An: Sorry for the long wait. Let me thank those that took the time to review as always your humble author S. o. t. A.

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

Chapter 8: The Calm

Gaara stood on a tree branch next to the legendary Third Hokage. Moving only his eyes to look at the man who was holding his staff and summons Enma with one hand having planted it into the branch, he wondered if the man was as calm as he appeared or much like him simply wasn't showing the nervousness that Gaara himself was feeling. The Hokage was staring ahead scanning the forest for the legion of Sand-nin that probably thought they were on their way to rejoin the battle for Konoha. Sarutobi's face almost appeared to be a mask of infinite confidence and a determination that if he was going to end up fighting the coming shinobi that it would be a difficult battle for them. Gaara found that incredible, as it was only the two of them there and they were far enough away from Konoha that help would not arrive quickly.

But even knowing that Gaara could swear the man next to him was giving off an aura that all but screamed that even in death he couldn't be defeated. Sarutobi must have felt Gaara's gaze on him as he turned to look at him and as he did the face of the hardened leader melt into a friendly one that only his uncle had used to use. Despite or perhaps because of it, Gaara could tell that this one held none of the hidden malice his uncle's had.

"Nervous Lord Kazekage," Sarutobi asked.

"No," Gaara lied.

"Oh, then you're a braver man then me," Sarutobi said chuckling when Gaara's head spun to look at him fully with a confused face, which he quickly composed.

Sarutobi chuckled before saying, "I've been in more battles then I can easily count and to be honest I've always felt a sense of nervousness before each one. The cause of it is different each time but it is always there. I wish I could say becoming Hokage or becoming an old man made it go away, but sadly it only intensifies the feeling."

"Why?"

"Well I guess it's because as the Hokage all my actions may have repercussions that can affect my home and as an old man I fear I don't still possess the strength to adequately defend it. Take for example my failure to handle Orochimaru years ago. Because of that one inability to act all that has befallen our two villages today is my fault. Furthermore, if I can't convince the coming shinobi of the foolishness of pushing on with their attack then by tomorrow our villages may be at war."

Gaara nodded but said, "Then we must not fail."

Sarutobi inclined his head before focusing on the forest ahead of him and shouting, "I, Sarutobi Hiruzen the Third Hokage demand that the current leader of the forces moving on Konoha make himself known."

For a moment nothing happened and Sarutobi could feel that the leader was weighing his options. Gaara as calm sounding as ever said, "Baki, I know that you are in charge at the moment."

A, "tck," sound was heard before a man with half his face covered by cloth appeared on a branch in front of them. He stared hard a Gaara for several moments before raising his open hand. He then closed it into a fist and the two were suddenly surrounded by the Sand forces all tensed and ready to attack. The Third Hokage stared at the various shinobi and noticed that most of them appeared to be more fearful of facing the young man next to him then of fighting the Legendary Professor. Focusing on Baki he said, "An unnecessary display. That Gaara and I are here should tell you all that you need to know about the current state of Konoha."

"All it tells me," Baki said harshly, "is that my Kazekage has fallen because all his shinobi were forced out of the village."

"Yet because of that Sand has a chance to save face," Sarutobi replied calmly. "I'm sorry to say that the Fourth Kazekage died well before today. The man that Gaara and I faced was brought back to this plane of existence due to the Impure Resurrection Jutsu." Sarutobi could see his words obviously surprised Baki as it did the rest of the gathered shinobi. Pressing his point he continued, "Although the Fourth Kazekage made it no secret that he had chosen to ally himself with Orochimaru's ambition. My former student's betrayal and Gaara's actions does give us all a chance to prevent any further loss of life."

"That may be, but I know for a fact that the Kazekage was all for this invasion. It would be remiss of us not to fulfill his will and killing you here will hurt the Leaf in preparation for our attack."

Sarutobi nodded but said, "Your loyalty is commendable, however before Orochimaru ended the jutsu due to his defeat at Jiraiya's hands…" Sarutobi paused to allow it to sink into the gathered shinobi that Jiraiya was inside Konoha to further dishearten them before continuing, "Your Kazekage named his successor as Gaara."

"You expect us to believe that," a hot-headed Jounin shouted causing Baki to glare at him for his impetuousness.

"Forgive the outburst Lord Hokage," Baki said calmly. "However, if you knew of Gaara's reputation or his standing with his father, I'm sure that you'd understand why we find that hard to believe."

Gaara didn't allow his feeling of disappointment to reach his face but before either he or Sarutobi could respond Temari landed next to him. She then dropped to one of her knees saying, "What are your orders, Lord Kazekage?"

"Temari," Baki barked angrily.

But Temari defiantly said, "The only person in this whole screwed up affair that has acted in Suna's best interest is Gaara. I'm choosing to believe that in his final moments Father recognized that or at the very least saw that having Gaara in a position to care about the village was in its best interests." Standing she pulled her fan and opening it took up a position in front of her brother as she said, "If you can't see that also, then you're going to have to strike me down too."

"Temari…" Gaara said surprised.

In response Temari said, "I'm sorry, I haven't been the big sister you deserved Gaara."

Baki still looked like he would possibly give the order to attack till Kankurou appeared next to his sister with crow already unwrapped and chattering in front of him. "Guess if this goes bad we go out as a family then," the puppeteer said moving his fingers to manipulate his puppet.

With both of the Kazekage's children siding with their brother, Baki could feel many of the shinobi around him hesitance to attack increase. But instead of the fear that had been behind it before, knew that it had changed to a belief that cutting down some of the strongest and brightest of the next generation would only further cripple an already weakened village. But this time they would be doing it to themselves instead of as a result of actions undertaken by their Daimyo. Dropping to his knee Baki asked, "Your orders?"

"We'll withdraw back to Suna," Gaara said moving from behind his siblings.

"As ordered," Baki said standing.

Before he gave the order to retreat though Baki was surprised when the Third Hokage bowed almost completely in half to the young man saying, "Again, I thank you in your efforts in protecting my home Lord Kazekage. Also, as per our discussion I'll begin fixing our practice of allowing the selling of our services to your Daimyo at cheaper rates then your own village can afford. I am glad you brought it to my attention that it was hurting your village." As Sarutobi straightened after Gaara returned the bow, Baki could see that the gesture wasn't lost on the shinobi present. After all it was a gesture that the previous Kazekage had never received.

As the shinobi surrounding them began to retreat Gaara took several steps away from the Hokage before asking his fellow Kage, "Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course."

"Tell Sakura and Naruto….thank you."

Sarutobi nodded causing a small smile to appear on the boy's face before he disappeared into sand. After several minutes and when he was sure he was alone Sarutobi blew out a heavy breath before saying to himself, "I'm getting too old for this."

Kakashi landed in one of the training fields following the directions the messenger toad had given him after checking on Sakura in the hospital. He was concerned for Naruto as although his student had been there he had been off to the side as the hospital staff looked over her and he appeared to be aware of the fact that it was his presence that was making the staff uneasy. Eventually the blonde had left, no doubt figuring out his presence was distracting the hospital staff and Kakashi could almost hear the collective sigh that escaped from the doctors and nurses. Saving reprimanding them for a time when they weren't busy saving lives Kakashi had left the room also only to come face to face with Sakura's parents and Iruka before a toad had told him Jiraiya needed to speak with him.

As he had traveled across the village he had let his mind wander from his concern for Naruto to his worry about Sasuke. While his student had appeared shortly after Naruto's Kyuubi outbreak, Sasuke had been more concerned about challenging the owner of the chakra then Sakura's condition. On top of that he had stayed at the hospital only long enough to make sure Sakura was alright before leaving. No doubt to begin training in the use of the Sharingan. The lack of overall concern for anything unrelated to his ambition worried Kakashi.

Spotting Jiraiya amid the destroyed training field, he wondered why the Sannin wanted to meet him here of all places. But as he got closer, he noticed him staring down at a dead enemy kunoichi. "Anyone you know?" Kakashi asked confused.

"No..." Jiraiya said hesitantly before asking, "What do you see?"

Looking around he said upon noticing the other two corpses, "Three dead enemy combatants."

Jiraiya shook his head looking disappointed with his answer before saying, "Look closer."

Doing as instructed he noticed that although the two boys looked like they had died fighting. The badly burned kunoichi hadn't died from the fire jutsu but of a separate attack by a kunai. Kakashi frowned since due to how injured she had been the girl had been helpless to defend herself. While such things happened in battle it was something that he hoped most Leaf shinobi were above.

Commenting on his observations he said, "The kunoichi was finished off rather cold-bloodedly but considering we were in the middle of an invasion it could have been considered a mercy killing since it'd be a while before she'd get medical attention."

"Possible," Jiraiya said his tone guarded aware that a teacher's first instinct was to side with a student, "But you should know that it was Sasuke that did it." Before Kakashi could defend his student though Jiraiya added, "Also, it appears to me that Orochimaru is interested in him as this is where I found the two of them."

"What are you suggesting?" Kakashi asked feeling a tinge of anger on his student's behalf.

Jiraiya turned away from the dead girl saying, "I think you know."

"Sasuke isn't a traitor."

"Not yet perhaps," Jiraiya agreed, but looking over his shoulder he said, "Although the only witness to what happened here seems to be dead."

"You can't be sure she was alive to see anything, or that Sasuke was the one to finish her," Kakashi responded quickly although he felt his own doubts beginning to eat away at him.

"True, but look at her face." Kakashi did so, and even he had to admit the look of betrayal that was frozen on it appeared at the very least to confirm that Orochimaru was there as she died. Seeing that Kakashi saw what he did, Jiraiya said, "Even if Orochimaru was the one to finish her off. The fact that he did suggests she had something of value to say. Also, considering that as far as I can tell Sasuke awoke his eyes here, suggests to me that at the very least Orochimaru is promising him power. Something I'm sure you are all too aware the boy covets."

Walking past Kakashi the Sannin put his hand on the jounin's shoulder before saying, "Right now as you said he's done nothing wrong. I'm simply pointing this out so your judgment doesn't get clouded and you one day find yourself repeating the same mistake the Third did."

Knowing Kakashi would need some time alone to process the concerns that Jiraiya had raised the Toad Sannin went in search of Naruto to make sure the seal hadn't been damaged. Staring down at the dead kunoichi Kakashi wondered if there was a way to pull his student back from the darkness he seemed hellbent on surrounding himself with.

Sarutobi entered the village quietly pleased to see that despite suffering great physical damage that what made it precious had suffered very little, that being the people that lived there. As he made his way to the Hokage mansion to receive status reports he became aware of someone discreetly following him. Coming to a stop he said, "I commend you on spotting my entry into the village. But your tailing skills leave something to be desired."

He heard his tail make an, "eep," sound before stepping out from behind some rubble. Recognizing her as the Grass-nin that had fought during the chunin exams he said, "It's alright my dear, the enemy has been forced out of the village. You are safe."

Karin fixed her glasses before saying, "Uhm, I already sensed that. I was actually hoping to speak with you alone for a moment."

Raising an eyebrow Sarutobi asked, "Oh, what about?"

"My defecting to the Leaf," Karin said her tone hopeful.

"May I ask where you got such an idea?"

Frowning since she had expected the Hokage to eagerly jump at the chance she said, "From a Leaf Genin named Naruto Uzumaki. He said such things happen all the time."

Sarutobi ran his hand down his face mumbling about how he should have expected as much. Seeing that the hope in the girl's eyes was dying he said, "While it happens more than I care to admit in terms of the shinobi of Konoha leaving for what they perceive as greener pastures. The truth is Konoha rarely takes in such people from outside villages as I'm afraid it sets a bad example."

"I see," Karin said dejectedly, "I'm sorry for troubling you. I'll go find my sensei."

Watching the girl leave he said, "Wait… why do you hope to make Konoha your home?"

"I don't feel Grass is a place I want to serve." Reaching into her pouch she pulled out some papers saying, "Here, I intended to use these to barter my way into the village. They are financial records that showed my home laundering money to someone for the purpose of buying the services of missing-nin. In light of what happened here I think it may have been to Sound."

Sarutobi took the papers scanning over them and while vague with the hindsight he now possessed could see how the girl came to the conclusion. Eyeing her, he asked, "I don't imagine getting access to these files was easy. How did you manage?"

"I have the ability to sense chakra, so simply made my move when nobody was around the record room," Karin answered a little hope her ability would be enough to change the Hokage's mind.

Sarutobi nodded but said, "Still your timing couldn't be worse…"

"If it's because those files are no longer viable…" Karin said but trailed off as Sarutobi held up his hand.

"It has nothing to do with not understanding what these papers were about until now," Sarutobi said, "But with the event you are using to gain access to Konoha. Do you remember what I said about these exams after you completed the second examination?"

"That they were a way for the villages to conduct friendly wars so to speak."

"Exactly, but they also are used to expose the villages that may be fighting together in the future to each other. While true members of the Alliance had managed to convince shinobi of other members to defect to their villages from time to time. Doing so during the Chunin Exams would be a difficult thing to ignore." As Karin's face fell once more he sighed saying, "Still… if you are willing to return to your village for the time being. I give you my word I'll send a team to help extract you from Grass when I feel enough time has passed."

As Karin's face took on a measure of hope at his words Sarutobi couldn't help smiling at her in much the same grandfatherly way he had many of his young ninja. Karin suddenly lunged forward hugging the kind old man saying, "Thank you," over and over again.

Patting her on the back Sarutobi couldn't help but feel somewhere a kunoichi was cursing his decision.

Sakura was staring out the hospital window, it had been several days since the invasion and she was beginning to worry about Naruto. While he had visited her multiple times, he never entered through the door. When she had asked why he had laughed saying, "Ninja's don't use doors."

But behind his smile Sakura could tell he was scared of something and what bothered her most was if felt like he was putting a barrier between them. She got a hint of what it may be when one time a knock had sounded at the door. Naruto had been about to bolt but she had clamped her hand down on his wrist, when the nurse who was checking on her entered, Sakura detected the woman's eyes going wide in shock and fear. Naruto used the moment to pull free telling Sakura he'd visit again the next day this time using the door to leave.

The nurse obviously relaxed when he left before saying, "Well let's check on how you're recovering."

But Sakura simply glared at her telling her, "Get out!"

"Now please relax, I just need to…"

"Now," Sakura said calmly and in a way that promised one way or another she would be leaving. The nurse backed up and out of the room before closing the door. Once alone and positive that something had happened after she lost consciousness that had scared the village into pushing Naruto even further away said, "Stupid village."

An hour later Sakura's mood hadn't improved but a knock at the door attracted her attention. Before she could tell the person to go away her mother stepped in smiling brightly which faltered as she noticed her daughter's sour mood. Sitting on the bed she took her daughter's hand asking, "Honey what's wrong?"

"Nothing…" Sakura replied sounding distant.

"Well perhaps you'll be happy to know they plan to discharge you tomorrow," Sakura's mom said noticing her daughter's mood did seem to improve at the news. Positive that she knew why as well, she tried to push the concern she felt at it away, knowing how much her daughter had come to cherish her teammate.

Misaki Haruno was leaving the hospital after visiting with her daughter. While they had talked a nurse had entered the room to check some of the equipment monitoring Sakura and her daughter had glared at the woman the entire time. Having felt that glare a few times herself before the invasion and most recently whenever she had reacted poorly at the mention of her teammate, Misaki knew one way or the other the woman had insulted Naruto Uzumaki.

Misaki shook her head wondering just when the world had turned upside down as just a few months before Sakura's becoming a shinobi the idea of her daughter being so protective of Naruto would have been unimaginable. Still having arrived at the hospital after being informed her daughter was injured she was beginning to understand why.

"Where is Sakura Haruno," she shouted running down a hall when a nurse pointed down it not bothering to ask where she needed to go. Her husband did though not that she noticed. As she rushed down it aimlessly she saw Sakura's old teacher Iruka get up from a chair. She noticed that Naruto was there, but as she got closer he disappeared down another hallway.

Stopping in front of the Chunin and near hysterical she said, "Sakura's alright isn't she?"

Iruka nodded before inclining his head to her husband saying, "Itsuki," in greeting.

"Iruka," her husband said placing a calming hand on his wife's shoulder, "can you tell us what happened?"

"Your daughter was poisoned by Sound-nin while defending the shelters…"

"Then she wasn't attacked by…"

"No," Iruka said cutting her off more harshly then she had ever heard the man sound.

"Forgive her," Itsuki said, "but feeling that chakra and then hearing Sakura was injured, well I'm sure you can imagine how she could come to that conclusion."

Iruka sighed sitting back down in the chairs in front of the room saying, "I'm sorry… it's just as I'm sure you can imagine most people have been acting as if any moment he's going to attack them." Motioning in the direction his former student had gone he added, "It's why he was out here instead of in the room with the rest of his team. But you should know the reason he tapped into its power was because Sakura was injured and it's because of him that we secured the antidote."

Misaki had been shocked, but before she could ask for more details the door opened and Sasuke Uchiha had stepped out. Iruka frowned, giving Misaki the impression he hadn't been there very long before the Chunin asked, "Where are you going?"

"To train," Sasuke said unemotionally sticking his hands in his pocket. His calm demeanor rubbed Misaki the wrong way.

However her attention was pulled away from the genin by her daughter's sensei leaving the room. He bowed his head in greeting saying, "Mr. and Mrs. Haruno, the doctors assure me Sakura's going to be fine. If you would like you can go inside but please stay out of their way."

Misaki nodded quickly entering the room followed more slowly by her husband but before the door closed she heard Kakashi ask, "Where's Naruto?"

It was an excellent question the elder Haruno thought as she hadn't seen the boy with her daughter once in the hospital. But she knew he had been there from the way Sakura would act or if he hadn't visited yet from the way she stared out the window. She had wondered why she hadn't seen him at the hospital until she realized that he no doubt didn't want Sakura to see him around other people for fear that their negative reactions to him would ruin his present good standing with her.

Misaki stopped as she spotted the boy in question exiting the ramen stand that her daughter had been frequenting since joining Team Seven. Watching the boy walk away, she flashed back to years ago when she had seen him crying will walking with Sakura. Even then shortly after the event she had not thought of herself very highly. But still the fear she had felt towards what the boy carried made it easy to try and ignore he existed, especially as she remembered the night the Kyuubi had run rampant. Remembering how she had huddle in the civilian shelters holding her seven month old daughter to chest while praying the Fourth Hokage found a way to destroy the monster and protect her daughter.

Yet now as she watched him walk away not crying but from the sadness he was admitting might as well have been. She realized that not only had her prayer been answered, but that it had been in a way in which the Fourth Hokage's solution would continue to protect Sakura through containing the beast and using its power in the defense of Konoha. Having come to that conclusion, she decided to do her part to make sure the boy knew she appreciated all he had done for the village.

Following after him slowly at first, she soon found herself running after him shouting, "Uzumaki…Naruto Uzumaki." Hearing his name he turned and for a moment looked like he was about to take off running. But with a weathered sigh, he seemed resigned to what he probably imagined would be a very unpleasant conversation. Coming to a stop in front of him she took a moment to catch her breath before bowing to him as she said, "I haven't had a chance to thank you." She was aware that some of the people around them were stopping to look at her but ignoring them as she continued, "I've been told the only reason Sakura is expected to be okay was because you captured the man that poisoned her. But also let me thank you as a civilian who you defended through your actions at the shelters."

Raising her head she could see that Naruto appeared unsure at how to respond but then a large smile split his face as he raised his hand behind his head in embarrassment. "You don't have to thank me…I was just doing my duty."

"Forgive me for correcting you," Misaki said straightening, "but I do for far more than your recent actions. I hope I can count on you to continue to look after Sakura."

"Of course, I'd do anything for her."

Misaki smiled before saying, "I'm glad to hear that, Then I can count of you to show up to dinner tomorrow."

"Um… I would love to, but…"

"Please, Sakura is set to leave the hospital tomorrow and I know for a fact she'd love for you to be there."

Naruto nodded still appearing a little nervous but after a little further convincing agreed to come. As he took off running, Misaki was glad to see that he appeared far happier than he had been moments before.

Sarutobi looked over Ibiki's report of what he had learned from the Sound-nin Kidoumaru. Sadly, despite serving as one of Orochimaru's bodyguards the young man was proving to be less then useful in helping them determine any of Orochimaru's long term plans. Closing the file, he wished that the other three members of the Sound Four as they were identified hadn't managed to escape when everyone's focus had been on Sakura and Naruto.

A knock at his door attracted his attention. The visitor opened it and he smiled as Jiraiya stepped into the room. "You sent for me," his former student asked as he made his way towards his desk.

"Indeed, but first have you had a chance to analyze Naruto's seal?"

"Yeah, as I expected the seal performed exactly as it was designed too. But from what Iruka and Anko reported I believe that the Kyuubi was attempting to use Naruto's anger in order to bypass the seal. At the moment I don't believe there is any danger of that happening."

Sarutobi nodded before saying, "Very well, now for the reason I've asked you here. I believe it's time that we convince Tsunade to return home."

Crossing his arms Jiraiya said, "I don't envy the poor sap you have try to do that. I don't think she has any intention of ever returning."

Sarutobi nodded sadly but said, "Well you'll find out first hand."

"Now hold on a minute…"

"Jiraiya it has to be you. I'm afraid you are the only link she still has to the village."

A little bitterness seeping into his voice Jiraiya said, "A rather weak link don't you think. Besides, she has Shizune."

"True, but Shizune has spent almost more time outside of Konoha then in it."

Jiraiya sighed signaling he was about to give in but curious he asked, "Why the sudden push to bring her back?"

"I'm an old man and it's time for me to pick a successor."

"Come on, I'm sure you still…"

Jiraiya stopped though as Sarutobi held up his hand before saying, "True, I'm not exactly ready for the grave just yet. But I need to have someone in place in case the worse should happen, or else when the time does come certain parties may use it to their advantage."

"Danzou," Jiraiya said his voice and face showing his disgust.

"Yes," Sarutobi replied. "My sources in the Daimyo's court have already heard rumors that some of the Daimyo's advisors who have supported Danzou in the past are already suggesting if he was Hokage the invasion would never have happened."

"No, Konoha would be in a full blown war, probably against all the shinobi nations," Jiraiya said angrily.

"A possibility, but one I hope to avoid, and since you are unwilling to take the mantle and most of our current jounin aren't exactly ready yet, she is the best candidate available."

"Alright," Jiraiya said accepting defeat, "I'll do it, but I want to take Naruto and Sakura with me for the search." Sarutobi arched an eyebrow at the second name so he explained, "It'll do the boy some good to get out of the village for a while and since she's well aware of what he carries. Her being on the mission might cause him to relax enough to reveal it to her."

"And what of Team Seven?"

"You mean Sasuke don't you? To be honest, I want him kept as far away from Naruto as possible. Let Kakashi give him the one on one training he craves so much."

"As you wish, but depending on how long this mission takes I may need to pull them for another mission I have in mind."

"Alright, I'll find them later today to let them know and we'll be on our way the day after."

Sarutobi stood to look out the window saying, "It'll have to be later in the day as I still need to talk to them myself."

Sakura looked over at her father as he walked home with her carrying the pack that her parents had brought for her during her hospital stay. "I can carry it dad," she said feeling a little self conscious although she couldn't explain why.

"I know, but let me baby my little girl somewhat," he said good-naturedly.

Turning onto the street that led to their home she asked, "Dad, do you think Mom would be alright with me skipping dinner tonight?"

"Any particular reason?"

Sakura sighed but answered, "I'm worried about Naruto. He didn't visit me today and… I'm worried the invasion has…affected him more then he'll let on."

"No doubt because of the way the villagers have been reacting to him lately."

Sakura's head quickly snapped towards her father's face and was surprised to see him smiling at her. "Why the surprised face," he said keeping his amusement in check, "I know I may be a simple village historian. However, I always tried to teach you to be observant. Granted for a time I was worried that your crush on Sasuke was causing you to see the world through rose tinted glasses, but I've noticed how curious your teammate has made you lately."

"So then the K…"

"Careful," her father said quickly cutting her off, "while I'm glad to see you piecing things together. It's forbidden for me to speak to you about it and I'm not really sure I can even if you have learned of the secret surrounding him."

Sakura gaze moved to look in front of her but her father could see that she was really analyzing what he had said. He was glad to see when her face didn't seem surprised that there was a law in affect that disallowed speaking of the truth of the Kyuubi's defeat to any of the children not old enough to remember the night in question. But then her face morphed into one of sadness as she asked, "Is it my fault he's being ostracized more harshly than usual?"

Itsuki considered lying to her but knew she'd probably be able to tell so said, "What happened was a result of your being poisoned." Seeing Sakura was berating herself he quickly added, "However, his being treated as an outcast sadly is the result of the fear people feel at the power he used to defeat those behind it."

"Are you afraid of him?"

"I was… uncertain of him before."

"And now?"

"Well to be honest before I could form an unbiased opinion of him. He went and protected two of my most important people. He saved my life as well through his actions." Reaching the door to their home he opened it saying, "Now how about we go eat. Your mother worked very hard on dinner and it'd be a shame for her efforts to be wasted."

Sakura nodded promising to herself that she would go find Naruto after dinner. Upon entering the house she could smell the meal her mother had prepared and admitted that after eating hospital food for the past several days having her mom's cooking was rather appealing. Making her way to the kitchen she was surprised to see her mother talking to Naruto as they sat around the dinner table.

"Ah, right on time," her mother said getting up to quickly hug her daughter.

"Mom…" Sakura said confused since, she didn't see any of the normal nervousness or hesitance her mother normally displayed when Naruto was mentioned and she had expected to be much worse in his presence.

Misaki smiled, but ignoring her daughters confusion said, "Come on and let's start to eat before dinner gets cold," while escorting Sakura to a seat next to Naruto.

As she sat down Naruto said, "I'm sorry I didn't visit you today. But your mom wanted my coming to dinner to be a surprise and I was afraid I'd let it slip."

Sakura noticed that he didn't seem as bothered as he had while visiting her in the hospital and assumed it was because her mother had been welcoming of him. "That's okay," she replied, "It was a surprise, but a good one."

As they began eating Sakura's father started a light conversation that eventually felt like it put a spotlight on Sakura when her mother asked, "By the way I never got the chance to ask if you enjoyed your… time together at the chunin exams? Well before the invasion at least."

Sakura fought the urge to correct her mother and say date, but since she wasn't sure how thrilled either of her parents were at the idea of her dating anyone, so let it slid. Naruto however didn't pick up the subtle pause in her mother's sentence that had suggested her searching for the right words to describe what Sakura considered her first date as he said, "It was great. Karin's match was a little boring since we couldn't really see anything because of the smoke but the next one made up for it. I can't wait for the next one. I'm sure Kakashi-sensei will nominate us for it. It's only a shame Gaara won' be in it."

"Oh why," Sakura's father said intrigued.

"Well if he's already strong enough to be made Kazekage. I'd have really liked to fight him to see how much stronger I need to become in order to become Hokage."

"Hokage, a rather ambitious goal," her father said, "but being Hokage is more than just being strong."

Naruto nodded before saying, "Yeah… I used to want to be Hokage so everyone would stop ignoring me. But after our mission to Wave and this invasion I think I understand what being Hokage really is. Sure a Hokage has to be strong, but his real strength is in his willingness to put everything on the line for the Village and its people."

Sakura could see her dad was impressed by Naruto's answer giving a small nod of respect. After that the conversation turned to less profound topics and sadly for her more than a few embarrassing stories. When dinner was finished she took Naruto to the roof where they sat looking at the stars. Finally working up the nerve she said, "You seem happier then you were earlier in the week, any particular reason?"

Naruto looked at her and moved a hand to his stomach in a gesture she was beginning to realize meant it was probably Kyuubi related and while she had already known that it was. A part of her hoped he was going to tell her about his burden. However, he pulled his hand away and looking over the village said, "Growing up, I'm sure you know I wasn't very popular. Uhm… something happened recently were I've felt like my standing in the villagers' eyes had dropped. But then your mom invited me to dinner and your parents treated me really nice and you've been really supportive of me and I guess I realized that as long as you think highly of me I don't care what everyone else thinks."

Sakura's eyes went wide as her face flushed at what he said while she slid a bang of her pink hair behind her ear. Leaning in towards him, she licked her suddenly dry lips as she said, "Naruto…" in a tone the blond boy had dreamed of for years. Moving her face closer to his, she wasn't really in control of her actions simply reacting on instinct as a result of Naruto's heartfelt admission to how much he valued her being in his life.

Unfortunately before one of Naruto's dreams of being kissed by his long time crush could be granted the sound of geta landing on the roof followed by, "Ah there you are," caused Sakura to quickly pull away. Jiraiya seeing the sudden pull back as well as the embarrassed looks on both of their faces let a lecherous smile appear on his face as he said teasingly, "Oh ho, what have you two been getting up to?"

He expected a couple of muttered denials but received a hard glare from the pink-haired girl that reminded him so much of Tsunade right before she would pummel him for being a pervert that he almost reconsidered taking her along on the mission he had been given for fear of what she may become should the two meet. "What do you want Pervy Sage?" Sakura said her voice leaving no hint that she would prefer to send Jiraiya across the village with a punch.

Gulping heavily but knowing the reasons he had given the Hokage for bringing Sakura still held true said, "I've been given a mission by the Hokage to locate Tsunade. I asked that the two of you accompany me on it. He agreed, so after you two meet with him tomorrow we'll be leaving the village."

The two youngsters nodded so considering how late it had gotten Sakura stood saying, "I'll see you tomorrow Naruto. Good night." She walked past Jiraiya to enter her window and closed it behind her.

"What about me?" Jiraiya said childishly.

Naruto made his way towards the Hokage mansion quickly, while not late for his meeting yet, if he dallied too much he probably would be. He was still in a good mood from the previous night but thinking about on the roof and the almost kiss began to feel a little guilty that he hadn't told Sakura about the Kyuubi yet. He knew he was being a coward and underestimating Sakura, but there was a part of him that was afraid that she would reject him upon learning of it. Despite how many times recently that he had told himself that nothing would change, at least in a bad way, there was always some dark part of him that would whisper to him that it would. Still, he knew that she would eventually learn of it and it was important that she did so from him. However, he knew that as he had so often lately would simply but it off until after some other point in time, the current one being after the mission with Pervy Sage. Whether he would tell her or pick some other date upon reaching this one he knew sadly remained to be seen. Upon entering the Hokage's office Naruto was surprised to see that Team Ten was present as well. He was also a little mortified to see he was the last to arrive as even Kakashi was waiting.

Sarutobi smiled seeing Naruto scramble to stand next to Sakura muttering apologizes. Standing he came from around his desk saying, "Shikamaru, Sakura, and Naruto please come forward." Once the three genin in question stepped away from their teams he continued, "The reason I have asked your teams here and signaled you three out is due to your actions you will receive commendations in your records."

Sarutobi paused to allow his words to sink in to the other genin present. Running his eyes over them he was glad to see both Ino and Chouji appeared to be beaming at their teammate. However, when his gaze landed on Sasuke he felt a frown try to appear on his face. The boy stood there emotionlessly but there was a smoldering anger in his eyes. Filing what he saw away and making a mental note to speak with Kakashi later he picked up where he left off saying, "Shikamaru, despite your relative newness as a ninja, you effortlessly worked well in conjunction with shinobi many years your senior. Furthermore, the way you used tactics to ensnare and set-up enemy shinobi to be quickly eliminated by the jounin and chunin defenders in the arena helped insure the safety of the civilians present." Shikamaru appeared as disinterested as ever at the praise he received, but he began to frown as a sneaking suspicion began to form in the back of his mind.

Sarutobi felt the urge to chuckle but moved on saying, "Sakura, Naruto, the way you each used your strengths to help each other and the people of the village fully demonstrated what makes Konoha so difficult to defeat." Sarutobi smiled as Sakura and Naruto beamed at each other before adding, "In addition to the commendations and due to leadership skills suitable of higher rank Sakura and Shikamaru you will be henceforth promoted to chunin."

Sakura immediately looked to Naruto and although his pleased smile at the praise they had received slipped a little. When he looked at her there was no bitterness in his face or eyes at her good fortune. When she turned to look at the Hokage she noticed he appeared to be watching her closely. Raising her hand she asked, "Permission to speak sir?"

"Granted," the Hokage replied.

"I would like to turn down this promotion please." Sakura could almost feel Naruto surprised gaze snapping back to her as a result of what she said.

"Oh, may I ask why?"

"I have a few reasons but mainly because I don't feel ready for the added duties expected of me. In truth I was happy Kakashi-sensei didn't nominate us for the chunin exams."

Before the Hokage could reply Shikamaru said, "I'd like to turn it down too please."

"Hmmm," the Hokage said eyeing the two genin before settling his gaze on Shikamaru and saying, "I may be willing to accept the request Shikamaru, provided the reason you give me doesn't involve the word troublesome or any of its synonyms." When it became apparent the Shikamaru didn't have such a reason ready he moved his gaze back to Sakura before saying, "I believe I would like to hear these other reasons of yours Sakura before making a final decision. The rest of you are dismissed."

The two teams began filing out of his office with Naruto being last and stopping near the door to look at Sakura. She smiled at him saying, "I'll catch up Naruto. I'll meet you at Ichiraku." Naruto nodded before closing the door behind him.

Sarutobi moved back around his desk and sitting asked, "Is the reason you refused this promotion because Naruto wasn't offered one?"

"No…not really, the reason I gave you is my primary reason. But speaking of Naruto, was the reason he wasn't offered a promotion because of the Kyuubi?"

Sakura wasn't sure what to expect from the Hokage upon her mentioning the Kyuubi. She suspected that Kakashi and maybe Iruka may have informed her of her looking into the mysteries surrounding Naruto recently. But it wasn't for him to look hurt as he asked, "Do you think I would allow him to be denied something he deserved for such a reason?"

"I'm not sure," Sakura said hesitantly. "There have been a few things you've done in regards to him that I don't really understand."

Sarutobi nodded saying, "Thank you for your honesty. To answer your question though. No, the Kyuubi played no part in my decision. My reason for not offering Naruto a promotion to chunin as well was because a chunin needs to be a leader. Although powerful, Naruto didn't display the same leadership skills that both you and Shikamaru did. With that being said, will you reconsider your decision and accept the rank of chunin."

Sakura shook her head saying, "The only thing I really led was clones. I'm not sure I'm ready to lead flesh and blood people just yet and truthfully I think I would like a chance to experience the chunin exams with my team."

"Very well. Now I'm sure you have a few questions you wish to ask of me don't you?"

"I believe I've figured almost everything out. Naruto only recently found out he contained the Kyuubi correct?"

"Indeed, Mizuki told him when he tried to defect using Naruto as his pawn."

Sakura nodded before asking, "And you banned the adults from telling us kids so we wouldn't fear him, but why did you not tell Naruto?"

"Well to be honest the reason that I banned the adults from telling the children also had to do with why I didn't tell him. You see Sakura children are horrible at keeping secrets and it was my wish to shelter Naruto from the burden he was born into for as long as possible."

"Why?"

"I did not want Naruto to think that like so many other jinchuriki that he was created to be a weapon. I assure you the last thing the Fourth Hokage wished was to do such a thing to Naruto. May I ask you something?"

"Yes Lord Hokage."

"You have not shared with Naruto that you know of the Kyuubi, why?"

"He…he hasn't shared it with anyone has he?"

"Not that I am aware of," Sarutobi answered.

Blushing Sakura said, "I want him to trust me enough to tell me himself. Once he does that, I'll tell him I already knew."

"Good," Sarutobi said standing again to look out over the village from his office window.

Figuring she needed to get going Sakura turned for the door but stopped to ask, "Lord Hokage, do you think the village will give Naruto a chance to become Hokage?"

"Yes"

"Why, they ostracized him even though he saved so many people during the invasion?"

"Because I have faith in him and in you."

"Me!" Sakura said surprised.

"Indeed," Sarutobi said chuckling, "My faith in Naruto is that he will never give up and in time the people will respond to his honest desire to protect them by honoring him with the title Hokage. My faith in you is that when his resolve does weaken you will be there to help strengthen it."

Sakura nodded before leaving to meet Naruto. Watching from the window he saw her take off for her home to collect her pack. Opening it he said, "Are you done ease dropping Jiraiya?"

Putting his notepad away his former student said, "I was merely keeping tabs on my apprentice." Standing he began walking away along the roof tiles saying, "We'll be leaving within the hour. I'll keep you updated through the usual means.

"You would have made a great chunin Sakura," Naruto said earnestly as they began walking away from Konoha.

Sakura smiled since Naruto had been trying to get her to change her mind from the moment she had joined him at Ichiraku after collecting her supplies. "Thanks Naruto, but I'm happy with my decision. Like I told you, I'm not ready for more responsibility." Changing the subject she looked behind her to ask, "So how are we going to find Lady Tsunade?"

"Well it's not going to be easy as she tends to change her appearance at a whim. But due to her habits of drinking and gambling we'll begin by talking to a few loan sharks."

"Really, do you think they'll remember her?" Naruto asked.

"Oh they'll remember her. Most likely because she'll owe them money."

"Why did you ask us along?" Sakura asked skeptically.

"Well, I want Naruto to finish his Rasengan training and I figured that maybe Tsunade could see fit to give you a few pointers about how to properly harness your chakra."

Sakura nodded but was sure that Jiraiya had an ulterior reason for taking Naruto out of the village. One that she was positive involved Sasuke's growing jealousy of Naruto. Pushing the concern she felt away, she decided to concentrate on the mission ahead as well as trying to get Naruto to open up to her while trying to ignore what had happened between her and Shikamaru.

Shikamaru watched as Naruto and Sakura left the village until they had disappeared below the horizon. Rubbing his arm, he was positive that there were bruises from where the pink-haired girl had grabbed him. After she had left the Hokage's office he decided to test a theory he had been forming since the invasion. That being that the horrible chakra he had felt had not been a result of the Sound-nin that had tried to attack the shelter as was being told to him.

He had been suspicious from the very beginning in part due to Kakashi and Asuma's reaction to the chakra that they had felt during the invasion. If it had been the Sound Four as the attackers had been called then he doubted the two men would have recognized it. Furthermore, considering the state of the one they had captured it made the story even more unbelievable as it had left him with the impression that however powerful Kidoumaru had been, that what thrashed him was the true owner of the chakra.

That had left five suspects, which were Iruka, the proctor Anko, Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke. He was able to quickly eliminate Sasuke as even though he had arrived to the shelters before Shikamaru had, it was obvious the Uchiha was interested in locating the person the chakra belonged to himself. Shikamaru also eliminated Iruka and Anko since he had heard that it had been Naruto and Sakura that had helped them hold off the Sound Four. If either of them had such a powerful chakra, he doubted they would need the help of a couple of genin. In truth he had suspected Sakura over Naruto since when he had arrived to the shelters the blond had been crying over the unconscious kunoichi.

But in the few days following the invasion he had been forced to amend his theory. Mainly due to how the villagers had been reacting to Naruto. But also due to Sakura's own reaction to when he had just brought it up to her.

"Sakura, do you have a second." He asked motioning her into the alley he was waiting in.

"Well you technically outrank me now," Sakura said teasingly following him deeper into it.

"I know, if I knew releasing the genjutsu would have put me in such a troublesome situation I'd have simply let it put me to sleep. Anyway, when fighting the Sound Four did you feel a massive evil chakra?"

Sakura's eyes went wide before she schooled her features enough to say, "Yeah, they were really strong."

"I see," Shikamaru said letting his tone tell her that he didn't believe her, "Well I'll go talk to Naruto about it then."

Before he could walk away Sakura grabbed him by the arm saying, "Don't bother him about it."

Shikamaru looked over his shoulder at the girl saying, "So the chakra was him then. What is he?"

Almost as soon as he said it Sakura's gaze hardened and using a strength he didn't know she possessed she yanked him back smashing him against the side of a building. Her fingers dug into his arm painful and she said sounding extremely displeased, "He's a shinobi of Konoha and if you bother him with this I'll make sure you regret it."

Sakura then let go of his arm before taking off for her house. He had decided to ignore her advice and had gone in search of Naruto. However, upon finding him at his favorite restaurant had simply hung back to observe him. When Sakura had joined Naruto minutes later Shikamaru was surprised she made no mention of their run in, as well as how close the two seemed to have become.

Looking up to the sky from his observation point on top of the wall Shikamaru couldn't see any clouds worth watching so decided to look into what exactly the chakra he felt was.