Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A/N: So it's been awhile. Not too long I hope... but, that aside. This chapter works as a transition chapter since a time leap was involved. Also I wanted to build characters and have some relief to the story. As I said before... Things will be Picking up right about now. I hope you guys really enjoy this chapter. I Think its easily twice as long as my normal chapters. Hope you guys appreciate it! xD also a bit of christmas themed to go along with it. This story is still on going as you can see ^.^ anyways enjoy the read.

Chapter 5 Change within Time

Six Months had gone by. It was Snowing in the village, and Christmas was right around the corner. Naruto had gotten accustom to his girlfriend. Things were going Okay but, the more time passed, the more Naruto started to lose feelings for the pink haired girl. Sakura started to like Naruto more than she intended and even started to see why Hinata loved him so much. Hinata didn't say anything about the matter and actually buried herself in Her Anbu work not getting much time off. Tsume refused to talk to Naruto and didn't even tell him Happy birthday even though her Karin told her too. As for the other rookie 9 squad, everyone took it with a grain of salt. Most of his friends supported his relationship. Sasuke treated Naruto the same as he always did.

Naruto woke up in Sakura's house and quickly got dressed. He put on his usual outfit and strolled out the door. He decided that he wanted to do something a little different and went to a different restaurant in order to get some hot chocolate. He paid for it, then walked around the village.

"Man... this sucks. im bored out of my mind." He grumbled walking through the streets. He saw Kiba and Akamaru playing in the snow.

"Aren't you a little too old to be playing in the snow, Kiba?" Naruto said getting irritated. The dog brat snorted and turned his attention to the Orange ninja.

"Pshh since when do you not have fun?" He laughed jokingly. Naruto eyes shifted back to his hot drink. He really needed to get out more.

"You know Sakura is really putting a toll on you. First she made you do something on your birthday then makes you pay for a new couch. Are you really going to let that fly?" Akamaru barked in agreement. Naruto seriously thought about what Kiba said before dismissing it. He was sure that times were just bad.

"Well I still love her... Maybe im just letting stuff get to me. After I finish this ill join you!" He grinned.

"There we go! Im going to build a fort!" Kiba laughed and started to build himself a fort. Naruto started to actually drink his drink instead of thinking and taking a sip. Then he got an idea.

"Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" He chanted as multiple clones popped into view. He then told his clones to get people to join his fight and spread it. By this time Naruto had finish his drink and started to build a fort.

"Oh boy this should be fun!" Kiba snickered. Naruto just grinned and started to make his own fort.

After about 20 minutes Shikimaru, Choji, Lee, Tsume, and Kojiro showed up. Shikimaru smiled a little bit and choji was snacking on some ginger bread cookies. Lee, Tsume, and Kojiro ran full speed with their own snow balls already ready as if they were Ninja tools.

"HA I beat you to it! Release!" Naruto screamed as he released one of his clones to summon over 300 snow balls. Kiba sweat-dropped and dive for his fort while shikimaru's eyes bulge and jumped behind choji. It was too late for Tsume, Lee, and Kojiro. Naruto then had his shadow clones through a bunch of snowballs at those three.

"Oh you wanna play like that Uncle! Well try this on for size!" Tsume screamed activating sharigan in mid flight and actively dodging snowballs.

"You fool! Byakugan: Ninja tool summoning!" Kojiro activated his Byakugan and used his Ninja tool summoning to summon his own pre-made snowballs. He then launched them towards the snowballs coming towards him.

"Youth at full Speed!"Lee dropped his weights in mid flight and kicked snowball back towards the clones. Naruto started to panic and looked towards Kiba.

"Help Me kiba im running out of snowballs!" He plead as he ran behind his clones.

"you're on your own!" Kiba said as he stood where he was. Tsume got hit by a few snow balls and flew at Choji.

"Move it Fatty-"

"No kid! don't say tha-" Shikimaru tried to warn the girl.

"IM. NOT. FAT!" Choji fumed as he used his human expansion to increase his size. He then made a huge Snow ball in the palm of his hand.

"oh shit" Kiba muttered and jumped on the dog's back and ran. Naruto eyes bulged and ran in the same direction.

"You idiot!" Kojiro yelled at Tsume as she screamed and ran.

"Let's see whose fat now! EAT THIS!"He threw the ball of snow at the party as everyone ran and laughed as an avalanche was created in the village. The villagers all ran screaming and yelling. Naruto took a broken piece of wood and used it as a snow board. The avalanche ended at the gate of the village.

"Wow... that was the most fun I had in ages!" Naruto screamed. Tsume laughed and hugged her uncle pushing them both back into the snow. Everyone was laughing. Shikimaru and choji caught up to the group.

"You took that too far choji..." Shikimaru shook his head. Choji scratch the back of his head.

"heh heh... sorry!" He was slightly embarrassed as he sat down for awhile in the snow.

"what a drag..." Shikimaru muttered with a smile. Temari Finally walking through the gate was confused at the scene. She walked passed the laughing people and notice that shikimaru was standing to the side.

"Um did I miss something? Were people expecting me?" Temari asked as she looked around. Shikimaru turned towards her noticing her presence as he leaned up against the building.

"No... just everyone having a good time playing around." Shikimaru said lazily. Temari rose and eye brow.

"Since when do you play around? Aren't you a grown man?" She giggled and hugged him gently. He laughed a bit.

"Yeah... actually I just watch...Yuri didn't want to join. She was sleep." Shikimaru avoided eye contact. Temari smirked.

"Oh really? You just let her do that huh? She's lazy just like you-"

"Look Im sorry I-"

"No need to apologize... Both of you are very smart. So it doesn't matter if she takes after you." She told him as she kissed him gently on the lips. Choji ignored them and ran off to play in the snow.

"I should probably take you to see the Hokage." Shikimaru said getting straight to business.

Karin shows up looking amused. She was happy that her Daughter and her brother got along again like old times. By her side was Tenten who also was happy with the picture. She enjoyed seeing her kid getting along with others.

"Naruto. why are you in the snow? Don't you have priorities to keep in check?" Karin said pushing her glasses up.

"To hell with Priorities!" he retorted as he threw a snowball at kojiro. Tenten laughed as she leaned over to Karin.

"I like Naruto when he gets like this!" She exclaimed. Karin shook her head.

"Psh He's such a knucklehead." She smirked. At that moment Sakura arrived looking very irritated. Shikimaru rolled his eyes.

"Oh boy ... I'd rather get out of here." Shikimaru said quietly as he removed himself from Temari and grabbed her hand.

"Why? What's wrong hun?" Temari asked as she looked around.

"Sakura and Karin in the same place is just a disaster waiting to happen." He exclaimed as he walked away rapidly before he watch the next scene.

"If you say so... let's go then." Temari agreed walking with him as they walked toward the Hokage building. Sakura grabbed Naruto by his ear and pulled him away.

"What the hell Naruto! You leave me in bed, then you start playing games? seriously? we were suppose to go shopping today what the hell is wrong with you!" Sakura was angry. They slept in the same bed not having sexual activities going on yet. They simply played by the rules. Naruto had only started to live with Sakura by the 4th month. They both decided to wait until they were married. Which was going to happen in a few more months.

"I um... I just went for a walk and I bumped into Kiba..." Naruto tried to explained. Kiba snarled.

"Oh come on Sakura, Lay off. Let the man do what he wants for a change!" Kiba said getting irritated. Sakura eyed the dog brat.

"Look dog breath!-"

"No you look here bitch!" Karin intercepted pushing her glasses up. She never really liked Sakura. Sakura eyes darted at Karin, Veins popping out of her forehead as her eyes glared at the red hair woman.

"If you really love Naruto you wouldn't even mind him spending time with family, and having fun at least, I mean damn, let him breath!" Karin said getting irritated! Tenten sweat-dropped as she moved from Karin's side. She didn't like arguing that much over the years. She tried to settle every problem as civil as possible.

"Look stay out of my business, I know what im doing. And I'd appreciated if you didn't call me a bitch, whore" She glanced at the woman before she looked back toward Naruto who was having a slight problem. He stood there with his eyes shifting about not wanting the two girls to fight. Meanwhile Karin eyes were wide as she quickly looked back and forth between Tenten and Sakura before pushing her glasses.

"D-Did this bitch just call me a whore? Dafuck?" Karin was steaming red and was about to launch for Sakura until Tenten caught her holding her back.

"Drop it, It's not worth it!" Tenten shrieked trying to calm her down as she cursed way more than kids needed to hear. The kids on the other hand where amused at the event but, their parents just told them to leave dispelling all the fun that had occur that day. Tsume sadly looked at her uncle before she walked over towards Karin. Kojiro silently went with Tenten as well.

"That's ok you can play with Naruto Later!" Tenten reassure the kids as she pulled Karin along.

"Yeah that fucking slut, I can't fucking stand her ass-" Karin went on with her rant as she was dragged from the scene with Tenten. Sakura paid them no attention and pulled Naruto along.

Naruto And Sakura went shopping for Christmas Gifts to give people. She had brought Ino A new pair of shoes.

"So what do you think Naruto? you think she'll like these?" Sakura grinned widely. Naruto grunted as his eyes shifted around the store. He really didn't feel like being here. 'Man this suck... well who do I want to buy gifts for? Hmm Sasuke... Tsume... Karin... Kiba... hmm. Maybe even that Kojiro kid. Heh I like him he got balls, just like his father. Damn I miss Neji. He was always the calm one. Hinata. I wonder how she's doing.' Naruto's thoughts ran wild. Sakura snapped her fingers to bring him back to earth.

"Um Naruto... Are you listening to me?" She said as she tilt her head forward to get a better view.

"yeah yeah... shoes for Ino right?"

"No I was talking about helping Rock Lee with his Dojo. God Naruto... you wanna do this another time?" She said shaking her head. Naruto felt bad about the situation.

"Yeah... let's take a break. hmm... How about we split up and buy each other a present!?" Naruto said smiling brightly. Sakura gasp and kissed him gently on the lips.

"great idea! maybe you'll clear your head then?" She grinned hopefully. He simply nodded.

"Yeah I'll see you at home babe." He hugged her and took off in a different direction. Sakura went back to shopping asking the store clerk for some help on other things.

Meanwhile, Tenten had took the two kids and Karin for some Hot chocolate. Karin had calm down by then.

"Im sorry for over reacting. She doesn't deserve Naruto at all. For all the things he does for that girl, she should at least let him have fun. She couldn't steal my man and now she takes Hinata's because she's afraid of being lonely. what a slut." Karin said taking a sip out of her drink. Tenten shook her head.

"Just because she's afraid of being lonely doesn't mean she's a slut."

"No that makes her a slut because she'll take any man that has a decent status. That's why i called her a slut." She replied pushing her glasses up. Tsume rolled her eyes. Kojiro remained quiet as he sip his hot chocolate enjoying it.

"Mom... I really want him to be with Hinata." She put her own two cents in. Tenten smiled sadly.

"I know dear... but this is what Naruto wants." Karin responded looking down towards her daughter.

"Thats not what my dad would of wanted. He would of wanted Hinata and Naruto together." Kojiro said calmly. Karin grinned. Tenten gave her a knowing look.

"Well hey I have to meet up with Hinata soon. So I'll catch up with you later." Tenten smiled as Kojiro and her went back to their house. Karin then left to go towards the Hokage building to see Sasuke during his usual break. Everyone was still shopping or either playing in the snow. The afternoon times were the busiest times of the day. Karin Couldn't stand it. After years of finally settling into Konoha, the one thing she didn't like were how people got fussy around christmas time. Even though she herself was a bit out of control sometimes but, Sasuke always calmed her down. Finally reaching his office with her daughter behind her she discarded her thoughts.

"So are you finally done? You know working closely with the Anbu will exhaust you." Karin teased around with Sasuke. The Uchiha on the other hand stood there with a lingering facial expression. It was as if Sasuke couldn't believe in what he just saw.

"Whats wrong dear?" Karin said getting nervous. Seeing Sasuke like this often put her in an anxious mind set. The raven haired man finally taking notice at his wife's appearance looked up at her.

"Hinata... I know she isn't family but..." Sasuke trailed off as if he was hurt.

"The Anbu haven't been doing so well. Missions are starting to fall off." The man continued fixing his face.

"Wait, who isn't performing well? Didn't you just start a new line up?" Karin asked her husband.

"No one is failing.. and the missions are getting completed. However, Hinata is starting to lose her touch. Then someone else on the mission ends up saving her ass or taking in charge for the brief moment. She would usually come in here and apologize and ask to give another shot, perform really well for about a week or two then falls off again." He explained. Karin had a look of pity.

"Im not going to take her off Anbu Captain... She performs well but, she needs some help." Sasuke looked in distress as he glared into Karin's eyes looking for answers. Karin was on edge by the vulnerable look Sasuke gave her.

"U-um don't worry babe... Tenten will definitely help her! She should be fine soon." She tried to cheer up Sasuke. He only sighed and turned in his chair.

"She's too good to be going through this... And im not talking about combat abilities. Just her Nature alone. I only hope one day she can truly be my sister." Sasuke stated showing almost little emotion. Karin walked behind her husband and hugged his middle. Tsume Smiled at the sight and leaned against the door frame.

"She's an amazing woman." Karin whispered in Sasuke's ear.

"Hn... You're an amazing wife." Sasuke rolled his eyes.

At Tenten's place Hinata had just arrived. Kojiro was upstairs reading a book to give his mother a chance to talk to Hinata. He would ease drop anyways later on but, right now only the newest ninja tools mattered to him.

"Hmm where is she?" Tenten said to herself as she wiped the counters off with a rag. She was just doing minor cleaning as her living room and kitchen were already spotless. She then heard a knock on the door.

"coming!" She yelled as she rushed towards the door. She open the door to see a very tired looking Hinata.

"S-sorry im late... I had something really important to do." Hinata whispered. She coughed lightly. Tenten frowned at the woman before her.

"What happen?"

"Well ... I've been messing up missions... I know the hokage is really irritated with me. I also h-had to f-find N-n-naruto-kun's present..." She trailed off.

"Hinata... you should give that man a rest. He choose Sakura. It's too late dear. And thinking about it only makes things worse for you." Tenten pulled Hinata in who looked really depressed.

"I still love him... He's someone special to me." Hinata smiled weakly. The weapon master smiled back, giving her a caring glance. Hinata sat at the table as Tenten made some tea for the both of them.

"You know... I really hope he will like this..."Hinata mumbled. She pulled a box out of her bag and set it on the table. Tenten glanced over her shoulder, curious about what the Hyuuga girl had placed on the table.

"Hmm? what is that, Hinata?" She said finishing their tea as she sat down at the table with her.

"This is Naruto-Kun's present!" She beamed. She then took the lid off the box and pulled out a Kunai.

"Oh my god! thats one of the few weapons that I always here about! The Unique Kunai that only the 4th used! Wow that was really nice of you, Hinata!"

"Y-yea... It has the seal still on it as well. I only wanted him to have the Kunai as remembrance to his f-father but, I also managed to get the instructions on it as well... So he could use it if he wants... then again He doesn't fight anymore..."Hinata explained and trailed off again. Tenten could see the disappointment on the younger woman's face. Hinata's hand shaped around the cup as her eyes glared into the peaceful liquid.

"Well... how did you come across it?" The brown haired girl asked trying to steer the conversation another way.

"One of the perks of being Anbu Captain... you bump into legendary stuff from time to time." Hinata said nonchalant. Tenten nodded and Hinata placed the weapon gently back into the box and closed it.

"Well I think im going to go... Im sorry i didn't drink the tea... th-that was quiet r-rude of me-"

"Don't worry about. My son will probably drink it... Just take care of yourself." Tenten replied quickly. Hinata walked out the door. She was going to take one last walk around the village before she went home. Upstairs Kojiro was slightly sad. He went downstairs and drank the tea.

"who said you could have that?" Tenten eyed the boy as she stood up.

"You di-"

"Oh really? When?" She put her hands on her hips. Kojiro saw the mistakes in his words and cursed under his breath.

"Right... Stop ease dropping! go ahead and take the tea." Tenten said shaking her head.

"Im sorry mother... I just really wanted to see whats been up between Naruto and Hinata... My apologies!" He bowed and went up stairs.

Meanwhile, Naruto had manage to get Sakura emerald ear rings. It was really hard for him to find something she would like. He got Tsume, a frog contract. He thought she could handle it seeing as she had a lot of chakra. He ended up giving Sasuke a Shuriken set. He was never good at getting gifts for people. 'Man... Im such a lousy person. I hope they even like these gifts. Hinata would have never failed at this. Hinata... Oh shit i have to buy her something. Maybe I can tell Sasuke to give it to her.' He ran through the streets looking for something that Hinata would like. He ran straight into the woman without even knowing it.

"Crap im soo sory im trying to find a gift for someone really important to me." He said quickly to the person before realizing it was Hinata.

"O-oh Naruto-kun...Im sorry." She had dropped her gift on the floor. Naruto notice that she didn't look too good.

"Um... are you okay Hinata?"

"Y-yeah im fine I-I just f-fell and-"

"No I mean... are you okay? You don't look well" Naruto said helping her up.

"I... Um... that's not important." Hinata shook off. Naruto was about to object but, she continued.

"So who are you shopping for?" She asked him quickly. The retired ninja was taken back by the question.

"You... Im having problems with your gift... But im definitely getting you something."He smiled brightly. Hinata blushed a little.

"W-well I got you this..." She handed him the box. He was about to open it but, Hinata pushed her hand on top of the box.

"No! Open it on Christmas!" She replied with a frown on her face. Naruto scratch the back of his head.

"Hey, Lets go for a walk Hinata, Their is a few things I want to talk about" He said as they walked towards a nearby park.

A/N: I hope you guys liked it! Please Review! (at least this chapter.) I want you guys to let me know of the hidden fluff here and there =D Oh and Karin and Sakura... yeah I had a little fun with that. This chapter over all was fun to write xD