Author's Note: Anyone else think Himawari Uzumaki is adorable? Hey here's a good question for you all, what do you think the names of NaruIno's children should be? I will be accepting one boys name and one girls name (They will at least have that many kids, but I may include more haven't decided yet) Obviously this is far into the future, like for my epilogue chapter but hey I think it's neat to get your input for things like this. The last guesses were Mikoto U. and Hanare both very good guesses but no cigar (Mikoto is dead, but Hanare does have a strong resemblance to the person I chose) As always thanks for the reviews, I appreciate them.

OoO

Chouji woke not long after Sasuke, and Rock Lee's team members, Tenten and Neji had come for him. After Rock Lee and his team left, Team 17 decided it was best to make their way to the tower before they could be ambushed again. Shikamaru thought it best to disband their previous structure and stick closer together seeing as everyone was severely weakened. Sasuke was leading with Sakura not far behind followed by Shikamaru and Chouji. Shikamaru had kept a close eye on Sasuke since his episode in the clearing with the Oto-nin. It was nearing the end of the second day, and they would hopefully reach the tower by nightfall and be allowed to finally get some decent rest.

Chouji was keeping pace next to Shikamaru, he was clueless to what had transpired while he was unconscious. He had woken to a shaken looking Shikamaru, a crying Sakura hugging Sasuke, and another Konoha ninja wearing a green jumpsuit who seemed exhausted, but not too injured. He had asked Shikamaru what happened but just received a silent shake of the head in response, meaning he would tell him later. He decided now was a good time to get caught up. "So what happened back there?" he asked quietly so that Sakura and Sasuke couldn't hear him.

"While you were out, so was Sasuke. We got ambushed by the team from Otogakure, and things were looking troublesome, then Rock Lee showed up to help. Unfortunately Sakura and I were too exhausted to fight and he must have pulled a risky move cause he was barely able to stand after. Just when they were going in for the kill, Sasuke woke up and nearly took apart one at the arms. It was...not pleasant, and the look on his face, it reminded me of that Kusa-nin. You went down before this but it was apparently someone in disguise. He said his name was Orochimaru, that's the name of one of the Sanin. At the time I thought it had to be a bluff or something, but now I'm not so sure. He bit Sasuke and now there's a strange mark on his neck. When he woke up back there, markings were spread from his neck all over his face, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was going to kill anyone that got in his way." recounted Shikamaru keeping his voice low as well. "It's such a drag...we should have stayed out of this." That sinister feeling around Sasuke was gone, but he wasn't about to drop his guard around the Uchiha just yet.

Chouji had heard similar statements from Shikamaru in the past but this time it seemed different, he didn't sound like he was being lazy. He just nodded in response, there was no point in asking more. They would just have to hope Sasuke would keep it together.

Sakura was also keeping a silent watch over Sasuke. The mark on his neck wasn't visible, but every once in a while he would grip it tightly with a strained look on his face. She thought about asking everyone if they could take a break, but she knew their best bet was to make it to the tower soon so that they didn't end up fighting anyone else. The silence was bugging her more than anything, so much so that she wished Naruto was there, he would have fought with Sasuke or tried to cheer her up.

The sun had just set when they arrived at the tower, and still remaining silent, entered their designated door.

OoO

Eika watched as Naruto and Ino practiced the water walking technique, both were getting it very quickly after having it explained and shown to them. She smiled at the competition between the two. The life of a ninja was a harsh one, one that no child should have to bare, yet they seemed happy. It made her wonder if she had made the right choice to leave the ninja world behind. In her land, bloodlines such as hers had been considered too dangerous to be allowed to exist, so she had fled; become the wife of a farmer, and gave birth to a boy, knowing that he would likely be born with those same abilities. She should have left with her son when she was sure, to another village, or perhaps just further away from her homeland. Watching these two, hearing how her son had grown, how he had been happy in finding someone who needed him; She wasn't sure how she felt yet. On the one had she wanted to be angry with Naruto, he was part of the reason the search for her son had come to an end in the Land of Waves not long ago. On the other she couldn't help liking the boy who had said he could have been friends with her son, he even wished things could have been different. It wasn't his fault that Haku was dead, and he seemed very affected by his encounter with him. Her son was gone, but part of him remained in Naruto and to know he had found happiness in a life of hell, it was a strange reassurance. In Naruto and Ino she could see an opportunity to stop running and have a purpose, just as Haku had in Zabuza.

As night approached Eika joined them on the river. They had mastered the technique and had begun a sparring session to get used to the feeling of fighting while keeping a constant chakra flow directed to their feet. "You two did well." She said with a smile.

Ino bowed "Thank you Eika."

Naruto was smiling broadly. "Yeah thanks." He was happy to have learned something so cool. 'I bet Sasuke can't walk on water' He thought, hoping he'd get the chance to show off to his rival.

She wasn't sure why, but it seemed to Eika, that these two were hiding out here. And as long as they were, she decided she would help them out. "You're welcome, and if you'd like, I wouldn't mind teaching you more. If your mission is to train while you're here, I'd like to help if that's okay?"

"Really?!" Naruto asked excitedly.

Ino was surprised as well, she wanted very much to learn more and get stronger, but couldn't help being a little suspicious. Shinobi did not often train those they weren't associated with by clan or village, so an offer like this seemed too good to be true. "Do you mind if I ask why?" she queried.

A somber look came over Eika as she answered the young kunoichi. "Because I feel like I was meant to meet you both for a reason. I'm not sure myself yet, but I don't want to just leave you on your own."

Ino and Naruto looked at each other, before turning back to Eika. "Please train us Eika-sensei." they said in unison. It wasn't a difficult choice, they were told to train, and neither was sure how to progress on their own. Ino was still a bit suspicious, but better to learn what Eika had to teach if she was their potential enemy. Even if she wasn't, it was possible that the trackers were still looking for them.

'Haku, would you be happy right now I wonder?' She thought to herself looking down at her new students. "Very well, we will start tomorrow. Let's meet at the same place in the forest as before. Sleep well." she waved as they left towards town.

"See you tomorrow" they replied back. Once they were back inside Natsui, Ino turned towards Naruto. "So do you think we can trust her?" Eika seemed kind and caring, but she was a ninja, so there was no telling if she really meant them no harm. Naruto kept his eyes on where they were going but a serious look came on to his face which almost seemed out of place on him. "We may be using transformation and fakes names, but she could be too in order to get close to us."

"I think we can trust her. If she knows who we are, it's not like we can do anything about it. Besides I want to trust her, and that's good enough for me." He said the last part with the same confident smile he always had.

"Geez you're too easy going. But I guess I can't argue, I feel the same way." There was something about the woman that reminded her of her mother, she couldn't dislike her.

"Oh man I'm starving, want to get something to eat?" Asked Naruto.

The moment he brought it up, Ino could feel her stomach growl. "Sounds good to me. What did you have in mind?"

"I really could go for some Ichiraku Ramen, but I suppose I'll have to settle for whatever they have here." Naruto replied a little sullenly.

'If ramen is all he eats, it's no wonder he hasn't grown.' Ino thought with a smile. "Okay ramen it is." Though it was night, the town was still bustling, road side merchants peddling their wares, stores still open for business, there was a different feel here than in Konoha, but it wasn't unpleasant. They didn't have to search long until they found a ramen stall called Oishi Ramen.

It was tiny, but inside a wonderful aroma filled the air and many seats were already occupied. Ino and Naruto took two of the last few open seats and waited for the chef to address them. He was an older man wearing an apron and a cap over a mostly bald, head. He had a long, gray braided ponytail and long gray beard that he had tossed over his shoulder as he cooked. He took a moment away from his pot to take the order of the two children that just entered. "Welcome to Oishi Ramen, I'm Kohito. What can I getya youngsters?"

Naruto spoke up first. "Two miso flavored ramens with extra pork." Even though it wasn't Ichiraku, he was still eager to get his normal order.

"I'll have a miso flavored ramen, and a cherry tomato." Ino gave her order.

The old man took the money Naruto put on the counter and gave a quick nod before turning back to work. "Coming right up."

It wasn't long before they got their ramen. Naruto wasn't disappointed, this ramen didn't taste the same as Ichiraku, but it certainly wasn't bad. After they finished their meal, they decided to head back to the inn they were staying at to get some sleep in preparation for their training tomorrow.

OoO

Kakashi stood among a small group of friends and family of Inoichi for his daughters funeral service. He couldn't tell people that she wasn't dead without the possibility of tipping off anyone who might be tailing him. He was fairly confident that he wasn't being tailed, but best not leave things to chance. Though he couldn't 'say' anything to Inoichi, Kakashi knew the Yamanaka was skilled at reading minds, and planned to use this to alert him to his daughters 'safety.' The ceremony was short, with a speech from Ino's mother and Inoichi, along with a flower procession, and burning of incense. The silver haired Jounin felt a pang of sorrow for Naruto, even though he wasn't really dead, no such service had been held for him. Rather he'd heard words of relief from many of the villagers and even some of the shinobi.

Once most of the visitors had paid their respects, Kakashi caught up with Inoichi. "Sorry for your loss." said Kakashi and he griped the blond man's shoulder.

"Sorry for yours as well." Inoichi returned, a solemn look on his face. "I hadn't met your student but I knew of his reputation."

Kakashi gave a small smile behind his mask. "Yes he was definitely a wild card, but he was making great strides towards becoming an excellent shinobi."

"I see, all the more a pity that he couldn't reach his full potential. Thank you for coming."

"It's nothing." Kakashi held out his hand for Inoichi to take. On Kakashi's palm was a small charcoal kanji for 'alive' in reverse, he'd put it there as his signal, and kept it hidden throughout the service. Inoichi took Kakashi's hand in a firm grip. "I know it may not be the best time, but how about getting a drink with me? We can toast those we've lost." asked Kakashi while his hand was still locked with the other Jounin.

"Sorry maybe some other time." replied Inoichi.

"Yeah okay, I understand. Well if you change your mind, I'll be at the small bar down the street."

As Kakashi left, Inoichi glanced at his hand. It had felt like Kakashi was trying to keep a grip on him for longer than would have been necessary, and upon inspection he discovered why. Just beneath his index finger was a small charcoal copy of what must have been on Kakashi's hand; the kanji for 'alive.' Inoichi did his best to mask his emotions, he desperately wanted to chase after Kakashi and find out what the man knew or meant, but clearly he'd kept this covert for a reason, so Inoichi would follow suit. He inconspicuously wiped his palm clean on his dark kimono and waited until the rest of his guests finished paying respects.

OoO

Kakashi sipped some sake and waited patiently until he felt a presence sit next to him. "Change your mind?" He asked without looking.

"Yes, I decided I needed something to take my mind off this." Inoichi replied, ordering a glass of sake. 'You better not be pulling my leg Kakashi.' he thought to himself.

"On the contrary, I think we should always keep our thoughts on those who are no longer with us, and remember them fondly." replied Kakashi as he tapped his temple three times in hopes that Inoichi would get the hidden meaning.

"Ah I see your point." said Inoichi as he picked up Kakashi's signal and began using the Yamanaka's secret technique for reading minds. This would be difficult to keep up a conversation, but obviously that was Kakashi's intent.

'Can you hear my thoughts?' asked Kakashi. "Here's to the young, who passed on to soon." He said holding up his sake cup.

Inoichi toasted with him and took a sip. 'Yes, now what did your message mean?' "I remember when Ino first joined the academy, she was so happy. She'd talk about it everyday."

'I'll be brief, Ino and Naruto are alive, I'm certain. I can't go into full detail, but whatever is going on involves Shimura Danzo and one of the Hokage's ANBU, named Fuu. I'm fairly sure I got them out of the village, but I have no memory of it for some reason, so I don't know where they are.' "Naruto was the same way when he made Genin. Always begging for tougher missions." replied Kakashi.

Inoichi hid his hopes well. All this seemed too good to be true, but Kakashi wouldn't have gone to these measures just to deceive him. Unfortunately him taking these precautions also meant he wasn't likely to get much more info than he needed, which was alright by him, as long as he knew his daughter was okay for the time being, that was more than enough. He would have liked to dig deeper into Kakshi's psyche to find out why he was missing some of his memories, but that would have to wait. 'What can I do to help?' Inoichi would put his faith in Kakashi. "Hahaha yeah seems like all Genin are eager for action these days."

'They're still in danger, but I'm going to track them with my hounds after the second round of the Chunin exams. I'm sure I took precautions so that it wouldn't be easy to track them, but I WILL find them. In the meantime, I need you to find out who this Fuu is, and see what he knows without being detected. He wears a bird mask.' "Yeah, they grow up so fast."

Inoichi nodded in response and ended his mental link. They continued to banter late into the night, until Kakashi excused himself and they went their separate ways.

OoO

Kabuto waited near the tower, inside the Forest of Death. He was waiting for two things one; his teammates who he charged with getting the scroll they needed and two; his master, Orochimaru. A small smile came to his face as the latter appeared next to him without a sound. "What took you? I have some fascinating info for you. It appears little Sasuke survived you putting the curse mark on him. Better yet, he seems to take to the power quite well."

Orochimaru smiled. "Sorry, I was enjoying a long over due reunion. As for Sasuke, I knew that he would. I witnessed the power in his eyes first hand, they are truly magnificent. The sublime Sharingan will soon be within my grasp." replied the snake Sanin.

"Unfortunately I didn't gather much data while the curse mark was active, but what I do have is in here." said Kabuto as he tossed a ninja info-card to Orochimaru.

"Are you sure you want to be giving me this?" asked the Sanin humorously.

"What do you mean?" asked Kabuto.

"I mean, if you want to eliminate dear Sasuke, now is your opportunity." Orochimaru said coyly.

The thought had crossed Kabuto's mind a few times. Kabuto wanted the honor of being his master's new body, but he finally decided that he would make his master's desires his own. "I have no idea what you're talking about." said Kabuto shrugging and playing dumb.

"Fufufu, well keep an eye on dear Sasuke for me, he is my future." Orochimaru enjoyed toying with the bespectacled teen. He then vanished, leaving his subordinate behind.

'I've already made up my mind, Lord Orochimaru.' Kabuto thought to himself with a sinister smile.

OoO

Sasuke sat on his small bed gripping his neck. The strange mark was still burning like fire and had intensified a couple moments before he'd almost gone to sleep. He scanned the resting room, apart from team '17,' there was one other team who had finished before them; the team from Sunagakure. Two of their members lay resting in beds, while the third was nowhere to be seen. Shikamaru, Chouji, and Sakura were also getting much needed sleep. He didn't want anyone to see him in this state, so he was glad everyone was still alseep.

The scrolls had turned out to be a summoning, that summoned Asuma, who told them that they had passed the second round of the Chunin exams and a spiel about working on your weaknesses that Sasuke all but ignored. The only thing on Sasuke's mind was getting stronger, until he had no weaknesses, so the lecture was pointless.

Just as the pain began to subside and he laid back down, a strong killing intent surrounded him. His body reacted swiftly, pulling a kunai and looking for the threat. His eyes scanned the room once more and there on the ceiling above his bed was the third Suna-nin; a short, red haired boy with a large gourd strapped to his back. Even in the low light, Sasuke could see the dark look in his eyes, a look that screamed murder.

"You...what is your name?" He spoke quietly.

Sasuke didn't drop his guard. "Sasuke Uchiha, and you are?" Whoever this was, he definitely felt the strength about him.

"Gaara of the Sand. You have the same eyes...eyes that hate...eyes that want to kill." Said Gaara, malice filling his voice.

"What do you know?" spat Sasuke.

Sand burst forth from the gourd and began swirling around him. How he wanted to fight this one...it was making his blood boil. "I will fight you, and we will see who's hate is stronger. Mine or yours? The winner gets proof of his existence and the loser dies!" Before Sasuke could respond Gaara vanished in the swirling sand. 'Soon mother, soon I will give you strong blood.' He stood upon the roof of the tower, looking at the moon, forcing back his restlessness.

Sasuke was once again the only conscious one in the room, Gaara's words echoing in his head. Sweat beading on his brow as it brought back the memories of his brother. 'Your hate is not strong enough little brother.'

If he was going to kill his brother, this was the first hurdle that he would have to clear. Despite the dull pain in his neck and threat on his life a smile crept onto his face. 'I will get stronger, and then I'm coming for you, Itachi.'

OoO

Naruto sat on his bed looking over at the occupant of the next bed. He tried to fall asleep, but concern for his friend kept him up. He knew a thing or two about nightmares, and he was sure that Ino would be having them for a while to come and he wanted to be able to wake her as soon as possible. For now she was sleeping peacefully, but he was sure she would be having another nightmare, like a gut feeling. The moonlight entering through the window gave her fair face a serene glow. Naruto could feel his heart start beating faster as he continued to watch her. 'She is really pretty.' he thought to himself.

"I thought you only had eyes for that pink haired girl." came the Nine-tails voice in his head.

Naruto blushed and was glad Ino was sleeping. 'I don't...I mean I did...damn it, why are you talking to me now, yaknow?'

"No reason other than I'm bored. So what is this girl to you?" questioned the Nine-tails.

'Ino? She's my friend, I guess. Why?' replied a confused Naruto.

"Is that all? Stupid boy, I think you're developing feelings for her."

Naruto blushed once again. 'No, Ino is just my friend, that's all. The one I like is...Sakura.' Even as he thought this he began to wonder if it was true. He did like Sakura, but did he really like her that way still? He wasn't sure. 'Anyway, Ino is just my friend.'

"Tch, say what you will. Stup.."

'Why do you keep calling me 'stupid boy?!' I have a name, yaknow. I'm Naruto Uzumaki!' Naruto was starting to get sick of the Nine-tails belittling him.

"...Fine then, Naruto. You should look at your 'friend,' she's beginning to stir."

Naruto did as the Nine-tails said and found it to be true. Ino's face was beginning to contort in her sleep and slight whimpers escaped her lips. Naruto didn't have to wonder what she was seeing behind her closed eyes, the pain and fear was becoming evident on her face. He quickly left his bed and rushed to her side gently rousing her awake. "Ino, it's okay, come on, wake up." He didn't think to deeply about why, but he knew he never wanted to see Ino in pain.

OoO

So I'm hoping I made it glaringly obvious who will be their teacher. I have some interesting ideas for it, and maybe you'll see it coming, I don't know. I do hope it's not a commonly used idea in fics, so that my version of the Naruniverse is unique. As always I appreciate all reviews, please help me make a better story for you. If you haven't seen Big Hero 6 yet...GO SEE IT NOW!