A/N: Man, I really an annoyed about the latest in Naruto manga with Kushina... It makes me want to redo this... But, I will keep going, besides. I'm enjoying this series as I get to try different forms of manga behind Naruto's powers. So I'll stick to this. But I want to try something similar to jingo's. But oh well. I've got to do my best right? Anyway, onward!

Chapter 22

"God damn it Naruto!" Shizune yelled as she raced alongside Naruto on her new pair of roller blades. "How could you have got the time mixed up? Can't you tell when we need to be back for training?" Naruto glanced over as they rushed round the hill.

"Hey sorry! It's not my fault I had the watch upside down. It was an accident! Honest Shizune-nee-chan!" Naruto stated as they rushed round the corner with Naruto in the lead. But luck was not on their side as two people carrying a couch was in their path. "Woah!" Naruto ducked and then Shizune but Naruto had no time to act on the cat in his path as he shifted the board sideways to stop and lost his balance.

"Naruto!" Naruto's hand hit the tarmac and he was able to right himself. But Naruto's board took Shizune out from under her. "Argh!" But a hand latched out and was able to counteract her fall. "Few... Thanks..." Shizune stopped as she looked at the older brunet woman with black sunglasses on.

"My, you two are in a hurry." Naruto rubbed his hands as he walked up.

"Nice catch there... You okay Shizune-nee-chan?" Shizune glanced over and nods.

"Oh please, like I would have gotten hurt anyway... But um, thanks anyway..." Shizune stopped waiting for a responce and the woman smiled before removing her glasses. Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly.

'This feeling...' The woman glanced between the pair, but more at Naruto.

"Kaho Mizuki... Nice to meet you too... I'm sure we'll meet again..." Shizune looked confused as the woman walked off and she glanced to Naruto.

"Why was she looking more at you when she said that? Got any idea?" Naruto glanced to Shizune.

"Not sure... But I think we best get going. One we're late as it is... And two... I don't trust her right now; she's giving off a powerful magical aura. It worries me. Come on!" Naruto called taking off on his board.

"Really..." Shizune muttered before following, but she did glance back. Was this person really someone to worry about?

X X

With a new day, Naruto made his first task to talk to Li. So once locating the young brunet, Naruto got Li away from Meiling with Shizune's aid.

"Someone with high levels of magic?" Li repeated curiously at Naruto's words, to which Naruto agreed.

"That's the best way I can describe it Li... I'm worried because this could be a threat in disguise." Naruto crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "I'm wondering if I should inform Sakura-chan."

"It might be best to wait till we can understand why this person is here first. If it's a threat then maybe inform Kinomoto-san would be best... Do you know where to find this person?" Naruto shook his head.

"No, she said that we'd meet again..." Naruto glanced up to the school before turning back to Li. "Let's be on our guard for now." Li nods as both held their gaze and one another.

"It would be safer... And you best watch Kinomoto's back when this person's nearby..." Li stated as he walked pass before stopping just beyond Naruto. "Like you said, we don't know what kind of person she is... If it's to do with the clow cards. Kinomoto-san or you... Could be in trouble." Naruto gave a short, slow nod as he closed his eyes.

'I don't want anything to repeat it like back then...' Naruto took a breath. "Yeah, could be."

It was a troublesome thing for Naruto. He hated keeping secrets from Sakura. After everything he should really learn to speak his mind more and be more open. After all, his brother did say that speaking about things between those you really hold close, is good for forming that stronger bond.

Maybe it's the way he's lived different to his brother. That's why Genpaku and Sakura Haruno were so close; it was a world where you grew up quicker. Relationships seemed so confusing... Even when you know your feelings... Or... Should...

This Mizuki... It worried Naruto for Sakura's safety. He didn't want to put Sakura in a point of danger. That was his role, it was more his thing. Sakura was too kind, even if she'd gotten stronger over the time.

Which was good, and it was better that Sakura also retained that true nature she is... Naruto would be sure he'd miss some of those quirks if they vanished. But he was also glad Sakura was more capable to stand her ground. Must be part of that fox like connection?

As Naruto sat down for class he continued to ponder. As he glanced about, he knew no one but a small few knew of their newer status as his brother called it, 'young couple'. While it would be nice to say, it would also be more difficult to explain the hows when's and whys... Another troubling thing.

X X

As time drew closer to start the school day, Naruto was beginning to worry, Sakura hadn't turned up and this wasn't normal... Though it was rare that Sakura over slept. But after miss Mizuki's appearing like this and leaving him uneasy.

'I better find her.' Naruto stood and headed for the door. Tomoyo was the first to see Naruto as she and the other of girls stood waiting.

"Where you going Naruto-kun?" Naruto glanced over as some of the other's noticed his presence.

"I'm going to find Sakura is all..." Chiharu glanced over to Naruto.

"But class is almost starting..." Naruto shrugged.

"Like that's going to stop me, I'll just see if she's got in yet... Excuse me." Naruto spoke walking up to the door, as he opened it on the other side Sakura opened it also, but with the momentum, she barrelled through not expecting the sudden burst in the door as Naruto opened it.

While he may have hurt his head, he was glad Sakura was okay and was as normal as ever.

"G-gomenasai Naruto-kun!" Sakura stammered as she quickly got up flushed. "Did I make it...?" Sakura asked as she helped Naruto up.

"Yep." Chiharu spoke with a nod.

"Sensei's not here yet." Riku added and Sakura sighed relieved.

"Yes," Sakura jumped at her teachers words. "You made it just in time... But now then..." As the students quickly scurried to the seats. Naruto sat tense, he hadn't sensed it before. But now he could sense Mizuki close by... And getting closer. "As of today, your usual maths teacher will be taking a long term leave..." Naruto sat up more abrupt; he liked his maths lessons with that teacher. "So instead a substitute will be taking her place..." It dawned on Naruto then and slowly his gaze moved to the door as it opened. There she was, Kaho Mizuki. As the woman walked in, there was a long pause as everyone looked at her. Their teacher held his hand up and gesture to her. "This is Kaho Mizuki. I hope you'll all behave under her teaching..."

Naruto glanced to his left slightly as a serious Li glanced to him. Naruto gave a short nod as to his unasked question before looking forward.

When a break in the day came Naruto took a walk to think. This not long after, left Naruto sitting under a tree. "Geez..." Looking up as he played with his sealed item in his fingers, Naruto found himself troubled. Sakura liked this teacher a lot.

Big problem. Since this meant trying to say, she's possible bad news, is not a good thing. 'I've lucked out.' Naruto stretched his leg out.

"Troubled as much as I am..." Naruto glanced up to Li who sat in the tree branch above him, no doubt hiding from Meiling. Naruto looked forward.

"She's going to be an everyday meeting possibly... I don't like it; she may smile and be friendly. But I've read enough and seen enough to not judge a book by its cover... That ninja was enough when it almost got Sakura and myself killed." Li nods slowly. 'But he was disguised...'

"Then what do you supposed to do then, Uzumaki?" Naruto closed his eyes for a second.

"Simple..." Naruto muttered. "I'll confront her and ask her the question straight out." Naruto stated. "I'll try find out where she lives tonight and get my answer." Li glanced down and stared at Naruto. The frontal approach huh? Li exhaled a bit before jumping down as Naruto stood. They held a gaze as Li looked to see how determined Naruto was about this.

"Very well then Naruto... Once you have your answer, what will you do? Tell Kinomoto..." Naruto held his gaze and spoke without much time to think on it.

"Depends on the answer, that's all I can really say Li." Li turned his back on the blond.

"Then I'll find out when time comes..." With that he walked off. Naruto stood there for a second before grinning, while he still had that serious edge. Li wasn't a bad guy to talk to... Then again, Genpaku did sort of make things difficult with his statement some time ago.

Off to the side a distance away, Sakura looked on at Naruto as Li walked off. 'What were they talking about? It seemed serious...' Sakura then blinked as she miss heard Tomoyo and glanced over. "Sorry, say something Tomoyo-chan?" The girl nods slowly.

"I was wondering if you were okay. You were staring at Naruto and Li for a while... Do you know what it could be about?" Sakura shook her head.

"No... But I'm sure Naruto-kun will tell me later." Tomoyo nods in agreement to that as Sakura glanced over and found Naruto gone. 'Something's wrong... Naruto's not like he normally is...'

As the school day reached the end, Sakura really found it hard to work with her worries with Naruto. He seemed more out of place, spaced out and not paying attention around him. Li seemed serious as well and even gave a warning to her before Naruto turned up, but never said why. She had to find out what, and as Naruto stood outside the front gate she ran up. "Naruto-kun." Naruto turned to Sakura as he'd been standing by the gate for several moments.

"Hey Sakura-chan..." Naruto noticed the focused gaze and grinned. "Something wrong?" Sakura stared on before speaking.

"What's wrong Naruto?" Sakura asked as Naruto stopped grinning. "You've been acting odd all day. Was it something you were talking to Li about? Is it something bad?" Naruto stared for a moment.

"Sakura..." Naruto muttered as to keep everyone who was leaving to over hear them. "Something's come up and I'm worried for you..." Sakura's eyes widen a bit. "But, I don't want to get you involved till I've seen for myself if you're in danger." Sakura looked at him slightly worried and saddened he'd want to keep her out of this. Naruto frowned at her look. "Hey, if I'm wrong then there is nothing to worry about... But, I don't want to start saying things till I've got my answer."

"Then I'll come with you, I don't want something to happen." Naruto shook his head. "Naruto-kun... Please, I don't want something bad to happen when I could have been there to prevent it." Naruto smiled at her.

"Sakura, this is something I must do..." Sakura glanced down. "Please, have faith, if it's nothing to worry about, I don't need to worry you with it... I can sweep it under the rug and go on as normal." Sakura glanced up.

"And if you're wrong? You could be hurt... Or..." Sakura shook her head, she didn't want to remember that fight before stealing her gaze with Naruto once more. "Would you tell me then?" Naruto nods.

"I will..." Sakura sighed and both glanced to Naruto's left as Shizune called out. She stopped before the two.

"Hey Naruto, Sakura... You okay?" Both nod. "Don't forget you have training with Haruno-san Sakura." Sakura blinked, she'd forgotten.

"R-right... I'll be going." Sakura glanced to Naruto before taking off on her blades. As she left and Naruto knew she was gone, turned to Shizune.

"Thanks for reminding Sakura... I best get going." Shizune grabbed his shoulder to stop him leaving.

"Hold it Uzumaki... You're going to find Mizuki-san... I happen to know where she is and I'm coming with you." Naruto turned but Shizunes gaze shut him up. "Sakura may not be the sort of this... But I am, I'm going to be your back up..." Naruto sighed.

"And you'll follow anyway." Shizune nods with a smirk. "Well maybe it would be better to have you as my aid... I didn't want to get Sakura involved since Kaho is our teacher and Sakura might be less to act." Shizune nods.

"Sakura's skilled yes, but she's got a kind and good heart. It's not going to be her best situation." Naruto nods and glanced back to the medical girl.

"Let's go then." With that the pair took off.

X X

"So she lives here at the shine huh?" Naruto muttered to Shizune as they stood at the entrance. Shizune nods from behind Naruto as the blond glanced about.

"What's wrong?" Shizune asked as Naruto closed his eyes.

'This feeling... Clow card... And,' Naruto opened his eyes. "Yuki..." There was a small whirlwind of white energy and Yuki appeared and landed on Naruto's shoulder. "Feel that?" The small white fox nods.

"Indeed, a clow card... But I sense the presence of two others..." Naruto nods and began to the walk up the path with Shizune on his tail. As they passed the gate, Naruto felt the clow cards presence even stronger while one vanished almost.

"Hey Naruto, look." Naruto glanced to Shizune and then followed her pointed finger to his left, there by a small shrine was Li, but Meiling seemed to be dragging the boy, and from the yelling as they walked up.

"Love charms?" Shizune spoke up from hearing Meilings yelling. The girl jumped at her voice. "I thought you weren't that sort of person..." Meiling quickly let go.

"I-it's not... Hahaha... I... I wasn't here for-." Her voice was cut short as a gong of a bell echoed out. Naruto's hair stood on end and in the blink of an eye his sword appeared as he turned and pointed it out as everyone looked for the source. "A bell?"

"Naruto..." Li spoke and Naruto nods as Li called his sword also.

"Yeah..." Slowly the world round them turned green like a murky liquid and took form. "Clow card..." As it took shape the group stood in a path. Tall green walls on either side. "Yuki..." The fox glanced about.

"It would seem that we aren't part of your world... But in the cards domain." Naruto lowered his blade. "I also sense no hostility. More amusement..."

"Like the cards playing with us?" Shizune asked curiously. The fox glanced over and nods slowly.

"Yes... I'll see if I can see a way out." The fox began to rise above them but as she did the walls began to rise and no matter how fast Yuki took after that the wall matched. Once the fox returned in defeat she gave her thoughts. "Guess it doesn't like that, but it appears were in a maze from a glance.

"Maze card it is then." Li spoke as looked at the lowering walls. "Let's start for a way out... Any ideas?"

X X

"You seem quiet Genpaku." Sakura Haruno muttered as she over saw the young Kinomoto's training. "What's up?" Genpaku, who had been gazing at the sky glanced over.

"Just that Naruto's chakra has blipped off my radar again..." This got the young Sakura's attention.

"When? Why didn't you say Genpaku-san?" Sakura asked as she ran up. The male glanced to Sakura. "When did it go?" Genpaku smirked.

"Don't worry... After what happened that day, Naruto's proved to me that he can handle himself. Jiraiya and I both know that next time something happens. We don't need to worry..." Genpaku glanced back to the girl. "Naruto's got what it takes to keep his ground; you get back to your training." Sakura looked down as the older Uzumaki glanced to the Haruno. "Don't worry," the teens hand rested on Sakura's head as she looked up. "Do you really doubt he'd been so easy to beat? He's on a level different to myself, besides, you've got your work cut out little Sakura-chan. Best be ready to be there when he does make his mistake so you can cover his actions and help him out to balance the system." Sakura nods as she turned and walked past Sakura. Glancing to the young Sakura as she began to train once more, she looked back to Genpaku.

The teen saw the unasked question. "Yeah, I'm not worried... But," he stood and looked to her. "I can see you are, I'll go look for the two of them and come back for dinner..." With that he walked out the room and got himself ready. 'Can't blame them for worrying, Naruto means so much to them in different ways... Well, no time like the present, off to his last sensed location.' Grabbing his jacket, the teen walked out the door.

X X

"Fuck!" Naruto cursed as he sat down. Shizune kicked Naruto in the side hard before he could say more as the other two looked at him amazed by his language. "Geez... Sorry, but we've been walking this route for some time now, it's like a circle Shizune, and you didn't have to kick so hard." The blond grumbled as Shizune sighed annoyed.

"Haruno-san was right, you're picking up more of your brothers bad habits..." Naruto looked away.

"I only used it out of frustration. It's not a common word I would use daily..." Shizune sighed and looked up at the murky green sky.

"This idea was a flop of mine and that compass of yours in no good either Li..." The girl sighed again with the trouble they're having and turned to the wall. "Any one of you two wants to try cut through?" Li nods first and stepped up.

"I'll try..." The young lad drew his blade to his side and with a yell; he swung, but had no effect. "Seems like the walls to dense for my weapon." Naruto stood.

"Let me try... I might be able to cut it." Naruto glanced to Yuki as he gripped his blade and the fox nods.

"Go with it Naruto, it's your call." Naruto nods as he glanced to the wall.

'Here goes...' Naruto took a breath. 'I haven't used this since that ninja. Show time!' Naruto's left hand rose as he gripped the katana with his right. "Yuki!" The foxes form glowed and its fur turned a deep brown. "Take the element of earth and take form!" The fox's body began to fade like smoke as it swirled into Naruto's left hand as he swung it forward and held it out. Yuki became a small brown orb with fox like face as a small tail flickered out the back. "Now, merge with the katana!" Naruto called as he pointed the blade at the orb and pushed in.

The blade crumpled under the orb and the hilt glowed and turned red as Naruto swung back and a brighter, red tinted steel appeared. The hilt where his hand was burst to life with a brown glow as a fox head appeared and shot up his arm form a set of three tails that formed a shield. Like that of a samurai's arm guard.

Steadying his form the blade glowed, "Argh!" Naruto drew the blade back and swung forward. Letting loose a brown, red like glowing wave of energy. It struck the wall and covered the group into dust. Naruto was the first too see and smirked while everyone else emerged coughing. "Well... Looks like we can go on." As Naruto finished that, the wall snapped back together.

"Or not..." Meiling stated as Naruto hung his head. Shizune shook her head as Yuki took form and returned to normal as Naruto's blade did also.

"Well... Looks like we need a new plan then. Knocking the wall down didn't work and walking the path won't either, so maybe we should-" Shizune stopped as the ground beneath them came to life and wall bent apart like heated rubber. "Looks like we made it angry!" Shizune called as her feet were knocked out, with a yell she turned and fell on her front, but a wall shot up as she did and with a yelp, she was sure that wasn't going to be well on her leg.

"Nee-chan!" Naruto called as he was knocked off his feet also. Naruto felt the ground stop and blinked as the world became that of one of those strange painting with routes at every angle. Naruto sat up and grumbled. "Great... What happened?" Naruto saw no sign of Shizune, "Nee-chan? Li?" Naruto called as he glanced about.

"Oh... My head, damn maze!" Naruto jumped and turned to see Meiling. "Syaoran?" Meiling called as she stood and glanced about. "Where is he? Hang on... Where's that other girl also?" Meiling said looking right at Naruto. The blond shrugged.

"Naruto!" Naruto blinked and looked fully up and blinked as he saw Shizune waving from her sat spot. And low and behold, Li was there too. "You guy's okay?" Naruto waved.

"Yeah! We're fine!" Naruto called as he noticed Shizune's lack of standing. "You okay?"

"Just injured myself on the fall. I'll be up in a bit so no worries. Li's being nice enough to worry..." Li coughed at the comment and looked back up as Meiling called.

"Don't worry Meiling! Stick with Naruto and we'll all meet up soon." Meiling whined.

"Just hurry up Syaoran!" Meiling sighed and turned to Naruto as he walked off, his katana resting onto his shoulder. Li relaxed slightly as he turned to Shizune, Meiling would be fine as long as she stayed with Naruto.

"You okay?" Li asked as Shizune held her hands on her ankle. "Need help walking?" Shizune smirked.

"Nah, I'll in a second. This is easy healing to something's I've had to heal in my time with Tsunade-sama..." Shizune muttered as the green glow faded from her ankle and slowly she stood. Giving a tap on the floor, she turned to the young Li male. "Let's go, we've got two people to hunt down." With a chuckle, she walked past Li.

As they did, they could hear the gong of that bell once more as the pair glanced about. "There's that bell..." Shizune turned to where Naruto and Meiling had been, but they weren't there. Either gone on out of sight, or the bell was connected to the disappearance.

Or it could be both. "Let's keep moving, who knows. We might find them through this maze..." With that they picked up the pace a bit quicker.

X X

Outside the shine grounds. Genpaku's feet came to a stop and looked on at it. 'The shrine...' Genpaku glanced about slightly before forming a hand sign. 'Ninpo...' His eyes snapped open and his eyes turned red and gained its white iris. Taking a glance Genpaku could see the lingering chakra energy of Naruto and Shizune's form walking down the street, like they were there right now. But both seemed to be in conversation as they rolled into the shrine grounds. 'Where did you go...'

X X

Naruto closed his eyes, Meiling wouldn't stop worrying and whining... This girl was getting on his fine nerves. And he didn't want to say anything; he didn't need to cause tension after their groups seemed to be getting so well with each other. 'Just remain focused on finding the other two...' Naruto glanced about to see if he could spot them, but he found nothing of them as he walked. 'Where are they...'

"Syaoran!" Naruto twitched. "Where are you?" Naruto slumped his shoulders as he felt he would snap. Then, an idea!

"Meiling!" Naruto called turning round and startling the girl. "Listen, I know you're worried about Li and what not..." Naruto stammered as he tried to quickly think. "But, yelling out for him won't help us... I can't listen out for them calling if you're calling out." The girl stared at him as he looked up. "If we stay quiet, we can listen out for them and maybe we'll find them even quicker." The girl stared at him for several seconds. Then looked back about the maze.

"Syaoran! Where are you?" Naruto growled.

"Will you please be quiet?" The girl looked back surprised again. "I tried to be kind, but your constant yelling is getting on my nervous. It's driving me insane damn it!" Naruto sighed and glanced to the girl who had her arms crossed and giving him a harsh look.

"How rude! This is where Kinomoto-san get's her temper from..." She unfolded her arms and pointed at Naruto in a poking manner. "You're a bad habit rubbing off on her." Naruto blinked.

"What did you say?"

X X

"Sounds like Naruto's angry..." Shizune muttered as both she and Li looked up at that yell. "Guess he's not having a good time with Meiling..." Li sighed as he walked behind the older girl.

"Meiling has her own quirks like everyone else... Guess Uzumaki won't get along with her... I just hope they can get along till we find them..." Shizune sighed, it can't be helped, the frustration of this maze would have no doubt got to Naruto, and it's already proven in his language... Looking on ahead, Shizune blinked.

"Speak of the ninja himself..." Li glanced round and blinked.

"Syaoran!" Meiling yelled with glee as she rushed up. Behind her Naruto walked with slumped shoulders. And Shizune smirked.

'Guess Meiling couldn't stand Naruto's temper huh?' Shizune mused as she looked at the red mark on Naruto's face. As both groups came to a stop they looked on at each other. "So... We found each other."

"Of course!" Meiling stated. Naruto rubbed the side of his head before looking forward.

"But don't we have a small problem?" Shizune and Li nod as they looked up slightly. Being upside down was a small problem. Naruto looked up, "How are we supposed to get there? And Why do I feel this could repeat itself if we walk off." Shizune nods while crossing her arms at Naruto's comment, he could be right.

"The trouble here is, that maze could very well keep this up till we die of hunger..." Meiling huffed at this comment.

"Why don't we this then?" The Li girl started. "This place has thrown any sort of gravity or anything out the window. So why don't we just jump between floors. It's only a full body's length, and our bodies should just stick to the floor above to match yours or ours."

"That maybe true," Shizune started. "But we have no proof, you have either of the two, one. You stick to the floor above."

"Or..." Naruto spoke up. "You could fall on your head and maybe give us some peace and quiet..." Meiling glared at the blond. But before she could harm Naruto again, Li coughed and drew her attention.

"Any way... It's not a bad idea to try. So, who wants to go first?" The three glanced amongst themselves.

"How about you Li!" Shizune and Naruto offered.

"I'll do it!" Meiling called. "I'll prove you I was right... Okay!" Meiling stated looking up.

'If she fails...' Shizune mused to herself forming hand signs.

'I'm so going to laugh...' Naruto mused with his arms crossed as Li watched on with a neutral tone.

'Just don't hurt yourself Meiling...' Meiling crouched and with a grunted jumped and flipped over with her feet touching the surface.

But what they didn't expect was what was to come next. Instead of her hair dangling down or up, it dropped to her left. "Wha!" Shizune reached out and grabbed her arm and found her weight shift.

"Naruto! Li!" Shizune called as she concentrated her chakra to the soles of her feet. But the floor gave out. "Huh?" In the fall, Li reached out and grabbed hold and Naruto stuck to the floor as he held Li's arm. But his chakra gave out with the weight of the three and they all fell into the darkness below.

X X

Sakura Kinomoto's eyes widen and she stopped what she was doing and looked out the window. The Haruno girl glanced over to the window then to the girl. 'Something's wrong? Could it be whatever they were talking about that night?' Putting a hand on the young girls shoulder. "Sakura... What's wrong?" Sakura glanced over.

"N-nothing... Guess I'm just tired from all this." Sakura muttered as glanced down. 'Naruto... What's happening to you... Something's wrong, I know it.' Her teacher stood straight with a frown while putting her hands at her side and sighed, Sakura wasn't going to go on with this distraction.

"We'll finish it for tonight... Head home and rest... Don't worry about Naruto. Genpaku won't let him get into serious danger... Go home, don't worry. I'll get Naruto to call when they get back." Sakura glanced to the older girl before nodding and heading for the door to get her things. "Don't be late. I'm calling your tou-san to inform him... Take care."

"Hai!" Sakura returned as the door closed. The Haruno girl sighed and sat down, "Hurry up you Uzumaki idiots..."

X X

Naruto's form lay unmoving; having fallen from god knows what height. "Ugh..." But, with the return of his consciousness, he slowly began to open his eyes. "Man... I ache all over..." Naruto grunted as he held his blade tight. 'If I hadn't got under everyone and used the earth elements sword... Our fall would have been more painful... If not deadly...' With a cough, Naruto twitched and grunted. 'Damn it... My right arm's not working... Must have dislocated it on the landing.' His blade vanished to get his body upright on his left hand. "Shizune... Li... Meiling..." Naruto grunted sitting up. Glancing at the forms Naruto stumbled to his feet. "Oi... It's not time to be sleeping, if anyone should. I should damn it..." Naruto moved over to Shizune.

"Get up damn it..." Naruto muttered as he crouched down. "We can't have our only medic out cold... Damn it, wake up Nee-chan!" Naruto called nudging the girl. Shizune's eyes scrunched together.

"Talk about a fall..." Was what Naruto received as she slowly pushed herself up. "Thanks for the save Naruto." Naruto grinned as her eyes landed on his arm. "Naruto," waving his left, Naruto pointed to Li and Meiling.

"Get them up... My arm can wait." Shizune nods slowly before turning to the other two as Naruto sat down. Staring for several seconds, Naruto closed his eyes. 'This feeling... Could it be?' Opening his eyes which gained an intense glow as Shizune got Li and Meiling up and about. Turning to Naruto, Shizune noticed the look.

"Naruto?" Naruto closed his eyes as a red glow pulsed and sparked down his arm. 'His arm... It's recovering even faster than before... What I heard from Tsunade-sama and Sakura-sempai. Kyuubi shouldn't be able to heal this quickly.' Naruto stood and the sparks vanished and his form relaxed. 'What the...' Shizune blinked. 'His aura... It's so... Different, what just happened?' Naruto turned and without a word his sword appeared as a bell rung. "That bell again?" Shizune commented as the three glanced about, but another gong right after as Naruto rose his sword forward.

"Come out... I can sense your presence easy enough now that you've stopped phasing it out..." The group look forward. They could hear footsteps coming from the only way out. Each held their gaze as the shadow appeared and slowly, Mizuki stepped out from the corner.

"Mizuki-sensei?" Meiling spoke surprised while Naruto and Li kept a serious gaze. Shizune glanced to Naruto and Li before looking back at the threes teacher curiously. Naruto raised his blade defensively while the woman smiled back.

"I'm not your enemy Naruto, I'm only here to help..." Mizuki spoke, but only Naruto heard her words. "Lower your weapon, and I'll get you guys out. You've been trapped a little too long." Naruto slightly dropped his blade.

'Keep your cool Naruto, just because she said she's not an enemy... Doesn't mean anything.' Mizuki raised the bell in her right hand. 'That... That's got some serious magical energy.' She tapped the bell against the wall and it crumpled. She looked at the group before turning to the gap in the wall.

"Hang on!" Shizune called, "The wall... Huh?" The girl blinked as the teacher walked through, the wall didn't even budge to get back together. Shizune moved first before Meiling followed. Li glanced to Naruto as he past and Naruto lowered his blade and raised it behind his back.

"She's strong..." Yuki spoke as she took the form a sheath. The buckle of a fox head at the front glowed white. "Be careful, I sense no danger. But it could be sheltered till she wants to strike." Naruto nods.

"Yeah... I've got to keep an eye on her. It's all for Sakura-chan's safety." With that Naruto followed. 'Sakura's got an important job, to save the world. My jobs even more important. Making sure she gets all the way.'

It wasn't long before they came insight of the entrance, though the group stopped as they saw Genpaku glancing about. 'Onii-chan...' Naruto mussed before jogging forward and the group following, but he didn't let down his guard. "Got worried huh?" Naruto called as he ran out the portal. Genpaku turned to him surprised before resting his hands on Narutos shoulders.

"Can't be helped... Both Sakura's would have gone otherwise when little Sakura needs to practice. Hm?" Genpaku blinked as he looked at the red haired teacher as Naruto turned back to Maze as it began to try suck them back in. "My my... Kaho Mizuki... Now this is unexpected..." Genpaku spoke amused with a narrowed gaze. "Does Toya know you're in town?"

"No... I've only been back a while now though... It's good to see you again, Uzumaki... I take it the young blond child is your younger brother?" Genpaku nods as his face gained a tense look.

"What reason do you have coming back? Having left for London and hurting Toya, it took time for him to recover according to Sakura-chan... And now..." Genpaku mused as he watched the clow card float over the ladies shoulder and into her hand. A small smile as she looked at it. 'I always thought she was an odd one to watch out for...' Mizuki turned to Naruto as he walked up.

"Here... You can have it if you want." Naruto eyed the card before taking it.

"Thanks..." Genpaku coughed.

"Okay you lot, I'm taking you guys home. Starting with these two." Genpaku said pointing at Li and Meiling. Naruto glanced back to his brother.

"I'll catch up later Onii-chan... There's something," Naruto looked at Mizuki. "I need to talk about with sensei." The woman smiled and Genpaku nods while the three looked on at Naruto.

"Okay... I'll see you later then. Come on, let's go you guys." As Naruto waited for everyone to leave till it was him and his teacher. Once they were gone, Naruto acted.

"Sensei..." Naruto spoke seriously as the air began tense. Naruto drew his blade and pointed it at the woman. "No side stepping, or getting out of this." The blade was tilted to show his seriousness. "Tell me why your here, you're magic was visible from the get go when we meet... Whatever your answer is, will determine what I do." Mizuki looked on with no showing of fear or anything but a smile.

"You're protecting Sakura Kinomoto, aren't you?" Naruto slight tightening of the grip was proof enough. Mizuki's face warmed slightly. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm not here to do anything... That's not my reason for being here now."

"Then what is it?" Naruto questioned.

"I cannot say..." Naruto glowed as did his blade glow. "Sakura is not to know Naruto..."

"Then tell me... If it's just, I'll keep my trap shut. I'm not a guy to lie, if I have to keep a secret. I will, even from Sakura as I've done before..." 'Though with harsh consequences...' Naruto mused to himself as the teacher studied his body language and eyes.

'He's serious in his words... I can see that, but I have to be careful with what I say.' Mizuki closed her eyes a seconds.

"Okay... I'll tell you..."

X X

Sakura sighed as she looked out the window. She hopped Naruto was okay, if it had been a clow card... Maybe she should have gone in case Naruto couldn't capture it. 'Naruto-kun... Please let me know your okay...' Kero landed on the window and glanced to the girl before sitting down and looking out to the night sky.

"He'll be fine Sakura, you don't need to worry." Sakura sighed.

"I know I shouldn't, but Naruto's my lifelong friend... Even if it's something he can handle... I should worry..." Kero glanced down before looking back out to the night sky.

'I understand you there Sakura.' Kero mussed looking at the almost full moon. 'Yue...' Both jumped at Sakura's cell phone.

"Naruto!" Sakura called quietly as she jumped onto her bed. Kero sat back against the window as Sakura questioned Naruto as to what happened.

'They'll both go far together... Hm...' Kero smirked slightly. 'Clow was right to let me decide who should become the next cardcaptor. Though I wonder if he expected two... Sort of...' Kero followed Sakura's movements as she tried to get something important out of him. But by the frown, she wasn't getting far. 'I just hope both will be ready for when the time does come...'

"So it went well! Maze wasn't so hard once we got ourselves to it." Sakura exhaled lightly with a smile.

"That's good, Naruto-kun..." Sakura muttered as she wandered about the room. "What did you find out? Did you get your information?" Sakura waited several seconds before frowning. "Naruto?"

"Sakura..." Sakura glanced to the phone. "Can we talk tomorrow; I feel I'll be ready to give what I need to say..."

"Naruto-"

"Please Sakura... I need time to think. Trust me; let me think on this..." Naruto muttered as he sighed and put the cell down. "Gomen Sakura-chan... I don't think the information would be right to say or not anyway. But, I can give you something to at least stable the worry." Naruto sighed as he set the phone down. 'Life... Just gets harder and harder... Man... I hope a new day will be ready for me to face Sakura-chan.' With that Naruto gave a stretch with a long yawn and fell asleep. 'I'm getting up early. I need to let myself think...'

X X

The tower... Sakura... A woman's gaze...

X X

Sakura awoke early the next morning. The dream still in her mind, it was so... Different to before. Not just the woman, but her clothing had changed greatly also. 'It's weird...' Sakura mused as she finished getting changed. Glancing to Kero as he mumbled in his sleep, she smiled. 'I'll take an early leave today to school.'

With that she equipped her skated and took off. 'Naruto-kun... What's eating you?' Sakura thought to herself as she rolled along. She felt like heading to Naruto's and waiting for him, but she wanted to head to where Maze was. The tsukimine shrine. As Sakura stopped, she looked up at the shrine name and then down the path. "Naruto-kun took on the Maze card with everyone last night..." Sakura sighed. "I really wish I'd been there to help..." While muttering to herself, she was unaware of the presence behind her.

"Help who?" Startled greatly, Sakura turned round quickly and looked insurprise.

"M-Mizuki-sensei?" Sakura stammered as the woman smiled dressed in the shrine robes. "Wh-what you doing here?"

"I live here at the shrine." Mizuki replied.

'Really... Naruto-kun was here last night. Are they connected?' Sakura pondered as Mizuki looked on at the young girl.

"Is something wrong Sakura? You look troubled." Sakura shook her head. Mizuki smiled and Sakura smiled back, her teacher just made feel so happy in her presence. "Well I best get back to sweeping up." Sakura's eyes lit up.

"I'll help." Mizuki looked at her curiously.

"Really?" Sakura nods. Then from behind another voice came out, someone familiar to Sakura.

"I'll help also." Sakura and Mizuki turned to see Yukito.

"Yukito-san."

X X

While Sakura helped with Mizuki, Naruto sat in a quiet area in the park. His legs crossed as Yuki floated round his head. 'Remain focused... I've got to draw my energies out without Yuki's aid...' Before him, his katana rested, the tip stabbed into the ground as it glowed. 'Come on... focus...' The blade glowed and took a brown earthy form. But it regained its state before Naruto leaned forward. 'Damn...' "It's too soon." Naruto muttered.

"While that may be true, Naruto," Yuki spoke over head. "You have to learn to master the 7 elements. Without me..." Naruto looked up.

"I haven't even mastered one element yet." The fox landed on the hilt of the blade and the tail curled round it. "So far I can use earth... That's about it." The fox looked up as Naruto looked to the floor.

"Kyuubi-sama, believes you can do this, though you may have a child like approach, using your elements in the form of your favourite hero's. You are strong; it's why you will go far." Naruto raised his hands up. "You're magic element is that of earth. That of Kyuubi-sama's... It's not a common element those a lined with the fox clan. Going in order, water then fire, then light, dark and wind together, then lightning and finally earth." Naruto closed his eyes.

"I know that... Kyuubi told me, yet, I'm still not getting it." Yuki's gaze narrowed at Naruto.

'It can't be helped... You're mastering a very high level of magic without knowing. Even of the fox clan, only a few can reach a high level like this. Even manifesting a weapon out of an element. Even with this katana made out of Kyuubi's power. Is hard enough, you're strong Uzumaki. You just don't know how strong... If you did, I would really consider letting the girl take the place as clow card owner...' The fox jumped down. "Let's stop with trying to manifest without me... Let's move onto learning your next element. Take your pick, you've got six left." Naruto nods.

"Right..." Naruto straightened his back and thrust his palms forward. 'Let's see... I've got to think of the element, how it works and how it would flow...' Naruto's hands glow and Yuki's form began to turn to mist as it began to flow into the hands and circle it. 'My power of earth, which requires a balance, and calm mind. Keeping my mind focused on the target and keeping a steady head for anything... Sakura's... Is fire...' Naruto's mind darkened and he could almost picture it. He could see Sakura's form, her power glowing like a flame, while his was beside her, the aura circulating like the earth itself.

'Sakura's spirit, her determination and will to not give up... Come under fire's elemental arua... It's this that will give Sakura her greatest power, should she learn to control it. It's strange though, that Sakura would be fire and me earth...' The two auras mixed between the two figures. 'Fire and earth are aligned with Keroberos... The sun... Or better yet, a star since that's what a star is, a sun up close. I need to be able to understand Sakura better... I need to master fire as my next skill.'

The white energy began to glow red as Naruto kept a calm state. 'Take form... Think of a weapon that matches fires burning attitude to my own style...' A moment passed his mind and Naruto's eyes opened. 'Unlock!' The energy struck the blade in a blaze of red and took form. 'Yeah...' Naruto smirked as he admired his finished work, 'That will do.' With that he stood. "Trainings done for today Yuki... Let's get heading for school, I can sense Sakura's magical energy at the shrine, she'll be off soon for sure." The fox glanced to Naruto as it took form on the katana.

'I wonder... Can he sense that other presence... That one concealed... Or is it too familiar to really even sense?' The small fox vanished as the blade glowed and took on the coin form that Naruto caught as it flew to him. Picking up his bag, Naruto walked off.

X X

'It's been such a great morning... Spending the morning with Mizuki-sensei and Yukito-san... Plus I some chestnuts also... I wonder if Naruto-kun likes...' Sakura blinked as she spotted Naruto at the school entrance. "Naruto-kun!" Skidding to a stop, Sakura looked to Naruto who stood with his board to his side on the wall post. "It's good to see you." Naruto smiled.

"You too," Looking at Sakura, Naruto noticed the questioning look. "Listen..." Naruto started. "You see..." Sakura waited with anticipation. But she could also see Naruto's fight for what to say to her.

"Naruto..."

"Oi!" Both jumped and turned to see Meiling running up. Syoaran more than like gone off ahead of her being that she was on her own. "What you two doing outside? We've got to hurry to class, oh, you see Syaoran at all Uzumaki?" Naruto shook his head slowly and Meiling pouted. "He's so mean..." With that she ran past. Both turned to follow her form. And after a second Naruto walked forward.

"Maybe we should talk when we get a moment. It's too easy to be over heard during the day. Maybe later tonight or something." Sakura glanced down.

"I guess..." Naruto walked forward and Sakura glanced up. 'Naruto... What were you about to say?'

As class got underway, Sakura's mind was focused on Naruto once again. What was he thinking right now? Oh, if only she'd been right about the mind reading... She'd know what he'd been thinking easily enough and get her answers. As wrong as it would be, he wouldn't be about to let everything he wanted out. Not unless he had to. Naruto held so much hidden all that time till that event in the marathon. Even about the damage to one that over uses magic... Could it be a similar feed from chakra... If one was to over use that also?

It scared her a little... That Naruto would go beyond limits and do internal harm, just to save her life. His bond to her was something that she... That she herself might not be ready for... But he was?

Could it be the events of the kyuubi? Having been harmed so many times in that horrible nightmare. The scare is just visible. And it always gives that reminder... Of what the demon was capable of. Maybe that's why Naruto showed no hesitation... Because he could deal with it.

As the school day reached its end, Sakura stood waiting for Naruto outside the school gate, having not got a word out of him all day. So having made sure she was the first outside at least, Sakura stood waiting. She didn't glance about her fellow students. She didn't need to; she knew Naruto would come to her to talk. But as the students left and the flow got smaller, Sakura found that maybe she was wrong. Soon as the sun got lower, and the last student left, she slouched her form. 'Naruto...' As she turned to leave, a hand gripped hers. Glancing back quickly, she found Naruto looking at her.

"You're really determined, aren't you when you want to," Naruto grinned. "Sakura-chan..." Turning back round, she smiled slightly. He seemed more himself again. Maybe now she could get her question. But opening her mouth, Naruto stopped her. "Now is not the time yet Sakura-chan... Come, let's head to yours... Once we've got ourselves settled better..." Sakura stared at Naruto as he walked off, but not before glancing back. "I'll tell you everything I can. Just trust me." Sakura nods before running up and moving alongside him. 'I've had a good long day to think... I've got my cards ready, and now is time to play them out.'

X X

As the night took over, Naruto and Sakura had remained quiet throughout dinner. But as both left, Naruto stopped. "Fujitaka-san, Toya-san..." Both glanced to Naruto. "Sakura and I will be in with a long talk with Kero-chan... It's important, so we'll see you in the morning." Naruto turned and gave a quick bow. "Night." With that he walked off. Sakura looked to Naruto, then back to her father and Toya.

"Night." With that she followed. Toya looked on seriously as he leaned back against his chair.

"Naruto's changed a lot... Who would have thought he would be so serious." Fujitaka leaned on the table and laced his fingers together.

"It's odd... For a moment I saw his father, Minato." Fujitaka looked down with a small smile. "I didn't think Naruto would grow up so quickly... Guess these events with the clow cards have had a stronger effect on Naruto, than Sakura." Toya kept his gaze on the door way.

"There was a strange look in that kid's eye. Genpaku doesn't have it... So I wonder where he's picked it up?" Fujitaka glanced up to where the two should be now.

"It's probably a combination of many things Toya. It's got one focus though." Toya nods.

"These two were not meant to grow up so fast in this world, where they tou-san..." Fujitaka shook his head as Toya sighed. "It wasn't meant to be like this..."

X X

"So what's this about Naruto?" Kero asked as Naruto and Sakura sat on the pillows on the bed. Sakura with her back to the wall, Naruto facing Sakura. "You said this was important." Naruto closed his eyes as Sakura stared at Naruto as Kero looked to Sakura for his answer. "Sakura, what's going on?" Sakura shook her head. "Are you hiding something from me?" Naruto's eyes open and focused on the small yellow plush.

"Hiding something Keroberos..." Kero turned to Naruto. He must be serious to use his full name. "I have something's I want you to answer... So I'll explain to Sakura what I know, you, Keroberos... Will fill in those gaps after if possible," Kero blinked as Naruto looked back to Sakura. "Sakura, for the past few days I've been finding out a reason as to why a source of magic has turned up."

"Source of magic? Who's?" Sakura ask curiously. "Why didn't you say?"

"I wanted to make sure you were safe, so I took on finding out alone... And who's... Is our new sensei, Koha Mizuki." Sakura's eyes widen slightly. "Now... To say what I didn't. It was her that helped me, Li, Meiling and Shizune escape maze. Onii-chan was waiting and I stayed to question Mizuki's reasons, and I said I would decide what to do with this info. Sakura, forgive me, but I can't tell you everything." Sakura glanced down slightly. "But trust me on this Sakura... Look me in the eyes, please..." Sakura did so. "Keeping much out the way, will make you stronger. Knowing it, will make you more defensive and less prepared... Now..." Naruto's form relaxed.

"With every clow card we get, we get closer to a certain day... It is called judgement day." Sakura looked on confused while Kero stared at Naruto.

"Judgement... day?"

"How do you know..." Kero muttered and Sakura glanced to the small guardian and back to Naruto.

"And when that day comes... the owner of the clow cards will be decided by the judge of the book... The spirit of the moon, Yue..." Kero seemed to throw a fit in the air.

"How do you know this? How did you find this out Naruto?" Sakura looked to Kero. "I wasn't going to say till another point." Naruto didn't look a Kero. "It's this Muzuki person isn't it that told you, am I right?" Naruto didn't respond. "Hey! I'm talking to you Naruto."

"Quiet Keroberos!" Naruto growled as he looked at the small plush. "I don't care if you were going to say later... Sakura should know, so stop whining about not getting to say. Besides... I was close to figuring it out anyway. I came across the thought today training. So I would have said something sooner or later." Naruto sighed and relaxed. "Keroberos comes under the sun, earth and fire... The other two clow cards at the top element. Yue, of the moon, would be aligned with windy and watery. It wouldn't have been long before I saw this combination."

"Naruto-kun... You okay? You seem a little tense now." Naruto nods slowly.

"Yeah... I just didn't mean to fly off the handle like that at Kero-chan..." Naruto let out a deep breath. "On the day of judgement, Yue will decide the clow cards true owner... The only ones so far, are me, you and Li up for position. But then again... It's going to be you and Li, up for clow card owner." Sakura blinked. "Sakura, I will make sure you make it... I promise, Li isn't the one, you are. I know it..."

"Did Mizuki-sensei say this to you?" Naruto looked on at Sakura who was looking down.

"Much of this... I don't know how she knows it. But, she said anyone could become the new owner... But not how," Naruto smiled at Sakura, who's gaze was still on her bed. "I believe that you will do it, Li hasn't got the skills for it." Naruto stopped for a second. "I've said it now, that's all I can say." Sakura glanced slightly away as she clenched her palms. "Other than what I've said about you being able to become the next owner of the clow cards... Everything Mizuki said to me I've said to you, that I can... I know I said I can't tell you all of it..." Naruto muttered as he glanced aside and scratched his cheek. "I hope you can..." Glancing up, Naruto was talked onto his back. "Sakura-chan..." He muttered as Sakura hugged him.

"I'm glad you told me this much Naruto-kun... I know you keep your promise, so I won't ask of more now. Thank you for letting me know of what will come ahead of time... And..." Sakura pushed herself up and smiled with red tinted cheeks as she smiled. "Thank you for having so much faith in me..." Both grinned as Kero took on a meditative state.

'I guess I've got nothing to say now...' At that moment, Kero's eyes widen slightly. As did Naruto's then Sakura's.

"Clow card..." Kero floated round the two as both quickly grabbed their items. Did he miss something here? Or did Sakura's powers just take a huge leap. As Sakura threw on her coat, her cell flew over Kero's head and into Naruto's hand waiting for it.

"I've dialled Shizune." Naruto put the phone to his ear as Sakura turned to Kero. "You ready to get going Kero-chan?" Kero stared stunned and Sakura looked on confused.

"Let's go." Naruto spoke as he zipped his coat up. Sakura plucked Kero from the air and both headed down the stairs. As they got to the door, Sakura glanced to her roller blades. "Leave them." Sakura looked to Naruto as he grinned. "We're taking the express transport." Sakura smiled with a nod and Kero held on as both rushed out into the street and their items appeared.

"Let's go!" With that both vanished without a word more.

XXXXXXXX

Hm... I was thinking of doing return... Then I hit here and thought. Sod that card, let's end it here.

So now it's recap time...

Sakura: Windy, fly, shadow, watery, rain and wood, jump, Illusion, silent and thunder and sword, flower and shield, power and mist. (By chapter 12 (15 cards)) Float (ch13), erase (ch15), glow (ch16), move (ch17), fight (ch18), sleep (ch21), and mirror (ch21.5).

Naruto: Time. (By chapter 12 (1 card)) Storm (ch14), small (ch21), maze and return (ch22).

Li: (by chapter twelve (0)) Loop (ch20).

Note: During my look back over the chapters to recap. I felt like banging my head on my desk when I read parts and found the wrong words here and there and wanted to cry in embarrassment... T/_\T

So this now brings the cards at...

Sakura: 22

Naruto: 5

Li: 1

Making 28 of the 52 gathered so far. 24 to go... I'm sure Li will get a few more... I think... ¬/_\¬

Anyway, other notes to point out.

Only Sakura K and Naruto know of the kyuubi's chakra in Sakura. No one knows... Though Sakura Haruno might be a bit suspicious.

Anything else in the Naruto manga will not come up... So the new seal on Naruto won't touch this fiction. Nor will the events with the kyuubi. As I've already used Kushina as a ghost and will also be using Minato and Kushina again some other time.

Naruto's sword is currently like this.

Base form: An Okatana. Yamato, from the devil may cry series that was used by Vergil. Naruto has yet to use the sword for any techniques in its base state. But uses it to take up the forms of the 7 elements.

From there, Naruto will use Yuki that Kyuubi created to take form of a required element that Naruto can use so far.

Remember that Yuki stores up magic Naruto has by a small percentage depending on how much he uses. Acting as a, replenish, if only small.

Earth: A katana. Harusame, the weapon used by Yoh for Amidamaru's over soul. It takes the form of the stage V.2 over soul with the large shield. But the shield takes the form of fox tails and the head that of Yuki's own. Naruto can use a few lower level moves that he's picked up from the shaman king series. That he could master.

Lightning:

Dark:

Wind:

Light:

Fire:

Water:

Chant: Ancient clan here my cry. Unleash the power of the seven within my soul. Come forth!

That's that currently. It's getting interesting now. I'd been fighting so much what to do here. But I've rolled my dice and taking what's landed. Note, for those familiar with the manga of ccs. Note that the encounter with yue at judgement. Will have a similar event. But I will say no more. But, if you guys wish to come up with ideas for the elements of the other 6, (please note that they have to be anime and up to the current events of... I think it was 2007. Could be wrong. And that I also have some ready, but if you can out do what I plan. Be my guest. And also, you can be creative, if you can come up with something outside the anime for Naruto. I'll be glad to use that.)

Well, I'm done... No music for you guys... I feel that's not needed anymore. Later!