who are you?"

The man reached up and undid the ribbon that held his old mask in place. The newer ones had elastic bands. Naruto noted this as well. Only becoming more worried. Did he have a renegade on his hands trying to assassinate him?

Gaara's eyes were narrowed, instinct wanting to kick in. He didn't like this at all. He, like Naruto, began to realize this wasn't any ANBU he knew in Konoha. There were many of them. Too many to count. But, none of them had that style of mask anymore... in fact if he recalled correctly...

And then he was reaching for the mask, pulling it off entirely.

"Itachi..." Naruto smiled and stood up out of respect, visibly relaxing. And then he frowned. "What are you doing wandering around the middle of the night in ANBU outfitting?"

Itachi smirked and took a seat at the table next to Naruto and across from Gaara. Naruto was still at the head of the table, so, He merely took Hinata's former seat. "Tsuande didn't tell you?"

He shook his head.

"I'm not surprised," he said, placing his mask face up on the table. "When I told her she was drinking saki. I even had write it down, but I guess she still forgot." He reached for the tea pot and took a stray unused glass from the metal tray. "I told her the coat was too flashy in Konoha. So, she remade my old ANBU file. I'm a new person with the mask on. It just looks like someone took up my old uniform. It's far easier to get around here like this. No one questions ANBU, not even other ANBU." He took a sip of his newly poured tea. "It's good some things, like those, don't change."

Naruto nodded. "Good to hear." He looked over at the older man who'd he'd once thought of as the reason for Sasuke being as sad as he was. He'd hated him a lot on that day. It was funny how what you thought was true... wasn't. "How are they?" He asked, looking down at his glass.

He sighed, holding his small cup. "Not pleased. We keep getting cut off everytime we get close enough to take him on." His face was cool and unfeeling, but, you tell by the hint of his red eyes he wasn't happy about it either.

"Why are you here then? I was hoping for some good news." His eyes softened.

"I'm here because we need to change our tactics. Sakura, Sasuke and I can no longer keep doing what were doing. We've been doing the same thing for over twelve years with no luck. Orochimaru is just too intelligent to let himself get caught in fight lasting more than five minutes." He took a long drink from his glass, enjoying the feel of the hot liquid flowing down his throat.

Naruto looked upset. "You sound like your giving up."

But, Gaara spoke up. "He said they need to change their tactics, not that they were giving up." His voice was soft and patient as it always had been with him.

He set his glass down and looked over at the Hokage. "We're not giving up." He looked over at Gaara. "I'm actually glad you're here too. Again, I apologize for the attack. Kisame got out of hand."

Gaara waved it off. "It's alright. No one got hurt. But, continue."

He nodded, addressing them both. "In a few months the Chuunin exams are going to come to Konoha and every Kage will be here because you're the host this year." He turned his glass idly on the table. "At that time I propose an idea. We need to take advantage of all of them being here. And I need you and Gaara to do something for me."

Both Kages looked at one another and then back at Itachi, waiting with questioning looks and arched brows.

"Everyone knows Leaf and Sand are strong allies and have gotten only stronger since you two became the Kages. That it itself shows the other three you both have great power among the five great villages." He looked at Naruto. "Sakura suggests that you take that time to speak with them. All of the Kages know of the threat that both Orochimaru and the Akatsuki pose to them. If you can talk to them--"

Gaara interrupted. "I understand. You want Naruto to convince the five villages to unite and form a great front against both groups. And you want me to back him up at the table."

Itachi nodded. "Yes."

Naruto sat quietly for a while, thinking it over as he leaned back in his chair and touched two of his fingers to his lips. Gaara watched him. He glanced over at his friend. "It's crazy enough that it might just work." He leaned forward and looked at the red head intently. "I might have a good speaking voice, like Tsunade says. But, this will only work if you back me up, Kazekage."

"You have to ask?" He smiled warmly. It was so rare. "Sand will always back you up in anything you choose, Naruto, no, Hokage-sama. You have my strength and the strength of my village when you need us."

Itachi let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding in. "Good, I'm happy that's settled. In two weeks Sakura and Sasuke will be meeting with me near Sand. We'll continue to lay low until the exam, getting ready. When the day comes, we'll be with you. We won't show ourselves, but we will be in the stands watching. Which, brings me to the favor I have to ask of you, Naruto."

"I'll try to help however I can."

He nodded and took one final sip from his glass. "I need you to get two more ANBU forms filled out for Sakura and Sasuke while I'm here. Fake names and stats like mine. I'll wait till you have them. I know it'll take time. Tsunade's remake of mine took two weeks to get in the books as seeming real in every fashion."

He nodded in return. "I can do that. We'll make new mask molds and give them to you before you leave along with the uniforms."

"Good." He stood up and both men did as well. "I have to go, but, I'll be in touch in a week. Do you think you can have it by then?"

"Yeah, I'm the Hokage, aren't I?" He grinned. "Anyway, Tsunade never liked paper work. It's why yours probably took so long."

He nodded and replaced the mask on his face. His voice was muffled as he spoke. "See you in a week then." He moved towards the door and paused. Both Gaara and Naruto waited respectfully. "Do you have some pictures of her for me?"

Naruto smiled sadly. "I can get you some recent ones to take with you."

"Thank you." And the he really was gone, the door sliding shut behind him silently.

Gaara helped him clean up. An hour later he was showing him to his room and then going to his own bed. He shut the door quietly behind him and slid out of his clothing. The covers were pulled back and he slid in next to Hinata, pulling her naked form into his arms. He closed his eyes and breathed in her scent.

"Are you ok?" She whispered.

"I take it you heard everything."

She nodded. Their room wasn't far from the dining room.

"I hope it works. For the sake of the villages. For the sake of our friends. And for the sake of Kei." He drew in closer to her, like a child starved for attention.

"I have faith in you, Naruto. It will work out. You always bring out the best in everyone you come in contact with." She clutched his hand close to her chest.

"Thank you," he breathed into her hair.

She smiled softly. "For what, love?"

"For always being there even when I didn't know you were. For loving me when I thought no one else did. And, most of all, for being my wife and the mother of my children." He clutched her hand back.

She laughed softly. "I may have been shy, Uzumaki... but you've always just been a bit too slow to see things on your own unless it ramen. But, thank you. And I forgive you for taking so long to see it."

He grinned into her hair and gently kissed her shoulder. "I love you... Hinata-chan." He said it such a way that reminded her of that boy so long ago who didn't think he was loved by anyone.

As she drifted into sleep, she said, much like the little girl of old... "I've always loved you, Naruto-kun."