"Damn" was all Konohamaru could murmur, on the way back home from Ichiraku.

The spiky haired ninja was trudging along, wondering what to do. He needed help, and he needed it badly. It wasn't that he couldn't handle losing. Just not against this person in particular.

~flashback~

"Being tutored by an elite jonin wasn't that bad. But the thing is, you don't really follow the same curriculum as everyone else. Unfortunately for me, that meant that Ebisu-sensei was taking things a lot slower because of how I acted. I never really took things seriously. Well, not until I met Naruto-niichan. That's how I ended up in the same class as her."

Daily life in the academy wasn't too bad for Konohamaru. After meeting Naruto and declaring themselves rivals, he insisted for Ebisu to let him enroll in the academy. Because of this, the young Sarutobi was sitting in a vacant seat near the window in front of the classroom. He knew Udon and Moegi would come eventually, but Ebisu's happiness at his young master's initiative ended up with him getting dragged into class over an hour early to make a good impression.

Slumped over the table, both tired from lack of sleep and boredom, Konohamaru was watching the students come in one by one.

"So, mister all-high-and-mighty-I'm-gonna-be-the-hokage starts coming to regular school huh?" said a voice behind him.

"Huh? What's that mean-kore?" Konohamaru turned around to see who was talking to him and behind him he saw Hanabi Hyuuga, petite, long straight black hair, white eyes, smooth sk... "wait... WHAT AM I THINKING?"

"Oh nothing, just thought it's weird having someone who used to get private lessons start attending school at a grade LOWER than he should be."

~end flashback~

"What am I thinking... that was so long ago. But I still can't lose! Not when I never won against her yet!"

"Ho ho, so you never won against her eh, Konohamaru?"

"Eh, Naruto-niichan? What are you doing here?"

"I was supposed to go to Ichiraku but I forgot my wallet. Saw you walking along so depressed and I thought I'd see what's up! Care to join me? I might be able to cheer you up-dattebayo!"

Konohamaru went along and followed Naruto back to his apartment and back to Ichiraku. On the way, Konohamaru thought that it would be a good idea to fish for ideas on how he can make the bachelor party a success. But there was no opportunity for him along the way.

"So Konohamaru, how's it like between you and Hanabi?"

"What? Nii-chan, there's nothing between us! You now that don't you?"

"Well, I don't know, I only get depressed like that over people I like. I mean, I get furious over Sasuke but remember what I was like with Sakura before?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"So, how are things? You know, you really are my younger brother, falling for Hinata's sister! I never expected! Well, not until Iruka-sensei told me about how you would stare at her in class."

"I don't stare! I just..."

"I know, I know, you looked longingly in the distance, just so happened to be in the direction she was in. Been there, done that. C'mon we're here! Let's get some food I'll treat ya!"

When the two entered Ichiraku, Teuchi noticed the anxious look on Konohamaru's face.

"Welcome to Ichiraku! Ah, Konohamaru, welcome back! Back for seconds? You only barely finished one bowl earlier when you went after Hanabi-chan!" said Ayane.

"Oh so this time you went after Hanabi-chan? You're getting so bold Konohamaru" smirked Naruto.

"I didn't go after her! We just had something to discuss! Besides, why is it that everytime we're together it's always about me-kore! You're not telling me anything about yourself anymore!"

"Oh? Is that so, I didn't notice myself. But there really isn't much that you wouldn't know. I mean, even the wedding is public knowledge isn't it?"

"But that... well..."

"So Naruto, what'll it be? You could continue that while eating can't you?" interrupted Teuchi, deciding to give the young ninja a hand. He already figured out what Konohamaru wanted to do but could clearly see that he had no idea how to do it.

"Well, two large miso chashu then!"

"Two outright? This is new."

"Well, one for me and one for Konohamaru, it's been a while since we've seen each other, I'm treating him!"

"That's nice. So, Naruto, think you'll miss anything when you and Hinata-chan tie the knot?"

"Eh? Well, I dunno. I don't think she'll be too restrictive you know? But I guess I'm gonna lay off the Oiroke-no-Jutsu a bit. For her sake, hahaha!"

"What? But nii-chan this is your legacy!" *POOF*

A very well-endowed almost naked woman starts draping her arms around Naruto breathing suggestively in his ear. While he was doing this, Naruto was definitely feeling heated up. He was red as a tomato and shivering. Even Teuchi was affected. The only one who wasn't, or at least not in a similar way was Ayane who smacked Konohamaru with a very, very hot ladle.

"DIDN'T I TELL YOU TO KEEP ANY PERVERTED JUTSU OUTSIDE THE STORE?!?!?!"

"Ack, sorry about that Ayane-chan, I couldn't help it! Nii-chan is the founder of this ninjutsu style!"

"THAT'S NO EXCUSE!"

"Maa, maa, can you let it slide this one time? But I've got to hand it to you Konohamaru, even knowing it was you, it still had a big effect."

"Well, Naruto, that's all well and good. I think Hinata would appreciate that even if she doesn't say it. But how about things that you'd like to reminisce over as a bachelor? The big day is coming up soon after all." pressed Teuchi. Even he was getting curious about this side of Naruto. Konohamaru shot him a thankful look. He was getting all the info he was trying to get out of Naruto after all!

"Hmm, well, I don't really see a need to reminisce. Everyone's still here anyway. But it'd be nice to spend some time with all the guys. Everyone's either on missions or on clan business. But it's also hard to get time to get together with everyone with the training that Kakashi-sensei is giving me."

"Hmm, that would be nice." he shot a knowing look to Konohamaru and he understood.

"What kind of training nii-chan?"

"Well, it's a long road to being Hokage. Kakashi-sensei's been teaching me about politics, diplomacy, other stuff."

The ideas were now forming in his head. It was simple enough, a relaxing night at the hot springs. And he knew just he person to ask to get everyone of his nii-chan's friends to come along.

As usual, Naruto finished his several bowls of ramen in a short time. After asking Konohamaru why he had such a small appetite that day (which got him a cliche'd "I'm just a bit worn out" answer), said that he would head out first and paid for their meals.

"Teuchi-san thanks a lot!"

"Well, us guys also have to stick together don't we?" Ayane shot a glare at her dad which made him continue, shaking. "Besides, we can't have Naruto get married without doing something for him."

"Yeah! I'll go ask the Rokudaime for help in getting nii-chan's friends a weekend off for a hot springs trip. Teuchi-san, can I get you to cater for that? Don't worry, it'll just be for the ramen, we'll get the rest of the food at the onsen."

"No worries, leave the ramen to me!"

"Now if I can get Kakashi-sensei to help, that only leaves the venue." he thought.

Then again, isn't Konohamaru-kun forgetting something?