Alright! Chapter 3 is here. Sorry for the delay, but getting the flu really screwed up my updates, but I feel great now!
As always, I appreciate the reviews/favorites/alerts.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed since last time: Toasty Warrior, hideki411, DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles, ZeroTail29, TheOmegaMan, stryker4narusaku, Jozern, Blazing CobaltX, Nutt Man 117, Goddess of Night Eternal Faith, Echo Uchiha, SasMitoyomi
Toasty Warrior: Thanks! They'll definitely make it back in time to take on Kabuto! =P
hideki411: Thanks! I hope you enjoy this chapter =)
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles: Hmmm... I checked Narutopedia (A Naruto wiki) and it says there are only 3 ways to beat edo tensei: 1. Seal away the soul of the revived individual 2. Have the summoner end the technique or 3. The revived individual is effected in some way that gives them closure (although this doesn't work when the summoner destroys the personality of the revived individual).
ZeroTail29: Thanks =) I thought it was a clever solution too =P
TheOmegaMan: Thanks again for the longer review =) I always felt bad for Itachi in the manga/anime (well, I think most people do once they find out the truth). I agree that it's too bad he had to die =/ And sadly I couldn't come up with a good chapter title that started with "A..."
stryker4narusaku: Hehe, ya Shikamaru is a lazy bum, but he's one of my favorite Naruto characters =) You'll definitely be seeing more of him. Coincidentally, you'll also be seeing more of Naruto and Sakura fighting together as a team in future chapters as well =)
Jozern: Thanks so much =) I hope you enjoy this one!
Blazing CobaltX: Ya, Koharu and Homura really shouldn't have any power... they're just annoying. As for the edo tensei- it can regenerate someone from complete disintegration (according to my memory and Narutopedia). It's a freaking ridiculously powerful technique...
Nutt Man 117: Naruto will not learn how to harness the Kyubi's power in this part. That's something he's going to learn how to do during the sequel to this one which will just so happen to be the third and final part of this story =) There will be a lot more NaruSaku tag team action in this story, so I'm glad you enjoyed it =)
Goddess of Night Eternal Faith: Thanks =) Glad I could make your day! I thought it was a clever and plausible way to combat the edo tensei so I'm glad you liked it =)
Echo Uchiha: Being sick sucks =/ I hope you're feeling better now like I am! And thanks =)
SasMitoyomi: Ack, that's embarrassing! I can't believe I mispelled Orochimaru's name... Naruto is going to master the Kyubi in the third and final part of this story. For "A Jinchuriki's Strength" he's going to be focusing on fully mastering sage mode so he can remain in it indefinitely during a fight. And yes... I hate Koharu and Homura. So very annoying!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or else I would be filthy stinking rich and Iruka would be more involved in Naruto Shippuden. Seriously man, I miss Iruka! I know he's not the most powerful guy ever, but he sorta just disappears in Shippuden just making a cameo here and there. Bring back Iruka Kishi!
Erm... ok. Anyways... let's move on to this chapter. Please do enjoy "A Jinchuriki's Strength"-Chapter 3: Return
Naruto once again stood across from Madara Uchiha. Rain was pouring down on the barren Earth.
"So I'm having this dream again…" Naruto muttered as the familiar flash of lightning illuminated Madara who was standing there with his fan.
Naruto sighed as he opened his mouth to call out the same familiar line. "Now we finally end this Madara. I will stop you here and save the world."
"What makes you think you can defeat Madara?" The familiar hate-filled voice of Naruto's former best friend spat in his ear.
The jinchuriki sighed again as he turned to face Sasuke. "Because I have to stop him… I will find a way."
"You couldn't save me, what makes you think you can save the world from him?" Sasuke snapped the same tired line.
"I saved you in death Sasuke. Now be gone, you don't haunt me anymore." Naruto calmly replied. Over the past year, the jinchuriki had this exact dream more times than he cared to count, it was starting to get tiresome.
The Yondaime's legacy sighed in relief as Sasuke disappeared. "Looks like I'm making progress in this stupid dream…"
"My...you've certainly grown since we last fought Naruto." Madara called from across the battlefield as another flash of lightning illuminated the scene.
"As I was saying before… this ends now." Naruto replied as he entered sage mode.
Madara's sickening laughter filled the air. "Oh Naruto… you've grown since we last fought. But you haven't grown enough. You aren't strong enough to beat me."
Naruto confidently smirked at his opponent. "We're in my dream; I can easily defeat you here. And when I face you in the real world, I will find a way to defeat you. Your days are numbered Madara."
Cherry blossoms suddenly flooded his vision causing Naruto to smile.
"Looks like Sakura-chan used the Yume-no Sakura jutsu again. I'll have to thank her for getting me out of that same old dream when I wake up."
The jinchuriki smiled as he felt a familiar pair of slender arms wrap themselves around him.
Sakura looked at Naruto's face with a soft yet slightly worried smile. It had been three days since she had received Tsunade's letter ordering her and Naruto to return to Konoha, but Naruto was yet to wake up. She had just cast the Yume-no-Sakura jutsu on him on a whim.
Her boyfriend's chakra levels had almost returned to normal, so she figured he would be waking up soon. She couldn't wait for him to wake up, sure it had been nice spending the past couple of days in bed holding her unconscious love, but she was beginning to miss the sound of his voice.
Six days were far too long to go without hearing her beloved baka's voice. Casting a glance at the clock, Sakura saw that it was getting late.
"Please wake up soon Naruto-kun." The pink-haired kunoichi whispered to the man she currently had wrapped in an embrace. She gently laid her head on her boyfriend's chest and allowed herself to drift off to sleep.
"You wanted to see me Hokage-sama?" Kakashi greeted as he walked through the door to the Godaime's office.
"Kakashi, have you received any word from Sakura yet?" Tsunade asked.
"Nope. I figure you'd receive word from her before I do." Kakashi answered.
Tsunade sighed. "Probably so. When they get back I'm going to bash Naruto upside the head for getting such a severe case of chakra exhaustion right when we need him back here…"
"Don't worry Tsunade-sama, I'm sure they'll be back soon."
"They better…I don't like the reports I've been receiving on Kabuto's army. Not to mention the rumors coming in that Madara is recruiting new Akatsuki members… War is just around the corner."
The copy nin fixed the hokage with one of his famous one-eyed smiles. "You're right, and there's no way Naruto would miss this war. He'll be here to fight on the front lines and protect his precious people and village.
Tsunade shot Kakashi a grateful smile. "Ya… you're right."
Naruto blearily opened his eyes to a sunlit room. Judging from the light, it was just past sunrise. He felt a familiar weight on his chest and smiled down at his sleeping girlfriend.
She's so beautiful… The blonde briefly debated on waking her, but decided to let her sleep a little while longer. He wrapped his arms around her slender body and rested his chin on the top of her head.
I wonder how long I was out… Hopefully not too long, I can't afford to miss out on too much training.
A quiet moan interrupted Naruto's thoughts as his emerald-eyed angel began to stir. Warm sapphire eyes met groggy emerald eyes as Naruto softly smiled at his favorite kunoichi.
"Good morning Sakura-chan."
"Mmm… Morning Naruto…" Sakura mumbled tiredly. Her emerald eyes suddenly widened in surprise. "Naruto! You're finally awake!"
"Hehe, ya. How long was I out for?"
"Six whole days baka. Don't ever do that again!"
"You know I can't agree to that Sakura-chan." Naruto could sense his girlfriend's annoyance and foresaw a possible beating in his near future. "But I'll try to refrain as much as I can." He added in hopes of being spared the wrath of the small pink-haired girl.
Sakura sighed. "I suppose that's the best I'm going to get…" Pink-hair dropped back down to Naruto's chest as Sakura closed her eyes with a content smile.
Shit! Sakura suddenly thought as she shot up. "I almost forgot! Tsunade-shishou has ordered us to return to Konoha. With Kabuto's edo-tensei army becoming active, we're needed. We were supposed to go 3 days ago, but someone was unconscious because he is a baka!"
Naruto shot Sakura an innocent grin. "My bad… But damn, I was hoping I would have more time here. I still haven't fully mastered sage mode. But oh well, if Baa-chan thinks Konoha is in danger then I will definitely be there to protect it!"
The blonde reluctantly untangled himself from his girlfriend and got out of bed.
"I'm going to take a shower first, then I want to say goodbye to the old man and thank him for his assistance in my training. After that we can go."
Sakura smirked at him. "About time. Six days is a long time to go without a shower, you were starting to stink."
Naruto returned her smirk with one of his own. "Oh I can't smell that bad judging from the position you slept in last night."
Sakura responded by throwing a pillow at his face. "Just go take a shower baka."
Naruto stuck his tongue out and walked into the bathroom. He turned on the water for the shower and took off his clothes. The jinchuriki got in the shower and let out a pleasant sigh as he felt the warm water pelt his skin.
Suddenly the shower curtain was pulled open to reveal Sakura with a slightly lecherous grin on her angelic face.
"Looks like you could use some company Naruto-kun." She said in a sultry voice.
Naruto grinned from ear to ear as his girlfriend joined him in the shower.
"You read my mind Sakura-chan." Naruto crashed his lips into Sakura's soft lips.
I should push myself to chakra exhaustion more often if I get to take a morning shower with Sakura when I wake up…
The blonde-haired boy smiled as he felt Sakura's hands travelling down his body, and instantly his own hands began travelling down hers.
"I love you Sakura." The blonde whispered.
"I love you too Naruto." The pinkette whispered back.
After a very long and…exhausting shower, Naruto and Sakura were back in their bedroom getting ready to get dressed. Naruto put on his black undershirt and went to grab his regular orange pants.
"Wait Naruto, don't put those on." Sakura called, causing Naruto to fix her with a lecherous smirk.
"So the shower wasn't enough eh Sakura-chan?"
The pink-haired kunoichi rolled her eyes. "No baka, I got you a present so close your eyes." The Yondaime's legacy complied and squeezed his eyes shut. He heard his girlfriend rummaging through their closet.
"Ok, you can open them now!"
Sapphire eyes again took in the world, and settled on Sakura's gift. His favorite kunoichi was currently holding a jumpsuit very similar to his regular one, except where his jumpsuit was orange, this jumpsuit was a dark red.
"Now you can wear your sage cloak without looking like a dork AND we'll match! We're going to be so cute!" Sakura cooed as she shoved the outfit into Naruto's hands.
"Hey, I look cool in my sage cloak!" Naruto retorted with a pout.
"I hate to break it to you Naruto, but you don't wear red and orange together. They just don't look good. But now your jumpsuit will match your cloak so you will look much better."
Naruto smiled at his girlfriend and put on the new jumpsuit. He reached for his black Konoha forehead protector, but Sakura quickly snatched it up.
"Nope, you're not wearing this anymore either."
"What's wrong with my forehead protector Sakura-chan?"
Naruto's emerald-eyed angel grinned at him. "Nothing, but I think you'll like this one more." Sakura handed Naruto a red forehead protector that had the kanji for oil, much like Jiraiya's forehead protector, except this one didn't have horns.
"Sakura-chan… this is awesome!"
"I knew you'd like it." Sakura replied softly.
"Man if Pervy Sage could see me now… He'd be so jealous of how cool I look!"
Sakura chuckled and took the forehead protector from Naruto's hand and tied it around his head.
"Happy anniversary Naruto. I would've given this to you on our actual anniversary, but you were still unconscious."
Sapphire eyes widened in surprise. CRAP! I didn't get Sakura anything for our anniversary! Ok… think Naruto think…
"Thanks Sakura-chan, I love my new outfit. Umm… my gift to you is… well…"
"You forgot about our anniversary didn't you." Sakura questioned with a sweat-drop.
"I didn't forget! It's just that time has flown by now that I'm with you… it's hard to believe that we've been together for a year already. It feels like only a week ago you were dragging me into your tent with you." Naruto answered truthfully, causing his girlfriend to give him a soft smile.
"I can't argue with you there… It is hard to believe it's already been a year."
"So about your gift… It's umm… back in Konoha and…"
Sakura shushed Naruto by pressing a finger to his lips. "How about you just promise to dress up and take me somewhere nice for dinner once we get back to Konoha?"
"Well that's a given Sakura-chan! Your gift is much more awesome than some dinner." Naruto said indignantly.
The Godaime's apprentince kissed her boyfriend on his cheek. "Ok, fine Naruto. But we should get moving. The sooner we flash back to Konoha, the better."
"Right!" Naruto walked over to their closet and grabbed his sage cloak out of it and put it on over his new jumpsuit.
"You look very handsome in your new outfit Naruto-kun." Sakura complimented as she gave her knucklehead an approving look.
"Thanks Sakura-chan, you're always beautiful no matter what you wear." Naruto replied with an honest smile. His compliment earned him a smile and a quick kiss from the woman of his dreams.
After sealing all their things up Naruto and Sakura exited the bedroom that they had lived in for just over a year for the last time. The future hokage grabbed the hand of his emerald-eyed angel as they took off to find the temple master.
The pair exited the temple and walked into the main courtyard where the temple master was waiting with Sakura's genjutsu teacher as well.
"Ah Naruto, you're finally awake." The old master greeted warmly.
"Yea old man. And now we're being summoned back to Konoha, from the sounds of things war is just around the corner." Naruto replied stoically.
"You're right about that Naruto-chan. Good luck in fully mastering sage mode."
The jinchuriki let go of his companion's hand to shake the old temple master's hand.
"Thanks for everything old man. You were a big help."
"No problem Naruto-chan. Good luck in saving the world." The old man replied with a wry smile.
"So you're leaving too Sakura?" The genjutsu specialist asked.
"Yes Ayuri-san. Thank you for all your help in my genjutsu training."
The genjutsu specialist smiled warmly at the pink-haired kunoichi. "It was my pleasure Sakura. I know you'll make me proud."
"I'll do my best." Sakura replied with a grin of her own.
"Well… I guess we should be leaving now ne Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked as he wrapped his arm around his girlfriend's waste.
"Yes we should. Thank you again for everything, maybe we'll come visit once all this is over."
"That would be nice Sakura-san. You two are always welcome here." The old temple master said. "Good luck Naruto, Sakura."
Naruto simply smiled at the old man before closing his eyes and focusing on the three-pronged kunai he had given Sakura just over a year ago. Without another word, the couple disappeared in a yellow and pink flash.
"Tsunade I think it's time you step down as hokage." Koharu said sternly. Tsunade sighed as she looked at the two elder council members. She knew as soon as they barged into their office that she was in for a long day.
"That would be about the dumbest thing we could do right now." Shikamaru snorted from the corner of the office. Tsunade and the lazy jonin had been discussing war strategies when the two elders burst into her office. "We're about to enter war and you want to mess with our leadership? You two must know absolutely nothing about war if you honestly think we should replace Tsunade now."
"Watch your mouth boy!" Homura spat. "You will give us the respect we deserve."
"We're about to enter war and our most powerful weapon isn't around because Tsunade sent him away as a favor to her apprentice. She let her emotions cloud her judgment and now all of Konoha is going to pay for it." Koharu said.
Tsunade opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted by a flash of yellow and pink.
"We're back Baa-chan!" Naruto greeted.
Shikamaru smirked at the two elders. "You were saying?"
Naruto turned around confused and saw the two fuming elders.
"Ah hello Homura-san, Koharu-san. What brings you two here?" The jinchuriki politely greeted.
"Oh they were just trying to strip Tsunade of her title for letting you leave the village for so long." Shikamaru answered for the two elders.
Naruto's stare hardened as he took in Shikamaru's words. "Thanks to Baa-chan's decision to send me out on a training mission, I've become far more powerful. With the help of the master at the Lightning Temple my training progressed far more than it would have here in Konoha. You would do well not to threaten the hokage anymore Homura-san, Koharu-san." Naruto said icily.
The elders began sweating nervously.
"We're just happy you're back Naruto-sama." Koharu stammered nervously.
"Perhaps it would be good for the village to see your new strength sometime." Homura added.
"That's a good idea." Tsunade said, speaking up for the first time since Naruto's arrival. "It would be good for village morale to see how strong you've become. Now if you don't mind Homura, Koharu, I would like to speak with Naruto and Sakura alone."
The elders simply nodded and exited the hokage's office.
As soon as they walked out the door Tsunade swept both Naruto and Sakura into a bone crushing hug.
"It's been far too long you too. I'm glad you're back. Thank you especially for saving me from those old crones."
"Baa-chan…can't...breathe…" Naruto gasped. Sakura on the other hand had prepared herself for Tsunade's hug by using chakra to strengthen each muscle in her body.
Tsunade let go of the pair and returned to her desk. "So, how strong have you become, are you ready to face Madara?"
Naruto scratched his chin in thought. "Well… I've mastered the hirashin, and have come close to mastering sage mode. I can't remain in it indefinitely yet, but I've extended the duration and I've come up with alternative ways of replenishing my nature chakra without having to summon clones from Mt. Myoboku. As for Madara… I think I'll need to fully master sage mode before I can beat him. But if I have to face him before, then I'll find a way to win. BELIEVE IT!" Naruto finished with a confident grin.
"Good, you will continue your sage training here in Konoha then. Now if you're as strong as you say we'll need to put you up against more than just one opponent to see your power…" Tsunade mused.
Sakura looked at Naruto with a look of pride on her face. She was proud of her boyfriend, but she still couldn't help but feel a little hurt. Tsunade hadn't even asked once about her growth. Honestly Sakura wasn't surprised; she wasn't the chosen one who destined to save the world after all…
Naruto noticed the small look of hurt in Sakura's eyes and quickly interrupted Tsunade's thoughts.
"Actually Baa-chan, I don't really like to fight alone anymore."
Everyone in the room shot Naruto a startled look, including Sakura. The jinchuriki softly smiled at his girlfriend before returning his gaze to the hokage.
"Sakura has become very powerful over this past year herself, and I prefer fighting together with Sakura as a team. We perfectly compliment each other's weaknesses and together are much harder to beat than we are separately."
"Naruto…" Sakura stammered with a smile as a feeling of warmth filled her entire body. Naruto's words erased all the stupid little insecurities she had been letting build up since they arrived back in Konoha and replaced those insecurities with a new unshakable confidence in both herself and her knucklehead.
"Naruto's right shishou. We fight very well together as a team. With Naruto's exceptional stamina and chakra, he engages the enemy head on while I use my genjutsu and medical jutsus to support him." Sakura said with a confident smile.
"I see." Tsunade said with a proud smile of her own. I'm glad Sakura was able to get stronger too. I was worried Naruto would progress too quickly and leave her feeling like a burden again… "Well then… the two of you should start preparing yourselves. Tomorrow in front of the village, you will face Neji, Lee, Tenten, Chouji, Ino and Shikamaru."
Shikamaru groaned as his name was mentioned.
"No complaints Shikamaru. You're an excellent strategist. Your strategies combined with the strength of your team and Team Gai will be a perfect test of Naruto and Sakura's strength." Tsunade said before the lazy genius could say anything.
"Ugh. Having to fight the guy who defeated Pain and the girl who defeated Sasuke… This is going to be troublesome." Shikamaru complained.
"Go find your team and Team Gai and tell them the news, it would also probably be a good idea to start coming up with strategies as well." Tsunade ordered.
Shikamaru mumbled something under his breath about troublesome hokages before exiting the office.
"Ok you too, you should go home and get some rest. You're going to need it for tomorrow." Tsunade said to the two remaining nin in her office.
Naruto grinned confidently at her. "I'm not all that worried Baa-chan, Sakura-chan and I will be just fine against those guys tomorrow."
"You guys are that strong eh?" Tsunade asked.
Sakura smiled her master. "Yes shishou, we are."
"I look forward to seeing how much you two have progressed then. Oh, and Naruto?"
"Ya Baa-chan?"
"I like the new look. Much better than that stupid orange jumpsuit you used to wear. I especially like your new forehead protector, Jiraiya would be proud of you."
"Hehe, Pervy-sage is proud of me Baa-chan. He told me himself when I was dead last year! Oh! And he also told me to tell you and I quote, "That he's always watching over you. So you should stop crying when you're alone, it's depressing!" Naruto said with a sheepish grin as he scratched the back of his head. "Sorry… with everything that happened when I came back to life I sorta forgot to tell you."
A warm smile adorned Tsunade's face as she looked at Naruto. He looks so much like his father and acts so much like Jiraiya… "Thanks brat." The hokage whispered as a single tear ran down her cheek.
"No problem Baa-chan. Oh, and you can thank Sakura-chan for my new look. It was an anniversary gift!" Naruto added as he grinned at his girlfriend. It felt really nice to be able to use anniversary and Sakura in the same sentence.
"Well that makes more sense. Good work Sakura. The new outfit you've gotten him will suit him much better now that he's a symbol for this village." Sakura simply beamed in pride. Naruto however looked from the hokage to her apprentice with a look of confusion on his face.
"A…symbol? What are you talking about Baa-chan?"
"Naruto we're about to enter a difficult war. In times like these the people look to heroes to give them hope. Your father was a symbol for Konoha during the third great ninja war, and you will be a symbol to Konoha for the fourth. Our people will look to you for strength. Your new outfit not only reminds them all that you're a sage, but your new forehead protector reminds them that you are a disciple of Jiraiya, another former hero of Konoha. You will inspire our forces, and you will give them peace of mind. Your strength will inspire and lift us through this war Naruto."
The jinchuriki simply stared at his hokage with a look of shock on his face. "Baa-chan… I'm sorry, but I don't think people will look to me for inspiration… I'm still the vessel for the Kyubi after all…"
"Naruto, the people of this village care about you. They have finally recognized you as the hero of this village and it is common knowledge that you are our most powerful shinobi. Trust me when I say you are the one our people will look to for inspiration." Tsunade replied confidently.
Tears began forming around the edges of Naruto's eyes. His five year old self would be so happy right now, to be accepted and gain the recognition of the entire village. Sakura squeezed her boyfriend's hand and gave him a soft smile.
"I won't let them down. If I'm going to be a symbol for Konoha, then I will not fail. Believe it!" Naruto said softly with a happy smile.
"I know that brat, as does our entire village. Now why don't you two go home and start preparing for tomorrow."
"I agree, let's go home Naruto." Sakura said as she tugged on the blonde's hand.
"Alright… See ya later Baa-chan!" Naruto waved to the blonde hokage as he allowed his girlfriend to drag him out of the office.
"Oh one more thing." Tsunade called out before the two were out her door. A smirk adorned the busty hokage's face. "I would like to congratulate the two of you in person for finally getting together."
Naruto and Sakura blushed. "Thanks shishou." Sakura answered for the blushing pair. The happy couple left the hokage's office hand in hand.
Madara stared down at the list of potential Akatsuki members. He had already recruited five s-class nukenin, but still wanted more. Considering who the last two jinchurikis are that we need to capture I'm going to need more members… Killer Bee has complete control over the Hachibi and Naruto is the son of the Yondaime…
Looking at the next name on the list, Madara set off towards his next target. It's only a matter of time until I control this world…
Sakura and Naruto walked through the village hand-in-hand. Villagers stared after the pair. Most with smiles on their facces, although some girls glared at Sakura in jealousy as they took in Naruto's new appearance. The pink-haired kunoichi simply glared back causing the jealous villagers to back away.
"It sure is good to be back here." Naruto said, interrupting the silence.
"Yes it is, and the weather today is so beautiful." Sakura agreed.
"You know Sakura-chan… I seem to remember owing you a nice dinner…" And an anniversary gift… Which I still need to figure out…
"Yes you do. But not tonight, we need to plan for our battle tomorrow. I know you're not overly worried, but don't underestimate Shikamaru. You can bet that he'll have a brilliant strategy that will have us on the ropes."
"But Sakura-chaaan, we'll be fine." Naruto whined.
"Don't get cocky baka. Did you already forget what shishou said? You're going to be a symbol for this village in the coming war; the villagers will feel much safer with you around if we win tomorrow. So we're not going to take any chances." Sakura scolded.
"Fine…" The jinchuriki sighed. "Can we at least grab an early dinner at Ichiraku's first? It's been far too long."
Sakura turned and smiled at her knucklehead, looping her arm around his.
"To be completely honest I'm surprised you haven't flashed us to Ichiraku's sooner."
"So… is that a yes?" Naruto asked in a hopeful tone.
Sakura kissed her boyfriend on the cheek. "Of course baka, lead on."
"YATTA! ICHIRAKU'S HERE WE COME!" The future hokage yelled loud enough for the entire village to hear.
"YATTA! ICHIRAKU'S HERE WE COME!" Ino heard a very familiar voice ring through the village. That sounded like Naruto. I haven't heard from Sakura since she requested the mission with him, I wonder if she came back with him. Did she manage to convince him to stop being a baka?
A curious Ino took off towards Ichiraku, praying that when she saw the familiar head of blonde hair she saw Sakura's pink hair as well.
Sakura watched Naruto with an amused look on her face as the jinchuriki shoveled ramen into his mouth as quickly as he could. He had already gone through five bowls and they had only been at Ichiraku's for 15 minutes.
"Slow down Naruto." Sakura admonished. "You're eating as if you haven't eaten in weeks."
Naruto paused and looked at Sakura. "I can't help it Sakura-chan! It's been a year since I've had Ichiraku's. I've missed it so much!"
Teuchi and Ayume chuckled. "And we've missed you too Naruto." The old ramen older said.
Sakura sighed with a smile on her face and turned her attention back to the bowl of miso ramen she had ordered. Unlike her ravenous boyfriend, she was only halfway finished with her first bowl.
"Forehead! Naruto! You're back!"
Sakura turned around to see Ino walking into the ramen stand with a large smile on her face.
"Hello Ino, it's good to see you." Naruto greeted.
"I figured you would know we're back by now Pig." Sakura said with a grin.
"Huh? Why would I know?"
"Hasn't Shikamaru talked to yet today?" Sakura questioned.
"No, I saw him lying on a roof watching clouds earlier though." Ino answered. "Why?"
"Hehe, Shikamaru hasn't changed a bit." Naruto said with a chuckle.
"Apparently not. Ino, your team and Team Gai are going to be fighting Naruto and I in front of the entire village tomorrow as a test of how much we've improved during our training."
"WHAT?" Ino yelled in a shocked tone. "I have to fight Naruto?"
"And Sakura." Naruto added with a foxy grin.
"Hey you'll have us outnumbered 6-2." Sakura pointed out.
Ino sighed. "Well now I have to go find Shikamaru and put that lazy mind of his to work…" The platinum blonde turned to leave the ramen stand before stopping and turning around quickly.
"Oh I almost forgot! Forehead, how was your mission." Ino asked with a suggestive look.
"Naruto and I have been dating for a year now...so quite well." Sakura answered with a happy smile.
"I knew it would work!" Ino called out triumphantly. "Congratulations you two, I'm so happy for you. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to kick your ass tomorrow." Ino added.
"Thanks Pig, and bring it on."
"Thanks Ino, we'll try our best not to beat you too badly." Naruto replied with a smirk.
"Whatever. I'm going to go find Shikamaru now. See you two tomorrow!" Ino ran out of the ramen stand.
Now to find Shikamaru and figure out a way for us to beat Naruto and Sakura tomorrow… I will not lose to Sakura!
After Ino left, Naruto and Sakura stayed at Ichiraku's for another 30 minutes while Naruto inhaled ramen. The future hokage finally stopped after eating 11 bowls. Sakura got out her wallet to pay for the rather large bill, but was beat to the punch by Naruto who also left a very generous tip.
"Thanks for the delicious meal old man!" Naruto said with a large grin.
"You're welcome Naruto. It's good to have you back."
"Ok Naruto, let's go. We need to start planning for tomorrow." Sakura said as she grabbed her boyfriend's arm. The jinchuriki began walking towards his apartment but was pulled to a stop by his emerald-eyed angel.
"Why don't we go back to my apartment instead of yours Naruto? It's bigger and nicer."
"Ok Sakura-chan." The blonde replied with a grin.
"And…I…I thought it would be nice if you moved in with me. My apartment has plenty of room, and we did share a bedroom for the entire past year..." Sakura added somewhat shyly.
Naruto stood rooted in place with a ridiculously happy smile on his face. "Do you mean it Sakura? You want to live together?"
"Of course baka. After sharing a bed for the past year I don't really want to go back to sleeping alone, and it would be nice having you with me all the time." Sakura replied with a soft smile.
Naruto answered his girlfriend by pulling her into a deep kiss.
"Well?" Sakura asked with an eyebrow raised. She knew his answer, but still wanted to hear it from his mouth.
"Of course I'll move in with you Sakura-chan!" Naruto replied enthusiastically.
Sakura softly smiled at him. "I'm glad."
The pinkette dragged Naruto towards her… their apartment.
Kabuto sat in a dark room meditating, focusing on his edo tensei. His snake-like eyes flashed open. Just one more weak and my edo-tensei will be strong enough to completely eradicate Konoha. Soon I will fulfill Orochimaru-sama's greatest dream. Soon I will destroy Konoha.
Woo! Quite the fluffy chapter there. I hope you like Naruto's new look! Please do review =)