A/N: Sorry for the wait! Here is my newest chapter of Codename Fox. Hope you like it. I wanted this kind of 'happy' scene in the middle. In the next chapter we will take a timeskip of an year.

A/N: I want to know your opinion. I have this poll going on and I want you to vote. Idea is simple. Will I write an ANBU arc? Its an few chapters long story of various missions that Naruto and Sai will complete. It will take time between the Uchiha massacare and two years before academy graduation. If you choose no, I will write one chapter if yes, at least four. Vote which you want.

A/N: Im looking for a beta. If interested, visit my forums. Requirements are listed under this storys thread.

A/N: One more thing, go youtube, search a video called: 'Naruto abridged' by MassakoX and Vegeta8639. Its hilarious! Just watch it and DONT take it seriously. Though, it does give you couple things to think about. Just watch it and laugh! You cant call yourself a Naruto fan if you havent seen that!

Anyway, enjoy this chapter (my longest so far, sorry!)

Remember to review!

Chapter 7: Beauty of the green tea

Three weeks has passed.

Naruto was sitting on his kneels on the patio in Tantas garden on the roof. He watched as Tanta poured some hot water to a cup. (A/N: Im interested in tea ceremonies but I have NO idea what happens during them so I will mainly skip them.) Naruto watched closely her hands movements. He could tell she was experienced. There was no single flaw in his eyes how her hand moved with grace from point to point.

"Now, Naruto-kun. You do it."

He nodded and started. He felt so terribly awful while trying his best to copy her movements. It had been three weeks sense he had started training tea ceremonies. It had first been mostly watching closely what Tanta did and then answering couple questions she asked. When it came his turn to take the lead, he had first knocked down the pot. Then he had poured too much hot water and cups had floated. Then he had tried mixing the tea with no luck. He had mixed it too much and tea had become too strong. Mistakes were made. And every time Tanta had rewarded his mistakes by throwing kunai at him. So it was good training in ninja arts as well. Two birds with one stone. Unfortunately for Naruto, Tanta was extremely accurate and had always hit exactly where she had wanted to. So the fact he wasn't dead meant only she still had some use for him cause he was sure he had made more than enough mistakes.

But no matter how he hated sudden nicks by kunai and shurikens or what ever weapons she might come up with (she had once used a bo-staff knocking him over) he kind of enjoyed it. It was hard, required a lot of concentration and he was never satisfied with his own work but it was also so relaxing in some way. He enjoyed the sweets he could make and drink the tea he himself poured. Everything just felt so… right. He really didn't care even if some guys in the HQ teased him a little about this (they didn't dare too much in fear of retribution). He simply couldn't care less. Aunt Hana had said he needed a hobby and had fully approved tea ceremonies. Danzo had only mildly snorted and said doing what he felt right long as it didn't go in front of his training.

Hana herself was glad of this. Training with Sai had truly opening him up more but boys' no-emotions-attitude had started rubbing onto Naruto. Still his emotional growth was going into right way. He smiled and even joked sometimes. He didn't run around as much as before (which pleased Danzo) and interacted with others more. Of course he kept his closest people still closer than others.

Like Itachi, he had started to seem like his own big brother who watched over him. Hakena as his big sister ever sense they had started playing shamisen together once in a while. Shiyaku taught him ways of the shogi. One of the requirements of both Danzo and Hana was to teach him some tactics as well. Naruto liked playing it but was a bit ticked about mans attitude. It was like he had no other words than 'wonderful' in his vocabulary.

Tenzo was one of his favorite peoples. Of course he couldn't understand it but presence of mans Mokuton skills, calmed him down and seemed always help with his chakra control and other stuff. It was like, he didn't know what 'silence' meant unless Tenzo stood next to him. Chadao was something that Naruto had read from a book called; cool cousin. His lazy childish attitude and love for pranks always got his attention. Kakashi had visited him couple of times sense his transfer but mans lazy but cold attitude was somewhat a bother. Of course man carried with himself dozens of jutsu scrolls and some of them 'accidentally' ended into his hands. So he couldn't help but love the man.

Yet his there were three person who were closer than others by far.

Sai, who left his side rarely. Only to his own training or for a mission (A/N: boy is praised to be strongest of his generation in manga! I believe he can do some kind of missions). Naruto didn't really care even if he couldn't win or even harm him if he just could spar and fight with him. Sai was what people called: 'best friend' to him and he was happy about it. Even if either of them had only vague understandings of the term (A/N: in my story Naruto is much more mentally traumatized than in canon). To him it meant the feeling he had after long day of spar. To Sai it meant… he really didn't understand it at all. He had this weird light smirk he had tried copy from Naruto which scared shit out of adults really. He had only used once when Naruto had complemented his artwork. Unfortunately, dojo was packed at the moment and most of the battle hardened ANBU left the room leaving very confused boys alone.

Second person was Hana. She was definitely his most important person even if he really didn't understand it himself. She was always taking care of him. Made sure he studied, ate and washed himself properly. Was his mother. Even though he never understood it like that, she always felt like it. Narutos happiness was most important to her and tried her best to prepare him for his definitely-going-to-be-hard life as a Jichuuriki. And if Naruto was more open to people around him (or to ANBUs) he was definitely more open with her. He had started sharing about his life experiences. His fears for being hated and beaten. His fears of being weak. His fears of being alone. His anger. Anger towards people who hated him for no reason. Anger for himself being weak and not being able to defend himself. Anger for few people who liked him who allowed this. Happiness being found. Happiness of getting stronger. Happiness of being not alone anymore.

Those feelings had swirled around his mind ever since he had arrived to the base over a year ago. They had bottled up. Making him feel more and more anxious of his surroundings. So one day they had been in the library again. She was preparing for yet another difficult surgery. Sai was training with his fellow roots so they were alone.

Hana had been in the middle of making some notes when he had done it for the first time. She had almost fallen from her chair by the power of the shock when he said how his life was in the orphanage. How he had been treated. How he had hated it. How he had more than few time wanted to attack all the caretakers there. All the other children. How he had cried himself to sleep almost every night.

When he had ended Hana had realized two things. One, she was definitely going to visit this orphanage later on with Anko and cause few… accidents. Not lethal. Just something that would scare shit out of them. And two, she needed to hug him.

After the hug, she asked the question which had been on his mind ever since the beginning of his story.

"Why did you start telling me this now? Is there something wrong?" She asked from him.

"You told me that I could always talk to you, didn't you?"

"Of course. And that offer still stands and always will. And Im happy that you did." Hana smiled. "Too many great ninjas suffer mental breakdown when they bottle up those feelings for too long. Remember to trust your love ones once in a while. They can help you through worst kind of pain." There was a pause. "But why now? What made you do that now?"

"I read this." He slipped his hand into pocket and draw small book. It cover said; 'Guidelines of enemy emotions.' "I got it from Sai."

"What Sai-kun needed this?" She asked flipping through pages.

"He said Im so complicated that he needed some help and said that books could help me too. I was bored so I read it." Naruto grinned wide. Just like tragedy story he called life never happened.

Hana wasn't sure if she should be glad or mortified. Naruto wanted to open up. But he sought help from books. It was a worrying thought.

But he opened up and that was most important now. There would be time.

Third one of his closest people was Danzo. Man had taken keen interest of his progress. Or so he said. Every once in a while they would meet. It was most relaxing time for both of them. For some reason, they both acted completely natural with each other. All their masks fell of soon as the doors were closed behind the boys back. Most of their time they spend playing shogi or go. It wasn't like games with Shiyaku. This was completely pure socializing. While moving their peaces, they spoke with each other about things. And when said things, they never really stick with one thing. They would first speak of his training and then the boy would ask him about something about the village. He would answer and then ask him how things in the HQ were working? He would report, not gossip. Women gossiped. Men told stories or reported. The boy would gos- report most important matters and so they would go on. For Naruto it was something he had always thought father-son moment to be.

One of these moments happened when Danzo had just come from a yet another useless council meeting.

They sat in his dim lighted office playing shogi. Naruto had just told him about Sai's very unexpected maneuver which granted him the victory of the match… again.

"And then he just round-house-kicked me and I was kissing the floor. Again." He said hint of bitterness in his voice. It did help that he licked his lollipop to relax. "How come he is so strong? Or am I just weak?"

"He is fruit from my work." Bandaged man answered. "Perfect ANBU. No emotions. No goals. No past. Nothing except pure obedience."

"And that's what makes him strong?" The boy asked not believing a word. "That's a load of bull."

"Language." The councilman scolded him. "Then why do you think he is so strong?"

"He must have gotten more training than me!" Naruto said accusingly. "Or he must know some strange jutsu that makes him stronger… or something. It's so stupid." He muttered lollipop between his lips.

"People are stupid." Danzo pointed out moving another peace. "Just think about it. They attacked the son of their greatest hero knowingly only because you had reminded them of their own weakness and uselessness."

"I guess… that's true." He muttered.

"It is. Anyway, is it true when they say that you practice tea ceremonies?"

"Yes. So what?" The boy narrowed his eyes. "Is there something wrong about it?"

"Well… I guess nothing. But, you do understand that tea ceremonies are more… feminine art than. Like playing shamisen or arranging flowers."

"I like playing shamisen and I help a lot with the garden." Naruto said confused. "What 'feminine art' means anyway?"

"It's…" 'Why on earth Im trying to explain about differences of girls and boys? Im a councilman of Konoha for Kamis sake! I don't have time for that.' "Something you should ask from Akahana-san. Checkmate." He moved last piece ending the game. "Maybe this… 'gathering' will open your eyes on the matter as well."

"Huh?" Boy was confused.

"Never mind." Danzo muttered. Sometimes he felt so old when with this boy.

His training as shinobi was going at its own moderate pace.

Itachi, Hakena and Tenzo had tried their best in improving his chakra control with several exercises normally demonstrated first when becoming a genin like tree walking and water walking. They had used Hanas training equipment but he had problems even with easiest task yet. The ball he was introduced first time which reacted on chakra. He had never been able to hold his chakra level at one point for long. His concentration usually was disturbed when his red chakra reached his brain. Hakena had in several occasions watched through his body with Byakugan and tried to figure out something that would help.

She had even gone as far as browsed through Hyuuga library for similar cases. They had large storages of scrolls of people who had interesting chakra coils. Like this one man couple decades ago whose coils had been severely damaged when he was a young boy so he couldn't use any ninjutsu but still had been able to reach highly respected place among fellow shinobis. Hyuuga records hold describes of thousands of people. Some had underdeveloped others overdeveloped. Some who couldn't use chakra and others who could use excessive amounts of chakra even if their coils seemed intact. And in most cases they had even described ways of fixing their problems. Unfortunately to most of these people, they weren't a Hyuuga. If you weren't a Hyuuga, they didn't care. Luckily Hakena found few cases exactly like Narutos. Jichuurikis with terrible control. She would show these to Hana. Perhaps these would help them with their own problem.

Tenzo was almost every time present during his ninjutsu trainings. It was something to calm down couple geezers who even though silenced effectively, didn't stop making accuses and demands regarding the boy. They were ignored for most part. Tenzo was there only so Hokage could say with clear conscious that he was using his bests methods keeping Kyuubi under control. And Naruto always improved in training by calming his tenant down a bit.

Itachi just tried his best teaching Naruto how to control chakra. It seemed he had some level of control. It had been clear to him when they had been trying once to pull his chakra. Naruto had tried his best to control his chakra level but failed miserably. Then Itachi had a thought. "What if you would use most of your chakra leaving only fraction of your current capacity, would that help at all?"

Naruto shrugged. "It does sound logical. But how I spend my reserves?"

"Good question. I guess we could try and exercise until you're exhausted." He shrugged. "Because you don't know any jutsus…" He looked up to young boy who had just finished hand sings and took a deep breath. He exhaled small fire ball which almost hit the dojos walls. Itachi quickly formed jumped ahead of it and waved it off. Ball didn't even burn his hand before it disappeared. But that wasn't what chocked him. The boy had just used a jutsu! He wasn't even supposed to know a single one. That destructive even less. Even though it was only hardly size of the boys head, it was still impressive when you thought his control. But when he watched as the boy panted like he had just run a marathon, he realized two things. His control wasn't any better than before and what boy lost in control he replaced it with vast amounts of chakra.

He would have continued making assessments if Naruto had dropped practically dead on the floor. So even great powerhouse could run down sometimes? That night Naruto would sleep on the infirmary. Lucky for both of them, Hana was out of town then so they could keep this incident between the two of them.

So three weeks after Naruto had started learning tea ceremonies, he was on that patio with Tanta doing his best to impress her. He didn't know what but he had this endless need to prove himself to people around him. Especially to those who taught him.

They had just ended the most difficult part of the ceremony and reached to more pleasant part. Chattering.

"I have a question." Naruto said slowly.

"Yes?"

"Aren't tea ceremonies usually practiced indoors?"

"Yes. But because my garden yet lacks proper housings we must be satisfied with this patio. And besides…" She looked around the flowerbeds. "I enjoy this more than indoor ceremonies."

Naruto nodded understanding.

"And besides-" He looked up. "out here I can teach you properly." She threw yet another kunai. It didn't hit him anywhere but he could feel the cool breeze following it.

"Do you know who are coming?" He asked changing the subject.

"Lets see…" Tanta thought for a minute. "At least Hyuuga Hitami and her daughter Hinata. She is your age so you just know." She gave him knowing wink but got back only a confusedly tilted head. "But you're too young to understand that of course. Anyway, Inuzuka Tsume and her daughter Hana are also coming. She is few years older than you. She is already in the academy. She will be genin in few years time."

"Who else?" Naruto slowly pulled out a pink lollipop.

"Yamanaka Aoisora and her daughter Ino may be coming. Im not certain, she is very busy with her flower shop. Tamaromito Nasera and her daughter Kagome. Nasera-san is a clan head and the daughter is already a chunin. And Uzuki Miyugao and her younger sister Yugao. The older is already a jonin and the younger is a soon to be a chunin. Yuhi Keemirai and comes with her niece, Kurenai. Keemirai has retired from active duty and is full time councilmember when her niece is called a prodigy in her clan."

"Anyone else?" Naruto asked nervously.

"Not sure. Maybe." Then she saw him sucking his lollipop with shaking hands. "Don't worry. We conceal your true appearance so no one will find out the truth."

"How? With a genjutsu?" He asked sceptically. With room full of kunoichis he didn't believe one would go undetected. Especially when ANBUs genjutsu specialist had died two weeks ago and others were on missions.

"No." She shook her head. "As I said, Yuhi Kurenai is genjutsu specialist and is fast earning the title of a prodigy and becoming one of the best in Konoha. We have… another way. It's a standard procedure for undercover ANBU."

"… what?"

"For that, we must see your aunt." Tanta smirked.

"Huh?"

"Let's forget that for now. More importantly, what have I said about eating lollipops during the ceremony?" She threw a kunai cutting the stick. He gulped in surprise and round sweet ball rolled down his throat blocking his air. Naruto jumped up and started running around in panic.

Luckily Hana had been walking to the garden just now meaning to ask how their practice was going. When she saw Naruto running out-of-character-way wildly towards her, her alarms started ring in her head. "What's wrong?" She asked quickly. He started pointing his throat time after time. "There's something in your throat?"

"Of course not!" Tanta smiled happily and slapped into Narutos back painfully. Pink ball shot out of his mouth hitting directly a bridge over Hanas nose.

"Ow!" She screamed quietly. "What the f…" She mumbled something that Naruto didn't quite understand. "What's going on?" She asked after finally calming down.

"I taught Naruto-kun what should not be eaten during the ceremony." Brunette smiled and patted his back gently. "Didn't I, Naruto-kun?"

He gulped. "I-I understand." He muttered silently.

"Naruto-kun, we must get going. Its time of your lessons."

Naruto nodded and turned around. "Thank you for having me." He said formally and bowed.

"Wait!" Tanta stopped them quickly. "I just remembered that I need your measures."

"Measures?" He frowned. "What you mean?"

"She means size of your clothes so she can get a kimono for you." Hana answered on her behalf.

"A kimono? You mean fancier clothes? Why?"

A kunai nicked his neck slightly. "I've told you the reason already."

Naruto thought quickly. "Man must be on his best when attending the ceremony."

"Exactly." Tanta smiled. "Now, Hana-san what are Naruto measures?"

While she was giving her his measures, he was starting to feel more and more restless. He would have to leave the base after being safely inside for so long the gathering was held at small tea house. It was near ANBU base but still outside the fence which separated the base from outside world. It was outside so it was dangerous. Unconsciously he pulled a purple lollipop.

He flinched when he felt hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Hana smiling there gently. "Is everything okay?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't be?" Naruto asked. "Shall we?"

"Naruto-kun," She stopped him. "I understand if you don't want to go outside the base and you don't have to. Im sure that Tanta-san will understand." Hana said gently.

"B-but I promised to Tanta-san." He whispered. "This means so much to her. And she has helped with my gusari and kinjutsu so much. I feel like… I have to pay her back. And…"

"Don't start thinking like that." Hana said firmly. "You don't have anything to payback to anyone of us. We have helped because we wanted to. And also… you will join the force soon enough. Then you will fight side by side with us and save our lives. Isn't that like saving money for tomorrow?"

"I…guess. But I promised." Naruto said with sudden fierceness in his voice. "And I never go back in my word."

"Did you just make that up?" Hana asked amused.

"… maybe." He scratched back of his head sheepishly.

"I think you have read that book 'Gutsy ninja' few too many times already." She mused as they walked down the stairs happy that Naruto had still some child inside him. No matter how strong he was or how much he trained and practiced these different arts, he was still five year old boy. Most five year olds would be running around with their friends. But then again, most five year olds didn't carry enormous demon inside them.

"But I like it." Naruto muttered still licking his lollipop. "Jiraiya-sama must be a real genius."

Hana frowned to this remembering the white haired Sannin. Man was an idiot only interested in naked women and porn. True, he was one of the few people who actually sparred with Minato but still. He was a pervert. He himself said so. She mentally frowned when she thought Naruto being taught by him. Idea of his innocent, naive nephew running around hot springs peeking through peepholes was disgusting. She taught it hard to believe Minato had been the same if little more discreet about it. At least he hadn't been running around ogling under every passing woman's skirts. She smiled when she remembered how it all had come to an end.

Kushina had been at the hot spring alone when she had felt like someone was watching her. She had pulled out a kunai (god knows from where) and quickly ambushed the man. Surprise, surprise it had been Minato. After few hours of arguing, her wanting to castrate him and him defending the rights of the men in need, some hot and passionate love making they exited the hot springs separately. After that, Minato had stopped peeping (mostly).

Rest of the week went by like before. Training, studying, sparring, playing shogi and shamisen, practicing tea ceremonies and reading books. There was this one thing that became visible to rest of the people in the base. Naruto was far more fidget and licked lollipops almost constantly. Hana was starting to think it was more some kind of an obsession more than children's normal hunger for sugar.

So finally the day came. It was a normal Sunday for the village of Konoha but important day for group of kunoichis. That day people from different families and clans would meet together and show their next generation to others (and boast about them on the side). Originally this meeting was created so wives of clan heads and other important people could meet daughters of other clans (and start forming plans for marriage with their own sons). It wasn't unheard of that there was a boy attending the party. It was just irregular. Mostly because clan heads didn't want their sons spend time for something as useless as tea ceremonies. And most of the boys really didn't like it at all. Naruto… he wasn't one of the most, that was for sure.

So early Sunday, Naruto was sitting on his bed looking at the fancy kimono he had been given. He had tried it on few times. It felt… tight and made him feel himself like a butterfly. In short, uncomfortable. But as Tanta had said, he dressed it in a way he was taught. It was bright blue, fitting to his eyes. It had Uzumaki-clan symbol on its back in deep red colour. He looked himself from a mirror and frowned. Tanta and Hana had said hundred things about his hair. It unruliness, dirtiness, shagginess etc. It seemed to be the only place which Naruto didn't care about that much. It was because he had long learned it was lost cause when trying controlling his hair.

There was soft knock on the door.

"Naruto-kun, are you ready?" Tantas voice asked gently.

He took a deep breath and walked outside. Tanta was waiting with Hana, Hakena, Itachi and Sai. Her entourage were in full battle armours, masks on side of their heads. Danzo had commanded Sai and Itachi to protect Naruto near. Hana and Hakena would stay near the area, patrolling at the same time.

"You look so handsome." Hana smiled little proudly.

"Yes he does." Hakena nodded in her cool Hyuuga-like-manner. "If only he could play shamisen as good as he looks then I would be satisfied."

Naruto ignored the remark and looked over Sai and Itachi. Itachi was slightly snickering. He often teased him about his 'girly hobby' but unfortunately after every joke Naruto would only watch him somewhere between confusion and curiosity.

Sai only calculated with his cold face as usual. "That dress is unpractical."

"I agree." Naruto agreed trying his best to move. "I feel so… visible."

Hana smiled. "It's a kimono. Not battle armour."

Tanta nodded approvingly. "Looks perfect. Expect your hair. Can't you do anything to it?"

He shook his head.

"Cant be helped I guess. Did you remember to wash yourself with that shampoo I gave you?" After he nodded, she turned to red haired medic. "Good. We don't want to Inuzuka ladies to find your scent. Now, your turn."

Hana bent to her level. "Naruto-kun, in order to hide your most distinguish features which could give you away, we must do some procedures to you. You understand?" He nodded. "Good. We will change your hair colour and cover your cheeks with clan tattoos. Okay? These changes are only temporary and easy to remove."

Naruto nodded.

"Good. Now, let's start." She raised her hands making few hand sings. Her hand started glowing green and he touched his hair. He didn't see it himself but he could feel something happening. Like light sense of tingling through his hair. When it stopped he looked up. "I like it." Lone stroll of hair landed between his eyes. It was light brown with just a hint of dark red together. He didn't know but it was the hair colour of his grandfather. Hana thought it made him look less like his father and brought up more of his mothers figures. "Then the clan markings." She took an inkbottle from her pockets and bit her thump. She poured some of her blood into the ink. Then she touched with her fingers. With swift moves she painted his cheeks with dark red flames (A/N: if you wonder why flames and not spirals like 'Uzumaki' should have, it won't work if you ask me. I start thinking about Chouji and when I think Naruto having same marking on his cheeks… it just don't work if you ask me), covering his whisker marks.

Hana took a step back and tried her best keep her emotions in check. From spitting image of Minato, Naruto had transformed into look-a-like of her father. Father, head of Uzumaki clan. Father, who had disowned her. Father, who she hated from depths of her heart. In fear of Naruto noticing this she turned around quickly. "Perfect." She sounded happy and smiled over her shoulder focusing in his eyes. "Just like true heir of Uzumaki clan." 'Which you are.'

Naruto was confused. Something had happened when Aunt Hana had finished. Her attitude changed completely. For a moment there was… no. That's impossible. Aunt Hana loved him. Aunt Hana took care of him. Aunt Hana said so often. Aunt Hana had to love him. There was just no way he would hate him. There must be something with his appearance. Yes. That must be it!

Tanta observed him with calculating eyes for long moment. Walked around him, corrected something she saw off place, tried for six times to correct his hair and checked if he had those blasted lollipops anywhere (she found four of them) before she gave approving nod.

"Let's go." She smiled and started to lead him to the roof. "Remember, if you feel like you can't take it anymore just place your hand to your stomach and grunt. I will ask you if anything is wrong and the only thing you have to do is complain a stomach ache. We will be back in two minutes."

Hana nodded and smiled though acting little uneasy. "We will be with you all the time. If anything happens, we will protect you."

Naruto started to feel more fidget with all the extra attention he was having. He was… happy of it. But made him feel if he was worthy of all it.

They were on the roof and four ANBU fighters placed their masks on. "Robin, may I have a word with you." Tanta whispered and nodded away. They stood near before she started talking. "Is this really good idea? Disguise him as an heir of Uzumaki clan? What about if someone will connect the threads and secret is revealed?"

"It was originally my idea but Danzo-sama approved it." Robin said with formal voice. When an ANBU covered his/her faces with their mask, their attitude changed like a switch. Slowly Robin removed her mask. "It was known fact that Hina-chan was pregnant. And that she was the heiress of the Uzumaki clan. But only hand full of people knew father of that child. And everyone who knew this, have already died or are currently in the ANBU or other way silenced by Hokage and Danzo." Single tear fell down her cheek. "Nobody ever even considered the fact that she was the mother of Minato-kuns son. But he was his son. And they attacked him. They hated him."

"Shuush." Tanta calmed her down. "It's all in the past. Im sure Naruto-kuns disguise is perfect. And besides, if we're lucky, Naruto-kun is engaged before end of the evening."

"T-tanta-san! You're not trying to marry my nephew to this village's princesses. He deserves something far better."

"It was a joke. A joke." Tanta laughed. "Anyway, we must be going." She turned away nervously. 'Sometimes that woman needs to let loose.' She walked back to the group. "Chadao-san should be here…"

"Yo!" Young man appeared next to them. "What's the good word?" Sparrow masked man asked cheerfully.

"Sparrow." Everyone greeted. "Right on time."

"Always for my beautiful lady." Man removed his mask revealing his smiling face before kneeling before Robin. "Please, go out with me."

"Sparrow-san." Robin said warningly.

"Yeah, yeah. It's not like I carry a plague or something." Chadao muttered and turned to Naruto. "Naruto! Is that you? Damn, you look different. I hardly recognized you. Brown hair really suits you. And those flames make you look very cool." He turned his attention back to Tanta. "Are you trying to find him a girlfriend today?"

"No." She shook her head politely. "But we really need to get going. Do you have enough chakra left?"

"Yes. I can easily shushin Naruto to that location. Someone else needs to pick him up though." He placed his mask back on. Chadao had larger reserves than a normal person so shushining two peoples at once wasn't that hard task for him. "Let's go." He placed his hand over Narutos shoulder and formed hand seals before they both disappeared with a swirling leafs. Others followed suit.

To Naruto, his first shushin was something else. His eyes tried to follow sudden movements but it was futile. He could hardly breath, was starting to feel nauseous. And then it ended. He felt like hitting the wall suddenly. He would have fallen to the ground without Chadaos firm grip. They had ended up small alley alone.

"It's always little difficult for first timers." Chadao smirked when Naruto quickly started emptying his stomach where he was standing. Another 'puff' and Tanta appeared next to them.

"Are you okay, dear?" She asked.

"Y-yes."

"Then try not to get your kimono dirty. I wouldn't want to others smell you vomit when we enter."

She gave him few minutes to stabilize himself before Chadao left with shushin and they entered the main street.

First Naruto kept his face deep in the ground. Not lifting his face at all. His fear was that he was recognized. That people would start chasing him again and throwing rock at him. And also his haven of ANBU base would come to an end.

He was starting feel panic. He wanted a lollipop. He needed a lollipop. He went through his kimono searching if he had anything left. His hands moved fast around his body trying to locate anything but it was useless. Passer-by's smiled at this. Small five year old boy nervous. Cute.

Then he felt gentle touch on his shoulder. "Don't worry." Tanta whispered. "Mikato Namikaze is dead. You're Naruto Uzumaki. Heir of Uzumaki clan, visiting the village for the first time with your aunt who is your guardian. Your aunt and I are good friends and you have offered to accompany me to this meeting."

Naruto looked up and nodded.

He kept his face to the ground even if he had calmed down. He watched around. Konoha hadn't changed much sense his last time there. Expect people were a lot nicer to him than before. When he accidentally bumped into this man he flinched back expecting him to start shouting and beating but was surprised when he was only petted in the head. "Watch were you're going, boy." Man smiled kindly and walked away. He couldn't believe his ears. When they walked pass a booth which sold toys, kind hearted woman offered an little teddy bear for him. He only shook his head quickly and walked away.

It was so strange. Confusing. All he remembered from outside world was hate, pain and fear. He was always treated like dirt. Now, people actually smiled at him. Some talked to him. Group of young girls actually waved at him and started to giggle. It was so strange. But then again, it wasn't him who they smiled. They smiled to Naruto Uzumaki. Heir of a clan. Not to Mikato Namikaze, son of Yondaime, Jichuuriki and the vessel of the Kyuubi no Kitsune.

They were half way there. They could have arrive directly to tea house where the gathering was held but people who had been concerned about Narutos mental health (namely Hokage, Hana, Tanta etc.) had wanted him to experience little life outside.

Tanta gently touched his shoulder. He looked up to her. "There," She motioned forward. "is the councilman Fugakus Uchihas wife. Mikoto Uchiha and her younger son, Sasuke."

Naruto watched this couple. Woman was carrying her shoppings and was smiling to a little boy who walked happily by her side.

"Tanta-san! How nice it is to see you." Woman smiled as she noticed the duo. "I haven't seen you for a while. ANBU captain duty must be hard. And who is this?"

"Hello, Mikoto-san." Tanta bowed formally and Naruto copied her. He had learned one universal rule how to survive unfamiliar situations. Copy like a monkey. "Yes, it has been a while, hasn't it? Yes, being a captain has its faults. This is Naruto Uzumaki-kun." The boy bowed politely again. "He is visiting Konoha with his aunt who is a good friend of mine."

"But isn't today the meeting of the kunoichi family tea ceremony? I thought you would be joining them?"

"Yes. Today is and I am participating also. Little Naruto-kun here, as my guest." Tanta smiled to Uchihas mild surprise. "I haven't seen you for a while in our gatherings? Why's that?"

"Im sorry Tanta-san, but my husband has asked me to spend more time home. And either Sasuke-kun or Itachi-kun doesn't really care for tea ceremonies. Like most of the boys."

"Yes, I understand that. But Naruto-kun here isn't a like most of the boys." She looked to her side.

Naruto and Sasuke were having staring contest. Sasuke hadn't ever seen this boy who had this polite and confident smile on his face (A/N: think Sai's smile from shippuden). And those tattoos! They were so lame. And he is practicing tea ceremonies! Aniki always said it was girly hobby. This guy was girly!

Naruto could see Itachi in Sasuke. Expect not the same talent or coldness. This boy was… warm. Yet there was this Uchiha aura around him which didn't disappear. He had this arrogant smirk around his happy face. At that moment Naruto knew, he knew, he had met the only Uchiha he would like.

"We must be off now." Tanta smiled and grabbed Narutos shoulder gently. "We are almost running late. Let's have tea some times in the future, okay?"

"Okay. Sure." Mikoto smiled and waved her hand. They walked to separate directions.

"You did well, Naruto-kun." She complemented his face. "Especially your smile."

"Thank you, Tanta-san." Now brown haired boy smiled a bit more sincerely. "Is this it?" He asked pointing the tea house near them.

"Yes. And it seems that we aren't the only people arriving little late. Hey there, Tsume-san. Hana-chan." She smiled to two Inuzukas who were walking. They had left their dogs behind today. "How're you two today?"

"Yo! Tanta." Inuzuka clan head smirked and raised her hand. "Nice day."

"Yes isn't it. Naruto-kun, these are Inuzuka Tsume and her daughter Hana." She introduced them. "This is Naruto Uzumaki." And once again he heard his 'story' told.

"That's nice." Tsume nodded boldly after hearing his reason being there. "I wish I had such good behaving children as well. My boy is a total brat."

Tanta giggled. "Reminds me of someone I knew in the pass."

"S-shut up!" Tsume looked away embarrassed. "Let's get inside. There must be a lot of people who you want to shock with this."

As they walked younger Inuzuka couldn't take her eyes of him. Or to be more specific, from his clan markings. She thought they were so cool. Flames! She hadn't seen that kind of markings before. 'Wonder if he likes dogs? How long is he going to be staying in town? Does he want to be a ninja? He's not a academy student yet, is he?'

They walked inside. Naruto noticed several women inside already. Naruto was introduced to all of them. He got to know several clan heads or otherwise powerful kunoichis. Participating clans were Inuzuka, Yuhi, Uzuki, Hyuuga, Tamarito and Soujiro. Other clans were either unable to come or didn't practice tea ceremony. One of the present pairs got Narutos attention.

"Naruto-kun, this is Hyuuga Hitami and her daughter Hinata." Tanta introduced her.

"Greetings, Naruto-kun." Gentle looking Hyuuga woman smiled to him. "How nice it is to see some boys taking up to tea ceremonies. Here is my daughter Hinata-chan. Don't mind about her. She is a bit shy." She practically pushed her in to him. "Hinata-chan, don't be rude. Introduce yourself."

It was now when Naruto noticed something small behind her back. It had dark blue hair and pale-eyes. And it seemed extremely good in stealth techniques. "H-h-hi." Came a low whisper. "I-Im H-h-hinata. N-n-nice to m-meet y-you."

"Nice to meet you too." He bowed politely keeping his polite smile up. "It's always a pleasure meet an heiress of a Hyuuga clan."

Hinata made weak 'eep' sound and buried herself to her mothers' kimono to hide her blush. "T-t-thank you. I-i-it's nice to m-meet you t-too." She whispered.

"Naruto-kun here is an heir of Uzumaki clan." Tanta said placing her hand over his shoulder.

"Uzumaki clan…" Hitami whispered thoughtful. "Related to Kushina Uzumaki?"

"Correct. Naruto-kun is her son."

"I thought she and her unborn baby both died… during that disaster." Hitami narrowed her eyes doubtfully.

Both Naruto and Tanta had been prepared for this. Their faces didn't even flinch. "That's true." Naruto suddenly spoke with pleasant voice. "My mother died in Kyuubi attack. Just day after I have born. Because the hospital was destroyed, everyone just presumed that my mother and I had both died. Fortunately my aunt had come from our clan to persuade her to return. Unfortunately my mother was too weak to survive such travel and Kyuubi breathing into neck, she gave me up to her."

"I see…" Hitami muttered. Others had been listening also. All of the older ones were a bit surprised. Kushina had been known of her skills and her pregnancy had been total surprise to everyone. No one knew who the father was. And she never said it. "If he won't come here with flowers and LOOOT of chocolates he just may stay away. That idiot." She had always said. Now, after years of silence he comes back claiming being her son. "If you don't mind me asking, why haven't we heard of you before? Kushina-chan was a friend of mine and it is a surprise to hear of you after all these years."

"My aunt never really told me about my past before just recently. I wanted to see this village my mother saw good enough to be called her home. And my aunt was sent here as our clans representative so I… tagged along."

"I see." Hitomi nodded somewhat satisfied. Then she turned to others. "Well, because everyone is here now, why don't we start the ceremony? Im sure everyone has a lot to share about but let's wait until after the ceremony."

"Yes." Others agreed and they proceed to ceremony (A/N: again because I don't really know anything about tea ceremony I won't write about it. I will just simply jump over it.)

Tea ceremony was a success. First the younglings would show what they knew. And then adults. It was another surprise how well Naruto did manage his ways during his part. Others did better or worse. Hinata almost ruined her act by shaking fingers.

Adults did next. Nothing worth of comment there.

It had come to an end of the ceremony and people were talking leisurely together.

"That's sounds great, Yugao-chan." Tanta smiled to purple haired chunin. "If all your missions end up such success, you will have great future ahead of yourself. Have you considered being an ANBU?"

"Well… I…" Young girl, Uzuki Yugao was startled. Such praise from ANBU captain was… practically every shinobis dream. "Thank you…"

"Don't worry yourself." Older female waved her hand. "You still have few years time to earn some experience. Then we talk again."

"Thank you, very much!" Yugao bowed formally. "I will think about it."

In the mean time, another younger group was talking among themselves.

"And then we… kissed." Kurenai whispered the story of her first kiss to Hana and Kagome. They both squealed little.

"How amusing." Naruto muttered to himself zipping some tea. So far everything had gone by the plan.

"I-I t-think it was ro-romantic." Hinata whispered.

Naruto blinked and looked at her. She suddenly shot her face to the ground. When she see took quick glance up, he was again smiling his polite smile. "I guess so. Hinata-chan, is everything alright?"

"W-why y-you a-ask?" Hinata whispered. "I-im n-nothing b-but a f-failure. N-not s-strong. N-not s-smart. N-not e-even w-worthy o-of t-title of h-heiress."

"Why not?"

"I-im n-not like you." Hinata whispered weakly. "I-I don't h-have s-same c-confidence a-as you d-do. S-same g-grace or will. Sa-same s-smile. I-Im n-nothing but a we-weakling and re-reason of e-everyone's m-misery."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Has something happened, that would make you think that?"

Hinata looked up to Narutos closed-eyes-smile. Somehow she felt like telling the story of her kidnapping and uncle. How she felt like all happiness had left the house when her uncle had died. How her cousin hated her. Her father mostly ignored her. Only her mother was smiling to her but her mother was acting more and more sick lately. Ever since her baby sister had been born.

"That sucks." Naruto nodded. He really didn't what else to say. "Do you want that last bun?" So he offered her last sweet.

Hinata turned away from confused Naruto so he didn't see her blushing.

Adults watched this interact with greatest interest. "Isn't that cute." Hitomi smiled. "You got yourself a cute little man, Tanta-san."

"Yes. Thank you. And what about you? Your daughter is only barely five and is already head over heels in him. Of course he is too dense to realise that."

Hitomi smiled and walked to two younglings. "You two seem quite close with each other." She smiled to her daughter who blushed. "Tell me, Naruto-kun, do you dream of a career of a shinobi?"

"Huh?" He asked. "What you mean?"

"You are trained? As an heir of a clan, you must be trained. So, will you became a ninja? Like your mother?"

Naruto thought for a minute. "I… really don't know. To me it's more like an… expected than chose really." He laughed sheepishly. "But yes, Im going to be a ninja."

'Figures. All clan heirs are practically forced into academy.' "So, *cough, cough* are you going to join academy then? Our little Hinata-chan here will be beginning next year. Will she be seeing you in the class?"

"I… doubt that. I will most likely get a lot of home tutoring." He smiled politely again. "My clan lives far away and I doubt that our they be ready to join the village completely." He failed to notice sadness in Hinatas eyes.

Before any questions could be raised, Tanta stepped in. "His aunt did mention that if the meeting would go well enough, Naruto-kun would be joining the academy year or two before the graduation and then joining the team."

Hinatas eyes lit up again. She wouldn't be alone all the time. Only for the first years.

Evening ended and couples walked away after saying to each other good bye. Hana waved her hand in tomboyish manner and roughly hit Narutos back telling that when he would be in town next time, she would show him around. Confused Naruto only smiled politely and thanked. Kagome, Kurenai and Yugao teased him about him being a heartbreaker already with two girlfriends. Again, confused Naruto only smiled politely and thanked them. Tsume, Keemirai, Miyugao smiled at him and asked him to come again next year or whenever he would be in the village. Hitomi and Hinata wished him all the good. Naruto told Hinata to do his best for those who she loved. She blushed deeply and started hurry away. Again confused Naruto bowed politely and thanked. Hitomi smiled and walked after her daughter.

Tanta and Naruto were walking down the street in sunset. Towards the base.

"So, how was your first meeting? Liked it?"

"I guess." Naruto shrugged. "It was… what it was."

She chuckled before frowning. "Hitomi-san, what you think of her?"

Naruto frowned. "Other than she almost coughed her lungs out during the ceremony? Nice person for a Hyuuga. Not at all like Hakena who is cold, angry and sensitive." Somewhere close Hakena was being held back by Hana.

"So you noticed it too." Tanta whispered. "She is dying."

"Dying? How can you tell?"

"You've only met her once. So you don't know what has changed in her. But think what you learned of her today."

He closed his eyes and did as told. "Her face was unusually pale. Her movements were weak and she seemed tired halfway of the ceremony. She coughed a lot but covered it very well. I doubt that many noticed this."

"Do you think Hinata-chan knows?"

After a moment of pause. "She does. She told me so herself. She doesn't know she is dying but she does know her mother has been more ill lately."

"Good observation." Voice came behind them. Making them both turn. Akahana, Hakena, Itachi and Sai all stood there in their civilian attire. Red haired medic smiled sadly. "She has only months left. A year tops."

"I see." Naruto nodded. "But what are you doing in here? Aren't you supposed to watch over me?"

"We are still." Itachi smirked. "But Hana wants to go out to eat for celebrate your first girly ceremony."

"Tea ceremony." Naruto corrected not understanding the joke. "Where?"

"I think you know." Hana smiled widely.

Few hours later in Ichiraku, a large group of ANBUs were having an evening off. Other than people who were guarding Naruto today, there were Tenzo, Chadao, Shiyaku, Anko and even Kakashi made a quick visit checking up on him.

Old man Teuchi and Ayame made nice profit for the evening thanks to the weird brown haired boy who broke the previous record.

That night they took a picture. In that picture, everyone was happy.

Chapter END

A/N: Those who start think this as an NARUHINA fic, guess again. Because it wont! Dont get me wrong. Hinata is cute and she and Naruto could make a nice couple. There are just simply too many of those fics already! IF this story will go to more romantic way, it will most likely be more... exotic HET pairing. Sorry fan girls.

See ya!