AN: I've decided to continue the story from where I'd left off. I'm not sure yet which direction this story will go: if it'll follow the original plot based on the manga/anime or if I want to focus on village life and whatnot.

Anyways, hope you readers enjoy reading this alternate universe version of Naruto Shippuden=)

When Sekiya overheard familiar voices in the distance, she slowed down and hid behind a fence.

What's the best way to—? Sekiya began in thought.

Her thought then was interrupted when she noticed a blue-haired, lavender jacket kunoichi hiding behind another fence across from her.

Hinata? Sekiya recognized before she asked herself, Why isn't she greeting Naruto like the others? She was probably the one who'd missed him the most.

I should just ask her that myself, she thought as she headed towards Hinata's hiding spot.

Since Hinata's eyes, which was the same as Neji's, was glued to Naruto (who had certainly grown, Sekiya saw), Sekiya decided to give the Huuyga a poke on the side.

"Eeeped!" Hinata squeaked before she used both hands to clamp her mouth shut.

Sekiya muffled a snicker as she noticed some heads turned in their direction.

"Who was that?" Naruto asked to the group.

To which Shino answered, "Sounded like Hinata."

"Why isn't she out here saying hi to you when all she'd talked about was how you were doing?" Kiba wanted to know.

"That is a very good question," Lee said as he nodded in agreement.

TenTen gave the guys an exasperated look. "Instead of trying to figure out why she's hiding, why don't you all ask her yourselves?"

Before anyone made a move, though, Sekiya pushed Hinata out in the open. Hinata briefly shrieked as she stumbled.

Instinctively, Naruto leapt besides her and managed to steady her.

Hinata blushed as she felt Naruto's warm hands holding her in place.

"Whoooa there," Naruto began as his hands remained on her until Hinata's footing was secured. "Almost fell, but good thing I was here to catch you."

"T-thanks," Hinata said softly, as she avoided making eye contact with Naruto.

Since his broad grin only made her blush more.

"Aww, how cute," Sekiya commented before she strolled out of her hiding place, finally revealing herself to everyone.

With her trademark nin outfit: white with black for the lines, and black fishnet leggings and gloves, white arm warmers, black boots, and black ribbon in her hair with two senbons as hair accessories.

They all knew it was her.

And her arrival evoked various reactions.

Hinata immediately took a giant step away from Naruto.

Naruto gulped and took a cautious step backwards. "S-Sekiya."

Kiba said her name, too.

Only his was more of a growl.

Akamaru seemed to match his response.

Lee also said her name.

Yet his tone indicated he was eager to see her again.

TenTen merely glanced at Sekiya in curiosity.

While Shino gave her a look of interest.

"Way to make an entrance," Neji noted with a small smile as he approached the group.

Sekiya returned the smile.

Only hers was more warmhearted as Neji's was more amused.

She then locked eyes with Naruto.

Who took another careful step backwards.

"Welcome back," Sekiya greeted her adopted brother.

Although no warmth was conveyed in her voice.

Naruto gulped again before he said, "G-glad to be back."

Sekiya took a small step towards him.

And he reacted by taking a normal step away.

"You were gone for a while," Sekiya stated.

"Y-yeah," Naruto replied before he added, "F-for training. You know that. I-I was very busy. Pervy Sage kept me reeeaaalllly occupied."

"I know."

"A-and I had to leave in a hurry," Naruto continued. "Y-You know why."

"I do."

"S-So if I forgot anything, y-you can totally understand why—because you're my favorite onee-san."

Sekiya grinned.

Only hers had a twisted intent.

"Se-ki-ya..." Naruto said, in a half warning, half lecturing tone as took another step backwards and placed his hands in front of him.

Like they were in preparation for what was about to occur.

"Please don't be—"

Sekiya interrupted Naruto in an overly sweet voice. "Oh, I understand. Your training, and the reasoning for it; they're important."

She paused before she added, with a vexed look in her eyes. "Yet you were still able to say goodbye to Sakura and Kakashi-sensei before leaving. You hadn't even left a note explaining where you'd gone. And what was more, I'd came back from Suna and found our place a total mess. With plenty of overdue bills I had to pay off."

Sekiya took another small step forward as Naruto gulped again and took yet another vast step back.

"Err, I'm sorry?" Naruto attempted.

Sekiya just broadened her grin. "I'll accept your apology."

"You will?" Despite the uncertainty, hopefulness was more prevalent in Naruto's tone.

Sekiya made a quick hand-sign before she formed a fist.

In which the air swirled around.

"J-j-just wait a sec!" Naruto pleaded. "I thought you'd accepted my apology!"

"After I give you your punishment."

Naruto closed his eyes and braced himself.

Sekiya, after she lifted herself a few centimeters off the ground, glided at her adopted brother at the speed of a sprint.

Her fist pulled back.

Ready to deliver the blow.

AN: Hope you all loved the latest chapter I'd posted.

I've a few more chapters already done (just needs a look-over), so the next chapter should be posted soon.

Please R&R both constructive criticism and and praise. It'll be much appreciated, thanks=)