-Lady of the Fifth House-

By: Applesofwrath

Chapter Three


Disclaimer: Naruto is property belonging to Masashi Kishimoto. Neither am I claiming any of Naruto's content nor writing a fanfic for profit. Please don't sue me and support the actual release.

Summary:A talented healer with an unknown background and an exiled heiress travel all over the land to use their skills for the good of others. Soon they are faced with challenges where they face the past and bring glory to their houses.


"…This man is the Naruto of the Uzumaki House?" Sakura gasped. Hinata's eyes turned to the ground and stayed there, she resisted the urge to fumble with her fingers. What were the chances that the two women would run into the possible regent of their country, in the middle of nowhere? The patient they happened to do a good deed for, was a man who could possibly become their king? Keeping up their cover, Sakura just forced herself to raise her eyebrows,

"Well… It was a good thing he survived that poison," Sakura joked. She didn't mean to pull out a joke, but the words just flowed from her mouth. She immediately regretted letting herself be taken by surprise. Kiba just laughed, not noticing Sakura's nervousness.

"Yeah, with all the danger that nut puts us through, it's a good thing he has some sort of luck escaping death!" Sakura laughed along, and Hinata followed suit. Sakura quickly changed the topic,

"Well, it is nice to meet all of you. I am Naoko and this is my partner, Suzu," Sakura lied, resuming their alias that the two of them have been using all throughout their journey, "We are both from a very small village on the coast of Nara. We attended a shinobi academy there, but after graduation, we decided that medicine was our path in life. We have been travelling since we were nineteen, going from village to village, helping the sick," Sakura was confident that the men will fall for their story. The two women have practiced this life story over and over to many people they came across.

Kiba nodded in pure interest. Shikamaru and Sasuke just sat there listening with expressionless eyes, Sakura couldn't tell if they were buying their life story, but she had to keep up her act and pretended not to notice.

"We're glad we were of service to a member of the royal family," Sakura gave her sincerest smile. That part wasn't a lie, at least.

It was faint, but she heard Sasuke scoff to himself as he stood up and walked into the woods. Shikamaru noticed Sasuke leave the conversation, turned the girls, and excused himself. Only a sleeping Naruto, Kiba, Sakura, and Hinata remained by the fire.

"Is something wrong with your superior?" Sakura turned to Kiba, who just shook his head.

"Don't mind him; he likes to jump in and out of conversations. He always goes off by himself into the woods whenever we camp out. It's his time alone to think, I guess," Kiba shrugged. Kiba decided to keep chatting with the two women.

"I take it you like the idea of Naruto becoming King? Rather than Tsunade's other candidates?" Sakura took a moment to sort her thoughts before speaking them. Luckily, Kiba didn't seem to think she and Hinata were anyone suspicious. He wouldn't take anything they said too seriously. He talked to the Uzumaki heir as if he was a close commoner friend, not a king. It was a strange thing to hear. It looked as if the conversation was going to take another political turn. It was time to act oblivious. They were just two simple minded healers with no ideas of the royal world.

"The two of us don't keep up the news much," Sakura replied. She kept her answer short and bland. Even though she knew full well what was going on in Konoha, she had a disguise to maintain.

Kiba seemed to enjoy sharing his knowledge with the two ladies, "With no direct successor, Tsunade initially planned on giving the throne to her younger brother, but three years ago, Nawaki died from an unknown disease. She has no choice now but to decide on a regent."

"Is she barren?" Hinata quietly asked, deciding to be more active in the conversation.

Kiba nodded silently, "Unfortunately, yes. It's like what people say on the streets, the royal family is cursed when it comes down to producing a direct heir. King Hashirama refused to remarry or get a concubine after the death of his wife—No heir. Both of King Tobirama's sons died in battle—No heir. King Hiruzen's only son was assassinated, leaving Hiruzen to choose a near relative to be King. King Minato managed to leave an heir, but died shortly afterwards. His newborn was too young to rule, so the throne passed on our current queen, who cannot produce children. The Gods must be displeased with Konoha," Kiba joked.

"And now, Naruto is old enough to succeed the throne," Sakura finished. Kiba's voice warmed up and he grinned at the two women.

"Yes, he is," Kiba sipped his drink, "He doesn't look it, but he's born to lead. I never thought that cheeky moron I met years ago in Uzumaki, would turn out to be Minato's heir." Sakura and Hinata gave him a warm smile, they could they that Naruto comrade's cared deeply for him.

Kiba got up, "I think we all should get some sleep, I'll take the first watch." Sakura and Hinata nodded before walking over to the man named Naruto and setting up beds near his. Hinata pulled the blanket closer to Naruto's neck before lying next to Sakura's bed. The pinked haired woman's eyes slowly closed, her other senses heightened. All she could hear were the crickets and the crackles from the fire until she fell into deep sleep. A certain pair of dark eyes from across the campfire, observed the pink haired woman before falling asleep himself.


The next morning, Sakura and Hinata woke up to Kiba making breakfast. He had fishes cooking over the fire and a teapot ready to be passed around. They joined him in breakfast with Shikamaru and Sasuke. The two men were quiet as they ate their first meal, with Kiba striking conversation occasionally. About an hour later, Naruto woke up. The group turned to watch as Hinata quickly went to his side, helped him up and gave him plenty of water to drink. He was beyond weak, but his energy returned at an impressive level and he was louder than ever. Sasuke sighed as he finished his breakfast,

"He should be poisoned again. I liked him better when he was silent." Sakura and Hinata giggled.

Once Naruto felt energized, he thanked the two women multiple times and instantly flirted with Hinata, which only caused her to blush tomato red. Sakura mentally chucked to herself watching Hinata be all flustered and nervous around the man. The healers check Naruto again before finally deciding that he was ready to ride for home and gave him further instructions for full recovery. Now that Naruto was strong enough to continue his journey, and Sakura claimed he will be fine, it was time for the group to part ways. They gathered up camp and stood to say their goodbyes.

Naruto helded both of Hinata's hands in his, "I will never forget you, Suzu and what you did for me. You said you were from Nara? Well, if you ever stop by Uzumaki in your travels, please don't hesitate to visit Uzumaki Court! I know all the good places to eat in Uzumaki and we can-." He was cut short by an impatient Shikamaru who dragged him by the ear to his horse. Hinata just watched the blond be taken away and gave him a small wave.

Before Sakura was about to hoist herself on her horse, she was approached by the dark haired man. She turned to face Sasuke, and fell silent as he whispered into her ear,

"You may have fooled Naruto and Kiba, but you haven't fooled me. You are not what you say you are and I'm very sure our paths will cross again," Sakura froze and tried not to give Sasuke a facial expression that could make her look shaken, but she was failing. She said nothing as he backed away and headed towards his horse.

Sasuke just turned back to nod 'Goodbye,' before leading his group towards the road. The two women waved goodbye, before turning their horses the opposite direction. When Sakura could no longer see the men, she turned to Hinata who lead the way and the two headed towards their destination. With Hinata in front of her, she couldn't see Sakura's face crumble with slight worry. She couldn't tell Hinata that their act didn't fool Sasuke, it would only cause Hinata to worry.


Four hours later, Sakura and Hinata arrived in the town of Hana. They placed their horses in their inns stable and checked into their rooms. They couldn't wait to sleep on comfortable beds. As soon as they washed up, they ate a late lunch at the bar next to the inn. Once energized, they located their patient, who didn't live terribly far from the place they were staying. The woman had not gone into labor yet, but the two prepared the house for a home birth.


A/N: I'm still alive! Sorry for the long delay! I haven't given up on this story, don't worry!