Wind: Times of change

OV: The Chuunin Exams have passed, (Flashback of the event) The babies were born, Life in Konohagakure goes on

AN: We get to learn a little about the Uchiha babies. x.Jamie-Chan.x is still my number one reader, and I shout out to shadowphoenix143; my other loyal reader!! You two make writing even more fun! Merry Christmas to you both!

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Naruto awoke to a cheerful gurgle next to his ear. If that weren't enough to rouse him from his fitful sleep the sharp yank on his blonde tresses would have done nicely. He rolled over to face a pair of crystal blue eyes framed by dark black hair. "Konichiwa Ryuu," he mumbled, not knowing just how late into the day it actually was.

Standing next to the bed Sakura was grinning down at him while holding Suke and Nari. She placed these two writhing bundles next to their Otousan. On his other side was their Otousama, Sasuke, who had been gone only one day and had sent twelve Ninja to the infirmary; he had restrained himself by not killing anyone else. He wanted to send a message, not turn into a raging killer.

Naruto looked at his children with that awed expression only he can achieve. He grinned when Suke grabbed for Sasuke's nose. Sasuke is not your typical morning person. He has two attitudes upon waking. The first is the sleepy bear awoken from his hibernation too soon and showing his displeasure with whomever happens to cross his path. The other is a little known hyperactive kid very similar to Naruto. On days when Sasuke wakes up in this mood even Naruto has a hard time keeping up with him.

Today he had arose in the feisty demeanor, and was currently holding his attempted captor up in the air above him. He was laughing at Shunsuke's expression; it wasn't fear, rather a curiosity along the lines of 'how did I get here, and where is here!?!' When Suke's undeveloped eyes finally focused on his tormenting Otousama he must have understood what happened because the malevolent look he shot Sasuke was one only the dark haired man had ever mastered.

Sakura laughed at the family's antics. She announced that she had prepared some breakfast, a comment which sent a blonde haired blur shooting past her leaving four astonished people in his wake. Sakura picked Nari up and led the procession as Sasuke followed with Suke.

They arrived to the scene of the blonde holding the missing twin and wolfing down his breakfast. He was offering a running commentary between bites telling Ryuu about the food, the kitchen, and the plans for the day. Nari began to fuss and one look at her scrunched face told Sakura that it was time to feed the babies again.

Sasuke plopped down in his chair cradling a still glancing at him darkly Suke in his pale arm. He ate his breakfast leisurely, pausing only to exchange Suke for Nari when Sakura was ready for him. An unexpected chuckle at her comment of 'feeling like all she did was nurse babies' followed the pink haired kunoichi out of the room.

Naruto took Nari from Sasuke and held both babies. He continued his commentary as he walked around the sunlit kitchen. No one knows just how long he might have continued if Sakura hadn't slipped Ryuu out of his arms and handed him Suke. This caused his train of thought to jump track and he questioned his pale blonde daughter if she knew which twin she was lying near.

Naruto had picked up on a slight difference in their chakra, and he could discern which boy was which in this way. Ryuu had more of Naruto's chakra, while Suke had more of Sasuke's. This made since as the first parent they contacted at birth was these respective people. Other than that slight Chakra signature, there didn't appear to be any physical marking to distinguish either boy. No mole, dimple, birthmark or any other trait that might have made it easy for anyone to see which was which.

This anomaly was something Tsunade had commented on. That every feature should be exactly as it was on the other boy was not common. There is always some outward difference in identical twins, a mole on a cheek, a slightly larger nose, something! Not with Ryuu and Suke, their only difference was more than skin deep. Naruto loved this rarity. He also delighted in seeing his children dressed in the tiny little outfits they had been chosen.

Today Ryuukin was wearing a tiny Anbu uniform, a gift from Kakashi; while Shunsuke had on a Jounin training uniform. Naruto grinned at his little progeny, saving a bright smile for little Nariyaku who looked adorable in her little kimono. The poor children had no idea the torture they would be subjected to as they grew up. Naruto already had grand plans for shopping, weaponry training, academy lessons, and everything he could think of.

Sasuke allowed Naruto a lot of freedom with the babies. He was the more grounded one, but he agreed with most of Naruto's ideas for their care and training. They were already practicing chakra control even now when the boys were only a week old and Nari newborn. Sasuke would feed a tiny amount of chakra into the baby and wait for the tiny body to begin to either accept it and store it or force it away. They would typically store it, but when they were well fed and happy their chakra levels were high and they would repel the extra they didn't need. Sasuke's aim was to teach their bodies at an early age to produce and store extra chakra; a skill that would be of great use later in life.

He didn't really understand just how much natural chakra Naruto possessed, nor that all three babies had inherited this generous trait. Naruto had finally understood why he had always taken longer than others to learn simple chakra techniques and chakra control. He had more chakra than the average Ninja, a lot more, and natural chakra, not Kyuubi chakra.

His training with Jiraya had triggered this knowledge. When Jiraya had made him walk on water he had needed not only chakra, but control. With the Rasengun training it had been even more precise control, yet with a lot of chakra released for power. However it was only after the Fuuton Rasen Shuriken training that he had understood his weakness. When he had all his clones using the full extent of their chakra he had come to understand just how much chakra he possessed.

He had used that to teach himself the Jutsu, and had learned control at the same time. He had plans to teach his children this from the beginning so they would never struggle as he had. Making one measly bunshin had always thwarted him; to this day making just one regular bunshin was nearly impossible. But if he made at least ten, then he could do it. Mostly he made Kage Bunshin; it was just easier with his chakra level.

Naruto wondered who would train his children, and if they would be separated or teamed together. They fit the typical team pairing of two male and one female Genin. This thought brought his mind back to the recent Chuunin exams.

:Flashback:

Naruto stood in front of the gathered Genin. Konohamaru's team tried not to look at him, and if they had to their faces were masked in indifference. No way was their close relationship with the Hokage going to be used as a tool in this exam. They knew there would be those who would argue that if they made it through they only did because of Naruto pulling the strings. Konohamaru wanted to prove he was his Ojiisan's and Otousan's child. He was Sarutobi Konohamaru, after all.

Naruto took his time looking over every face in the group, he noted that the group was far smaller than his Chuunin Exam had gathered. His attempt at seriousness was thwarted when he couldn't contain the grin that spread over his features as he recalled events during those fateful days.

Fighting Kiba and winning which changed some people's perceptions of him. Fighting Neji; which changed not only the bitter, now former but then branch family member; but the Hyuuga Head's perception of the long haired Byakugan wielder. Surviving the Forest of Death, where they met Orochimaru.

Naruto grimaced when this thought rolled through his conscious mind. That had been the event that had begun Sasuke's descent into darkness and search for misguided power. He cast his thoughts around, to when they saw Gaara and right after that when they faced the Sound Ninja and Sakura's hair got cut. He wished he hadn't been passed out, he would have liked to have seen what had made her so determined she would cut her hair off. The stories were just not enough to paint the full picture.

Then there were the other final battles. He had to stop when he thought of chasing Gaara and Sasuke's face and anger at him. Then Sasuke's and his fight atop the hospital where Sakura could have been killed; and what remained of their strained friendship had broken. His expression was clouded, his face dark and serious once again. Time to face the present. Time to begin the process that would determine the strength and skill of these Genin. Definitely not the time to dwell on the chase for Sasuke and how close those who had gone had come to dying.

Brought abruptly back to the present and with a somber mood Naruto laid out the instructions for the first task of the Exam. Like his Exam there would be three stages. The First Stage was where the mental strength of the teams would be tested. Ibiki was still presiding over this section, his oppressive and threatening demeanor adding to the insecurities and doubts of each team. The test was pretty similar to how it was conducted in Naruto's time. They had to cheat to get answers, however they were allowed to team with their partners if they so chose. But if one of them was caught all were disqualified.

The Genin teams had been told to assemble in the classroom on the first floor of the Academy in one hour. The first teams would be disqualified there. Naruto gazed over the group as they separated and filed out various doors in knots of three and a few larger groups where villages converged together.

It didn't escape Naruto's sharp eyes that camaraderie was going well in this group. There were many groups who would converse with other teams from rival villages and countries. His face didn't change, but inwardly he was smiling. He had begun the process of healing the nations. His goal was to try to bring them all into an alignment. He knew it would strengthen them all. Their diversities would lend strength to missions, and they would each be at everyone's assistance in times of need. They could stand united against outside forces which might gather, and easily bring about swift justice to those who deserved it.

His concern was that the increased security and power that would be attained would create more problems. The one thing he never gave up on was hope. He knew his dreams, and was fighting to make them come true.

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The first stage of the First Exam eliminated four groups. There had been an even thirty groups; ninety Genin hopeful of proving themselves worthy to claim the title of Chuunin. They were down only twelve. The second stage of the first exam was a little different, but came down to the same thing. Would you choose to desert your teammates if it meant one of you would fail? They were given the example of three bentto boxes. They were told that the boxes represented the team. One box was filled with potentially inedible food, two with a delicious lunch. They represented the statistical truth that each team always has a weak link, and you never knew when that link would break. If the boxes were all kept refrigerated they could all be consumed safely, but if one was allowed into too high of heat, or hadn't been sealed properly, it would make the member sick. This would decrease the overall effectiveness of the entire team.

They had to choose individually to open their box or decline. To open it meant that you accepted responsibility for your entire team. But if one of you refused to open the box then your team would be disqualified. The answer was that a team that stuck together could potentially overcome the obstacle. The two with good food would share with their comrade, and all would benefit. Together they could overcome the weakness.

The psychological aspect is explained best as what if you didn't know your food was bad? If you ate it you could cause your whole team to fail. To some who were unsure of themselves, or easily discouraged this was too much to ask. Those who didn't trust their team completely would also be at risk, because if they didn't have trust they were the weakness even though they might think themselves above their teammates.

Those who were unsure of their team's strength would decline, forcing their team to forfeit. Those who were afraid of being the weakness would also remove themselves, and effectively remove their team. This was the normal event. Naruto had been a catalyst in his Exam for causing more teams than normal to remain. His outburst had inspired them, and he had figured out the logic behind the request, though accidentally most would assume.

This year the effect was a little lower than usual due to an event similar to Naruto's outburst, but eleven teams were eliminated. Now thirty three more Genin were eliminated bringing the total to forty-five. One half of the Genin had been eliminated in the first round. Not one of Konoha's teams had left. They had training in psychological warfare, and most saw through Ibiki's test. Those that didn't completely understand were afraid to be called weak by the other Konoha groups and so remained.

The Second Exam was the physical and strategic section. They had to locate scrolls that would describe the obstacles they would face next. This was Kakashi's testing ground, the one he created to test Sasuke and Juugo. It had been changed in some areas, and there were more dangers. They would send half through from the start, and half through from the end. The strategic test was to plan how to get around each obstacle, but there was the added element that there was only eight of each scroll. There were still fifteen teams. Each team would have to get the second scroll from another team to advance through the other half of the course; if they even found their first scroll.

They weren't handed the first scroll, but had to find it on their own. When they completed the event they would need to have two scrolls. When the scrolls were lined up and each member performed a different predetermined hand signal a message would be revealed, but the Genin didn't know that until they reached the conclusion with both scrolls.

The dangers were effective, and several teams were eliminated quickly due to injury. If the entire team didn't complete the event the message would not be able to be revealed. The message was critical to completing the Final stage of the Exams.

Eventually there were only six teams remaining. Only six of thirty had passed the first two exams. Naruto was glad, because there wouldn't need to be any elimination round like his years teams had gone through. When each team opened the scrolls and laid them out side by side they would notice a message spell out across the center. The message told them what seal to form, and would record who formed which by placing a blood thumbprint next to the seal. The teams that had reached the end of the course and been able to reveal the hidden directions had received a hidden message to bring the opened scrolls to the Hokage building's roof at nine the next morning.

They didn't know that their fingerprint was a record of who opened the message. It would prove that this was the team that had succeeded in completing the Exam. There could be a circumstance that one team who didn't have both scrolls would overpower another team that had obtained the hidden information. Unfortunately for them the message would be unreadable. Each person who placed their blood fingerprint next to their chosen seal had signed a contract which allowed the message to open to them and only when all three were together. This was one of Naruto's ideas for awarding only those who had successfully completed the Exam, but not those who were merely crafty and strong enough to take that away from another team.

The Final Exam would begin after each successful team had presented their scroll to Naruto who waited on the roof, and placed their thumb against their fingerprint simultaneously. This entered their identity into the collection of names from which competitors would be chosen during the Final Exam. Once all six teams had submitted their entries the names appeared on an unrolled scroll that had been laid out in a grid. Eighteen lines lay against the edge of the paper in nine groups. These lines merged into nine new lines for the successors of each pairing. The twist was that when the nine names were added to the new lines new pairings would form. These would be held in three battles of three competitors, which would conclude in three finalists. These three would each have to face the other two opponents. So there would be three final battles and the winner would be the one with the best record. As in Naruto's day failure or success would not necessarily determine your status as a Chuunin. Your performance overall could eliminate or nominate you for consideration.

In the end the top three were Konohamaru, who had barely defeated one of the Sand's top Genin. Another of the Sand's Genin, Masakiyou (name means become the radiance of the sun) had made it through; her Sensei was Matsuri who was the first Genin of the Sand to study under Gaara. The last Finalist was a man who had waited a long time to stand before his brother and finally know the answer to his difficult question. You never give up on your teammates, you do what you can to complete the mission but you try above all to save your team.

Morino Idate was no boy, but he had waited a long time to take the Chuunin Exams. He had spent his entire childhood thinking his brother was dead. An eventual run in with Naruto and Team Seven had made him aware his brother survived and he had been given a chance to meet his brother. He stayed behind in the Tea country and eventually enrolled in the Konoha Ninja Academy to become a Genin. Boss Jirocho was proud to support Idate through his training, and petitioned Naruto to allow him to enter the Chuunin exams under the Tea country, even though his birth village was Konoha.

When Ibiki had seen Idate enter the Exam room he had smiled. He wondered if his little brother had ever figured out what the measure of a Ninja really was. Finally Idate had made Ibiki proud and had caused the entire remains of the teams, who would have failed, to pass on to the next Exam. Ibiki had been a silent yet focused observer of his brother's abilities in the Final Exam. He would have taught the boy differently, but he obviously could hold his own to have made it to the final round.

The lots were cast and the first round was Masakiyou against Konohamaru. It was a long match that nearly ended in a draw. Finally Konohamaru succeeded in getting the girls weapon away from her and defeated her in hand to hand combat. There was a break until the following day when Masakiyou would battle Idate. This left the final battle on the third day for Idate and Konohamaru.

Masakiyou defeated Idate, but only after they were both so out of chakra they could barely move or fight at all. She summoned some strength when she glanced up at Gaara, who was sitting in the special boxes reserved for the Kage's. Naruto was trying not to cheer for anyone, but he was secretly hoping Idate would win. The boy needed a win and Naruto knew it. He knew the boy's story better than almost anyone sitting in the stadium.

When Masakiyou was declared victorious Gaara offered a smile and clapped for her. Naruto watched the display with interest. He had been feeling a bit uncomfortable by Gaara's presence in the box. The first day he had succeeded in getting through by keeping focused that they were longtime friends. He was able to successfully keep his mind off their last visitation.

Today, however, he couldn't keep his mind focused. He had been missing Sasuke terribly the night before. He had wished that his dark haired lover would be there to comfort him, and offer a shield against the emotions and tenseness between Gaara and himself. It had been a long sleepless night spent thinking of where Sasuke was and the danger he was in. What was the absolute worst was that he, Naruto, was the guilty person for sending him away.

Naruto fought with himself all night, angry for letting Sasuke be so far away, and placating that anger because he knew Sasuke was the man who needed to be on the mission where he was. He also couldn't get the images of Gaara's pale skin out of his mind. When he tried to think of Sasuke the image would melt into Gaara. So that when Naruto finally did fall asleep, his dreams were tormented by writhing sweat covered bodies and accusations of infidelity.

He had lost his innocence that night with Gaara. It had been his first time. He knew it would always carry a place in his heart, because every encounter that caused Naruto emotion was locked within the core of who he was. These were memories he would pull out when he was feeling particularly overwhelmed or misunderstood.

As Hokage he was widely accepted, and appeared to have won over the general population of Konoha. Yet there would always be awkward moments and people who were still suspicious and fearful of him for who he was. He knew nothing he would ever do could completely erase the memories of how he became who he was, and the sacrifice his own father had made that fateful night.

Sitting in the box with Gaara after Masakiyou's victory, Naruto was the most uncomfortable he had been since the Kazekage's arrival. Naruto had greeted the Suna siblings with affection when they had arrived. He had shown them hospitality and taken them out to dinner. Every encounter had been in the presence of others. These moments when they were perched atop the stadium in their seats of honor were stifling because it was the two of them and a small entourage of guards. Naruto was acutely aware of the closeness of their seats and the proximal distance between their bodies.

He realized after Masakiyou's match that he still harbored feelings for the red haired Kazekage. Their departure had affected him deeply, and Sasuke's arrival and his quick revelation of their requited love had dampened these feelings and pushed them to the side. Now, with Gaara so close to him and Sasuke so far away, Naruto found himself feeling that spark both men shared and the sadness and longing he had been left with at Gaara's previous departure.

Gaara looked over at him and flinched at the raw emotions he could easily read on his friends face. Over time he was becoming accustomed to the emotions that he him self now could feel. He was able to discern sadness, longing, anger, confusion, hurt, and yet… love fleeting across the tan skin and shining in the vivid blue eyes. His own heart ached to know that he had to be the cause of those conflicting feelings.

When Masakiyou's match ended in success he turned to his best friend and offered to take him out for a drink. Naruto looked at him startled. How could he refuse without jeopardizing their friendship and the state of peace their countries shared? Gaara smiled warmly at Naruto, and held out his hand.

Naruto hesitantly accepted the proffered hand and nodded. They walked out of the box, Gaara pulling Naruto slightly. By the time they reached ground level they were running and Naruto had an expression of unboundless joy spread over his features. Gaara's expression mirrored his own, and they raced through the throngs of people until they reached a quiet bar. The sheer joy of escaping the watchful eyes of their guards and nearness of close companion was intoxicating to both men.

They surveyed the room and located a secluded table off in a corner. Their guards, being the elitist they were, had easily followed them and positioned themselves conveniently close to offer protection, yet far enough away to offer privacy. These were the same guards who had stood watch that fateful night Gaara shared Naruto's bed, and they had a deeper understanding of the situation because of that.

Gaara and Naruto had talked late into the night. The barkeeper had approached the guards once to inform them that it was closing time, and had been offered to go on his way shutting down most of the lights, and they would lock up when the two Kage's were finished talking. The barkeeper, knowing the importance of the alliance between the two countries and figuring this was an official meeting, accepted this proposal without any protest. He handed one of Naruto's guards a spare key and was assured of its swift return.

Eventually the two men had noticed the lateness of the hour, and had laughed easily. It had been a good evening, and they had been able to clear the air between them, which had been Gaara's intention. He wanted his carefree friend back, and wasn't going to leave until he had somehow gotten them past this awkwardness and strain. Naruto slung his arm over Gaara's shoulders and offered him the spare bed in his new yet unfinished home.

Gaara couldn't refuse as he had been interested to see the new lodgings yet had been afraid to ask due to the tenseness between them. They entered the gates and Gaara offered an appreciative approval of Naruto's new home. Naruto sadly admitted that Sasuke had yet to see it and he himself hadn't fully moved in yet. They would be resting in beds that were in completed rooms, yet in a home that was unfinished. There was still work being done on parts of the house and most of the landscaping had yet to be started.

When morning came it shined down on two men who had regained their closeness and camaraderie. Naruto cooked them breakfast and they returned to the stadium anxiously anticipating a good match between the Konoha Ninja and the former Konoha Ninja.

The match up was not disappointing, it was fiercely intense. Idate had improved in his skill, yet he had that uncanny speed that had carried him through many tough situations as a trump card. Konohamaru had the strength and stamina from training with Naruto and being taught chakra reserving techniques for drawing on when most Ninja would be out of energy. The two ninja jumped together, kunai clashing, and would bounce off each other. Again and again their bodies could be seen hurtling through the air only to be repelled at a different angle.

Eventually Konohamaru was able to land a blow on Idate's shoulder. It was a good hit and left the larger, older man dripping blood and cradling his wound. There was a fierceness in the younger man's eyes that Idate could identify from his encounter with Naruto. It was an unwillingness to give up even in impossible circumstances, tinged with a ferociousness that was animalistic. When Konohamaru tensed to lead the next charge Idate merely stood in place.

He was not ceding defeat, he was conserving his energy. He had a plan, and it would be his last chance to win this match. He was going to wait until Konohamaru was closing in on him, and then he was going to run around as fast as he could. He knew his speed was unmatchable, and he would have the advantage. He planned to use this to make a circle around the stadium where he was certain Konohamaru would follow. When the younger Genin followed it would be his downfall. He had no hope of catching Idate, and chasing him would tire him out. When he was worn down and his chakra depleted Idate would finish the battle with a final speed charge and kunai blow that would be undeflectable. Konohamaru would be too tired to properly defend him self and Idate would win.

That was Idate's plan; and when Konohamaru was in range Idate raced around him. As he predicted Konohamaru spun around and gave chase. Idate urged his body to comply and leapt forward in that uncanny speed of his. Konohamaru kept his pace and observed Idate's trajectory, calculating what he could be up to. When Idate completed his circle and began his approach, he was shocked to find Konohamaru ready for him. His plan had been well thought out and well formed, but Konohamaru had been trained by the most unpredictable (and intelligent) Ninja known to Konoha.

Idate could only hope he had attained enough speed and had worn Konohamaru down enough for his plan to succeed. He was at his limit. It was all or nothing, now or never. Idate's eyes shot toward the crowd. He made brief contact with his brother who was observing the match raptly. Idate felt a calmness come over him, a sureness of his victory. He would not fail in front of his brother this time. Today he would show his brother he was a man.

Idate reached into his pouch and grasp the cold metal in his clinched fist. He had been running in standard Ninja pose; hands low at his hips trailing behind, shoulders thrust forward, legs pumping powerfully. This offered an advantage that Konohamaru would not be able to see him take out the kunai. He raced forward face set in a mask of determination. Konohamaru approached at an equally exuberant, if not quite as fast, pace. The Genin met in the center of the stadium in a flash of glinting blades, and dual punches thrown with everything they had. The blades met with a spark and were quickly shunted aside to make way for the blows of hand to hand combat.

The stadium went silent when the sound of bone crunching rose amidst the growl of determination and fury. The two bodies moved in slow motion. Every tiny movement was magnified ten thousand fold. The arch of spine as humanity recoiled from the thunderous blow. The spray of sweat shimmering from hair as the head flew back. The glint of sunlight in colored iris and curved eyelash as eyes slipped shut. The gleam of that same ray of light as it flashed off crimson droplets that flowed in wide arc issuing forth from broken flesh. The descent of lifeless form as unconscious body spiraled in midair from the force of the impact. The cloud of dirt that rose as that body hit the parched sun baked ground. The resounding 'whump' that followed the collusion of flesh and earth.

No one moved, no one breathed. Not even one eyelash fell in eye that blinked. Everyone's gaze was riveted to the mound of anatomy that lay upon the ground.

A soft sound emanated from somewhere in the crowd drawing attention from the center of the stadium. It crescendoed until it filled the ears of everyone gathered. All eyes were torn from the scene of the courageous assault to peer in wonder at the Kage's box.

A collective gasp followed at the incredulous sight of the Kazekage and Hokage guffawing openly. Gaara's arm was on Naruto's shoulder. Naruto was slapping Gaara's back. Tears were forming in their eyes. Every face in the stadium registered shock.

The appearance of the officiant who presided over the match onto the field was almost missed. He stood between the Genin. He looked up at the Kage's blankly. Genma was used to Naruto's antics and he could appreciate the humor of the situation. The site of the typically stoic Sunagakure Kazekage joining in the blond leader's mirth was interesting and unusual, however welcome to any who knew his story.

When the two men gained control of themselves, Genma directed his gaze toward their box. He arched his eyebrow as if asking permission to finally announce the outcome of the match. Naruto, with his 'official everything's in order' expression nodded his assent.

Genma looked from Konohamaru to Idate, then back up at Naruto, "By termination of the match in double knock out, I declare a tie. Neither is the winner."

Genma looked at Konohamaru, he hadn't moved from where he had landed with his arms crossed over his head. He then looked at Idate who also had yet to stir. He had landed with his right hand over his head, and his left had come to rest across his chest with his body slightly tilted on its right side.

Genma's eyes sought Naruto's again. With an almost imperceptible nod of approval Genma announced, "In the first match Konohamaru defeated Masakiyou. In the second Masakiyou defeated Idate. There is no winner in the third match. Therefore Konohamaru is the victor by default of his victory over Masakiyou."

Genma bowed deeply and disappeared in a puff of smoke as Medic Nin's arrived to attend to the unconscious bodies in the field. After assessing them for immediate damage and determining neither had life threatening injuries they were both loaded onto stretchers and carried to the off field medical center. Sakura attended Konohamaru and Ino watched over Idate. Tsunade had taken her post as Head Medic seriously, but knew the younger Medics knew what they were doing. She had declined the offer to preside over the wounded from the matches.

Eventually Konohamaru awoke and was informed of the outcome. His eyes shined with humor that both Genin had knocked each other out. When he was awarded his position as victor over the Exams his words dried up. After a few moments of awkward silence he asked if he would be permitted to leave yet. Granted his request, with stipulation to return for examination on the morrow, he leapt out of the bed and sped out of the building. Anyone who knew him knew his destination.

Footsteps approaching the monument at a run pulled cobalt eyes from their current position. Naruto watched Konohamaru approach. The boy was running so fast he could scarcely stop when he realized someone else was there. Noting who was standing with his back to him, Konohamaru approached reservedly.

"I knew you would come here when you awoke," Naruto began then turned to look at his most loyal follower. "I've been talking to your Grandfather, and Uncle."

Naruto faced Konohamaru and smiled, "They'd all be proud of you, as am I." He stepped past the silent teen and offered a congratulatory squeeze to his shoulder, then he strode off to leave him to his own purpose.

Konohamaru watched the back of his greatest Mentor until he was out of sight down the path. He approached the monument and ran his finger across the names of his Uncle, his father, and his Grandfather. "I was declared the victor of the Chuunin Exam today. I suppose Naruto already told you that, and you probably were watching anyway. I hope I made you proud."

He dropped respectfully to his knees and offered solemn, yet happy, prayers to his family.

The council had convened and had taken two months to make their decision concerning Chuunin nominations and awards. Masakiyou, Idate, Konohamaru, and two other Genin received the honor. There was a simple ceremony when each was presented with the vest of their Village. Naruto presided over the ceremony, and it ended with a sizeable feast and freely flowing sake.

:End Flashback:

Naruto continued chatting with his children as they finished the typical daily rituals. He added in bits of information from his memories, and their day was spent in this pattern.

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In another part of the village another family was beginning the day with breakfast and camaraderie. Kakashi was talking to Ayame and addressing more than a slight amount of attention towards her very flat tummy.

Ayame grabbed his head and pulled him back to a sitting position in his chair. "Must you lie in your chair?" she queried with a mischievous grin.

Kakashi just returned her grin and finished his breakfast. He was certain she was carrying his child. He wouldn't confess when she questioned him, but he had used his Sharingan to see if there was a different chakra gathered in her abdominal area. Although the difference was slight, it was there.

Ayame would kid him about his antics. She wouldn't believe it until a Medic Nin confirmed it, and since she felt fine she kept refusing his suggestion to go see one. She wasn't worried about being pregnant, she was merely having fun tormenting Kakashi. She too was certain she was carrying his child, but she hadn't told anyone that yet. She had actually set an appointment for that afternoon to see Sakura, but that was her secret.

They had settled into a routine where they spent a lot of time together, yet she still worked for her father and Kakashi still had missions he was assigned to. He hadn't been assigned one recently, it was as if Naruto was trying to give him time off after the successful mission to the Rock Village that had ended in the loss of two very well known and well liked Ninja.

After their return the sealing of the statue had occurred. They had placed it deep within the cave in the Hokage's mountain. Kyuubi had been allowed to overshadow Naruto to perform the ritual that would seal his fellow Bijuu forever. When Naruto died and he was released into the afterlife they would be released to follow him. Until that day they were safely interred in the statue. It had taken two days to get through the ritual, and had caused Naruto to fall into a three day coma to repair the damage to his system allowing Kyuubi to surface had caused.

Sasuke had watched over him and the babies while diverting attention away from his absence. It had been spread around that he had taken a leave to tend to his new family, and welcome Sasuke home. Not one villager had questioned this reason.

Kakashi had helped in the ritual; his and Sasuke's Sharingan had been needed to insure the precise arrangement of minerals and talisman to make the procedure a success. He had returned home weakened and had slept for an entire day. He had been weary for a week afterward; much like overusing his Sharingan always left him. He was a bit envious of Sasuke who had recovered after a good nights sleep.

Today his thoughts were centered on his certain pending new arrival. He made plans to spend the day pampering Ayame, and she had to come up with a viable excuse to get away for her appointment. Afterwards her buoyancy and cheer couldn't be so easily masked.

She eventually relented and confessed to her husband who was overjoyed, yet overbearing. Until he confessed how he had been so certain. They had collapsed on the floor after a vigorous tickling match where neither could claim to be victor. It was one of her most guarded secrets that Kakashi was extremely ticklish. It was also her most used weapon against him.

Juugo and Anko had taken a difficult journey through learning to cohabitate. Their lifestyles were quite different, and it had been a rocky time to adjust. Juugo was so accommodating, and Anko desperate for companionship. Eventually they had settled into an agreeable routine.

In a small cottage on the outskirts of Konoha a small family had come together in a time of necessity and hope. A small child ran through the house shrieking as he was chased by his new Otousan. A woman's laughter followed the pair.

"You two know you're not allowed to run in the house!" she called out jovially.

"Help! He's got me!" Kounoshi called out as Iruka grabbed him around the waist and lifted him up over his head.

Kurenai walked up behind them and announced that breakfast was ready. It was just another typical morning.

After their meal Kounoshi asked Iruka when he would be able to get his hitai-ate. Iruka smiled at the boy he thought of as his own son while memories of Naruto asking him that same question flashed through his mind.

"Soon, very soon, it will be time for testing again. You have been working hard, and I know you really want to join the academy. I'm sure you'll make it, and maybe you will be in my class. If you are, don't expect any special treatment," the man with a scar across his nose teased.

The dark brown haired boy pouted and stubbed his foot against a tatami mat. Then he looked at Iruka with big red eyes just like his Okaasan. Iruka saw the hope and fierceness to prove himself that was always visible in his favorite student's eyes. It was funny how often Kounoshi reminded him of Naruto. Although naruto was not his son, he thought of him just like one. Kounoshi wasn't his son either, but after he had married Kurenai he had adopted the boy. He hoped he was making Asuma proud in the way he was raising the boy, and offered prayers often that he was. He also asked for guidance from The Sandaime Hokage after whom Kurenai had named the boy. Kounoshi means light of the third; and Iruka tried to help the boy live up to his name.

All the families were growing accustomed to their lives together. Ino and Chouji had been married, and were happy. Sakura and Sai were as happy as ever, and Sakura was anxious to start her own family. Neji and Ten Ten had been married for so long most people couldn't remember when they hadn't been together.

They had two children of their own which kept Neji busy training them in Byakugan and Ten Ten spent a lot of her time teaching them how to use weapons. They each took one child as primary, Neji the son and Ten Ten the daughter, and helped them follow their own path with guidance from the past each parent had lead. Ten Ten enjoyed teaching Hayakimi how to use her familial scrolls and the girl lived up to her name, she was quick and without equal. Mamu was Neji's legacy for what he had learned in his life. His name, which means true vision, is the lesson Naruto taught Neji; and the turning point in his life. Neji would often add 'no ken' to his son's name reminding him to be the true vision of his own self.

Most of the rookie class we all know and love had families. Even Rock Lee had adopted a daughter. Midori was the light of Lee's life, and he trained her just as hard as he had always trained himself. She was a shadow of her Otousan, thin and wiry just as he had been. She was more gifted than Lee had been, as she could use some Ninjutsu, but her true talent laid in Taijutsu. It had been one of the reasons she had lived in the orphanage until she was five. Families wanted hard working children or Ninja qualifiable ones. The girl had been called simply Kiko when she had come to the orphanage at birth. Simply child of hope; and she was always hopeful She seemed to know that somewhere there was a family that would want her.

Lee had taken a liking to her immediately when he had seen her at the orphanage. She had been wearing a bright green tank top and bright orange shorts. He had been approved for placement, and had wanted to try to be allowed to have a child come live with him to see if it would work out. Kiko had lived with him for six months before he had been allowed to adopt her. When he did he formally changed her name to Midori, or green. She had approved of the change, and as she was just about to turn six had been enrolled in testing at the academy.

Lee was overjoyed to learn that Midori had a chance to be in the same class as Mamu and Kounoshi. He had been teamed with Neji and Ten Ten, and looked forward to a chance to have his daughter teamed with their son. If Iruka's son was in the class he hoped he would be the third teamed with her. She would be able to learn and grow with such fine teammates, and he wanted only the best for her.

As luck would have it that is exactly what happened, and he held a celebration to commemorate the happy occasion. His own teammates were enthusiastic to have his daughter on their son's team, and Iruka knew Asuma's son was well placed. He was secretly thrilled to be allowed to be his own adopted son's sensei, and looked forward to teaching all the other children along with this team.

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Okay I am stopping there, I have yet to finish Proofing this, but at 15 pages in Word it needs to post. I am already disappointed at myself for not finishing the story like I had wanted. Today is Christmas, and I have another few chapters I wanted to get through. Although I might shorten it, depending on my feelings of what should be included and where to stop!!

Umm hope it was worth reading through as long as it wound up being!

-Kneise