An: I would like to thank everyone that has reviewed as always. Also I apologize it has taken so long to update but my writing time is severely limited at the moment. However, thanks for all the kind words, S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit

Chapter 5: Trust

Sakura was highly annoyed as she left the ramen stand with Gaara following behind her. The reason for her sour mood was Karin who had once again tracked down Naruto. Granted finding him at Ichiraku around meal time was nothing special for those that knew the boy. However, Sakura was starting to suspect that the Grass-nin had a means of locating people she wanted to find. The only bright spot being Naruto had offered to walk her home despite Karin's arrival at the stand. That, as well as the confidence that Naruto still possessed feelings for her, was the only reason she didn't take him up on the offer.

The other reason had left with her. She was suddenly reminded of his presence as Gaara said, "He was the jinchuriki, wasn't he?"

Sakura knew it was more of a statement of fact then a question. And despite her reservations against confirming it for him, knew that if she was going to befriend Gaara she needed to be honest so nodded. His reply was to say, "He doesn't have the same eyes as me."

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.

"He doesn't seek to prove his existence," Gaara replied in his monotone voice, "He doesn't seek to destroy those who stand against him."

Sakura looked sadly at the Sand Jinchuriki before saying, "I…I guess that is because his dream is to one day be Hokage."

Gaara stayed silent for a good portion of the walk towards her home before saying, "That doesn't make any sense. Does he not understand the people of this village despise his very existence?"

Thinking of all the cold looks that Naruto received and the way the blonde looked sometimes when he didn't know she was watching, Sakura said, "He knows."

"Then why not destroy them," Gaara asked making it sound like the most natural course of action to take.

"I guess he's forgiven us," Sakura said including herself, due to her previous treatment of the boy.

"Even though most of the villagers still feel the same?"

"Naruto…Naruto is special," Sakura said believing her statement more and more the longer she knew him. "I suppose his desire to become Hokage originally stemmed from his wish to be recognized…," Sakura began, but upon thinking of Haku and Zabuza added, "but I think he understands now that being Hokage means more than recognition. But that it also comes with the responsibility to protect all those precious to him, and that means the entire village, even the people who don't like him very much."

"That doesn't make any sense," Gaara said.

Sakura didn't reply, not sure of how she could convince Gaara. The red-head didn't seem to care allowing the matter to drop. Passing near the river that ran through the village Gaara asked, "Why do you not tell him you know about what it is he carries?"

Sakura stopped, moving towards the river before gazing into it. She could see Gaara staring at her due to their reflections in the water. Thinking for a moment she said, "Because…I want him to tell me."

"What difference does that make? The outcome is the same," Gaara said his face showing none of the confusion his question did.

"It matters…" Sakura began surely before whispering more gently to herself, "…it matters." But to Gaara she said, "I guess it would mean he trusts me."

"Would he not trust you more if you told him?"

"Probably…but it would be different."

"How?"

Sakura felt like she was explaining something to a toddler for a moment feeling a slight annoyance at having to analyze her relationship with Naruto. However, she squashed it quickly, knowing that Gaara, much like a toddler, truly didn't understand since he probably hadn't been shown a lot of affection as a child. Turning from the river she said, "Because if I told him I know Naruto may come to trust me more…but it would mean he doesn't trust me enough now. " Thinking of the possibility of starting a relationship with the blonde she added, "And if we are going to move forward, we need to have that trust."

"Is trust that important?"

"Yes, all positive relationships rely on trust…losing trust in a person that you placed it in can fundamentally change a relationship making it go sour."

"What sort of relationships?"

"All of them," Sakura quickly responded, "friends, teammates…," blushing a little as she mentioned it said, "… and lovers. Losing trust can destroy all of them." Hoping she wouldn't upset him she added, "Take you for instances."

"Me!" Gaara said clearly surprised.

"Yes you," Sakura said feeling more confident due to the boy's response. "You said your Uncle tried to kill you." Gaara narrowed his eyes, but Sakura persisted, "It hurt didn't it…not physically…but in your heart" when Gaara gave a tentative nod she continued, "The reason was because your uncle betrayed your trust. Since he was your family you trusted him to watch over and protect you. His attempt to take your life destroyed your trust in your family bond. So much so, that you do not view your siblings as being family."

"They have never treated me as family," Gaara said quickly.

"I know Gaara," Sakura said sadly, "But their opinions may have been shaped by your father or even swayed by the rest of the village. However, have you ever gone out of your way to prove those opinions wrong?" Gaara didn't respond so she took that as a no. So as to not be accusatory she said, "I guess that is why Naruto's eyes are different. He isn't trying to prove he exists; only that people are wrong about him."

Sakura noticed that a light of understanding went off in Gaara at her words. An understanding that Naruto and him weren't all that different only that the way they viewed and interacted with others was. Whether that meant Gaara saw another path opening before him or not she couldn't say, but she truly hoped he could find some measure of happiness.

They were about to resume walking when a female voice called out, "Gaara."

The boy turned towards it saying coldly, "What do you want, Temari?"

Sakura could tell that Temari was very hesitant to reply, undoubtedly afraid of the boy. Having probably seen many of the cold blooded ways Gaara had killed his enemies she supposed she couldn't fault the girl, even if she was a little disappointed. Temari's eyes swept over her a moment before saying, "Where have you been? You know Baki-sensei doesn't want us going off on our own."

"I'll do what I want," Gaara said, but began heading towards the hotel the Suna team was staying at.

Temari returned her attention towards Sakura asking the girl, "And who would you be?"

Before Sakura could respond Gaara said, "A friend."

Temari's stunned gaze returned towards her retreating brother before bringing her attention to Sakura and to the pinkette it appeared a look of jealousy was in the girl's eyes. Most likely brought about because of a wish on her part to make her brother view her as an older sister, the look only lasted a second before her emotional training kicked in and she left to follow after her brother.

Sakura waved goodbye before returning home. Although Gaara didn't return the gesture he had seen it and admitted it felt good to be able to say he had a friend. However a hurt similar to the one he had felt when his Uncle had tried to kill him stabbed at him. He was fairly certain it stemmed from what he was being asked to do to Sakura's home when the invasion began. Knowing that by calling her a friend and her not refuting it meant she was placing trust in him, wondered what he could do to change Konoha's future for the better.

Jiraiya watched Naruto struggle to summon anything bigger than a tadpole. He sighed as the boy failed again, but smiled as Naruto immediately tried once more. He and Naruto had been at it for over a week and Jiraiya began to believe he would have to take things to the extreme.

Jiraiya wondered how Kakashi was coming along with Sasuke, whom he had been taking on escort missions to give him one on one instruction, while they saw the nobles safely to the village. Not that he cared what happened to the Uchiha. Just he feared what having Naruto and him on the same team meant for Naruto's future. As it was, Jiraiya saw far too much of Orochimaru in the Uchiha to feel comfortable with. Since all that the boy truly cared about was power and was jealous of anyone that had more. Jiraiya believed the Uchiha had better get used to being the second banana of the village as he planned to make Naruto into the finest ninja Konoha ever fielded.

He frowned as he thought of his home. The place that seemed to have done its best to ostracize the closest thing Jiraiya felt he had to a family. It made him wonder if the thirteen years he spent away were worth it, as he was sure if he had been a more active presence in the boys life, instead of spying on Konoha's enemies, Naruto would already be the talk of the village. The guilt he felt over leaving his godson behind was the reason for his and Kakashi's little act upon the mission where he had met the grown Naruto for the first time, as he had found it a lot easier than to tell the boy the truth. Not to mention, if he brought up he was Naruto's godfather it would undoubtedly raise lots of questions in the blonde about who his parents were.

Standing as Naruto failed again he thought, "Looks like more extreme measures are going to be needed if he's to call upon the nine-tails." Calling out to the blonde he said, "Hey Naruto let's take a break. Tell me, what's your favorite food?" before he mumbled, "Because it may be your last."

Sakura was confused why Naruto had asked her to meet him, since he often would disappear after their morning training and she wouldn't see him until the next morning where he would look extremely worn down. Giving voice to her confusion she asked, "So what is this all about Naruto?"

Naruto pointed his fingers together mumbling something. Recognizing the signs that he was embarrassed and partly scared, she stood a little straighter hoping that he was about to tell her the truth about his status as a jinchuriki. He mumbled something at first that she couldn't make out so as soothing as she could she said, "It's okay Naruto, you can talk to me…about anything."

Naruto responded to her words, his spine straightening a little before sending a look towards a corner of the walkway they were on. Sakura's attention shifted that way but she didn't see anyone. Returning her attention to Naruto she heard him ask, "Well the….thing is….do you think it would be alright if I hug you?"

The surprise of what he asked must have shown on her face because he quickly added, "It's important to my training…"

"Training, what training?" Sakura asked confused and a little hurt, as it seemed that he was keeping more secrets from her not less.

Naruto picked up immediately that he screwed up as his face scrunched up since he hadn't told Sakura due to Jiraiya. Lamely he replied, "Uhm…the secret training, that I can't really talk about it."

Sakura stepped closer to him and for a moment Naruto looked like he was afraid she was going to clobber him. That was why he was surprised when she threw her arms around him giving him a tight hug. During the embrace she whispered, "I wish you would tell me."

As it ended Naruto looked torn between being on cloud nine and guilty due to the hurt he had heard in Sakura's voice. His mouth open and closed several times, but he wasn't sure of what to say so settled for thanking her before taking off due to his embarrassment.

Sakura also felt embarrassed, but also felt rather pleased that an embrace from her had that sort of effect on Naruto. Her smile faltered as she noticed that he disappeared around the corner that he had glanced at. Although she hoped for the day where he would tell her everything, decided that she would at least pry this once. If only to learn who it was that had made hugging her a part of his training and maybe thanking him.

Jiraiya had been surprised when the pink-haired girl had actually hugged Naruto, having been fairly certain that she would clobber him. "Perhaps things aren't so much like my team as I feared," he thought sending a glance Naruto's way as he led the boy out of Konoha.

As he watched the boy who still had a smile on his face it was easy to see himself in Naruto, just as it was easy to see Orochimaru in Sasuke. Sakura had been the only one he hadn't been sure about and although Tsunade never had any type of romantic feelings for Orochimaru. She had respected him a lot more than Jiraiya, at least at first, as the three of them had started out on their path to becoming the Legendary Sannin. But seeing Sakura apparently returning some of the feelings the blonde was carrying around for her, sort of took some of the wind out of Jiraiya's, this team is doomed sail. As although many people saw the Sannin as the pinnacle of Leaf shinobi, Jiraiya saw it as also a curse considering how the once close team had ended up and prayed Naruto's didn't follow in his footsteps.

However the hug also forced him to admit that perhaps Kakashi was right and he should take Sakura under his wing a little as it did appear that she genuinely cared for Naruto. Arriving at the point he had scouted earlier he said, "Well Naruto we need to jumpstart your ability to call on that second chakra that you possess."

"I'm still not convinced I have one," Naruto said, "I mean you tried to drain me of chakra and it still didn't come out."

"I know," Jiraiya conceded, "Which is why today's training is so important. Look within yourself Naruto as only you can turn the key and unlock the power I've talked about." Jiraiya then flicked Naruto in the forehead sending him through some bushes and over the cliff.

No sooner had Naruto begun his decent into the canyon then Jiraiya hear, "You fucking bastard." Turning in surprise, he saw a fist closing with his face and when it connected he could have sworn he had been hit by Tsunade.

Sakura had immediately taken a route out of Konoha during her search for Naruto, since she knew he hadn't been training inside the village, having looked for him multiple times during the week. That left outside of the village, and due to the direction he was heading. She was sure he was going to leave via the west gate so quickly set after him. Upon leaving the village, she searched the ground and found the distinct impression of geta leading away from the village. Since Naruto had begun to appear worn down when they had trained together in the morning right after the mission to bring Jiraiya back to Konoha she believed he was the mysterious trainer of Naruto's.

Following them, she wondered where they were going as the only thing ahead was a wide gorge. She appeared from the brush just as Jiraiya flicked Naruto in the forehead sending him over the cliff. Hearing Naruto's yell of surprise fade as he fell she was overtaken by a white-hot anger and shouted, "You fucking bastard."

The luck on Jiraiya's face may have been comical had she not just witnessed him murder Naruto. Wanting only to knock his head from his shoulders she hit him as hard as she could, feeling a measure of satisfaction as he flew away. He hit a tree hard enough to crack it, but Sakura wasn't surprised as he quickly recovered.

Shaking his head he asked, "Where the devil did you come from?"

But Sakura wasn't listening as he charged him with tears leaking from her eyes as she said, "You bastard… you killed him…you killed him because of that stupid fox he has sealed in him."

Jiraiya couldn't keep the surprise that Sakura knew about the Kyuubi from his face which is why he was almost caught by a second punch from the enraged girl. However, he was still a Sannin and easily stopped it before grabbing her around the throat and pinning her to a tree.

Calmly he said, "Look Sakura…you've got the wrong idea…"

"I saw you…." Sakura tried to say, but stopped as a booming voice shouted, "Jiraiya, where are you?"

The toad Sannin went white saying, "Oh you idiot, you went way overboard summoning him."

Suddenly a blur appeared from the canyon and Sakura could see that at the peak of its jump that it was a giant toad and that Naruto was atop his head. Sakura felt Jiraiya grab her around the mid-section as he began running to hide from the upset sounding toad boss. When he was far enough away he placed Sakura down on a rock before taking one opposite from her.

No sooner had he plopped down then she said, "I should tell the Hokage about you."

"He already knows," Jiraiya said matter of factly.

"Does he know your training includes throwing him off a cliff?"

Jiraiya went a little white at that, but said, "Look Sakura…you have to trust me that I want what's best from Naruto."

Sakura crossed her arms clearly not believing him, but she said, "You say the Third Hokage knows you are training Naruto."

Jiraiya nodded and watched as Sakura seemed to pull into herself analyzing all that she knew and fitting it with the new piece of information she was given. He was still somewhat surprised when she looked up saying, "The mission we were given to escort you here was a ruse then to get you to meet Naruto."

Again he nodded before allowing a small lopsided grin to appear on his face as he thought, "Clearly, Kakashi was right about her."

He was pulled out of his thoughts by the tail-end of what Sakura said next catching, "… that's why Kakashi-sensei is training Sasuke on his own, so he won't get jealous of Naruto being trained by a Sannin." Looking up at him she asked, "Why would you take an interest in Naruto?"

"I have my reasons," Jiraiya said cryptically. Hoping to distract her from her current line of inquiry he said, "Now it's my turn. How long have you known about what it is he carries?"

Sakura wondered if she was in trouble for knowing but answered, "A couple of weeks."

"Does he know that you do?" Jiraiya asked getting a head shake of no from Sakura in return.

"I see," Jiraiya said after a moment, "I won't ask you your reasons for not telling him as I'm sure they are well thought out. But what I do have to ask is how did you learn of it?"

The way that Jiraiya said the question made Sakura feel like it was one that had life or death consequences depending on how she answered. Therefore she responded by asking, "Why?"

"Because knowledge of Naruto being a jinchuriki is an S-ranked secret…" Jiraiya said. He trailed of seeing a light appear in Sakura's eyes as if she had received another piece of the puzzle to Naruto's outsider status in Konoha.

Calling her on it he said, "You already suspected."

"Yes," Sakura said nodding, "I realized that all the adults seemed to already know; only the children didn't."

Yeah," Jiraiya replied before bitterly adding, "It still didn't stop…"

"The parents from trying to influence us kids into hating him," Sakura finished sounding just as angry about it. She noticed that Jiraiya seemed to be smiling at her less guarded now as if she had passed some test. Guessing now Jiraiya may answer some of the questions she had she asked, "It was the Third Hokage that passed the law to make the parents keep Naruto's status as a jinchuriki a secret wasn't it?"

"That's right."

Sakura nodded before asking, "Why did the Fourth Hokage use Naruto?"

"I don't know."

Sakura frowned; sure there was a reason behind it. Jiraiya feared the girl would go looking for the answer so said, "Let's leave that alone for now. Why are you so interested in him?" The last report I got from the Hokage indicated you were one of the Uchiha's biggest fans."

Sakura blushed at the first part of Jiraiya's statement but frowned at second. But before she could explain a loud crashing sound near their position drew her attention. What she saw was the toad shaking its head wildly with Naruto holding on for dear life taunting the toad. Getting up frown the rock she was sitting on she said, "Shouldn't we help him?"

"No, he'll be fine. Gamabunta is simply testing him, he won't let anything bad happen to Naruto," Jiraiya said in reply. "Now back to my question."

Sakura sat, but kept a worried eye on Naruto before saying, "I guess I just realized how seriously I had underestimated Naruto. He's kind, and passionate, and he never gives up, and he's willing to sacrifice his own happiness for those he cares about and…"

Jiraiya held up a hand a large smile splitting his face as he said, "Okay I think I get it. Also I'm sorry."

The surprise of a Sannin apologizing to her showed on her face so chuckling Jiraiya said, "Your earlier musing was right, Kakashi did take Sasuke on those escort missions so he wouldn't learn I've been training Naruto. The reason he didn't see to you as well was because he asked me to take you under my wing. He says you're good for the brat." Sakura blushed at that but it disappeared as Jiraiya continued, "I wasn't so sure so ignored his suggestion. Maybe if I hadn't I wouldn't have needed to go to such lengths in order to get him to call upon the Kyuubi's chakra."

"That's what you are teaching Naruto," Sakura asked surprised.

"Yeah, the summoning jutsu was simply the cover I was using to get him to use it," Jiraiya said.

"Why?"

Jiraiya frowned before thinking a moment, when he did speak he said, "Since you've been researching Naruto, I'm sure you realize that due to his status as a jinchuriki he's had it rough growing up." Sakura nodded, so Jiraiya said, "I wish I could say the hard part was over. But his life is only going to be getting more complicated and probably sooner rather than later. Since the Fourth Hokage was my student and Naruto is in a sense his legacy, it's my job to get him ready for those challenges. I feel that the best way he can accomplish that is to master the chakra that Minato entrusted to him."

Sakura nodded, she was going to get up to leave when Jiraiya stood saying, "It would seem that Naruto is going to be busy for most of the day. Why don't we get some training in while we wait?"

Sakura smiled since she assumed Jiraiya was extending an invitation to join Naruto and him in their training. Standing she found a spot to get into her stance, as Jiraiya entered his, knowing she would need to soak up everything the Sannin taught her if she was going to help Naruto face the challenges that Jiraiya was talking about. Charging she promised herself that Naruto would never need to face them alone.

Sasuke frowned as he walked beside the palanquin of a noble, as they returned to Konoha, due to the slow pace. As it stood they would probably arrive about the time that the third round of the Chunin Exam started. The only upside to the mission was that he was receiving more hands on training from Kakashi without the distractions his teammates represented.

However, Kakashi still refused to teach him any jutsu greater than B-ranked. He was beginning to once again feel frustrated with his growth, especially since he had yet to unlock the Sharingan. Even though they had been attacked by a small group of bandits the weaklings had been no match for him and therefore his eyes still remained unawakened. Kakashi kept trying to drill into him patience, telling him his time would come, but he was tired of waiting. Every day he waited was another day a murderer enjoyed under the sun when he should be underground.

He sensed the enemy before they appeared; looking towards Kakashi he could tell the jounin had too. Kakashi gave him the sign to get ready, and as soon as the first bandit ran from out of the trees Sasuke was already moving to intercept. He immediately knew these men had at least some shinobi training as they were far more skilled then the last group. Dodging a sword slash from one he responded by throwing a kunai that lodged itself into the man's throat. However he received a kick to the chest from another that launched him into the forest. He heard Kakashi shout his name, but knew the Jounin couldn't simply abandon the noble to save him.

Sasuke didn't need saving any way, as he ducked under the man's follow up punch. Spinning around he pulled his Wind Mill shuriken and threw it catching the man in the chest just as he turned to face Sasuke. Walking up calmly he pulled it from the corpse and after wiping the blades on the dead man's clothes folded it, returning it to his backpack.

He was just about to return to the fight when he heard a chuckling sound surround him. Searching about him, he took a step back as a white as a ghost man with yellow snake eyes began to rise from the ground. Meeting the man's eyes, Sasuke felt an overwhelming amount of Killing Intent pour straight into him. Falling to his knees the man calmly pulled a kunai and threw it at him. Sasuke who had seen his death over and over as the man's fighting spirit washed over him, still managed to avoid the kunai. Causing the man to chuckle again as he said, "Good, I would have been disappointed had that killed you."

Feeling the man's spirit lessen Sasuke asked, "Who…who are you?"

"Orochimaru," the man said stepping towards Sasuke.

Sasuke managed to get back to his feet but immediately fell back down as he tried to take a step back. "Sasuke there is no need to fear me, as I've done all this simply to arrange a meeting with you."

That caught Sasuke's attention as he said, "These men work for you?"

"No not yet," Orochimaru answered giving a dark smile, "They are simply auditioning for the honor, but judging from the sounds of combat. I do not think they will be measuring up."

"What do you want with me?"

"Simply to extend an offer," Orochimaru said.

"What sort of offer?"

"The only kind that matters," the snake Sannin replied, "One of power."

Sasuke scoffed, looking at the man he had killed saying, "If these are the men you arr capable of training I doubt you can offer me what I want."

"Oh I wouldn't be so sure of that Sasuke," Orochimaru said confidently. "Consider for example that fighting a jounin of Kakashi's skill level is a test I give the men who simply wish to join me. Why facing death in such a way is exactly what your eyes need to reach their magnificent potential. Also, I know who Itachi has aligned himself with and can help you find him when the time comes."

"You offer much," Sasuke said defiantly, "What is it you hope to gain?"

"Let's save that conversation for another time," Orochimaru said, "Instead consider my offer after I help you awaken the Sharingan."

"How do you attend to do that?"

"Why by sending people to kill you of course," Orochimaru said beginning to disappear into the ground again, "I'll send one of my agents to contact you when the time is right. Until then consider what I have said, and offer. You need to be challenged Sasuke and there is no greater challenge then staying alive in this world of shinobi, provide you do so away from the safety net that Konoha tries to erect around it's shinobi."

Sasuke watched Orochimaru disappear not turning his back until he was positive the man was gone. Exiting the forest, he found the attackers defeated, Kakashi sent an eye smile towards him tying up the last few prisoners. "Took you long enough," the one-eyed jounin said, "Don't tell me guys of this level gave you trouble."

"No," Sasuke said a hint of challenge in his voice, "did you have trouble with them without me."

Kakashi ignored the implied insult chalking it up to Sasuke still being angry that he refused to teach him more destructive jutsu, in favor of questioning the men positive they were more than simple bandits. Lifting his covered eye he knelt in front of one of the bandits about to ask him some questions when the man began convulsing as did the others Kakashi had caught. Blood began to leak from their eyes and mouths before finally they died.

Sasuke heard the noble behind him pass out at the sight, but Sasuke felt no remorse since these men had failed their test. As he turned away, he considered that perhaps Orochimaru did have something to offer him after all.

Naruto awoke to find himself in Konoha's hospital; the last thing he remembered was watching the sun beginning to set. He tried to sit up, but all he managed to do was groan. Giving up, he closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them again found Sakura leaning over him. "Ahhhh…," he gasped out leaning back further into his pillow.

"Geez thanks Naruto," Sakura said placing her hands on her hips as she leaned back, "you sure no how to make a girl feel special."

"Sakura…" he replied still confused, "What are you doing here?"

"Well, considering you've been unconscious for three days…"

"Three days," Naruto said cutting her off and trying to reach a cup of water.

"Yeah," Sakura said giving him the cup and helping him to sit up to drink it. "You passed out right before the sun set. Lucky for you Gamabunta caught you or else you'd probably be dead." When Naruto finished drinking she bopped him on the head gently.

"What was that for?"

"For not telling me you were training with Jiraiya," she said a little of the hurt that she felt at his still not trusting her with his secrets leaking into her voice.

"I couldn't Pervy Sage made me promise," Naruto said, "But I never stopped trying to convince him to train you as well."

Giving him a smile she said, "I know, he told me. Thanks for that Naruto."

Naruto gave her a bright smile saying, "Well you're my friend and I didn't think it was right that me and Sasuke were getting special training but you were left out."

"Well don't worry I won't be any more since I'll be joining you as soon as you get out," Sakura said.

"Great," Naruto said his smile getting brighter, "Won't Sasuke be surprised at how strong we are when he gets back?"

Sakura frowned a little at the thought of how their teammate would react should Naruto eclipse him in power when he came back. She was just about to caution him not to overdo it in showing off, but Naruto beginning to pull the sensors off of him distracted her. His actions prompted her to say, "What are you doing?"

"I was going to track down the Pervy Sage so we can get started," Naruto said matter of factly.

"Oh, no you don't," Sakura said quickly holding him down, "You aren't going anywhere until the staff tells you that you can go."

"But Sakura…" Naruto began to whine but a quick look in Sakura's darkening gaze made him close his mouth before saying, "Yes ma'am."

"Good boy," she said giving him a hug before quickly leaving to go check with some doctors on his condition.

Naruto couldn't believe that Sakura had hugged him again. His face began to turn red at the realization that he hadn't even needed to ask. He leaned back into the bed a huge smile beaming on his face and considered maybe it would be okay if he asked Sakura to go with him to Ichiraku sometime.

As he lay in bed he began to think of all that had changed for him since becoming a part of Team Seven. The girl of his dreams was closer to him then to the boy she had chased for years and he felt their relationship was changing. He was even considering telling her that he was the vessel of the nine-tails. He was confident it wouldn't change anything, but a part of him was scared it would so he still held back.

He closed his eyes again to daydream a bit of a life with Sakura, but he felt someone looking down at him. Thinking she may have come back, he opened them hoping she was here to tell him he could go, which was why when Gaara was staring down at him he shouted, "Ahhhh…"

A sand hand immediately clamped itself over his mouth, he didn't have to wonder what the boy wanted long as Gaara said, "Be quiet or I'll kill you. Understand?"

Naruto nodded, so Gaara removed the sand from his mouth. Naruto began spitting the sand from his lips but stopped fearing he was making too much noise for Gaara's liking stopped. The red head stared at him for a long time, which was making Naruto nervous, before saying, "You are the host of the nine-tails."

"How…"

"It doesn't matter how I learned of this," Gaara said respecting Sakura's wishes of Naruto not learning that she knew. "Why do you not hate the people who have mistreated you?"

Naruto recognized the pain in Gaara's voice even though to most he would have sounded the same. Making a leap of logic he said, "You have one sealed in you too."

Gaara nodded before saying, "Answer my question."

"I did hate them," Naruto said looking straight ahead. Gaara was clearly surprised by that answer, since he was under the impression that the blonde didn't hate the villagers of Konoha. By the time Naruto looked at him Gaara had schooled his features into his usual mask of calm. Sounding sad Naruto asked, "I take it you weren't treated much better in your village."

"I have been almost killed more times than I can count," Gaara said unemotionally.

"Wow, I'm sorry," Naruto said, "Guess I can't really complain then."

Again, Gaara was caught by surprise by the blonde so he asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, sure I was alone and all," Naruto began, "but nobody ever tried to kill me. I imagine the old man must have been watching out for me. But it wasn't just him I had Iruka-sensei, the Ichiraku's, they ran that Ramen stand Sakura took you too, and recently my teammates well at least Sakura and Kakashi. Sasuke's still a bastard but he has his moments."

Gaara felt slightly angry at the blonde for having things so much better than him, but felt it fade as Naruto said, "But I'd be lying if I said that there weren't times when I would have loved to see the village burn. But if I did that…well I guess they would have been right to fear me then. So instead I decided I was going to become Hokage. I'd show them all Naruto Uzumaki was a shinobi Konoha could be proud of. Although I did cause a lot of havoc for a while."

"So you did attack villagers," Gaara said.

"What! No, I just pranked people and stuff," Naruto said quickly. Naruto got the sense that Gaara was looking in on himself and judging by some of the dark stuff he asked might be seeing himself in a new light. Going off of his hunch, he said, "But you know what, even if I had well, my path wouldn't have really ever been set. You know what I mean?"

Gaara looked up at him saying, "No…"

"I'm saying it's never too late to change."

A hope seemed to appear in Gaara's eyes before the boy said, "Thank you Naruto Uzumaki."

"Sure thing," Naruto said giving the boy a thumbs up. "After all I never met anyone with a beast sealed in him before. Maybe when they let me out of here we can have that sparring match."

"I'd like that," Gaara said before moving to the window and turning into sand was blown out of the room.

Naruto stared at the spot Gaara was standing before saying, "How come I don't get cool powers like that?"

Sakura having come back to see Gaara in the room closed the door with a smile. She decided to come back later to give Naruto some time to digest what he learned about Gaara although she doubted he would use it. It had warmed her heart to hear that Naruto considered her one of the people that had saved him from his hate. It also gave her some more insight into the boy and what separated him from Sasuke. Namely, that where Naruto had pushed past the anger he felt, Sasuke was embracing it.

Walking down the hall she tried to come up with a way to help Sasuke get over his hatred as well, but couldn't really think of anything. Therefore, she decided to go to Ichiraku to pick up some ramen for Naruto before asking his advice on the subject.

Naruto ducked under a punch from Sakura and frowned as the tree she hit cracked. Jiraiya had been schooling her in how to use chakra to strengthen her blows saying it was something his teammate used to do. Sakura still couldn't do it perfectly yet, since Jiraiya couldn't actually instruct her in the means, but he gave her enough pointers to help her along. Something Naruto noticed was helping as the craters and damage her misses caused were getting larger.

The third round of the Chunin Exams was scheduled to begin in a week and Naruto had already purchased a pair of tickets. He had even managed to score some pretty good seats. They had also cost quite a lot of Ryo though. He had overheard Kiba talking about how pissed he was he couldn't watch the matches for free since none of his teammates had made it to the finals. Therefore, Naruto had made straight for the ticket office purchasing two tickets up close to the action. He didn't know why he bought two at first, but realized a part of him probably intended for the second ticket to go to Sakura.

He had been backing away from his stance of asking her out, the only thing keeping him going on it being his vow of never breaking his word. But he believed it wouldn't be breaking it since Sakura had plenty of time to get closer to Sasuke, but had instead chosen to spend it with him.

His daydreaming cost him the match though as he was hit in the stomach by Sakura and was sent flying by her punch. She was by his side in an instant apologizing, but coughing and holding his stomach Naruto said, "Don't worry about it Sakura…oh that hurt."

"Idiot," Sakura said angrily, "Don't tell me not to worry about it and then complain how much it hurts."

"Yeah," Jiraiya added for good measure looking over Sakura's shoulder, "Although you deserve it for daydreaming during a sparring match. Anyways, let's call it a day. I have important stuff to do."

"More like peeking on girls Pervy Sage," Sakura said having learned that not all of Jiraiya's foolish behavior that the Toad Sage engaged in was an act. Most notably, his habit of peeking on women as they bathed.

"I am performing an important service to my readers," Jiraiya said indignantly. "I peek so they can gleam the beauty that I see without having to lower themselves to my level to do it. Wait, that didn't come out right."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night Pervy Sage," Sakura said tuning him out.

"Hey don't ignore me," the great sage whimpered meekly.

"So what had you so distracted, Naruto?" Sakura asked waiting until Jiraiya left with his shoulders slumped to stretch her arms over her head.

Naruto blushed as another of the changes he had noticed in Sakura lately became apparent. Namely, that the black shorts she wore with her battle dress, which had started out baggy and loose while covering her knees, had begun to shrink as well as get tighter as her confidence increased. Pulling his eyes away, unaware that she already knew he would look and that the stretch had been for his benefit Naruto said, "Oh, just a momentary distraction."

Giving a tight smile she said, "You know those can be dangerous."

Rubbing his stomach he said, "Tell me about it."

Standing he held his hand out and Sakura watched as the blue ball of chakra formed. He then slammed it into the nearest tree. A spiral pattern formed causing him to curse, but to Sakura the spiral appeared tighter than his previous attempts making her believe he was getting closer to mastering it.

"Darn it," he said, causing Sakura to smile since she had long ago learned that Naruto never really analyzed his attempts simply seeing them as either success or failure. Granted, sometimes he did but that was generally when he was getting frustrated, but when he did he often managed to figure things out. His passing the second phase of the Rasengan training was proof of that although he had scared her to death as the rubber ball blew up in his face sending him flying.

As Naruto began to try again Sakura felt a sensation that had been getting stronger and stronger that there was more to Jiraiya's training of Naruto then she was being told. It had begun the day after Naruto got out of the hospital and she joined him and Jiraiya for training. Instead of continuing Naruto's training in how to summon toads, the Sannin had told Naruto he would be teaching him the Rasengan. Naturally, Naruto was psyched, but Sakura had frowned waiting for a moment alone with the Sannin to ask if she was the reason why.

Jiraiya had put her at ease saying she had nothing to do with it, but that he had realized that Naruto simply didn't have the chakra control necessary to summon successfully in the heat of battle. However, if he could master the Rasengan that control would come in time.

She had bought his explanation at first, but as time passed she began to feel there was far more to it. Namely, why was Jiraiya teaching him jutsu so closely associated with the Fourth Hokage? At first she thought she was being paranoid or overly suspicious, since technically the Toad Contract had been brought to Konoha by Jiraiya. However the Rasengan was pure Fourth Hokage and if Jiraiya truly wanted to teach Naruto chakra control there were far simpler exercises. The water walking exercise he had shown them being a prime example.

Yet, for some reason Sakura refused to look into it to closely. She didn't understand why at first, but watching Naruto hit the tree again with the half formed jutsu she began to get a sense of why. She believed that by looking into there being a connection between Naruto and the Fourth. Outside of the one of the Hokage being the man that cursed Naruto with placing the Kyuubi inside him, that it would be something that she would need to tell him and thereby forcing her to admit to other things as well.

Getting tired of thinking about the mystery she was going to let stay a mystery, at least for the moment, she said, "Let's go Naruto."

Naruto nodded frowning at his latest result before turning to Sakura and joining her in the journey back to the village. He watched her out of the corner of his eye before asking, "Are you going to eat at Ichiraku?"

She turned to him saying, "Sorry, I can't. My mom wants me to eat at home tonight."

Naruto looked away but frowned since during the past few weeks she had eaten with him almost every night. Although, he could understand her mom wanting Sakura to eat at home.

Sakura caught the frown so asked, "Why don't you come over to my house to eat tonight?"

Naruto turned to look at her in surprise and a smile appeared which quickly faded as he appeared scared for a moment. Turning to look ahead he said, "Thanks, but I wouldn't want to impose."

Now it was Sakura's turn to frown as she knew why Naruto refused, which was for all his bravado he truly feared new things. Eating at Ichiraku was safe, the people there accepted him. Leaving that safety for the uncertainty that her house would represent was rather daunting to him. She was just about to push the issue though when he said, "Besides, she probably didn't make enough for an uninvited guest."

"You aren't uninvited," Sakura said quickly and ardently, "I invited you."

"Still, I'm sure your mom only wants a family dinner tonight. You have been spending a lot of time at Ichiraku with me," Naruto replied.

"Are you saying you want some space?" Sakura asked.

"What no, you know I always enjoy spending time with you," Naruto said quickly, "only I'm sure your parents want to see you too, and I wouldn't want to intrude on that."

Sakura nodded accepting his excuse causing a small look of relief to appear on his face, catching it she said, "Fine, then I'll tell my parents tonight that next week you'll be eating over. Is that alright?"

The look of relief vanished, but he nodded. Sakura was torn between feeling happy and slightly upset at herself since she couldn't be sure how her parents would react. She simply hoped that given advanced warning they would at least be civil to him.

Naruto although nervous at the prospect of meeting Sakura's parents took her insistence as the sign he was waiting for. Deciding to go for it, he said blushing and sounding nervous, "Sakura…well there's been something I've been meaning to ask you."

Sakura blushed a little as a result of his tone but wasn't sure why, trying not to sound nervous herself she said, "What is it, Naruto?"

Poking his fingers together he said, "Uhm…well…the thing is I have some tickets to the third round of the exams and was hoping you would go with me. I mean it doesn't have to be a date. Since I know you said you wanted to concentrate on your training. But, well I really wanted to go and don't want to go alone so hoped that maybe you would…"

Sakura found the way he was rambling rather cute, placing a hand on his cheek he stopped talking and she said, "I'd love to go with you."

Naruto smiled which she returned and the two settled into silence as they walked the rest of the way to Sakura's house. When they arrived Sakura could see her mom looking out the window, obviously getting nervous since it was getting close to dinner time. She also noticed that her mom frowned ever so slightly upon seeing who she was with. In plain view of her of her mom she gave Naruto a hug good-bye and said, "You can consider it a date if you want to, Naruto. I'll see you tomorrow."

Naruto walked away swaying a little making Sakura feel really good about agreeing to go. Granted, she would have preferred her first date with any boy be something more akin to a dinner and a movie. But, knowing Naruto she was positive that it would be a memorable experience. Besides, maybe if she dropped enough hints even Naruto would recognize Ichiraku wasn't a proper venue for a first date dinner. Looking back at her house and seeing her mom, she decided that she better tell her parents the news that in a week's time they'd be entertaining her teammate and if their date went well, possible boyfriend.

"You traitorous bastard," the Fourth Kazekage said as Orochimaru's blade pierced his flesh.

"Relax," Orochimaru said amused as he pulled it free, "You'll still get to see the Leaf burn just not in the way you suspected."

"Well done lord Orochimaru," Kabuto said sincerely, "We are one step closer to the destruction of the Leaf."

"Indeed," the Snake Sannin said turning to a coughing Kimimaro, "Are you alright child? You've seemed to have lost a step or two since last you joined me in battle."

"I am fine, Lord Orochimaru," Kimimaro said between coughs, "Do not trouble yourself over me."

Orochimaru was about to shrug when the Kaguya collapsed. Kabuto quickly responded already scanning the leader of the Sound Five. Orochimaru looked on annoyed, now that the boy was unconscious as it would be a blow to his plan. Still with the death of the Kazekage it was too late to turn back, and also the invasion would provide the perfect opportunity to prove that training under him was exactly what Sasuke needed to move forward in his ambition.

Walking away from the sick Kaguya, he told Kabuto, "Do what you can for him, and then proceed with your mission."

"Yes Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto said a little surprised that the Sannin didn't steal the Kazekage's face. Asking about the seemingly change in plans the medic asked, "Where are you going, sir?"

"To find something else to wear," was the Snake Sannin's cryptic reply.

Gaara watched the moon as he sat atop the Chunin Exam stadium. He had been unable to get what Sakura had said about Naruto out of his mind, which had prompted his need to talk to the boy directly. But he had been nothing like what he expected. That Naruto had felt the same pain and anger as him but had chosen to ignore it in favor of fighting for a better path made Gaara wish for the same thing.

He realized that in a sense he had found it here in the Leaf Village thanks to Sakura and Naruto's friendship. Yet tomorrow if he did nothing they and their village stood to be destroyed. The problem he faced was that he also wished to form bonds of friendship with the people of his own village. The conundrum that he faced was how could he help both villages? He knew no good would come from tomorrow's attack and if the Leaf survived there was an excellent chance that they would attack Suna in reprisal.

Standing, he floated to the center of the arena on a platform of sand before lowering it to the ground. Once in the center of the arena where his people were asking him to unleash the very beast that caused them to fear him Gaara tried to find a better way. If not lots of people on both sides would die, and although confident in his own strength wasn't sure if he could use it for others. He found that strange as against all the assassins his father had sent after him he had never once feared losing. Yet, that was exactly what he was feeling now, except it wasn't for himself but the people who had befriended him, as well as the people he hoped one day would.

Gaara understood that his quest to be more like 'Him' may very well end tomorrow with his death. Either by Leaf Shinobi or the Sand who realized he intended to betray his father's will. But he also understood that even if he did die after only taking a single step along this new path that at least he would die a better person then he had been before.

With that thought in mind he began pouring his sand into the center of the Chunin Exam stadium planting the seeds for his victory. A victory in which the Sand did not cross blades with the Leaf.